N-CSRS 1 fp0083892-1_ncsrs.htm

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:

811-22175

 

ALPS ETF TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Richard Noyes, Esq.

ALPS ETF Trust

1290 Broadway, Suite 1000

Denver, Colorado 80203

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: 877-398-8461

 

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

 

Date of reporting period: December 1, 2022– May 31, 2023

 

 

 

Item 1.Report to Stockholders.

 

(a)       

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview  
Alerian MLP ETF 1
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 4
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 7
Financial Statements  
Alerian MLP ETF  
Schedule of Investments 8
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 9
Statement of Operations 10
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 11
Financial Highlights 12
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  
Schedule of Investments 13
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 15
Statement of Operations 16
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 17
Financial Highlights 18
Notes to Financial Statements 19
Additional Information 30
Liquidity Risk Management Program 32

 

alpsfunds.com

 

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

 

The Alerian MLP ETF (the “Fund” or “AMLP”) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index” or “AMZI”). The shares of the Fund are listed and trade on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol AMLP. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Underlying Index.

 

The Underlying Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float-adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the United States energy infrastructure Master Limited Partnership (“MLP”) asset class. The Underlying Index is comprised of energy infrastructure MLPs that earn a majority of their cash flow from the transportation, storage, and processing of energy commodities.

 

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW

 

 

For the six-month period from December 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, the Fund delivered a total return of -2.75% (-2.48% NAV). This compares to the Fund’s Underlying Index, which declined 3.79% on a price-return basis but increased 0.24% on a total-return basis. The difference in performance between the AMZI and AMLP is primarily attributable to the Fund’s operating expenses and the tax impact of the Fund’s C-Corporation structure, including the accrual of approximately $138.6 million in income tax expense during the six-month period ended May 31, 2023.

 

In March 2023, the methodology for the Underlying Index was updated. Specifically, the cap for individual constituents was raised from 10% to 12% to better reflect the market capitalization of constituents. The change was applied during the March quarterly rebalancing, and concurrently, DCP Midstream (DCP) was removed from the Underlying Index ahead of its acquisition by another entity. The removal of DCP reduced turnover resulting from the raised cap.

 

Distribution trends for AMZI constituents remain positive as MLPs return excess cash flow to investors through growing payouts. Comparing the first quarter of 2023 with the first quarter of 2022, 72.35% of the Underlying Index by weighting grew their distributions based on weightings as of May 31, 2023. The first quarter of 2023 marked the seventh straight quarter without a distribution cut among AMZI constituents.

 

Energy infrastructure MLPs have performed resiliently even as broader energy stocks have seen weakness driven by lower commodity prices and concerns for the global economy. The Energy Select Sector Index (IXE) was down 14.23% on a total-return basis for the six-month period ended May 31, 2023. The outperformance of MLPs relative to the broader energy sector reflects midstream’s more defensive nature, including its fee-based business model. M&A activity also provided a boost to MLPs in May, with ONEOK (OKE) offering to acquire Magellan Midstream Partners (MMP) at an implied 22% premium.

 

AMZI constituents continue to generate free cash flow as they prioritize capital discipline. Excess cash flow is fueling both distribution growth and buybacks. As of May 16, 2023, 79.63% of the AMZI by weighting had a buyback authorization in place. Combined, AMZI constituents spent $138 million on equity repurchases in the first quarter of 2023.

 

MLPs remain well-positioned for the current energy landscape given their relative insulation to commodity price volatility, while excess cash flow is expected to continue supporting distributions and buybacks.

 

1 | May 31, 2023

 

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception^
Alerian MLP ETF – NAV -2.48% 0.51% 2.40% -0.31% 2.26%
Alerian MLP ETF – Market Price* -2.75% 0.26% 2.32% -0.32% 2.25%
Alerian MLP Infrastructure Total Return Index 0.24% 7.94% 4.71% 0.76% 4.70%
Alerian MLP Total Return Index 0.39% 7.84% 4.97% 0.80% 4.54%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.85%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679. The Fund accrues deferred income taxes for future tax liabilities associated with the portion of MLP distributions considered to be a tax-deferred return of capital and for any net operating gains as well as capital appreciation of its investment. This deferred tax liability is reflected in the daily Net Asset Value (NAV) and as a result the fund's after-tax performance could differ significantly from the underlying assets even if the pre-tax performance is closely tracked.

 

NAV is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced Investment Operations on August 24, 2010 with an Inception Date, the first day of trading on the NYSE ARCA, of August 25, 2010.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The Alerian MLP Infrastructure Total Return Index is comprised of 14 midstream energy Master Limited Partnerships and provides investors with an unbiased benchmark for the infrastructure component of this emerging asset class. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The Alerian MLP Total Return Index is recognized as a leading gauge of energy infrastructure Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs). The capped, float-adjusted, capitalization-weighted index, whose constituents earn the majority of their cash flow from midstream activities involving energy commodities, is reported on a total-return basis (AMZX), which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given period.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The Alerian MLP ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

 

2 | May 31, 2023

 

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Magellan Midstream Partners LP 13.90%
Plains All American Pipeline LP 12.21%
Enterprise Products Partners LP 12.00%
Energy Transfer LP 11.76%
MPLX LP 11.75%
Western Midstream Partners LP 11.01%
EnLink Midstream LLC 6.91%
Crestwood Equity Partners LP 4.80%
Cheniere Energy Partners LP 4.03%
NuStar Energy LP 3.67%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 92.04%

 

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund over the past ten years with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

3 | May 31, 2023

 

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

 

The Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (the “Fund” or “ENFR”) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, the Alerian Midstream Energy Select Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index” or “AMEI”). As a secondary objective, the Fund seeks to provide total return through income and capital appreciation. The Shares of the Fund are listed and trade on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol ENFR. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Underlying Index.

 

The Underlying Index is a composite of North American energy infrastructure companies engaged in midstream activities involving energy commodities, including gathering and processing, liquefaction, pipeline transportation, rail terminaling, and storage (also known as “midstream energy businesses”). Midstream energy companies include midstream Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs") and midstream corporations, either based in the United States or Canada. The Underlying Index has a 25% limit for companies taxed as pass-through entities.

 

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW

 

 

For the six-month period from December 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, the Fund delivered a total return of -7.67% (-7.37% NAV). This compares to the Fund’s Underlying Index, which declined -10.05% on a price-return basis and -7.16% on a total-return basis.

 

During the period, there were no constituent changes and no updates to the methodology for the Underlying Index.

 

Dividend trends for AMEI constituents remain positive, with many companies raising their payouts as they return excess cash flow to investors. Comparing the first quarter of 2023 with the first quarter of 2022, 83.20% of the Underlying Index by weighting grew their dividends based on weightings as of May 31, 2023. The first quarter of 2023 marked the seventh straight quarter without a dividend cut among AMEI constituents.

 

Energy infrastructure companies have been more resilient than broader energy stocks, which have seen weakness driven by lower commodity prices and concerns for the global economy. The Energy Select Sector Index (IXE) was down 14.23% on a total-return basis for the six-month period ended May 31, 2023. Midstream’s outperformance relative to the broader energy sector reflects energy infrastructure’s defensive qualities, namely its fee-based business model.

 

AMEI constituents continue to generate free cash flow as they prioritize capital discipline and are returning excess cash flow through dividend growth and buybacks. As of May 16, 2023, 72.82% of AMEI by weighting had a buyback authorization in place. Combined, AMEI constituents spent $780 million on equity repurchases in the first quarter of 2023.

 

Energy infrastructure companies remain well-positioned for the current energy landscape given their relative insulation to commodity price volatility, while excess cash flow is expected to continue supporting dividends and buybacks. Complementing these trends, midstream’s real asset exposure and long-term contracts with annual inflation adjustments can be beneficial in periods of elevated inflation.

 

4 | May 31, 2023

 

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF - NAV -7.37% -7.45% 5.05% 2.52%
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF - Market Price* -7.67% -7.67% 5.00% 2.50%
Alerian Midstream Energy Select Total Return Index -7.16% -6.90% 5.94% 3.38%
Alerian MLP Total Return Index 0.39% 7.84% 4.97% 0.31%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.35%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced Investment Operations on November 1, 2013.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The Alerian Midstream Energy Select Total Return Index is comprised of 28 equity securities of issuers headquartered or incorporated in the United States and Canada that engage in the transportation, storage, and processing of energy commodities. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The Alerian MLP Total Return Index is recognized as a leading gauge of energy infrastructure Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs). The capped, float-adjusted, capitalization-weighted index, whose constituents earn the majority of their cash flow from midstream activities involving energy commodities, is reported on a total-return basis (AMZX), which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given period.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

 

5 | May 31, 2023

 

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Enbridge, Inc. 9.59%
Enterprise Products Partners LP 8.73%
Energy Transfer LP 8.11%
TC Energy Corp. 5.32%
Plains GP Holdings LP 5.19%
Keyera Corp. 5.15%
The Williams Cos., Inc. 4.97%
Cheniere Energy, Inc. 4.80%
Kinder Morgan, Inc. 4.76%
Pembina Pipeline Corp. 4.71%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 61.33%

 

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

6 | May 31, 2023

 

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through May 31, 2023.

 

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

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries. Therefore, the second line 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 costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

  Beginning Account Value 12/1/22 Ending Account Value 5/31/23 Expense
Ratio(a)
Expenses Paid
During Period
12/1/22 - 5/31/23(b) 
Alerian MLP ETF(c)        
Actual $1,000.00 $975.20 0.85% $4.19
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,020.69 0.85% $4.28
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $926.30 0.35% $1.68
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,023.19 0.35% $1.77

 

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses.

(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

(c)Expenses for Alerian MLP ETF are calculated using the Fund's annualized net expense ratio, which represents the ongoing expenses of the Fund. Current and deferred tax benefit (expense) is not included in the ratio calculation.

 

7 | May 31, 2023

 

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (106.03%)          
Gathering + Processing (26.97%)          
Crestwood Equity Partners LP(a)    12,226,660   $313,736,096 
EnLink Midstream LLC(a)   46,349,354    452,369,695 
Hess Midstream LP, Class A   6,304,440    175,830,832 
Western Midstream Partners LP(a)   28,554,052    720,704,272 
Total Gathering + Processing        1,662,640,895 
           
Liquefaction (4.27%)          
Cheniere Energy Partners LP   5,930,369    263,604,902 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas (25.21%)          
Energy Transfer LP   62,065,087    769,607,078 
Enterprise Products Partners LP   30,992,466    785,039,164 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas        1,554,646,242 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum (49.58%)          
Delek Logistics Partners LP   1,305,648    70,243,863 
Genesis Energy LP(a)   15,974,476    154,153,693 
Holly Energy Partners LP(a)   6,707,718    115,171,518 
Magellan Midstream Partners LP(a)   15,102,011    909,292,082 
MPLX LP   23,059,415    768,800,896 
NuStar Energy LP(a)   14,685,014    239,806,279 
Plains All American Pipeline LP(a)   61,852,038    799,128,331 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum        3,056,596,662 
           
TOTAL MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS          
(Cost $3,534,013,376)        6,537,488,701 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.09%)               
Money Market Fund (0.09%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)   5.02%   5,485,476    5,485,476 
                
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $5,485,476)             5,485,476 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (106.12%)               
(Cost $3,539,498,852)            $6,542,974,177 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-6.12%)             (377,485,327)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $6,165,488,850 

 

(a)Affiliated Company. See Note 8 in Notes to Financial Statement.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

8 | May 31, 2023

 

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value  $2,838,612,211 
Investments in affiliates, at value   3,704,361,966 
Receivable for investments sold   12,380,229 
Receivable for shares sold   12,178,488 
Deferred tax asset (Note 2)   (a)
Franchise tax receivable   316,759 
Total Assets   6,567,849,653 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable for investments purchased   12,182,308 
Payable for shares redeemed   12,334,906 
Income tax payable   14,091,452 
Deferred tax liability   359,095,737 
Payable to adviser   4,656,400 
Total Liabilities   402,360,803 
NET ASSETS  $6,165,488,850 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $8,089,003,441 
Distributable earnings/(accumulated losses)   (1,923,514,591)
NET ASSETS  $6,165,488,850 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $1,564,511,539 
INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES, AT COST   1,974,987,313 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $6,165,488,850 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   164,582,420 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $37.46 

 

(a)Net Deferred Tax Asset of $43,323,836 is offset by a Valuation Allowance.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

9 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Statement of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Distributions from master limited partnerships  $277,410,075 
Less return of capital distributions   (272,523,924)
Total Investment Income   4,886,151 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment adviser fee   27,367,466 
Total Expenses   27,367,466 
NET INVESTMENT LOSS, BEFORE INCOME TAXES   (22,481,315)
Current income tax benefit/(expense)   5,073,583 
NET INVESTMENT LOSS   (17,407,732)
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):     
Net realized loss on investments, before income taxes   (6,445,965)
Net realized gain on affiliated investments, before income taxes   354,819,441 
Current income tax benefit/(expense)   (219,950,623)
Net realized gain   128,422,853 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments, before income taxes   (26,486,211)
Net change in unrealized depreciation on affiliated investments, before income taxes   (311,620,293)
Deferred income tax benefit/(expense)   76,303,876 
Net change in unrealized depreciation   (261,802,628)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS   (133,379,775)
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(150,787,507)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

10 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2022 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment loss  $(17,407,732)  $(46,268,407)
Net realized gain   128,422,853    48,112,230 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (261,802,628)   1,771,005,372 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (150,787,507)   1,772,849,195 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (271,953,845)    
From tax return of capital       (491,866,741)
Total distributions   (271,953,845)   (491,866,741)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   710,307,902    2,448,152,574 
Cost of shares redeemed   (801,277,907)   (2,030,110,111)
Net increase/(decrease) from share transactions   (90,970,005)   418,042,463 
           
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (513,711,357)   1,699,024,917 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   6,679,200,207    4,980,175,290 
End of period  $6,165,488,850   $6,679,200,207 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   166,932,420    157,457,420 
Shares sold   18,225,000    64,300,000 
Shares redeemed   (20,575,000)   (54,825,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   164,582,420    166,932,420 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

11 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2022   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 (a)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019 (a)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018 (a) 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $40.01   $31.63   $25.02   $39.15   $47.75   $51.85 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment loss(b)   (0.10)   (0.28)   (0.27)   (0.24)   (0.35)   (0.45)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   (0.82)   11.59    9.68    (10.73)   (4.35)   0.40 
Total from investment operations   (0.92)   11.31    9.41    (10.97)   (4.70)   (0.05)
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net realized gains   (1.63)                   (4.05)
From tax return of capital       (2.93)   (2.80)   (3.16)   (3.90)    
Total distributions   (1.63)   (2.93)   (2.80)   (3.16)   (3.90)   (4.05)
                               
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (2.55)   8.38    6.61    (14.13)   (8.60)   (4.10)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $37.46   $40.01   $31.63   $25.02   $39.15   $47.75 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   (2.48)%   36.31%   37.97%   (28.36)%   (10.79)%   (0.55)%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $6,165,489   $6,679,200   $4,980,175   $3,880,137   $7,249,005   $8,699,748 
RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:                              
Expenses (excluding net current and deferred tax expenses/benefits and franchise tax expense)   0.85%(d)   0.85%   0.85%   0.85%   0.85%   0.85%
Expenses (including current and deferred tax expenses/benefits)(e)   0.69%(d)   0.74%   0.85%   0.85%   0.85%   0.85%
Expenses (including net current and deferred tax expenses/benefits)(f)   5.14%(d)   5.03%   0.87%   0.90%   0.87%   0.85%
Net investment loss (excluding deferred tax expenses/benefits and franchise tax expense)   (0.70)%(d)   (0.85)%   (0.85)%   (0.85)%   (0.77)%   (0.85)%
Net investment loss (including deferred tax expenses/benefits)(e)   (0.54)%(d)   (0.74)%   (0.85)%   (0.85)%   (0.77)%   (0.85)%
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(g)   13%   26%   20%   23%   34%   26%

 

(a)On May 18, 2020, the Alerian MLP ETF underwent a one for five reverse stock split. The capital share activity presented here has been retroactively adjusted to reflect this reverse split.

(b)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net assets value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(d)Annualized.

(e)Includes amount of current and deferred tax benefit associated with net investment income/(loss).

(f)Includes amount of current and deferred income taxe expense/benefit for all components of the Statement of Operations, including amounts associated with realized and unrealized gain/(loss).

(g)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year is not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

12 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
CANADIAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANIES (27.14%) 
Gathering + Processing (5.15%)          
Keyera Corp.   266,578   $5,950,139 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas (5.32%)          
TC Energy Corp.(a)   157,828    6,143,375 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum (14.28%)          
Enbridge, Inc.   314,572    11,074,325 
Pembina Pipeline Corp.   179,610    5,437,916 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum        16,512,241 
           
Storage (2.39%)          
Gibson Energy, Inc.(a)   171,335    2,765,340 
           
TOTAL CANADIAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANIES 
(Cost $34,655,557)        31,371,095 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (0.89%) 
Exchange Traded Fund (0.89%)          
Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund   13,500    1,033,965 
           
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUND          
(Cost $1,034,066)        1,033,965 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
U.S. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANIES (28.87%) 
Gathering + Processing (9.72%)          
Kinetik Holdings, Inc.   20,469    665,856 
ONEOK, Inc.   91,112    5,162,406 
Targa Resources Corp.   79,479    5,408,546 
Total Gathering + Processing        11,236,808 
           
Liquefaction (5.69%)          
Cheniere Energy, Inc.   39,613    5,536,709 
NextDecade Corp.(a)(b)   55,912    310,312 
Tellurian, Inc.(a)(b)   605,514    732,672 
Total Liquefaction        6,579,693 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas (13.46%)          
DT Midstream, Inc.   116,963    5,317,138 
Equitrans Midstream Corp.   556,505    4,746,988 
Kinder Morgan, Inc.   341,056    5,494,412 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas        15,558,538 
           
TOTAL U.S. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANIES          
(Cost $33,990,689)        33,375,039 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
U.S. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE MLPS (25.94%) 
Gathering + Processing (5.45%)          
Crestwood Equity Partners LP   18,512   $475,018 
Hess Midstream LP, Class A   51,768    1,443,810 
MPLX LP   94,919    3,164,599 
Western Midstream Partners LP   48,079    1,213,514 
Total Gathering + Processing        6,296,941 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas (16.81%)          
Energy Transfer LP   754,653    9,357,697 
Enterprise Products Partners LP   398,037    10,082,277 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas        19,439,974 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum (3.68%)          
Delek Logistics Partners LP   2,535    136,383 
Genesis Energy LP   27,726    267,556 
Holly Energy Partners LP   9,702    166,583 
Magellan Midstream Partners LP   54,525    3,282,950 
NuStar Energy LP   24,323    397,195 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum        4,250,667 
           
TOTAL U.S. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE MLPS          
(Cost $28,254,937)        29,987,582 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
U.S. GENERAL PARTNERS (16.78%) 
Gathering + Processing (11.60%)          
Antero Midstream Corp.   388,369    3,965,248 
EnLink Midstream LLC   380,678    3,715,417 
The Williams Cos., Inc.   200,014    5,732,401 
Total Gathering + Processing        13,413,066 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum (5.18%) 
Plains GP Holdings LP, Class A   440,285    5,987,876 
           
TOTAL U.S. GENERAL PARTNERS          
(Cost $18,310,761)        19,400,942 


See Notes to Financial Statements.

13 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (5.65%)           
Money Market Fund (0.23%)           
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)           
(Cost $270,658)   5.02%   270,658   $270,658 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (5.42%)           
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%           
(Cost $6,264,503)        6,264,503    6,264,503 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS      
(Cost $6,535,161)             6,535,161 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (105.27%)      
(Cost $122,781,171)            $121,703,784 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-5.27%)    (6,096,490)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%   $115,607,294 

 

(a)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $6,313,734.

(b)Non-income producing security.

 



See Notes to Financial Statements.

14 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value*  $121,703,784 
Receivable for investments sold   2,586,427 
Dividends receivable   179,048 
Total Assets   124,469,259 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable for investments purchased   1,034,066 
Payable to adviser   35,539 
Payable for shares redeemed   1,527,857 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned   6,264,503 
Total Liabilities   8,861,965 
NET ASSETS  $115,607,294 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $119,505,799 
Distributable earnings/(accumulated losses)   (3,898,505)
NET ASSETS  $115,607,294 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $122,781,171 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $115,607,294 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   5,675,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $20.37 

 

*Includes $6,313,734 of securities on loan.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

15 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 

 

Statement of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Dividends*  $3,824,581 
Securities lending income   8,260 
Total Investment Income   3,832,841 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment adviser fees   221,967 
Total Expenses   221,967 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   3,610,874 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):     
Net realized gain on investments(a)   2,268,999 
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions   (1,282)
Net realized gain   2,267,717 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments   (15,888,299)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies   1,083 
Net change in unrealized depreciation   (15,887,216)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES   (13,619,499)
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(10,008,625)
* Net of foreign tax withholding.  $149,393 

  

(a)Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

16 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2022 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment income  $3,610,874   $2,947,799 
Net realized gain   2,267,717    803,934 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (15,887,216)   17,050,272 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (10,008,625)   20,802,005 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS:          
From distributable earnings   (3,643,443)   (1,089,790)
From tax return of capital       (4,610,796)
Total distributions   (3,643,443)   (5,700,586)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   3,797,775    79,527,083 
Cost of shares redeemed   (16,624,339)   (12,029,422)
Net increase/(decrease) from share transactions   (12,826,564)   67,497,661 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (26,478,632)   82,599,080 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of year   142,085,926    59,486,846 
End of year  $115,607,294   $142,085,926 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   6,275,000    3,200,000 
Shares sold   175,000    3,650,000 
Shares redeemed   (775,000)   (575,000)
Shares outstanding, end of year   5,675,000    6,275,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

17 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2022   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $22.64   $18.59   $14.51   $19.19   $20.34   $22.30 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.60    0.61    1.08    0.90    0.88    0.85 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   (2.25)   4.57    4.49    (4.50)   (0.64)   (2.23)
Total from investment operations   (1.65)   5.18    5.57    (3.60)   0.24    (1.38)
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (0.62)   (0.21)   (0.74)   (0.45)   (0.50)   (0.47)
Tax return of capital       (0.92)   (0.75)   (0.63)   (0.89)   (0.11)
Total distributions   (0.62)   (1.13)   (1.49)   (1.08)   (1.39)   (0.58)
                               
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (2.27)   4.05    4.08    (4.68)   (1.15)   (1.96)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $20.37   $22.64   $18.59   $14.51   $19.19   $20.34 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   (7.37)%   28.21%   38.93%   (18.82)%   1.09%   (6.27)%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $115,607   $142,086   $59,487   $36,988   $51,809   $41,699 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.35%(c)   0.35%   0.51%(d)  0.65%   0.65%   0.65%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   5.69%(c)   2.84%   5.84%   5.91%   4.23%   3.86%
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(e)   13%   26%   34%   34%   26%   73%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net assets value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c)Annualized.

(d)Effective July 1, 2021, the Fund's Advisory Fee changed from 0.65% to 0.35%.

(e)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year is not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

18 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of May 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of twenty-three separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains to the Alerian MLP ETF and the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).

 

The investment objective of the Alerian MLP ETF is to seek investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. The investment objective of the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF is to seek investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, the Alerian Midstream Energy Select Index. The investment advisor uses a “passive management” or indexing investment approach to try to achieve each Fund’s investment objective. Each Fund is considered non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund.

 

Each Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). Each Fund issues and redeems Shares, at net asset value (“NAV”), in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements. The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

Each Fund’s NAV is determined daily, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.

 

Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price as determined by NASDAQ. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities traded on the NASDAQ, are valued at the last quoted sale price in such market.

 

The Funds’ investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value according to procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for each Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments. The Adviser may carry out its designated responsibilities as Valuation Designee through various teams and committees. When market quotations are not readily available or when events occur that make established valuation methods unreliable, securities of the Funds may be valued in good faith by the Valuation Designee. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established primary pricing source or the pricing source is not willing to provide a price; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is most likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of the Funds’ NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; or a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security’s “fair value” due to the security being de-listed from a national exchange or the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when, under normal conditions, it would be open. As a general principle, the current “fair value” of a security would be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive from the sale on the applicable exchange or principal market. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities.

19 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

Each Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Valuation techniques used to value the Funds’ investments by major category are as follows:

 

Equity securities, including restricted securities, and Limited Partnerships for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by a third party pricing vendor on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the mean of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices on such day and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing NAV each business day and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments.

 

These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;

Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

Level 3 Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value each Fund’s investments as of May 31, 2023:

 

Alerian MLP ETF

                 
Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 -
Quoted and
Unadjusted
Prices
   Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3 -
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
   Total 
Master Limited Partnerships*  $6,537,488,701   $     –   $      –   $6,537,488,701 
Short Term Investments   5,485,476            5,485,476 
Total  $6,542,974,177   $   $   $6,542,974,177 

20 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Canadian Energy Infrastructure Companies*  $31,371,095   $       –   $       –   $31,371,095 
Exchange Traded Fund   1,033,965            1,033,965 
U.S. Energy Infrastructure Companies*   33,375,039            33,375,039 
U.S. Energy Infrastructure MLPs*   29,987,582            29,987,582 
U.S. General Partners*   19,400,942            19,400,942 
Short Term Investments   6,535,161            6,535,161 
Total  $121,703,784   $   $   $121,703,784 

 

*For a detailed breakdown of sectors, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments.

 

The Funds did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the six months ended May 31, 2023.

 

C. Foreign Currency Translation

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment valuations and other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. The portion of realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed and is included in realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, when applicable.

 

D. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the specific identification in accordance with GAAP. Dividend income and capital gains distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of any foreign taxes withheld. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.

 

E. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

Each Fund intends to declare and make quarterly distributions, or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF, if any, are distributed at least annually. Distributions from net investment income and capital gains are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by the Funds, timing differences and differing characterization of distributions made by the Funds.

 

Distributions received from each Fund’s investments in Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) may be comprised of both income and return of capital. Each Fund records investment income and return of capital based on estimates made at the time such distributions are received. Such estimates are based on historical information available from each MLP and other industry sources. These estimates may subsequently be revised based on information received from MLPs after their tax reporting periods are concluded.

 

The Funds each expect a portion of its distributions to shareholders might be comprised of tax deferred return of capital. Return of capital distributions are not taxable income to the shareholder, but reduce the investor’s tax basis in the investor’s Fund Shares. Such a reduction in tax basis will result in larger taxable gains and/or lower tax losses on a subsequent sale of Fund Shares. Shareholders who periodically receive the payment of dividends or other distributions consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits from the Funds when, in fact, they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of the distributions is from the net profits of the Funds.

 

F. Federal Income Taxation and Tax Basis Information

 

Alerian MLP ETF

The Fund is taxed as a regular C-corporation for federal income tax purposes and as such is obligated to pay federal and state income tax. This treatment differs from most investment companies, which elect to be treated as “regulated investment companies” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) in order to avoid paying entity level income taxes. Under current law, the Fund is not eligible to elect treatment as a regulated investment company due to its investments primarily in MLPs invested in energy assets. The Fund expects that substantially all of the distributions it receives from MLPs may be treated as a tax-deferred return of capital, thus reducing the Fund’s current tax liability. However, the amount of taxes paid by the Fund will vary depending on the amount of income and gains derived from investments and/or sales of MLP interests and such taxes will reduce your return from an investment in the Fund. Since the Fund will be subject to taxation on its taxable income, the NAV of the Fund shares will also be reduced by the accrual of any deferred tax liabilities. The Underlying Index however is calculated without any deductions for taxes. As a result, the Fund's after tax performance could differ significantly from the Underlying Index even if the pretax performance of the Fund and the performance of Underlying Index are closely related.

21 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Cash distributions from MLPs to the Fund that exceed the Fund’s allocable share of such MLP’s net taxable income are considered a tax deferred return of capital that will reduce the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the equity securities of the MLP. These reductions in the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the MLP equity securities will increase the amount of any taxable gain (or decrease the amount of any tax loss) recognized by the Fund on a subsequent sale of the securities. A portion of any gain or loss recognized by the Fund on a sale of an MLP equity security (or by an MLP on a sale of an underlying asset) may be separately computed and treated as ordinary income or loss under the Code to the extent attributable to assets of the MLP that give rise to depreciation recapture, intangible drilling and development cost recapture, or other "unrealized receivables" or "inventory items" under the Code. Any such gain may exceed net taxable gain realized on the sale and will be recognized even if there is a net taxable loss on the sale. The Fund's net capital losses may only be used to offset capital gains and therefore cannot be used to offset gains that are treated as ordinary income. Thus, the Fund could recognize both gain that is treated as ordinary income and a capital loss on a sale of an MLP equity security (or on an MLP's sale of an underlying asset) and would not be able to use the capital loss to offset that gain. The Fund will accrue deferred income taxes for any future tax liability associated with (i) that portion of MLP distributions considered to be a tax-deferred return of capital as well as (ii) capital appreciation of its investments. Upon the sale of an MLP security, the Fund may be liable for previously deferred taxes. The Fund will rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs, which is not necessarily timely, to estimate the deferred tax liability for purposes of financial statement reporting and determining the Fund’s NAV. From time to time, the Adviser will modify the estimates or assumptions related to the Fund’s deferred tax liability as new information becomes available and may consider, among other matters, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, shareholder transactions, underlying index constituent changes and market conditions. The Fund will generally compute deferred income taxes based on the federal income tax rate applicable to corporations and an assumed rate attributable to state taxes.

 

The Fund’s income tax expense/(benefit) consists of the following:

 

Alerian MLP ETF  Period ended May 31, 2023 
   Current   Deferred   Total 
Federal  $13,173,289   $(433,137,631)  $(419,964,342)
State   1,983,948    (54,064,020)   (52,080,072)
Valuation Allowance       610,617,578    610,617,578 
Total tax expense/(benefit)  $15,157,237   $123,415,927   $138,573,164 

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes.

 

Components of the Fund’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

Alerian MLP ETF  As of May 31, 2023   As of November 30, 2022 
Deferred tax assets:          
Capital loss carryforward  $651,892,865   $752,720,954 
Net operating loss carryforward   15,397,666    14,189,498 
Income recognized from MLP investments   1,606,825,612    1,503,943,492 
Other deferred tax assets   11,642,538     
Valuation allowance   (402,419,573)   (259,659,477)
Less Deferred tax liabilities:          
Net unrealized gain on investment securities   (2,242,434,845)   (2,246,799,456)
Other deferred tax liabilities       (74,823)
Net Deferred Tax Asset/(Liability)  $(359,095,737)  $(235,679,812)

 

Due to the activities of the MLPs that the fund is invested in, the Fund is required to pay franchise tax in certain states. Generally speaking, franchise tax expense is a tax on equity of a corporation, or base minimum fees, imposed by various jurisdictions. The amounts of the tax are estimated throughout the year based upon the Fund's estimate of underlying activities conducted in the states and reconciled to actual amounts paid upon the filing of the tax returns for the states. These taxes are paid as either estimated tax payments, extension payments, or with the tax return filings of the various states.

22 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The capital loss carryforward is available to offset future taxable income. Capital losses can be carried forward for 5 years, after which they expire.

The Fund has net capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes as follows:

 

Alerian MLP ETF  Period-Ended   Amount   Expiration
Federal  11/30/2019   $364,255,458   11/30/2024
Federal  11/30/2020    1,033,570,046   11/30/2025
Federal  11/30/2021    673,784,686   11/30/2026
Federal  11/30/2022    816,961,527   11/30/2027
Total      $2,888,571,717    

 

The net operating loss carryforward is available to offset future taxable income. The Fund has no net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes and has state tax net operating loss carryforwards of various amounts per state. The Deferred Tax Assets associated with these state tax net operating losses are as follows:

 

Alerian MLP ETF  Period-Ended   Amount   Expiration
State  11/30/2017   $2,040,651   Varies by State
State  11/30/2018    2,553,292   Varies by State
State  11/30/2019    2,244,759   Varies by State
State  11/30/2020    8,558,964   Varies by State
Total      $15,397,666    

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The TCJA made modifications to the net operating loss (“NOL”) deduction. The TCJA eliminated the NOL carryback ability and replaced the 20 year carryforward period with an indefinite carryforward period for any NOLs arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The TCJA also established a limitation for any NOLs generated in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 to the lesser of the aggregate of available NOLs or 80% of taxable income before any NOL utilization (the "80% limitation"). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("Cares Act"), signed into law on March 27, 2020, restricted the application of the 80% limitation to tax years beginning after December 31, 2020.

 

The Fund reviews the recoverability of its deferred tax assets based upon the weight of available evidence. When assessing the recoverability of its deferred tax assets, significant weight was given to the effects of potential future realized and unrealized gains on investments and the period over which these deferred tax assets can be realized. Currently, any capital losses that may be generated by the Fund are eligible to be carried back up to three years and can be carried forward for five years to offset capital gains recognized by the Fund in those years.

 

Based upon the Fund’s assessment, it has determined that it is “more-likely-than-not” that a portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized through future taxable income of the appropriate character. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been established for the Fund’s deferred tax assets related to capital loss carryforwards. The Fund will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance in the future. Significant increases in the fair value of its portfolio of investments may change the Fund’s assessment of the recoverability of these assets and may result in the removal of the valuation allowance against all or a portion of the Fund’s gross deferred tax assets.

 

Total income tax expense/(benefit) (current and deferred) differs from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% to net investment income and realized and unrealized gain/(losses) on investment before taxes as follows:

 

Alerian MLP ETF  As of May 31, 2023 
Income tax expense/(benefit) at statutory rate  $(2,565,012)
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)   1,921,988 
Permanent differences, net   (3,543,908)
Change in valuation allowance   142,760,096 
Net income tax expense  $138,573,164 

 

The Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the Fund had no penalties or interest.

 

The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on U.S. tax returns and state tax returns filed since inception of the Fund. Tax periods ended November 30, 2019 through November 30, 2022 remain subject to examination by tax authorities in the United States. Due to the nature of the Fund’s investments, the Fund may be required to file income tax returns in several states. The Fund is 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 12 months.

23 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

A federal excise tax on stock repurchases is expected to apply to the Fund with respect to share redemptions occurring on or after January 1, 2023 in accordance with the provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The excise tax is one percent (1%) of the fair market value of Fund share redemptions less the fair market value of Fund share issuances (in excess of $1 million of fair market value) annually on a taxable year basis. For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the Fund had no excise tax accrued.

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. The Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the six months ended May 31, 2023, the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. The Fund’s tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term
Capital Gain
   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2022            
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  $1,089,790   $      –   $4,610,796 

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration.

As of November 30, 2022, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

   Short-Term   Long-Term 
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  $        –   $2,867,984 

 

As of May 31, 2023, the costs of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   Alerian MLP ETF   Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $3,580,064,891   $123,968,547 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $2,962,909,286   $8,086,819 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)       (10,351,582)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)  $2,962,909,286   $(2,264,763)

24 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The difference between cost amounts for financial statement purposes is due primarily to the recognition of pass-through income from a Fund’s investments in master limited partnerships and wash sales. In addition, certain tax cost basis adjustments are finalized at fiscal year-end and therefore have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

G. Lending of Portfolio Securities

The Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF has entered into a securities lending agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Co. (“SSB”), the Fund’s lending agent. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities only to borrowers that are approved by SSB. The Fund will limit such lending to not more than 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. The Fund’s securities held at SSB as custodian shall be available to be lent except those securities the Fund or ALPS Advisors, Inc. specifically identifies in writing as not being available for lending. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Fund collateral consisting of cash (U.S. Dollars only), securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and cash equivalents (including irrevocable bank letters of credit) issued by a person other than the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower. The initial collateral received by the Fund is required to have a value of no less than 102% of the market value of the loaned securities for U.S equity securities and a value of no less than 105% of the market value for non-U.S. equity securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter, at a market value equal to not less than 102% of the current value of the U.S. equity securities on loan and not less than 105% of the current value of the non-U.S. equity securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. During the term of the loan, the Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the customary time period for settlement of securities transactions.

 

Any cash collateral received is reinvested in a money market fund managed by SSB as disclosed in the Fund's Schedule of Investments and is reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned. Non-cash collateral, in the form of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, is not disclosed in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities or the contractual maturity table below as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of the Fund, and the Fund does not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. Income earned by the Fund from securities lending activity is disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

The following is a summary of the Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of May 31, 2023:

 

Fund  Market Value of Securities on Loan   Cash Collateral Received   Non-Cash Collateral Received   Total Collateral Received 
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  $6,313,734   $6,264,503   $381,765   $6,646,268 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Fund could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received.

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of May 31, 2023:

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements 
                    
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous Up to 30 Days  30-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   Total 
Common Stocks  $6,264,503 $   $   $   $6,264,503 
Total Borrowings                     6,264,503 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)            $6,264,503 

25 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. serves as the Funds’ investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis as a percentage of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below.

 

Fund   Advisory Fee
Alerian MLP ETF 0.85% Average net assets up to and including $7 billion
  0.825% Average net assets greater than $7 billion up to and including $8.5 billion
  0.80% Average net assets greater than $8.5 billion up to and including $10.5 billion
  0.75% Average net assets greater than $10.5 billion up to and including $12.5 billion
  0.70% Average net assets greater than $12.5 billion up to and including $14.5 billion
  0.65% Average net assets greater than $14.5 billion up to and including $16.5 billion
  0.60% Average net assets greater than $16.5 billion up to and including $18.5 billion
  0.55% Average net assets greater than $18.5 billion up to and including $20.5 billion
  0.50% Average net assets greater than $20.5 billion up to and including $22.5 billion
  0.45% Average net assets greater than $22.5 billion up to and including $25 billion
  0.40% Average net assets greater than $25 billion

 

Fund   Advisory Fee
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 0.35%  

 

Out of the unitary management fees, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of each Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, trustees and other services, except for interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of each Fund's business. The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay substantially all of each Fund’s expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services for each Fund.

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, is the administrator of the Funds.

 

Each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $20,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $10,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
Alerian MLP ETF  $872,232,499   $1,719,161,499 
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF   17,192,135    18,371,085 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
Alerian MLP ETF  $709,851,862   $ 
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF   3,795,727    15,612,280 

26 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the in-kind net realized gains/(losses) were as follows:

 

Fund  Net Realized Gain/(Loss) 
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  $3,412,147 

 

Gains on in-kind transactions are not considered taxable for federal income tax purposes and losses on in-kind transactions are also not deductible for tax purposes.

 

5. MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS

 

 

MLPs are publicly traded partnerships engaged in, among other things, the transportation, storage and processing of minerals and natural resources, and are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. By confining their operations to these specific activities, their interests, or units, are able to trade on public securities exchanges exactly like the shares of a corporation, without entity level taxation. To qualify as a MLP and to not be taxed as a corporation, a partnership must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources as set forth in Section 7704(d) of the Code. These qualifying sources include, among other things, natural resource-based activities such as the processing, transportation and storage of mineral or natural resources. MLPs generally have two classes of owners, the general partner and limited partners. The general partner of an MLP is typically owned by a major energy company, an investment fund, the direct management of the MLP, or is an entity owned by one or more of such parties. The general partner may be structured as a private or publicly traded corporation or other entity. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the MLP through an up to 2% equity interest in the MLP plus, in many cases, ownership of common units and subordinated units. Limited partners typically own the remainder of the partnership, through ownership of common units, and have a limited role in the partnership’s operations and management.

 

MLPs are typically structured such that common units and general partner interests have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to an established minimum amount (“minimum quarterly distributions” or “MQD”). Common and general partner interests also accrue arrearages in distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common and general partner interests have been paid, subordinated units receive distributions of up to the MQD; however, subordinated units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of the MQD is distributed to both common and subordinated units and generally on a pro rata basis. The general partner is also eligible to receive incentive distributions if the general partner operates the business in a manner which results in distributions paid per common unit surpassing specified target levels. As the general partner increases cash distributions to the limited partners, the general partner receives an increasingly higher percentage of the incremental cash distributions.

 

6. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Funds. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of each Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The Funds engaged in cross trades between other funds in the Trust during the six months ended May 31, 2023 pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds of the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7. These transactions related to cross trades during the period complied with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Trust’s procedures.

 

Transactions related to cross trades during the six months ended May 31, 2023, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchase Cost Paid   Sale Proceeds Received   Realized Gain/(Loss) on Sales 
Alerian MLP ETF  $2,826,444   $1,080,740   $(39,158)
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF   1,274,961    2,961,250    (69,701)

27 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

8. AFFILIATED COMPANIES

 

 

As defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, an affiliated person, including an affiliated company, is one in which a Fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities, or a company which is under common ownership or control with the Fund.

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the Alerian MLP ETF held shares in the following affiliates, as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

Security Name  Share Balance as of May 31, 2023   Market Value as of November 30, 2022   Purchases   Purchases In-Kind   Sales   Market Value as of May 31, 2023   Dividends*   Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ Depreciation   Realized Gain/(Loss) 
Crestwood Equity Partners LP   12,226,660   $315,563,335   $50,254,152   $33,603,229   $(40,530,069)  $313,736,096   $     –   $(26,554,516)  $(2,421,699)
DCP Midstream LP       533,370,461        43,160,215    (921,252,148)           (316,653,802)   350,530,033 
EnLink Midstream LLC   46,349,354    617,327,942        57,217,955    (75,219,707)   452,369,695        (135,245,445)   105,007 
Genesis Energy LP   15,974,476    172,328,904    446,544    18,686,768    (22,325,892)   154,153,693        (8,509,384)   (1,595,881)
Holly Energy Partners LP   6,707,718    127,775,101    435,216    13,011,694    (15,466,884)   115,171,518        (5,593,893)   (215,288)
Magellan Midstream Partners LP   15,102,011    722,152,632    122,069,592    77,395,511    (126,116,618)   909,292,082        139,648,106    3,844,177 
NuStar Energy LP   14,685,014    243,096,953    2,073,568    25,354,083    (30,768,449)   239,806,279        11,719,101    210,017 
Plains All American Pipeline LP   61,852,038    733,362,659    88,797,862    75,699,283    (132,014,573)   799,128,331        59,925,731    5,055,172 
Western Midstream Partners LP   28,554,052    692,848,231    111,496,771    73,792,765    (88,844,678)   720,704,272        (30,356,191)   (692,097)
                            $3,704,361,966   $   $(311,620,293)  $354,819,441 

 

*100% of the income received was estimated as Return of Capital.

 

9. MARKET RISK

 

 

The Funds are subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause each Fund to lose value. Securities in each Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.

 

10. CHANGE IN AUDITOR

 

 

On March 14, 2023, BBD LLP (“BBD”) ceased to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Funds. The Board approved the replacement of BBD as a result of Cohen & Company, Ltd.’s (“Cohen”) acquisition of BBD’s investment management group.

 

The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Funds as of and for the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023: (i) there were no disagreements between the registrant and BBD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Funds for such years or interim period; and (ii) there were no “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

On March 7, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Funds’ Audit Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Cohen, effective upon the resignation of BBD, as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.

28 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023, neither the registrant, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Cohen on behalf of the Funds regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Funds’ financial statements, or any matter that was either: (i) the subject of a "disagreement," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the instructions thereto; or (ii) "reportable events," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Effective July 1, 2023, each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $25,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $15,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

29 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Additional Information May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 and a description of the Funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures used in determining how to vote for proxies are available without charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and upon request, by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

Each Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of each Fund’s Form N-PORT are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1-866-759-5679 and on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF designates the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 100.00% 45.84%

 

In early 2023, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year 2022 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2024 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2023.

 

LICENSING AGREEMENTS

 

 

Alerian (the “Licensor”) has entered into an index licensing agreement with ALPS Advisors Inc. (the “Adviser”) with respect to each of the Alerian MLP ETF and the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF, to allow the Adviser’s use of AMZI and AMEI. The following disclosure relates to the Licensor:

 

Alerian is the designer of the construction and methodology for the underlying index (each an “Underlying Index”) for each of the Alerian MLP ETF and the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). “Alerian,” “Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index,” “Alerian Energy Infrastructure Index,” “Alerian Index Series” and “AMZI” are service marks or trademarks of Alerian. Alerian acts as brand licensor for each Underlying Index. Alerian is not responsible for the descriptions of either Underlying Index or the Funds that appear herein. Alerian is not affiliated with the Trust, the Adviser or the Distributor.

 

Neither Fund is issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Alerian (“Licensor”) or its affiliates. Licensor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index (“Index”) to track general market performance. Licensor’s only relationship to the Licensee is the licensing of the Index which is determined, composed and calculated by Licensor without regard to the Licensee or the Fund. Licensor has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Index. Licensor is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. Licensor has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing or trading of either Fund and is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of pricing or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Shares of either Fund or in the determination or calculation of the NAV of the relevant Fund. Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, Alerian MLP Infrastructure Total Return Index, AMZI and AMZIX are trademarks of GKD Index Partners, LLC and their general use is granted under a license from GKD Index Partners, LLC.

 

LICENSOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE QUALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS OF ANY KIND RELATED TO THE INDEX OR DATA. LICENSOR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED TO LICENSEE OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. LICENSOR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL LICENSOR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

30 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Additional Information May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of either Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by either Fund, owners of the Shares of the relevant Fund or any other person or entity from the use of either Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to either Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of either Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

(Applicable to the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF only)

 

The Underlying Index is the exclusive property of GKD Index Partners LLC d/b/a Alerian, which has contracted with S&P Opco, LLC (a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC) (“S&P Dow Jones Indices”) to calculate and maintain the Underlying Index. S&P® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“SPFS”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); and these trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices. “Calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices” and its related stylized mark(s) have been licensed for use by Alerian.

 

The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices, SPFS, Dow Jones or any of their affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities”). S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities do not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Underlying Index to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities only relationship to Alerian with respect to the Underlying Index is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities and for the providing of calculation and maintenance services related to the Underlying Index. S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is not an investment advisor. Inclusion of a security within the Underlying Index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it considered to be investment advice.

 

S&P DOW JONES INDICES ENTITIES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES ENTITIES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES ENTITIES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY ALERIAN, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES ENTITIES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.

31 | May 31, 2023

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 
Liquidity Risk Management Program May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s liquidity risk management rule (the “Liquidity Rule”), the ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”) has established a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk for each series of the Trust (each a “Fund”). The Program is overseen by the Liquidity Committee (the “Committee”), a committee comprised of representatives of the Trust’s investment adviser, ALPS Advisors, Inc. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the designation of the Committee to oversee the Program.

 

The Program’s principal objectives include supporting each Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and assessing and managing the risk that a Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence a Fund’s liquidity and, for Funds that are not “In-Kind ETFs,” the periodic classification and re-classification of such Fund’s investments into groupings that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on March 7, 2023, the Trustees received a report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the Program for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the Program has been operating effectively to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and (as applicable) respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments.

 

The Committee reported that during the period covered by the report, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Funds or their ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries. Among other things, the Committee’s report noted that no Fund is required to have a highly liquid investment minimum based either on its status as an In-Kind ETF or on its ability to rely on another exemption under the Liquidity Rule. The Committee’s report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

32 | May 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 3
Financial Statements  
Schedule of Investments 4
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 5
Statement of Operations 6
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 7
Financial Highlights 8
Notes to Financial Statements 9
Additional Information 15
Liquidity Risk Management Program 16

 

alpsfunds.com

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

The ALPS Active REIT ETF (the "Fund") seeks total return through dividends and capital appreciation. The Fund will, under normal circumstances, seek to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in publicly traded equity securities of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

 

Fund Performance (as of May 31, 2023) 

  6 Months 1 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Active REIT ETF - NAV -4.74% -10.85% 1.92%
ALPS Active REIT ETF - Market Price* -3.91% -10.85% 1.92%
S&P United States REIT Index -4.80% -11.86% 1.25%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.68%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced operations on February 25, 2021, with the first day of trading on the exchange of February 26, 2021.

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The S&P United States REIT Index defines and measures the investable universe of publicly traded real estate investment trusts domiciled in the United States.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 5,000 shares.

 

The ALPS Active REIT ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the ALPS Active REIT ETF.

1 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Prologis, Inc. 8.95%
Equinix, Inc. 7.60%
Simon Property Group, Inc. 5.92%
Extra Space Storage, Inc. 5.80%
Realty Income Corp. 5.12%
Equity Residential 5.06%
VICI Properties, Inc. 4.94%
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. 4.76%
Invitation Homes, Inc. 4.57%
Healthpeak Properties, Inc. 4.56%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 57.28%

 

*% of Total Investments

Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Residential REITs 19.88%
Specialized REITs 19.24%
Industrial REITs 16.98%
Retail REITs 14.57%
Health Care REITs 9.76%
Financial 9.10%
Office REITs 3.66%
Hotel & Resort REITs 3.37%
Diversified REITs 1.63%
Money Market Fund 1.81%
Total 100.00%

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023) 

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in the Fund and the Index

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

2 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through May 31, 2023.

 

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

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

Beginning

Account Value

12/1/22

Ending

Account Value

5/31/23

Expense

Ratio(a)

Expenses Paid

During Period

12/1/22 - 5/31/23(b)

ALPS Active REIT ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $952.60 0.68% $3.31
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.54 0.68% $3.43

 

(a) Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.
(b) Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

3 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (97.64%)          
Diversified REITs (1.62%)          
WP Carey, Inc.   4,136   $286,873 
           
Health Care REITs (9.71%)          
Healthpeak Properties, Inc.   40,344    805,266 
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.   41,625    468,698 
Welltower, Inc.   6,007    448,182 
Total Health Care REITs        1,722,146 
           
Hotel & Resort REITs (3.35%)          
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   35,815    594,529 
           
Industrial REITs (16.88%)          
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.   11,076    575,730 
Prologis, Inc.   12,682    1,579,544 
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.   15,432    840,118 
Total Industrial REITs        2,995,392 
           
Office REITs (5.13%)          
Boston Properties, Inc.   7,403    360,304 
Cousins Properties, Inc.   13,285    264,637 
Highwoods Properties, Inc.   13,793    285,239 
Total Office REITs        910,180 
           
Residential REITs (19.77%)          
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.   4,579    796,654 
Equity Residential   14,675    892,240 
Invitation Homes, Inc.   23,779    805,633 
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.   3,471    510,445 
Sun Communities, Inc.   3,969    502,594 
Total Residential REITs        3,507,566 
           
Retail REITs (16.28%)          
Agree Realty Corp.   4,446    286,723 
Federal Realty Investment Trust   3,838    338,512 
Realty Income Corp.   15,182    902,418 
Regency Centers Corp.   5,645    317,644 
Simon Property Group, Inc.   9,926    1,043,718 
Total Retail REITs        2,889,015 
           
Specialized REITs (24.90%)          
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.   5,111    523,673 
Equinix, Inc.   1,798    1,340,499 
Extra Space Storage, Inc.   7,090    1,022,875 
Public Storage   2,326    658,956 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Specialized REITs (continued)          
VICI Properties, Inc.   28,160   $870,989 
Total Specialized REITs        4,416,992 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $18,367,661)        17,322,693 

 

7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.80%)               
Money Market Fund (1.80%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)   5.02%   319,709    319,709 
                
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $319,709)             319,709 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.44%)               
(Cost $18,687,370)            $17,642,402 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.56%)             99,271 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $17,741,673 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

4 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value  $17,642,402 
Receivable for investments sold   1,840,938 
Dividends receivable   28,284 
Total Assets   19,511,624 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable for investments purchased   1,759,496 
Payable to adviser   10,455 
Total Liabilities   1,769,951 
NET ASSETS  $17,741,673 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $20,220,017 
Total distributable earnings/(accumulated losses)   (2,478,344)
NET ASSETS  $17,741,673 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $18,687,370 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $17,741,673 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   750,002 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $23.66 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

5 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Statement of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Dividends  $362,688 
Total Investment Income   362,688 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment adviser fees   60,993 
Total Expenses   60,993 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   301,695 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):     
Net realized loss on investments(a)   (558,621)
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments   (638,124)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS   (1,196,745)
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(895,050)

 

(a)Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six
Months Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2022
 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $301,695   $386,469 
Net realized gain/(loss)   (558,621)   76,312 
Net change in unrealized depreciation   (638,124)   (2,499,595)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   (895,050)   (2,036,814)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (268,895)   (1,095,528)
Dividends to shareholders from tax return of capital       (83,271)
Total distributions   (268,895)   (1,178,799)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   1,218,911    4,984,526 
Cost of shares redeemed   (353,579)   (7,966,498)
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions   865,332    (2,981,972)
Net decrease in net assets   (298,613)   (6,197,585)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   18,040,286    24,237,871 
End of period  $17,741,673   $18,040,286 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   715,002    820,002 
Shares sold   50,000    175,000 
Shares redeemed   (15,000)   (280,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   750,002    715,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

7 | May 31, 2023

 

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the
Six Months
Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2022
   For the Period
February 25,
2021
(Commencement
of Operations) to
November 30,
2021
 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $25.23   $29.56   $24.62 
                
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:               
Net investment income(a)   0.41    0.54    0.37 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (1.61)   (3.39)   5.01 
Total from investment operations   (1.20)   (2.85)   5.38 
                
DISTRIBUTIONS:               
From net investment income   (0.37)   (0.53)   (0.38)
From net realized gains       (0.83)   (0.06)
From tax return of capital       (0.12)    
Total distributions   (0.37)   (1.48)   (0.44)
                
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (1.57)   (4.33)   4.94 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $23.66   $25.23   $29.56 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   (4.74)%   (10.17)%   22.01%
                
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:               
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $17,742   $18,040   $24,238 
                
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.68%(c)  0.68%   0.68%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   3.36%(c)  1.96%   1.69%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   30%   120%   92%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(c)Annualized.

(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of May 31, 2023, the Trust consists of twenty-three separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the ALPS Active REIT ETF (the “Fund”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek total return through dividends and capital appreciation. The Fund is considered non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund.

 

The Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq Exchange”). The Fund issues and redeems Shares, at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 5,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of the financial statements. The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

The Fund’s NAV is determined daily, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.

 

Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price as determined by NASDAQ. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities traded on the NASDAQ, are valued at the last quoted sale price in such market.

 

The Fund’s investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value according to procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for each Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments. The Adviser may carry out its designated responsibilities as Valuation Designee through various teams and committees. When market quotations are not readily available or when events occur that make established valuation methods unreliable, securities of the Fund may be valued in good faith by the Valuation Designee. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established primary pricing source or the pricing source is not willing to provide a price; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is most likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of the Fund’s NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; or a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security’s “fair value” due to the security being de-listed from a national exchange or the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when, under normal conditions, it would be open. As a general principle, the current “fair value” of a security would be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive from the sale on the applicable exchange or principal market. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities.

 

9 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

The Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Valuation techniques used to value the Fund’s investments by major category are as follows:

 

Equity securities, including restricted securities, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by a third party pricing vendor on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the mean of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices on such day and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing NAV each business day and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments.

 

These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;
Level 2 Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
Level 3 Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of May 31, 2023:

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

                 
Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and
Unadjusted Prices
   Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
   Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
   Total 
Common Stocks*  $17,322,693   $   $   $17,322,693 
Short Term Investments   319,709            319,709 
Total  $17,642,402   $   $   $17,642,402 

 

*For a detailed breakdown of sectors, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments.

 

The Fund did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the six months ended May 31, 2023.

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the specific identification in accordance with GAAP. Dividend income and capital gains distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis.

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid quarterly or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Fund, if any, are distributed at least annually.

 

10 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2022               
ALPS Active REIT ETF  $1,070,973   $24,555   $83,271 

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2022, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
ALPS Active REIT ETF  $875,539   $ 

 

As of May 31, 2023, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

  ALPS Active REIT ETF 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $510,886 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (1,556,228)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)  $(1,045,342)
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $18,687,744 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales. In addition, certain tax cost basis adjustments are finalized at fiscal year-end and therefore have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

F. Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)

As part of its investments in real estate related securities, the Fund will invest in REITs and is subject to certain risks associated with direct investment in REITs. REITs possess certain risks which differ from an investment in common stocks. REITs are financial vehicles that pool investors’ capital to acquire, develop and/or finance real estate and provide services to their tenants. REITs may concentrate their investments in specific geographic areas or in specific property types, e.g., regional malls, shopping centers, office buildings, apartment buildings and industrial warehouses. REITs may be affected by changes in the value of their underlying properties and by defaults by borrowers or tenants. REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to shareowners, and certain REITs have self-liquidation provisions by which mortgages held may be paid in full and distributions of capital returns may be made at any time.

 

As REITs generally pay a higher rate of dividends than most other operating companies, to the extent application of the Fund's investment strategy results in the Fund investing in REIT shares, the percentage of the Fund's dividend income received from REIT shares will likely exceed the percentage of the Fund's portfolio that is comprised of REIT shares. Distributions received by the Fund from REITs may consist of dividends, capital gains and/or return of capital.

 

Dividend income from REITs is recognized on the ex-dividend date. The calendar year-end amounts of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital included in distributions received from the Fund's investments in REITs are reported to the Fund after the end of the calendar year; accordingly, the Fund estimates these amounts for accounting purposes until the characterization of REIT distributions is reported to the Fund after the end of the calendar year. Estimates are based on the most recent REIT distribution information available.

 

The performance of a REIT may be affected by its failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or its failure to maintain exemption from registration under the 1940 Act. Due to the Fund's investments in REITs, the Fund may also make distributions in excess of the Fund's earnings and capital gains. Distributions, if any, in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder’ shares and, after that basis has been reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to the shareholder.

 

11 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

G. Income Taxes

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as the Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies. The Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the period ended May 31, 2023, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

H. Lending of Portfolio Securities

The Fund has entered into a securities lending agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Co. (“SSB”), the Fund’s lending agent. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities only to borrowers that are approved by SSB. The Fund will limit such lending to not more than 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. The Fund’s securities held at SSB as custodian shall be available to be lent except those securities the Fund or ALPS Advisors, Inc. specifically identifies in writing as not being available for lending. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Fund collateral consisting of cash (U.S. Dollars only), securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and cash equivalents (including irrevocable bank letters of credit) issued by a person other than the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower. The initial collateral received by the Fund is required to have a value of no less than 102% of the market value of the loaned securities for U.S equity securities and a value of no less than 105% of the market value for non-U.S. equity securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter, at a market value equal to not less than 102% of the current value of the U.S. equity securities on loan and not less than 105% of the current value of the non-U.S. equity securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. During the term of the loan, the Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the customary time period for settlement of securities transactions.

 

Any cash collateral received is reinvested in a money market fund managed by SSB as disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and is reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned. Non-cash collateral, in the form of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, is not disclosed in the Fund’s Statements of Assets and Liabilities as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of the Fund, and the Fund does not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. Income earned by the Fund from securities lending activity is disclosed in the Statement of Operations. As of May 31, 2023, the Fund did not have any securities on loan.

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.68% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

Out of the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the cost of sub-advisory, transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, trustees and other services, except for acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business. The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay substantially all of the Fund’s expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services to the Fund.

 

GSI Capital Advisors LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the Fund's sub-adviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with the Trust (the ‘‘Sub-Advisory Agreement’’). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a sub-advisory fee out of the Adviser’s advisory fee for the services it provides. The fee is payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.35% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, is the administrator of the Fund.

 

12 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $20,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $10,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Active REIT ETF  $5,356,439   $5,355,236 

 

For the six month period ended May 31, 2023, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Active REIT ETF  $1,190,914   $347,336 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the ALPS Active REIT ETF had in-kind net realized gain of $21,193.

 

Gains on in-kind transactions are not considered taxable for federal income tax purposes and losses on in-kind transactions are also not deductible for tax purposes.

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by the Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 5,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Fund. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of the Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. MARKET RISK

 

 

The Fund is subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause the Fund to lose value. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.

 

7. CHANGE IN AUDITOR

 

 

On March 14, 2023, BBD LLP (“BBD”) ceased to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund. The Board approved the replacement of BBD as a result of Cohen & Company, Ltd.’s (“Cohen”) acquisition of BBD’s investment management group.

 

The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Fund as of and for the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023: (i) there were no disagreements between the registrant and BBD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Fund for such years or interim period; and (ii) there were no “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

13 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

On March 7, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Funds’ Audit Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Cohen, effective upon the resignation of BBD, as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.

 

During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023, neither the registrant, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Cohen on behalf of the Fund regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Fund’s financial statements, or any matter that was either: (i) the subject of a "disagreement," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the instructions thereto; or (ii) "reportable events," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Effective July 1, 2023, each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $25,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $15,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

 

On June 20, 2023, the Board approved, based on a recommendation from the Adviser, a change to the Fund from semi-transparent to fully transparent effective on or around August 22, 2023. In connection with the change, there will be no change to the Fund’s name, ticker symbol, investment objective, fees and expenses, principal investment strategies, principal investment risks, investment adviser, sub-adviser, or portfolio managers.

 

14 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Additional Information May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 and a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures used in determining how to vote for proxies are available without charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and upon request, by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of the Fund’s Form N-PORT are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1-866-759-5679 and on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The ALPS Active REIT ETF designates the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction 199A
ALPS Active REIT ETF 0.00% 0.00% 99.21%

 

In early 2023, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Fund during the calendar year 2022 via Form 1099. The Fund will notify shareholders in early 2024 of amounts paid to them by the Fund, if any, during the calendar year 2023.

 

15 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s liquidity risk management rule (the “Liquidity Rule”), the ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”) has established a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk for each series of the Trust (each a “Fund”). The Program is overseen by the Liquidity Committee (the “Committee”), a committee comprised of representatives of the Trust’s investment adviser, ALPS Advisors, Inc. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the designation of the Committee to oversee the Program.

 

The Program’s principal objectives include supporting each Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and assessing and managing the risk that a Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence a Fund’s liquidity and, for Funds that are not “In-Kind ETFs,” the periodic classification and re-classification of such Fund’s investments into groupings that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on March 7, 2023, the Trustees received a report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the Program for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the Program has been operating effectively to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and (as applicable) respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments.

 

The Committee reported that during the period covered by the report, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Funds or their ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries. Among other things, the Committee’s report noted that no Fund is required to have a highly liquid investment minimum based either on its status as an In-Kind ETF or on its ability to rely on another exemption under the Liquidity Rule. The Committee’s report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

 

16 | May 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 3
Financial Statements  
Schedule of Investments 4
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 5
Statement of Operations 6
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 7
Financial Highlights 8
Notes to Financial Statements 9
Additional Information 15
Liquidity Risk Management Program 16

 

alpsfunds.com

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF 

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

The ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (the “Fund”) seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Index™ (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index is an index of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs") comprised of all active Select Sector SPDR® ETFs in an equal-weighted portfolio. These are the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Materials Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Technology Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Utilities Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Industrial Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Health Care Select Sector SPDR® Fund and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR® Fund (each, an “Underlying Sector ETF” and collectively, the “Underlying Sector ETFs”). In order to track the Underlying Index, the Fund will use a “fund of funds” approach, and seek to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 90% of its total assets in the shares of the Underlying Sector ETFs.

 

The Underlying Index is designed to track performance of the equally weighted Underlying Sector ETFs. Accordingly, the Underlying Index is rebalanced to an equal weighting quarterly during the months of March, June, September, and December.

 

Each Underlying Sector ETF is an “index fund” that invests in the equity securities of companies in a particular sector or group of industries. The objective of each Underlying Sector ETF is to track its respective underlying sector index by replicating the securities in the underlying sector index. Together, the Underlying Sector ETFs represent the Underlying Index as a whole.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF - NAV -1.80% -2.35% 9.71% 10.37% 12.65%
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF - Market Price* -1.81% -2.29% 9.70% 10.37% 12.67%
NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Total Return Index™ -1.73% -2.24% 9.87% 10.58% 12.91%
S&P 500® Total Return Index 3.33% 2.92% 11.01% 11.99% 13.92%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current Prospectus) is 0.47%. Net Expense Ratio (per the current Prospectus) is 0.26%. Net expense ratio reflects the reimbursement of distribution fees for underlying sector ETFs. In addition, the Adviser has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2024, to reduce its advisory fee by 0.19%. This fee waiver may only be terminated by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (and not by the Adviser) prior to such date. Please see the prospectus for additional information.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced Investment Operations on July 6, 2009 with an Inception Date, the first day of trading on the Exchange, of July 7, 2009.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Total Return Index™ consists of a strategy that holds all active Select Sector SPDR® ETFs in an equal-weighted portfolio. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index: the Standard & Poor’s composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. The indexes are reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund. 

1 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following table shows the sector weights of both the Fund and the S&P 500® Total Return Index as of May 31, 2023:

 

Sector Weighting Comparison (as of May 31, 2023)

 

  EQL* S&P 500® +/-
Technology 10.09% 28.05% -17.96%
Communication Services 9.97% 8.76% 1.21%
Consumer Discretionary 9.45% 10.16% -0.71%
Financials 9.03% 12.48% -3.45%
Healthcare 8.95% 13.72% -4.77%
Consumer Staples 8.88% 6.90% 1.98%
Industrials 8.82% 8.15% 0.67%
Energy 8.77% 4.18% 4.59%
Real Estate 8.76% 2.51% 6.25%
Materials 8.75% 2.41% 6.34%
Utilities 8.53% 2.68% 5.85%
Money Market Fund 0.00% 0.00%
Total 100.00% 100.00%  

 

Source: S&P 500®

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned).

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund over the past ten years including dividend reinvestment with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

2 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through May 31, 2023.

 

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

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

Beginning Account

Value

12/1/22

Ending Account 

Value

5/31/23

Expense 

Ratio(a) 

Expenses Paid 

During Period 

12/1/22 - 5/31/23(b)

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $982.00 0.16% $0.79
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,024.13 0.16% $0.81

 

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.

(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

3 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (100.01%) 
Communication Services (9.97%) 
Communication Services          
Select Sector SPDR Fund(a)   444,539   $27,668,108 
           
Consumer Discretionary (9.45%)          
Consumer Discretionary Select          
Sector SPDR Fund(a)   173,015    26,230,804 
           
Consumer Staples (8.88%)          
Consumer Staples Select          
Sector SPDR Fund(a)   339,128    24,644,432 
           
Energy (8.77%)          
Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund   317,709    24,333,332 
           
Financials (9.03%)          
Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund   789,350    25,069,756 
           
Healthcare (8.95%)          
Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund(a)   194,288    24,835,835 
           
Industrials (8.82%)          
Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund(a)   252,965    24,499,660 
           
Materials (8.75%)          
Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund(a)   323,858    24,295,827 
           
Real Estate (8.76%)          
Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund(a)   674,965    24,325,739 
           
Technology (10.09%)          
Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund(a)   170,454    28,002,183 
           
Utilities (8.54%)          
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund   365,143    23,708,735 
           
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $276,292,990)        277,614,411 
  7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (14.55%)      
Money Market Fund (0.00%)      
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)              
(Cost $2,328)  5.02%   2,328   $2,328 
               
Investments Purchased with Collateral      
from Securities Loaned (14.55%)      
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%              
(Cost $40,387,646)       40,387,646    40,387,646 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS      
(Cost $40,389,974)            40,389,974 
               
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (114.56%)      
(Cost $316,682,964)           $318,004,385 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-14.56%)    (40,415,651)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%           $277,588,734 

 

(a)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $44,099,285.

 

Common Abbreviations: 

SPDR® - Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts

 

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

 

4 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value(a)  $318,004,385 
Dividends receivable   9,848 
Total Assets   318,014,233 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable to adviser   37,853 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned   40,387,646 
Total Liabilities   40,425,499 
NET ASSETS  $277,588,734 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $233,148,748 
Total distributable earnings/(accumulated losses)   44,439,986 
NET ASSETS  $277,588,734 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $316,682,964 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $277,588,734 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   2,825,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $98.26 

 

(a)Includes $44,099,285 of securities on loan.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

5 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Statement of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Dividends  $3,744,307 
Securities Lending Income   81,495 
Total Investment Income   3,825,802 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment adviser fees   559,196 
Total Expenses before waiver/reimbursement   559,196 
Less fee waiver/reimbursement by investment adviser   (317,382)
Net Expenses   241,814 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   3,583,988 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):     
Net realized gain on investments(a)   47,975,772 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   (61,036,264)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS   (13,060,492)
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(9,476,504)

 

(a)Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

6 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

  

For the Six 

Months Ended 

May 31, 2023 

(Unaudited) 

  

For the 

Year Ended 

November 30, 2022

 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $3,583,988   $4,589,894 
Net realized gain   47,975,772    5,922,093 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (61,036,264)   (9,615,305)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (9,476,504)   896,682 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (3,603,164)   (4,607,523)
Total distributions   (3,603,164)   (4,607,523)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   118,016,469    153,184,146 
Cost of shares redeemed   (169,446,901)   (15,270,895)
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions   (51,430,432)   137,913,251 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (64,510,100)   134,202,410 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   342,098,834    207,896,424 
End of period  $277,588,734   $342,098,834 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   3,375,000    2,000,000 
Shares sold   1,200,000    1,525,000 
Shares redeemed   (1,750,000)   (150,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   2,825,000    3,375,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

7 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF 

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

  

For the 

Six Months 

Ended 

May 31, 2023 

(Unaudited) 

  

For the Year 

Ended 

November 30, 

2022 

  

For the Year 

Ended 

November 30, 

2021 

  

For the Year 

Ended 

November 30, 

2020 

  

For the Year 

Ended 

November 30, 

2019 

  

For the Year 

Ended 

November 30, 

2018

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $101.36   $103.95   $84.17   $78.33   $70.34   $69.28 
                               
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income(a)   1.17    1.89    1.76    1.91    1.53    1.50 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (3.03)   (2.55)   19.82    5.84    8.03    1.02 
Total from investment operations   (1.86)   (0.66)   21.58    7.75    9.56    2.52 
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (1.24)   (1.93)   (1.78)   (1.90)   (1.57)   (1.46)
From tax return of capital           (0.02)   (0.01)        
Total distributions   (1.24)   (1.93)   (1.80)   (1.91)   (1.57)   (1.46)
                               
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (3.10)   (2.59)   19.78    5.84    7.99    1.06 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $98.26   $101.36   $103.95   $84.17   $78.33   $70.34 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   (1.80)%   (0.59)%   25.89%   10.37%   13.86%   3.66%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $277,589   $342,099   $207,896   $164,141   $168,407   $154,742 
                               
Ratio of expenses excluding waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   0.37%(c)   0.37%   0.37%   0.37%   0.37%   0.37%
Ratio of expenses including waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   0.16%(c)   0.16%   0.15%   0.15%   0.15%   0.15%
Ratio of net investment income excluding waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   2.16%(c)   1.68%   1.59%   2.31%   1.89%   1.92%
Ratio of net investment income including waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   2.37%(c)   1.89%   1.81%   2.53%   2.11%   2.14%
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   16%   12%   8%   11%   4%   14%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c)Annualized.

(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

8 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of May 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of twenty-three separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (the “Fund”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Index (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund is considered non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund.

 

The Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc (the “NYSE Arca”). The Fund issues and redeems Shares, at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of the financial statements. The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

A. Portfolio Valuation 

The Fund’s NAV is determined daily, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.

 

Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price as determined by NASDAQ. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities traded on the NASDAQ, are valued at the last quoted sale price in such market.

 

The Fund’s investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value according to procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for each Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments. The Adviser may carry out its designated responsibilities as Valuation Designee through various teams and committees. When market quotations are not readily available or when events occur that make established valuation methods unreliable, securities of the Fund may be valued in good faith by the Valuation Designee. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established primary pricing source or the pricing source is not willing to provide a price; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is most likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of the Fund’s NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; or a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security’s “fair value” due to the security being de-listed from a national exchange or the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when, under normal conditions, it would be open. As a general principle, the current “fair value” of a security would be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive from the sale on the applicable exchange or principal market. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities.

9 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

B. Fair Value Measurements 

The Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Valuation techniques used to value the Fund’s investments by major category are as follows:

 

Exchange Traded Funds, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by a third party pricing vendor on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the mean of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices on such day and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing NAV each business day and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments.

 

These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 –Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;

 

Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

 

Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of May 31, 2023:

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Exchange Traded Funds*  $277,614,411   $   $   $277,614,411 
Short Term Investments   40,389,974            40,389,974 
Total  $318,004,385   $   $   $318,004,385 

 

*For a detailed breakdown of sectors, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments.

 

The Fund did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the six months ended May 31, 2023.

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income 

Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the specific identification in accordance with GAAP. Dividend income and capital gains distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis.

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders 

Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid quarterly or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Fund, if any, are distributed at least annually.

10 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information 

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2022               
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  $4,607,523   $   $ 

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2022, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  $992,242   $3,075,574 

 

As of May 31, 2023, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $11,265,223 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (10,878,714)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)  $386,509 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $317,617,876 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales. In addition, certain tax cost basis adjustments are finalized at fiscal year-end and therefore have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

F. Income Taxes

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as the Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. The Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the six months ended May 31, 2023, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

G. Lending of Portfolio Securities

The Fund has entered into a securities lending agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Co. (“SSB”), the Fund’s lending agent. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities only to borrowers that are approved by SSB. The Fund will limit such lending to not more than 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. The Fund’s securities held at SSB as custodian shall be available to be lent except those securities the Fund or ALPS Advisors, Inc. specifically identifies in writing as not being available for lending. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Fund collateral consisting of cash (U.S. Dollars only), securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and cash equivalents (including irrevocable bank letters of credit) issued by a person other than the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower. The initial collateral received by the Fund is required to have a value of no less than 102% of the market value of the loaned securities for U.S equity securities and a value of no less than 105% of the market value for non-U.S. equity securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter, at a market value equal to not less than 102% of the current value of the U.S. equity securities on loan and not less than 105% of the current value of the non-U.S. equity securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. During the term of the loan, the Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the customary time period for settlement of securities transactions.

11 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Any cash collateral received is reinvested in a money market fund managed by SSB as disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and is reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned. Non-cash collateral, in the form of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, is not disclosed in the Fund’s Statements of Assets and Liabilities or the contractual maturity table below as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of the Fund, and the Fund does not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. Income earned by the Fund from securities lending activity is disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

The following is a summary of the Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of May 31, 2023:

 

   Market Value of Securities on Loan   Cash Collateral Received   Non-Cash Collateral Received   Total Collateral Received 
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  $44,099,285   $40,387,646   $5,009,270   $45,396,916 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Fund could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received.

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of May 31, 2023:

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF    Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements
Securities Lending Transactions    Overnight & Continuous    Up to 30 Days   30-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   Total 
Common Stocks    $40,387,646    $   $   $   $40,387,646 
Total Borrowings                         40,387,646 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)             $40,387,646 

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.37% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive 0.19% of its annual unitary fee payable by the Fund until at least March 31, 2024. The waiver may only be terminated by the Fund's Board of Trustees prior to such date.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (“APSD”) is both the distributor for the Fund as well as the Select Sector SPDR exchange traded funds (“Underlying Sector ETFs”) that the Fund invests in. As required by exemptive relief obtained by the Underlying Sector ETFs, the Adviser will reimburse the Fund an amount equal to the distribution fee received by APSD from the Underlying Sector ETFs attributable to the Fund’s investment in the Underlying Sector ETFs, for so long as APSD acts as the distributor to the Fund and the Underlying Sector ETFs. Such reimbursement is generally expected to be approximately 0.02% - 0.03% annually.

 

Out of the unitary management fees, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of the Fund, including licensing fees to the Underlying Index provider, the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, trustees and other services, except for acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business. The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay substantially all of the Fund’s expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services to the Fund.

12 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, is the administrator of the Fund.

 

Each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $20,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $10,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023 the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  $25,628,131   $26,073,083 

 

For the six month period ended May 31, 2023, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  $118,015,840   $168,949,287 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF had in-kind net realized gain of $51,299,765.

 

Gains on in-kind transactions are not considered taxable for federal income tax purposes and losses on in-kind transactions are also not deductible for tax purposes.

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by the Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Fund. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of the Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. MARKET RISK

 

 

The Fund is subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause the Fund to lose value. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.

 

7. CHANGE IN AUDITOR

 

 

On March 14, 2023, BBD LLP (“BBD”) ceased to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund. The Board approved the replacement of BBD as a result of Cohen & Company, Ltd.’s (“Cohen”) acquisition of BBD’s investment management group.

 

The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Fund as of and for the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023: (i) there were no disagreements between the registrant and BBD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Fund for such years or interim period; and (ii) there were no “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

13 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

On March 7, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Fund's Audit Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Cohen, effective upon the resignation of BBD, as the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.

 

During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023, neither the registrant, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Cohen on behalf of the Fund regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Fund's financial statements, or any matter that was either: (i) the subject of a "disagreement," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the instructions thereto; or (ii) "reportable events," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Effective July 1, 2023, each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $25,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $15,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

14 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Additional Information May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 and a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures used in determining how to vote for proxies are available without charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and upon request, by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of the Fund’s Form N-PORT are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1-866-759-5679 and on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF designates the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF 85.67% 85.08%

 

In early 2023, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Fund during the calendar year 2022 via Form 1099. The Fund will notify shareholders in early 2024 of amounts paid to them by the Fund, if any, during the calendar year 2023.

 

LICENSING AGREEMENT

 

  

ICE Data Indices, LLC (the “Index Provider”) is not affiliated with the ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (the “Fund”) or ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”). The Fund is entitled to use the Underlying Index pursuant to a licensing agreement with the Index Provider and the Adviser. The Adviser pays a licensing fee to the Index Provider out of the management fee.

 

The only relationship that the Index Provider has with the Fund, the Adviser or Distributor of the Fund in connection with the Fund is that the Index Provider has licensed certain of its intellectual property, including the determination of the component stocks of the Underlying Index and the name of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is selected and calculated without regard to the Adviser, Distributor or owners of the Fund. The Index Provider has no obligation to take the specific needs of the Adviser, Distributor or owners of the Fund into consideration in the determination and calculation of the Underlying Index. The Index Provider is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of pricing or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Shares of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the net asset value of the Fund. The Index Provider has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration or trading of the Fund.

 

NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Index is a service mark of ICE Data Indices, LLC or its affiliates (“ICE Data”) and has been licensed for use by the Adviser in connection with the Fund. Neither the Trust nor the Fund is sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by ICE Data. ICE Data makes no representations or warranties regarding the Adviser or the Fund or the ability of the NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Index to track general stock market performance.

 

ICE DATA MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE NYSE® EQUAL SECTOR WEIGHT INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. IN NO EVENT SHALL ICE DATA HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

15 | May 31, 2023

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s liquidity risk management rule (the “Liquidity Rule”), the ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”) has established a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk for each series of the Trust (each a “Fund”). The Program is overseen by the Liquidity Committee (the “Committee”), a committee comprised of representatives of the Trust’s investment adviser, ALPS Advisors, Inc. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the designation of the Committee to oversee the Program.

 

The Program’s principal objectives include supporting each Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and assessing and managing the risk that a Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence a Fund’s liquidity and, for Funds that are not “In-Kind ETFs,” the periodic classification and re-classification of such Fund’s investments into groupings that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on March 7, 2023, the Trustees received a report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the Program for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the Program has been operating effectively to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and (as applicable) respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments.

 

The Committee reported that during the period covered by the report, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Funds or their ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries. Among other things, the Committee’s report noted that no Fund is required to have a highly liquid investment minimum based either on its status as an In-Kind ETF or on its ability to rely on another exemption under the Liquidity Rule. The Committee’s report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

 

16 | May 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 3
Financial Statements  
Schedule of Investments 4
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 8
Statement of Operations 9
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 10
Financial Highlights 11
Notes to Financial Statements 12
Additional Information 17
Liquidity Risk Management Program 18

 

alpsfunds.com 

 

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF (the “Fund") seeks to protect investor's capital and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Fund seeks to actively achieve its investment objective by applying bottom-up fundamental analysis and investing in a long-term, tax-aware manner. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in municipal bonds that pay interest that is generally excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes (except that the interest paid by certain municipal securities may be includable in taxable income for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax).

 

Fund Performance (as of May 31, 2023)        

 

  6 Months 1 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF - NAV 2.25% 1.71% 4.52%
ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF - Market* 2.01% 1.99% 5.09%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond 1-15 Year Blend Index 1.56% 1.16% 3.51%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.50%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced operations on May 19, 2022, with the first day of trading on the exchange of May 20, 2022.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

Bloomberg Municipal Bond 1-15 Year Blend Index is an unmanaged index comprised of fixed-rate, investment-grade tax-exempt bonds with remaining maturities between 1 and 17 years. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund is new with limited operating history.

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF's shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

1 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)  
   
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 3.73%
Tennessee Housing Development Agency 3.20%
South Dakota Housing Development Authority 3.19%
Ohio Housing Finance Agency 3.15%
University of Wisconsin Hospitals & Clinics 3.12%
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority 3.11%
Connecticut State Health & Educational Facilities Authority 3.04%
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency 2.81%
Central Plains Energy Project 2.36%
Salt Verde Financial Corp. 2.20%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 29.91%

 

Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)  
   
Revenue Bonds 89.34%
General Obligation Bonds 10.66%
Total 100.00%

 

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

2 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through May 31, 2023.

 

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

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

  Beginning Account Value 12/1/22 Ending Account Value 5/31/23 Expense Ratio(a) Expenses Paid During Period 12/1/22 - 5/31/23(b)
ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,022.50 0.50% $2.52
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.44 0.50% $2.52

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.

(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

3 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
MUNICIPAL BONDS (103.73%)          
General Obligation Limited (2.31%)          
Pennsylvania (2.31%)          
School District of Philadelphia          
5.00%, 09/01/2034  $500,000   $515,283 
4.00%, 09/01/2036   200,000    199,634 
Total Pennsylvania        714,917 
           
Total General Obligation Limited        714,917 
           
General Obligation Unlimited (8.74%)          
California (2.72%)          
Allan Hancock Joint Community College District           
0.00%, 08/01/2042(a)   250,000    197,824 
Chaffey Joint Union High School District          
0.00%, 08/01/2044(a)   250,000    95,578 
Chino Valley Unified School District           
0.00%, 08/01/2035(a)   135,000    84,898 
Rio Hondo Community College District           
0.00%, 08/01/2036(a)   300,000    181,113 
San Mateo County Community College District           
0.00%, 09/01/2035(a)   110,000    71,787 
San Mateo Union High School District          
0.00%, 09/01/2041(a)   220,000    210,300 
Total California        841,500 
           
Massachusetts (2.04%)          
Commonwealth of Massachusetts          
3M US L + 0.57%,          
05/01/2037(b)   645,000    627,606 
Total Massachusetts        627,606 
           
Oregon (3.69%)          
Clackamas & Washington          
Counties School District No 3           
0.00%, 06/15/2036(a)   600,000    342,369 
Multnomah County School District No 40           
0.00%, 06/15/2043(a)   1,000,000    377,270 
Multnomah County School District No 7 Reynolds          
0.00%, 06/15/2035(a)   500,000    293,970 
Washington & Multnomah Counties School District No 48J Beaverton           
0.00%, 06/15/2034(a)   200,000    127,959 
Total Oregon        1,141,568 
Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
General Obligation Unlimited (continued)          
Washington (0.29%)          
Washington Clackamas & Yamhill           
Counties School District No 88J          
0.00%, 06/15/2040(a)  $200,000   $90,274 
Total Washington        90,274 
           
Total General Obligation Unlimited        2,700,948 
           
Revenue Bonds (92.68%)          
Arizona (4.73%)          
Chandler Industrial Development Authority           
2.70%, 12/01/2037(b)   300,000    298,839 
Salt Verde Financial Corp.          
5.00%, 12/01/2032   675,000    704,625 
5.00%, 12/01/2037   450,000    457,603 
Total Arizona        1,461,067 
           
California (2.94%)          
Anaheim Public Financing Authority           
0.00%, 09/01/2030(a)   275,000    212,193 
Long Beach Bond Finance Authority          
3M US L + 1.45%,          
11/15/2027(b)   430,000    424,434 
Northern California Gas Authority No 1          
3M US L + 0.72%,          
07/01/2027(b)   275,000    272,047 
Total California        908,674 
           
Colorado (2.61%)          
City & County of Denver Co.           
Airport System Revenue        
5.75%, 11/15/2036   250,000    298,113 
Colorado Health Facilities Authority           
4.00%, 01/01/2038   200,000    199,137 
4.00%, 11/15/2043   150,000    146,103 
E-470 Public Highway Authority           
0.00%, 09/01/2035(a)   300,000    168,206 
Total Colorado        811,559 
           
Connecticut (4.41%)          
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority           
4.00%, 11/15/2047   390,000    386,240 
Connecticut State Health &           
Educational Facilities Authority          
0.25%, 07/01/2037(b)   1,000,000    973,855 
Total Connecticut        1,360,095 

4 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Revenue Bonds (continued)          
District of Columbia (0.50%)          
Metropolitan Washington           
Airports Authority Aviation Revenue           
5.00%, 10/01/2031  $150,000   $155,943 
Total District of Columbia        155,943 
           
Florida (3.55%)          
City Of South Miami Health           
Facilities Authority, Inc.           
5.00%, 08/15/2042   300,000    306,596 
County of Broward FL           
Airport System Revenue           
5.00%, 10/01/2031   200,000    215,334 
County of Broward FL           
Convention Center Hotel Revenue           
4.00%, 01/01/2041   100,000    96,340 
Florida Housing Finance Corp.          
5.50%, 01/01/2054   150,000    157,398 
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority           
5.00%, 10/01/2033   300,000    322,349 
Total Florida        1,098,017 
           
Georgia (4.43%)          
Development Authority of Burke County          
1.50%, 01/01/2040(b)   255,000    240,854 
1.70%, 12/01/2049(b)   650,000    626,236 
Main Street Natural Gas, Inc.           
4.00%, 08/01/2049(b)   500,000    501,298 
Total Georgia        1,368,388 
           
Illinois (4.13%)          
Illinois Finance Authority          
5.00%, 08/15/2035   225,000    250,360 
5.00%, 02/15/2036   300,000    314,043 
4.00%, 08/15/2049(b)   600,000    600,000 
Sales Tax Securitization Corp.           
5.00%, 01/01/2035(c)   100,000    110,556 
Total Illinois        1,274,959 
           
Indiana (0.50%)          
Indiana Finance Authority           
5.00%, 11/01/2043   150,000    154,724 
Total Indiana        154,724 
           
Kansas (0.72%)          
Kansas Development Finance Authority           
5.00%, 11/15/2054(b)   200,000    223,889 
Total Kansas        223,889 
Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Revenue Bonds (continued)          
Kentucky (2.09%)          
Kentucky Public Energy Authority           
4.00%, 12/01/2049(b)  $210,000   $209,444 
1D US SOFR + 1.20%,          
08/01/2052(b)   460,000    435,703 
Total Kentucky        645,147 
           
Massachusetts (0.50%)          
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency           
3.00%, 12/01/2050   160,000    154,069 
Total Massachusetts        154,069 
           
Michigan (0.87%)          
Michigan Finance Authority           
4.00%, 04/15/2042   125,000    119,101 
Michigan Strategic Fund           
3.88%, 06/01/2053(b)(c)   150,000    149,237 
Total Michigan        268,338 
           
Minnesota (0.37%)          
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency           
2.47%, 01/01/2050   132,786    113,281 
Total Minnesota        113,281 
           
Missouri (0.88%)          
Missouri Housing Development           
Commission          
4.00%, 05/01/2050   275,000    271,888 
Total Missouri        271,888 
           
Nebraska (3.22%)          
Central Plains Energy Project          
5.00%, 05/01/2053(b)   725,000    754,909 
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority           
3.50%, 09/01/2046   245,000    240,474 
Total Nebraska        995,383 
           
New Jersey (4.84%)          
New Jersey Economic Development Authority           
5.00%, 06/15/2034(c)   250,000    268,390 
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority          
5.00%, 07/01/2045(b)   220,000    228,746 
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority           
0.00%, 12/15/2031(a)   1,375,000    995,815 
Total New Jersey        1,492,951 
           
New Mexico (1.99%)          
City of Farmington NM           
1.80%, 04/01/2029   375,000    319,151 

5 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Revenue Bonds (continued)          
New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority          
5.25%, 03/01/2053  $285,000   $297,090 
Total New Mexico        616,241 
           
New York (12.30%)          
Metropolitan Transportation Authority          
1D US SOFR + 0.80%, 11/01/2032(b)   460,000    448,629 
1D US SOFR + 0.33%, 11/01/2035(b)   470,000    465,925 
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority          
4.10%, 06/15/2044(b)   600,000    600,000 
4.10%, 06/15/2050(b)   400,000    400,000 
New York City Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax          
Secured Revenue           
4.10%, 11/01/2036(b)   100,000    100,000 
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey          
5.00%, 11/01/2030   1,100,000    1,194,027 
5.00%, 04/01/2036   100,000    102,532 
Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority          
0.00%, 11/15/2039(a)   1,000,000    487,405 
Total New York        3,798,518 
           
North Carolina (3.25%)          
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority          
4.05%, 01/15/2037(b)   500,000    500,000 
4.00%, 01/15/2037   500,000    500,279 
Total North Carolina        1,000,279 
           
North Dakota (5.22%)          
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency          
4.25%, 01/01/2049   395,000    392,873 
3.00%, 01/01/2052   940,000    901,225 
5.75%, 07/01/2053   300,000    318,320 
Total North Dakota        1,612,418 
           
Ohio (4.87%)          
Ohio Air Quality Development Authority          
4.25%, 11/01/2039(b)   500,000    494,355 
Ohio Housing Finance Agency          
5.00%, 03/01/2052   985,000    1,010,132 
Total Ohio        1,504,487 
Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Revenue Bonds (continued)          
Oklahoma (1.66%)          
Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency          
5.00%, 03/01/2052  $500,000   $513,238 
Total Oklahoma        513,238 
           
Oregon (0.71%)          
Port of Portland OR Airport Revenue          
5.00%, 07/01/2036   200,000    217,972 
Total Oregon        217,972 
           
South Dakota (3.31%)          
South Dakota Housing Development Authority           
5.00%, 05/01/2053   995,000    1,021,183 
Total South Dakota        1,021,183 
           
Tennessee (3.31%)          
Tennessee Housing Development Agency          
5.00%, 01/01/2053   1,000,000    1,025,544 
Total Tennessee        1,025,544 
           
Texas (5.87%)          
Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs          
4.40%, 07/01/2037   185,000    188,584 
3.50%, 07/01/2052   335,000    324,937 
Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition and Supply Corp. I          
3M US L + 0.70%, 12/15/2026(b)   620,000    614,047 
6.25%, 12/15/2026   40,000    41,575 
Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition and Supply Corp. II          
3M US L + 0.87%, 09/15/2027(b)   500,000    497,860 
3M US L + 0.69%,          
09/15/2027(b)   150,000    148,495 
Total Texas        1,815,498 
           
Utah (0.65%)          
City of Murray UT           
4.00%, 05/15/2037(b)   200,000    200,000 
Total Utah        200,000 
           
Virginia (0.96%)          
York County Economic Development Authority          
3.65%, 05/01/2033(b)(c)   300,000    298,102 
Total Virginia        298,102 

6 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Revenue Bonds (continued)          
Washington (2.29%)          
Metropolitan Washington           
Airports Authority Aviation Revenue          
5.00%, 10/01/2037(c)  $250,000   $267,599 
Port of Seattle WA 5.00%, 04/01/2027   250,000    252,589 
Washington Higher Education           
Facilities Authority           
4.00%, 04/01/2042   200,000    186,554 
Total Washington        706,742 
           
Wisconsin (5.00%)          
Public Finance Authority           
3.70%, 10/01/2046(b)   150,000    150,374 
University of Wisconsin Hospitals & Clinics           
3.95%, 04/01/2048(b)   1,000,000    1,000,000 
Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority          
4.00%, 08/15/2036   200,000    200,857 
4.00%, 11/15/2043   200,000    192,672 
Total Wisconsin        1,543,903 
           
Total Revenue Bonds        28,632,497 
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS          
(Cost $32,188,164)        32,048,362 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (103.73%)          
(Cost $32,188,164)       $32,048,362 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-3.73%)        (1,152,335)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%       $30,896,027 

 

Investment Abbreviations: 

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate 

SOFR - Secured Overnight Financing Rate

 

Reference Rates: 

1D US SOFR - 1 Day SOFR as of May 31, 2023 was 5.08%

3M US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of May 31, 2023 was 5.52%

 

(a)Zero coupon bond.

(b)Floating or variable rate security. Interest rate resets periodically on specific dates. The rate shown represents the coupon or interest rate in effect as of May 31, 2023. Security description includes the reference rate and spread if published and available.

(c)Represents a security purchased on a when-issued basis.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

7 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value  $32,048,362 
Receivable for investments sold   2,134 
Interest receivable   247,606 
Total Assets   32,298,102 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable for investments purchased   1,354,776 
Payable to adviser   13,220 
Payable to custodian for overdraft   34,079 
Total Liabilities   1,402,075 
NET ASSETS  $30,896,027 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $30,876,770 
Total distributable earnings/(accumulated losses)   19,257 
NET ASSETS  $30,896,027 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $32,188,164 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $30,896,027 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   1,225,002 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $25.22 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

8 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Statement of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Interest  $561,536 
Dividends   3,751 
Total Investment Income   565,287 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment adviser fees   77,785 
Net Expenses   77,785 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   487,502 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):     
Net realized gain on investments   156,409 
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   48,091 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS   204,500 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $692,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

9 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)   For the Period May 19, 2022 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2022 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment income  $487,502   $433,446 
Net realized gain   156,409    225,977 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   48,091    (187,893)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   692,002    471,530 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (715,328)   (428,947)
Total distributions   (715,328)   (428,947)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares       30,876,770 
Net increase from capital share transactions       30,876,770 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (23,326)   30,919,353 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   30,919,353     
End of period  $30,896,027   $30,919,353 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   1,225,002     
Shares sold       1,225,002 
Shares outstanding, end of period   1,225,002    1,225,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

10 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)   For the Period May 19, 2022 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2022 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $25.24   $25.00 
           
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:          
Net investment income(a)   0.40    0.36 
Net realized and unrealized gain   0.16    0.23 
Total from investment operations   0.56    0.59 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS:          
From net investment income   (0.40)   (0.35)
From net realized gains   (0.18)    
Total distributions   (0.58)   (0.35)
           
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (0.02)   0.24 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $25.22   $25.24 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   2.25%   2.38%
           
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:          
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $30,896   $30,919 
           
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.50%(c)   0.50%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   3.13%(c)   2.67%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   66%   75%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c)Annualized.

(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

11 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of May 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of twenty-three separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF (the “Fund”). The investment objective of the Fund is to protect investor’s capital and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). The Fund issues and redeems Shares, at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of the financial statements. The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

A. Portfolio Valuation 

The Fund’s NAV is determined daily, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.

 

Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price as determined by NASDAQ. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities traded on the NASDAQ, are valued at the last quoted sale price in such market.

 

The market price for debt securities is generally the evaluated price supplied by an independent third-party pricing service approved by the Board, which references a combination of transactions and quotations for the same or other securities believed to be comparable in quality, coupon, maturity, type of issue, call provisions, trading characteristics and other features deemed to be relevant. To the extent the Fund’s debt securities are valued based on price quotations or other equivalent indications of value provided by a third-party pricing service, any such third-party pricing service may use a variety of methodologies to value some or all of the Fund’s debt securities to determine the market price.

 

The Fund’s investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value according to procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board of Trustees designated ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”) as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for the Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to all Fund investments. The Adviser may carry out its designated responsibilities as Valuation Designee through various teams and committees. When market quotations are not readily available or when events occur that make established valuation methods unreliable, securities of the Fund may be valued in good faith by the Valuation Designee. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established primary pricing source or the pricing source is not willing to provide a price; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is most likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of the Fund’s NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; or a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security’s “fair value” due to the security being de-listed from a national exchange or the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when, under normal conditions, it would be open. As a general principle, the current “fair value” of a security would be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive from the sale on the applicable exchange or principal market. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities.

12 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

B. Fair Value Measurements 

The Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Valuation techniques used to value the Fund’s investments by major category are as follows:

 

Equity securities, including restricted securities, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by a third party pricing vendor on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the mean of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices on such day and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing NAV each business day and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

 

Debt securities, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated prices received from third party pricing vendors or from brokers who make markets in such securities. For municipal bonds, pricing vendors utilize matrix pricing which considers yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type as well as broker-supplied prices. When independent prices are unavailable or unreliable, debt securities may be valued utilizing pricing methodologies which consider similar factors that would be used by third party pricing vendors. Debt securities are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy but may be Level 3 depending on the circumstances.

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments.

 

These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 –Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;

 

Level 2 –Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

 

Level 3 –Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of May 31, 2023:

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Municipal Bonds*  $   $32,048,362   $   $32,048,362 
Total  $   $32,048,362   $   $32,048,362 

 

*For a detailed breakdown of sectors, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments.

13 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the period ended May 31, 2023.

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income 

Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the specific identification in accordance with GAAP. Dividend income and capital gains distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders 

Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid monthly or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Fund, if any, are distributed at least annually.

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information 

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal period ended November 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income   Tax Exempt Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2022                    
ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF  $83,654   $345,293   $   $ 

 

The character of distributions made during the period may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2022, the Fund did not have any amounts available to carry forward to the next tax year.

 

As of May 31, 2023, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   ALPS Intermediate 
   Municipal Bond ETF 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $225,925 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (365,839)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)  $(139,914)
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $32,188,276 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales. In addition, certain tax cost basis adjustments are finalized at fiscal year-end and therefore have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

G. Income Taxes 

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as the Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. The Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the period ended May 31, 2023, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

14 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

Out of the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the cost of sub-advisory, transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, trustees and other services, except for acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business. The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay substantially all of the Fund’s expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services to the Fund.

 

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the Fund's sub-adviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with the Trust (the ‘‘Sub-Advisory Agreement’’). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a sub-advisory fee out of the Adviser's advisory fee for the services it provides. The fee is payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, is the administrator of the Fund.

 

Each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $20,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $10,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF  $22,225,810   $20,756,863 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, there were no in-kind transactions or realized gain/(loss) on in-kind transactions.

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by the Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Fund. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of the Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. MARKET RISK

 

  

The Fund is subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause the Fund to lose value. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics. 

15 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

7. CHANGE IN AUDITOR

 

 

On March 14, 2023, BBD LLP (“BBD”) ceased to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund. The Board approved the replacement of BBD as a result of Cohen & Company, Ltd.’s (“Cohen”) acquisition of BBD’s investment management group.

 

The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Fund as of and for the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023: (i) there were no disagreements between the registrant and BBD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Fund for such years or interim period; and (ii) there were no “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

On March 7, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Fund's Audit Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Cohen, effective upon the resignation of BBD, as the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.

 

During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023, neither the registrant, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Cohen on behalf of the Fund regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Fund's financial statements, or any matter that was either: (i) the subject of a "disagreement," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the instructions thereto; or (ii) "reportable events," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Effective July 1, 2023, each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $25,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $15,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

16 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Additional Information 

May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 and a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures used in determining how to vote for proxies are available without charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and upon request, by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of the Fund’s Form N-PORT are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1-866-759-5679 and on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

TAX INFORMATION 

 

 

The ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF designates the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022:

 

   Qualified Dividend Income   Dividend Received Deduction 
ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF   0.00%    0.00% 

 

In early 2023, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Fund during the calendar year 2022 via Form 1099. The Fund will notify shareholders in early 2024 of amounts paid to them by the Fund, if any, during the calendar year 2023.

17 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program 

May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s liquidity risk management rule (the “Liquidity Rule”), the ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”) has established a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk for each series of the Trust (each a “Fund”). The Program is overseen by the Liquidity Committee (the “Committee”), a committee comprised of representatives of the Trust’s investment adviser, ALPS Advisors, Inc. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the designation of the Committee to oversee the Program.

 

The Program’s principal objectives include supporting each Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and assessing and managing the risk that a Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence a Fund’s liquidity and, for Funds that are not “In-Kind ETFs,”the periodic classification and re-classification of such Fund’ investments into groupings that reflect the Committee’ assessment of their liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on March 7, 2023, the Trustees received a report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the Program for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the “Period”. The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the Program has been operating effectively to assess and manage each Fund’ liquidity risk and has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and (as applicable) respond to the Funds’liquidity developments.

 

The Committee reported that during the period covered by the report, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Funds or their ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries. Among other things, the Committee’ report noted that no Fund is required to have a highly liquid investment minimum based either on its status as an In-Kind ETF or on its ability to rely on another exemption under the Liquidity Rule. The Committee’ report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

18 | May 31, 2023

 

Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview  
ALPS Clean Energy ETF 1
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 4
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 7
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 10
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 13
Financial Statements  
Schedules of Investments  
ALPS Clean Energy ETF 14
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 16
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 18
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 20
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 22
Statements of Operations 23
Statements of Changes in Net Assets  
ALPS Clean Energy ETF 24
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 25
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 26
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 27
Financial Highlights 28
Notes to Financial Statements 32
Additional Information 41
Liquidity Risk Management Program 45

 

alpsfunds.com 

 
 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

The ALPS Clean Energy ETF (the “Fund” or “ACES”) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the performance of its underlying index, the CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Total Return Index (ticker symbol NACEX) (the “Underlying Index”). The Underlying Index utilizes a rules-based methodology developed by CIBC National Trust Company, which is designed to provide exposure to a diverse set of U.S. and Canadian companies involved in the clean energy sector including renewables and clean technology.

 

The Fund employs a “passive management” – or indexing – investment approach designed to track the performance of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index utilizes a rules-based methodology developed by CIBC National Trust Company (the “Index Provider”), which is designed to provide exposure to a diverse set of U.S. and Canadian companies involved in the clean energy sector including renewables and clean technology. The clean energy sector is comprised of companies that provide the products and services that enable the evolution of a more sustainable energy sector. Clean energy business segments include, but are not limited to, the following activities: (i) renewable energy sources, including solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity, geothermal energy, biomass, biofuels, and tidal/wave energy, (ii) clean technologies, including electric vehicles, energy storage, lithium, fuel cell, smart grid, and energy efficiency technologies and (iii) other emerging clean energy activities and technologies. The Underlying Index is compiled by the Index Provider and may be comprised of U.S. or Canadian companies. In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index, a company’s stock must be traded on one or more major U.S. or Canadian securities exchanges, be based in the U.S. or in Canada, have a minimum float-adjusted market capitalization and minimum average daily trading value thresholds established by the index rulebook of at least $300 million, and have a minimum median average daily trading liquidity of greater than $3 million over the last 60 trading days prior to the selection date, and the company must derive a majority of its value from clean energy business segments (as defined above). Such eligible companies shall be defined as the “Index Universe.” All equity securities meeting the above criteria are selected for inclusion in the Index Universe. The Underlying Index is reconstituted and rebalanced quarterly on the third Friday in March, June, September and December.

 

Fund Performance (as of May 31, 2023)          

 

  6 Months 1 Year 3 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Clean Energy ETF - NAV -21.71% -17.51% 7.18% 13.11%
ALPS Clean Energy ETF - Market Price* -21.62% -17.44% 7.17% 13.10%
S&P 1000® Total Return Index -6.65% -4.03% 12.86% 5.28%
CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Total Return Index -21.83% -17.62% 7.42% 13.57%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.55%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced operations on June 28, 2018, with the first day of trading on the exchange of June 29, 2018.

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Total Return Index is an adjusted market cap weighted index designed to provide exposure to a diverse set of U.S. or Canadian based companies involved in the clean energy sector including renewables and clean technology. The clean energy sector is comprised of companies that provide the products and services which enable the evolution of a more sustainable energy sector. Clean energy business segments include but are not limited to: solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, electric vehicles, LED, biomass, smart grid, energy efficiency and storage. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

1 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The S&P 1000® Total Return Index combines the S&P MidCap 400® and the S&P SmallCap 600® to form an investable benchmark for the mid- to small-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS Clean Energy ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the ALPS Clean Energy ETF.

2 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF

 
Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Brookfield Renewable Partners LP 5.95%
Tesla, Inc. 5.90%
Darling Ingredients, Inc. 5.67%
First Solar, Inc. 5.53%
Northland Power, Inc. 5.16%
Rivian Automotive, Inc. 4.98%
NextEra Energy Partners LP 4.91%
Lucid Group, Inc. 4.59%
Enphase Energy, Inc. 4.58%
Albemarle Corp. 4.27%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 51.54%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

Clean Energy Segment Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

 



Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023) 

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in the Fund and the Index

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark indices. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

3 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF (the “Fund” or “DTEC”) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the performance of the Indxx Disruptive Technologies Net Total Return Index (ticker symbol IDTEC) (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities that comprise the Underlying Index.

 

The Fund employs a “passive management” – or indexing – investment approach designed to track the performance of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index utilizes a rules-based methodology developed by Indxx, LLC (the “Index Provider”), which is designed to identify the companies using disruptive technologies in each of ten thematic areas: Healthcare Innovation, Internet of Things, Clean Energy and Smart Grid, Cloud Computing, Data and Analytics, FinTech, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, 3D Printing, and Mobile Payments (each a “Theme” and together, the “Themes”). Companies using disruptive technologies are those that are entering traditional markets with new digital forms of production and distribution, seek to disrupt an existing market and value network, displace established market-leading firms, products and alliances and increasingly gain market share. The Underlying Index is compiled by the Index Provider and may be comprised of U.S. and non-U.S. companies, including foreign and emerging markets companies. In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index’s Index Universe, a company’s stock must be traded on one or more major global securities exchanges, have a minimum market capitalization of at least $500 million, and have a six month minimum average daily trading volume of $2 million, and the company must derive a minimum of 50% of its revenue from a single Theme. All equity securities meeting the above criteria are selected for inclusion in the Index Universe. From the Index Universe, the Underlying Index methodology selects ten stocks in each Theme according to proprietary quantitative and qualitative factors. The eligible stocks that are selected for inclusion in the Underlying Index’s portfolio are equally weighted. The Underlying Index is reconstituted annually on the third Friday of September and rebalanced quarterly.

 

Fund Performance (as of May 31, 2023)

  

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF - NAV 7.44% 2.76% 6.63% 7.99%
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF - Market Price* 7.35% 2.79% 6.50% 7.99%
Indxx Disruptive Technologies Net Total Return Index 7.85% 3.12% 6.92% 8.30%
Morningstar® Global Markets Net Return Index 3.01% 0.31% 6.29% 5.82%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.50%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced operations on December 28, 2017, with the first day of trading on the exchange of December 29, 2017.

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

Indxx Disruptive Technologies Net Total Return Index (Ticker: IDTEC) is based around companies that enter traditional markets with new digital forms of production and distribution, are likely to disrupt an existing market and value network, displace established market leading firms, products and alliances and increasingly gain market share. Total Return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. Net Total Return (NTR) is obtained by reinvesting the net dividend, which is equal to the ordinary gross dividend minus the amount of withholding tax.

 

The Morningstar® Global Markets Net Return Index, measures the performance of the stocks located in the developed and emerging countries across the world. Stocks in the index are weighted by their float capital, which removes corporate cross ownership, government holdings and other locked-in shares.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

4 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF.

5 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)     

 

Nemetschek SE 1.37%
Datadog, Inc. 1.35%
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. 1.34%
Netflix, Inc. 1.32%
Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. 1.31%
ServiceNow, Inc. 1.27%
Dynatrace, Inc. 1.26%
Itron, Inc. 1.25%
Salesforce, Inc. 1.25%
Xero, Ltd. 1.24%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 12.96%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

Thematic Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 



Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023) 

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in the Fund and the Index

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark indices. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

6 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF (the "Fund" or "JRNY") seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network Global Travel Net Total Return Index (ticker symbol TRAVEL) (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index uses a rules-based methodology developed by S-Network Global Indexes Inc. (the "Index Provider"), which is designed to identify exchange-traded stocks of companies that are materially engaged in the global travel industry, including four segments: Airlines & Airport Services; Hotels, Casinos, Cruise Lines; Booking & Rental Agencies; and Ancillary Beneficiaries. The Underlying Index is compiled by the Index Provider and may be comprised of U.S. and non-U.S. companies, including foreign and emerging markets companies. In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index's Index Universe, a company's stock must be traded on one or more major global securities exchanges and is principally engaged in or derives significant revenue from one of the segments. In addition, a company's stock must have a minimum market capitalization of at least $100 million, a three-month minimum average daily trading volume of $1 million, and a minimum free float factor of 18%. All equity securities meeting the above criteria are selected for inclusion in the Index Universe. From the Index Universe, the Underlying Index methodology selects and weights twenty stocks in each segment, subject to a minimum of one constituent per geographic region (U.S. & Canada, Europe, Pacific (ex-Canada), and Emerging) and a 65% maximum weight per geographic region. The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted quarterly on the third Friday of the last month in each calendar quarter.

 

Fund Performance (as of May 31, 2023)

 

  6 Months 1 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF - NAV 3.17% 1.34% -7.36%
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF - Market Price* 2.87% 0.97% -7.34%
S-Network Global Travel Net Total Return Index 3.72% 1.82% -6.91%
Morningstar® Global Markets Net Return Index 3.01% 0.31% -6.64%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.65%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced operations on September 8, 2021, with the first day of trading on the exchange of September 9, 2021.

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The S-Network Global Travel Net Total Return Index (Ticker: TRAVEL) is an Index of stocks listed on global recognized stock exchanges that are materially engaged in segments of the global travel industry, including Airlines & Airport Services; Hotels, Casinos, and Cruise Lines; Booking & Rental Agencies; and ancillary beneficiaries of global travel. Total Return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. Net Total Return (NTR) is obtained by reinvesting the net dividend, which is equal to the ordinary gross dividend minus the amount of withholding tax.

 

The Morningstar® Global Markets Net Return Index, measures the performance of the stocks located in the developed and emerging countries across the world. Stocks in the index are weighted by their float capital, which removes corporate cross ownership, government holdings and other locked-in shares.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

7 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF.

8 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Uber Technologies, Inc. 5.45%
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE 4.75%
Marriott International, Inc. 4.65%
Booking Holdings, Inc. 4.65%
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. 4.44%
American Express Co. 4.27%
Airbnb, Inc. 4.25%
Walt Disney Co. 4.24%
L'Oreal SA 3.97%
The Estee Lauder Company, Inc. 3.51%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 44.18%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

Thematic Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

 



Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023) 

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in the Fund and the Index

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark indices. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

9 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (the “Fund” or “SBIO”) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the performance of the S-Network® Medical Breakthroughs Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities that comprise the Underlying Index (or depositary receipts based on such securities).

 

The Fund employs a “passive management” – or indexing – investment approach designed to track the performance of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is comprised of small- and mid-cap stocks of biotechnology companies that have one or more drugs in either Phase II or Phase III of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") clinical trials. In a Phase II trial, the drug is administered to a group of 100-300 people to see if it is effective and to evaluate its safety. In a Phase III trial, the drug is given to a larger group, between 500-3,000 people, to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely. Stocks selected for inclusion in the Underlying Index must be listed on a U.S. stock exchange. Underlying Index constituents must have a market capitalization of no less than $200 million and no more than $5 billion. Stocks included in the Underlying Index must also sustain an average daily trading volume in excess of $1 million for the 90-day period preceding an Underlying Index reconstitution. Constituents must be able to sustain the monthly rates at which they use shareholder capital ("cash burn rates") for at least 24 months. The Underlying Index is reconstituted semi-annually on the third Fridays of June and December.

 

Fund Performance (as of May 31, 2023)          

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF - NAV 0.93% 22.83% -3.18% 3.56%
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF - Market Price* 0.96% 22.80% -3.20% 3.55%
S-Network Medical Breakthroughs Total Return Index 1.00% 23.87% -2.82% 3.95%
NASDAQ Biotechnology Total Return Index -5.82% 10.65% 4.33% 3.55%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.50%

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange- traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced investment operations on December 30, 2014.

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

NASDAQ Biotechnology Total Return Index (Ticker: NBI) is a modified market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the performance of all the NASDAQ stocks in the biotechnology sector. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

S-Network Medical Breakthroughs Total Return Index (Ticker: PMBI) is designed to capture research and development opportunities in the biotechnology industry. PMBI consists of small-cap and mid-cap biotechnology stocks listed on U.S. stock exchanges that have one or more drugs in either Phase II or Phase III U.S. FDA clinical trials. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

Companies in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industry may be subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. Legislation introduced or considered by certain governments on such industries or on the healthcare sector cannot be predicted.

 

Companies in the pharmaceuticals industry are subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. The profitability of some companies in the pharmaceuticals industry may be dependent on a relatively limited number of products. In addition, their products can become obsolete due to industry innovation, changes in technologies or other market developments. Many new products in the pharmaceuticals industry are subject to government approvals, regulation and reimbursement rates. The process of obtaining government approvals may be long and costly. Many companies in the pharmaceuticals industry are heavily dependent on patents and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

10 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The development of new drugs generally has a high failure rate, and such failures may negatively impact the stock price of the company developing the failed drug. Biotechnology companies may have persistent losses during a new product’s transition from development to production. In order to fund operations, biotechnology companies may require financing from the capital markets, which may not always be available on satisfactory terms or at all.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. is not affiliated with S-Network Global Indexes, Inc.

11 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)  

 

Prometheus Biosciences, Inc. 5.54%
Roivant Sciences, Ltd. 4.05%
IVERIC bio, Inc. 3.04%
Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. 3.00%
Alkermes PLC 2.79%
Denali Therapeutics, Inc. 2.42%
Vaxcyte, Inc. 2.33%
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2.24%
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2.19%
Cytokinetics, Inc. 2.11%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 29.71%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

 



Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023) 

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in the Fund and the Index

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark indices. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

12 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust 

 
Disclosure of Fund Expenses May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through May 31, 2023.

 

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

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries. Therefore, the second line 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 costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

  Beginning Account Value 12/1/22 Ending Account Value 5/31/23 Expense Ratio(a) Expenses Paid During Period 12/1/22 - 5/31/23(b)
ALPS Clean Energy ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $782.90 0.55% $2.44
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.19 0.55% $2.77
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,074.40 0.50% $2.59
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.44 0.50% $2.52
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,031.70 0.65% $3.29
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.69 0.65% $3.28
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,009.30 0.50% $2.50
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.44 0.50% $2.52

 

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.

(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

13 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (88.66%)          
Consumer Discretionary (15.83%)          
EVgo, Inc.(a)(b)   301,112   $1,192,404 
Lucid Group, Inc.(a)(b)   2,746,883    21,315,811 
Rivian Automotive, Inc.(a)(b)   1,567,847    23,094,386 
Tesla, Inc.(a)   134,138    27,354,762 
Workhorse Group, Inc.(a)   721,423    606,500 
Total Consumer Discretionary        73,563,863 
           
Consumer Staples (5.67%)          
Darling Ingredients, Inc.(a)   415,176    26,313,855 
           
Energy (2.97%)          
Clean Energy Fuels Corp.(a)   739,402    2,972,396 
Gevo, Inc.(a)   1,010,873    1,304,026 
Green Plains, Inc.(a)   252,725    7,329,025 
REX American Resources Corp.(a)   67,224    2,214,359 
Total Energy        13,819,806 
           
Financials (2.00%)          
Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc.   395,697    9,310,750 
           
Industrials (22.54%)          
Ameresco, Inc., Class A(a)   139,323    6,002,035 
Array Technologies, Inc.(a)   629,620    13,958,675 
Ballard Power Systems, Inc.(a)   1,043,919    4,363,581 
Blink Charging Co.(a)(b)   229,019    1,541,298 
ChargePoint Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)   1,207,098    11,672,638 
Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)   415,684    872,936 
Fluence Energy, Inc.(a)   171,293    4,248,067 
Hyliion Holdings Corp.(a)   573,726    940,911 
Li-Cycle Holdings Corp.(a)   567,246    2,677,401 
Lion Electric Co.(a)(b)   418,664    791,275 
Nikola Corp.(a)(b)   1,796,758    1,121,177 
Plug Power, Inc.(a)   1,917,277    15,951,745 
Proterra, Inc.(a)   832,157    890,408 
Shoals Technologies Group, Inc., Class A(a)   602,824    14,160,336 
Stem, Inc.(a)   643,294    3,550,983 
SunPower Corp.(a)   373,456    3,958,634 
Sunrun, Inc.(a)(b)   917,398    16,182,901 
TPI Composites, Inc.(a)   175,286    1,868,549 
Total Industrials        104,753,550 
           
Information Technology (12.97%)          
Enphase Energy, Inc.(a)   122,167    21,242,398 
First Solar, Inc.(a)   126,312    25,636,284 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Information Technology (continued)          
Itron, Inc.(a)   197,680   $13,388,866 
Total Information Technology        60,267,548 
           
Materials (8.16%)          
Albemarle Corp.   102,328    19,803,538 
Livent Corp.(a)   785,458    18,104,807 
Total Materials        37,908,345 
           
Utilities (18.52%)          
Altus Power, Inc.(a)   212,764    1,010,629 
Boralex, Inc., Class A(b)   448,931    12,404,716 
Clearway Energy, Inc., Class C   359,106    10,317,115 
Innergex Renewable Energy, Inc.(b)   678,766    7,030,166 
Montauk Renewables, Inc.(a)   262,179    1,819,522 
Northland Power, Inc.(b)   1,090,786    23,928,992 
Ormat Technologies, Inc.   205,782    17,512,048 
Sunnova Energy International, Inc.(a)   435,020    7,682,453 
TransAlta Renewables, Inc.(b)   468,304    4,350,139 
Total Utilities        86,055,780 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $615,848,469)        411,993,497 
         
Security Description  Shares   Value 
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (11.09%)          
Energy (0.25%)          
Enviva, Inc.   134,205    1,178,320 
           
Utilities (10.84%)          
Brookfield Renewable Partners LP   911,312    27,584,390 
NextEra Energy Partners LP(b)   380,080    22,774,394 
Total Utilities        50,358,784 
           
TOTAL MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS          
(Cost $65,159,055)        51,537,104 

14 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

7 Day Yield

   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (8.43%)               
Money Market Fund (0.08%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)               
(Cost $364,549)   5.02%   364,549   $364,549 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (8.35%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%               
(Cost $38,794,170)        38,794,170    38,794,170 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $39,158,719)             39,158,719 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (108.18%)               
(Cost $720,166,243)            $502,689,320 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-8.18%)             (38,003,917)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $464,685,403 

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $59,805,453.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

15 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (98.83%)          
Communication Services (1.32%)          
Netflix, Inc.(a)   3,823   $1,510,964 
           
Consumer Discretionary (3.78%)          
ADT, Inc.   149,152    848,675 
Garmin, Ltd.   11,806    1,217,789 
iRobot Corp.(a)   25,957    920,176 
Tesla, Inc.(a)   6,596    1,345,122 
Total Consumer Discretionary        4,331,762 
           
Financials (14.89%)          
Adyen NV(a)(b)(c)   787    1,284,383 
American Express Co.   6,632    1,051,570 
Block, Inc., Class A(a)   15,447    932,844 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.   19,086    1,041,523 
Fiserv, Inc.(a)   9,891    1,109,671 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.(a)   5,545    1,256,219 
Global Payments, Inc.   10,801    1,055,150 
GMO Payment Gateway, Inc.   13,600    1,075,701 
Kaspi.KZ JSC, GDR(c)   15,117    1,209,360 
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   3,196    1,166,604 
Moody's Corp.   3,871    1,226,642 
Pagseguro Digital, Ltd., Class A(a)   129,418    1,287,709 
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)   15,007    930,284 
S&P Global, Inc.   3,415    1,254,774 
Visa, Inc., Class A   5,160    1,140,515 
Total Financials        17,022,949 
           
Health Care (10.59%)          
Align Technology, Inc.(a)   3,543    1,001,464 
Boston Scientific Corp.(a)   24,157    1,243,602 
Cutera, Inc.(a)(d)   37,004    622,037 
Dexcom, Inc.(a)   10,179    1,193,590 
DiaSorin SpA   9,701    997,537 
HealthEquity, Inc.(a)   17,081    936,039 
Insulet Corp.(a)   4,034    1,106,325 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)   4,965    1,528,425 
PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp.(a)   34,853    1,165,833 
ResMed, Inc.   5,404    1,139,109 
Smith & Nephew PLC, Sponsored ADR   39,529    1,181,917 
Total Health Care        12,115,878 
           
Industrials (14.78%)          
AeroVironment, Inc.(a)   12,499    1,167,532 
AutoStore Holdings, Ltd.(a)(b)(c)(d)   505,748    1,065,697 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Industrials (continued)          
Experian PLC   33,947   $1,195,909 
FANUC Corp.   31,662    1,090,359 
Proto Labs, Inc.(a)   34,196    1,051,869 
RELX PLC, Sponsored ADR(d)   37,278    1,166,801 
Schneider Electric SE   6,853    1,181,845 
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC   22,797    946,531 
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.   19,900    1,093,704 
Thomson Reuters Corp.(d)   9,325    1,185,769 
TransUnion   18,150    1,306,437 
Verisk Analytics, Inc.   6,233    1,365,713 
Vestas Wind Systems A/S   37,875    1,078,298 
Wolters Kluwer NV   9,616    1,097,750 
Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Class H   1,254,800    910,199 
Total Industrials        16,904,413 
           
Information Technology (51.49%)          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   3,363    1,405,028 
Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.(a)   22,660    1,137,985 
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.(a)   25,186    990,565 
ams-OSRAM AG(a)   144,954    1,063,500 
ANSYS, Inc.(a)   3,790    1,226,406 
Autodesk, Inc.(a)   5,674    1,131,339 
Black Knight, Inc.(a)   19,183    1,108,394 
Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.(a)   9,102    1,136,021 
Cognex Corp.   23,592    1,296,616 
Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   9,352    1,497,535 
CyberArk Software, Ltd.(a)   7,904    1,222,985 
Dassault Systemes SE   29,273    1,286,330 
Datadog, Inc., Class A(a)   16,245    1,541,812 
Dynatrace, Inc.(a)   28,146    1,435,165 
FARO Technologies, Inc.(a)   42,326    638,699 
First Solar, Inc.(a)   5,368    1,089,489 
Fortinet, Inc.(a)   19,007    1,298,748 
Gen Digital, Inc.   64,127    1,124,788 
Guidewire Software, Inc.(a)   15,576    1,292,496 
Intuit, Inc.   2,830    1,186,110 
Itron, Inc.(a)   21,095    1,428,765 
Keyence Corp.   2,500    1,216,580 
Materialise NV, ADR(a)   135,516    1,263,009 
Nemetschek SE   19,966    1,563,066 
Okta, Inc.(a)   13,588    1,235,149 
Omron Corp.   19,700    1,191,261 
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(a)   6,156    1,313,629 
PTC, Inc.(a)   9,434    1,267,930 

16 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

         
         
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Information Technology (continued)          
Qorvo, Inc.(a)   11,633   $1,131,426 
Qualys, Inc.(a)   9,594    1,211,338 
Renishaw PLC   22,756    1,145,316 
Salesforce, Inc.(a)   6,384    1,426,058 
SAP SE, Sponsored ADR   9,799    1,278,182 
ServiceNow, Inc.(a)   2,675    1,457,286 
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.(a)   6,602    928,703 
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.   10,015    1,036,653 
Snowflake, Inc., Class A(a)   8,344    1,379,764 
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.(a)   3,620    1,031,085 
Splunk, Inc.(a)   12,001    1,191,579 
Stratasys, Ltd.(a)(d)   81,203    1,181,504 
Temenos AG   14,668    1,235,929 
Trend Micro, Inc.   23,770    1,132,839 
VMware, Inc., Class A(a)   9,672    1,318,197 
Workday, Inc., Class A(a)   6,263    1,327,693 
Xero, Ltd.(a)   19,759    1,413,101 
Xinyi Solar Holdings, Ltd.   990,000    977,300 
Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A(a)   16,798    1,127,650 
Zscaler, Inc.(a)   10,349    1,402,083 
Total Information Technology        58,923,086 
           
Real Estate (1.08%)          
Equinix, Inc.   1,652    1,231,649 
           
Utilities (0.90%)          
China Longyuan Power Group Corp., Ltd., Class H   918,000    1,029,320 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $124,020,217)        113,070,021 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (1.07%)          
Utilities (1.07%)          
Brookfield Renewable Partners LP   40,281    1,219,261 
           
TOTAL MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS          
(Cost $1,224,303)        1,219,261 

7
Day
Yield

   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.00%)               
Money Market Fund (0.01%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)               
(Cost $11,835)   5.02%   11,835   $11,835 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (0.99%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%               
(Cost $1,133,397)        1,133,397    1,133,397 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $1,145,232)             1,145,232 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.90%)               
(Cost $126,389,752)            $115,434,514 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.90%)             (1,028,697)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $114,405,817 

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $2,350,080, representing 2.05% of net assets.
(c) Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of May 31, 2023, the market value of those securities was $3,559,440 representing 3.11% of net assets.
(d) Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $2,809,638.
  
See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

17 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.86%)          
Communication Services (4.44%)          
TripAdvisor, Inc.(a)   764   $11,888 
Walt Disney Co.(a)   2,891    254,292 
Total Communication Services        266,180 
           
Consumer Discretionary (50.02%)          
Airbnb, Inc., Class A(a)   2,322    254,886 
Amadeus IT Group SA   1,764    126,143 
Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)   111    278,474 
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.(a)   1,404    57,578 
Churchill Downs, Inc.   478    64,922 
Cie Financiere Richemont SA, Class A   1,214    192,680 
Dufry AG(a)   339    15,324 
Expedia Group, Inc.(a)   944    90,350 
Flight Centre Travel Group, Ltd.(a)   1,199    16,479 
Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd.(a)   11,000    68,202 
Genting Singapore, Ltd.   87,700    65,501 
H World Group, Ltd., ADR   1,585    58,043 
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.   1,953    265,842 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC   383    25,099 
Las Vegas Sands Corp.(a)   1,907    105,133 
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE   327    284,484 
Marriott International, Inc., Class A   1,661    278,699 
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.   244    30,066 
MGM Resorts International   2,280    89,581 
Oriental Land Co., Ltd.   4,400    165,073 
Sabre Corp.(a)(b)   3,392    10,515 
Samsonite International SA(a)(c)(d)   11,400    28,942 
Sega Sammy Holdings, Inc.   1,300    25,296 
Sonder Holdings, Inc.(a)   15,712    11,152 
Tongcheng Travel Holdings, Ltd.(a)(d)   7,600    15,160 
Trainline PLC(a)(c)(d)   5,138    15,646 
Trip.com Group, Ltd., ADR   4,097    129,384 
TUI AG(a)   5,718    36,146 
Vacasa, Inc.(a)(b)   11,823    9,071 
Vail Resorts, Inc.   322    78,310 
WH Smith PLC   813    15,878 
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   647    44,158 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Consumer Discretionary (continued)          
Wynn Resorts, Ltd.   462   $45,599 
Total Consumer Discretionary        2,997,816 
           
Consumer Staples (9.57%)          
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., Class A   1,144    210,530 
Hormel Foods Corp.   2,035    77,838 
Kose Corp.   300    30,145 
L'Oreal SA   558    237,983 
Premium Brands Holdings Corp.   231    17,017 
Total Consumer Staples        573,513 
           
Financials (4.95%)          
American Express Co.   1,615    256,074 
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.(a)   365    40,661 
Total Financials        296,735 
           
Industrials (26.17%)          
Aena SME SA(c)(d)   177    27,660 
Air Canada(a)   1,806    28,510 
Airports of Thailand PCL(a)   8,300    16,874 
Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a)   1,095    49,198 
American Airlines Group, Inc.(a)   3,678    54,361 
ANA Holdings, Inc.(a)   4,200    93,300 
Auckland International Airport, Ltd.(a)   6,425    34,344 
Avis Budget Group, Inc.(a)   74    12,416 
Dassault Aviation SA   82    13,866 
Delta Air Lines, Inc.(a)   5,173    187,935 
Deutsche Lufthansa AG(a)   2,378    23,283 
Elis SA   838    14,493 
Grab Holdings, Ltd.(a)   5,182    15,442 
Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte SAB de CV   1,880    19,471 
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV   2,256    39,915 
Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV, ADR   145    40,652 
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.(a)   840    13,171 
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA(a)   8,481    16,289 
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.   3,000    57,405 
Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd.   3,178    52,917 
Localiza Rent a Car SA   2,792    34,143 
Lyft, Inc., Class A(a)   1,741    15,704 
Qantas Airways, Ltd.(a)   14,398    62,278 
Ryanair Holdings PLC, ADR(a)   169    17,759 
Sixt SE   116    12,709 
Southwest Airlines Co.   5,330    159,207 

18 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Industrials (continued)          
Turk Hava Yollari AO(a)   3,361   $23,307 
Uber Technologies, Inc.(a)   8,607    326,464 
United Airlines Holdings, Inc.(a)   2,212    104,993 
Total Industrials        1,568,066 
           
Information Technology (0.77%)          
Agilysys, Inc.(a)   187    13,902 
Clear Secure, Inc.   571    14,109 
PROS Holdings, Inc.(a)   605    18,344 
Total Information Technology        46,355 
           
Real Estate (3.94%)          
Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.   2,473    119,050 
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   4,037    67,014 
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.   542    49,718 
Total Real Estate        235,782 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $6,537,555)        5,984,447 

 

          

7 Day Yield

   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.34%)               
Money Market Fund (0.11%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)               
(Cost $6,309)   5.02%   6,309    6,309 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (0.23%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%               
(Cost $14,038)        14,038    14,038 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $20,347)             20,347 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.20%)               
(Cost $6,557,902)            $6,004,794 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.20%)             (11,899)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $5,992,895 
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $12,621.
(c) Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $72,248, representing 1.21% of net assets.
(d) Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of May 31, 2023, the market value of those securities was $87,409 representing 1.46% of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

19 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (100.00%)          
Biotechnology (88.46%)          
89bio, Inc.(a)   33,547   $611,562 
Aadi Bioscience, Inc.(a)   16,187    129,496 
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   107,555    2,527,543 
Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   16,322    265,233 
Affimed NV(a)   96,828    85,180 
Agenus, Inc.(a)   202,238    315,491 
Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   36,678    927,220 
Akero Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   31,001    1,382,025 
Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   38,853    368,715 
Alector, Inc.(a)   55,089    409,862 
Alkermes PLC(a)   109,021    3,153,979 
Allovir, Inc.(a)(b)   60,710    228,877 
Altimmune, Inc.(a)   32,694    132,084 
ALX Oncology Holdings, Inc.(a)   27,039    180,350 
AnaptysBio, Inc.(a)   18,529    353,904 
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.(a)   51,775    478,401 
Arbutus Biopharma Corp.(a)(b)   107,861    268,574 
Arcellx, Inc.(a)   29,094    1,284,500 
Arcus Biosciences, Inc.(a)   48,439    994,937 
Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   40,527    304,358 
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   71,805    2,470,810 
Aura Biosciences, Inc.(a)   23,911    270,673 
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   94,593    847,553 
Avidity Biosciences, Inc.(a)   46,978    498,906 
BELLUS Health, Inc.(a)   83,785    1,224,099 
BioAtla, Inc.(a)   31,334    98,702 
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   123,683    1,022,858 
Bioxcel Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   18,588    333,469 
Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)   39,776    2,248,139 
Cara Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   35,791    113,815 
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   68,987    796,800 
Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   31,324    996,103 
Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)   103,887    3,386,716 
Chinook Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   64,385    1,056,740 
Cogent Biosciences, Inc.(a)   46,369    544,372 
Compass Pathways PLC, ADR(a)(b)   28,283    207,597 
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   35,770    780,859 
Cytokinetics, Inc.(a)(b)   63,110    2,378,617 
Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   48,824    649,359 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Biotechnology (continued)          
Denali Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   90,614   $2,738,355 
Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.(a)   33,269    283,785 
Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   13,856    325,339 
EQRx, Inc.(a)   324,171    570,541 
FibroGen, Inc.(a)   62,228    1,073,433 
Galapagos NV, Sponsored ADR(a)(b)   43,318    1,791,632 
Geron Corp.(a)   290,010    948,333 
Gritstone bio, Inc.(a)   58,158    112,245 
HilleVax, Inc.(a)   22,128    376,619 
I-Mab, ADR(a)(b)   55,059    170,683 
Immunocore Holdings PLC, ADR(a)(b)   31,872    1,758,697 
ImmunoGen, Inc.(a)   149,922    2,044,936 
Immunovant, Inc.(a)   86,277    1,812,680 
Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   27,648    291,410 
iTeos Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   23,600    384,208 
IVERIC bio, Inc.(a)   90,914    3,432,004 
Keros Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   18,937    906,325 
Kezar Life Sciences, Inc.(a)(b)   45,447    126,343 
Kodiak Sciences, Inc.(a)(b)   34,705    205,801 
Krystal Biotech, Inc.(a)   17,071    2,011,817 
Kura Oncology, Inc.(a)   45,410    604,861 
MannKind Corp.(a)(b)   174,625    810,260 
Marinus Pharmaceuticals Inc(a)   32,921    234,068 
Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   71,672    538,973 
Merus NV(a)   30,728    667,412 
Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   38,424    1,427,836 
Novavax, Inc.(a)(b)   57,175    460,259 
Ocugen, Inc.(a)   150,226    69,104 
OmniAb Operations, Inc.(a)   7,306     
PDS Biotechnology Corp.(a)(b)   18,910    181,158 
Point Biopharma Global, Inc.(a)   70,093    649,762 
Prometheus Biosciences, Inc.(a)   31,506    6,260,240 
Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   32,643    851,003 
Prothena Corp. PLC(a)(b)   34,838    2,314,288 
RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   22,520    451,076 
Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   126,898    1,112,895 
REGENXBIO, Inc.(a)   28,834    496,810 
Replimune Group, Inc.(a)   37,590    713,834 
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   37,651    627,266 
Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   52,641    1,101,776 
Roivant Sciences, Ltd.(a)   503,061    4,572,823 
Sage Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   39,587    1,959,557 
SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   41,470    1,135,449 

20 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

         
         
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Biotechnology (continued)          
Stoke Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   29,290   $328,048 
Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   45,406    906,758 
Travere Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   48,451    866,788 
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.(a)   46,545    2,297,461 
Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   37,673    224,154 
Vaxcyte, Inc.(a)   53,057    2,627,383 
Vera Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   27,824    232,330 
Vericel Corp.(a)   31,425    1,009,371 
Viking Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   52,082    1,143,721 
Vir Biotechnology, Inc.(a)   88,527    2,361,015 
Xencor, Inc.(a)   39,831    1,079,420 
Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   41,780    1,609,783 
Zai Lab, Ltd., ADR(a)(b)   68,998    2,241,745 
Total Biotechnology        99,862,351 
           
Health Care Providers & Services (0.63%)          
OPKO Health, Inc.(a)   512,639    712,568 
           
Pharmaceuticals (10.91%)          
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   44,245    369,446 
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   43,893    1,083,717 
Arvinas, Inc.(a)   35,344    771,560 
ATAI Life Sciences NV(a)   110,053    196,995 
Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   55,294    220,623 
Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   28,842    2,127,962 
Belite Bio, Inc., ADR(a)   15,897    262,142 
Cassava Sciences, Inc.(a)(b)   27,694    628,931 
Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   71,518    1,679,957 
Cymabay Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   62,819    564,115 
Edgewise Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   41,972    424,757 
Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   40,978    111,460 
NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   54,435    164,938 
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   32,348    699,687 
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   17,693    296,358 
Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   31,825    337,663 
Ventyx Biosciences, Inc.(a)   37,580    1,295,383 
Verona Pharma PLC, ADR(a)(b)   50,279    1,082,004 
Total Pharmaceuticals        12,317,698 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $120,030,055)        112,892,617 

7
Day
Yield

   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (2.64%)               
Money Market Fund (0.04%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)               
(Cost $44,213)   5.02%   44,213   $44,213 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (2.60%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%               
(Cost $2,939,478)        2,939,478    2,939,478 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $2,983,691)             2,983,691 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (102.64%)               
(Cost $123,013,746)            $115,876,308 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-2.64%)             (2,980,310)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $112,895,998 

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $7,599,291.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

21 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

  

ALPS Clean

Energy ETF

  

ALPS Disruptive

Technologies

ETF

  

ALPS Global

Travel

Beneficiaries

ETF

  

ALPS Medical

Breakthroughs

ETF

 
ASSETS:                    
Investments, at value(a)  $502,689,320   $115,434,514   $6,004,794   $115,876,308 
Cash   31,507    5,631         
Dividends receivable   973,967    146,192    5,546    7,151 
Receivable for investments sold   1,285,174    1,163,613         
Total Assets   504,979,968    116,749,950    6,010,340    115,883,459 
                     
LIABILITIES:                    
Payable to adviser   214,862    47,785    3,407    47,983 
Payable for investments purchased   199,819    225,199         
Payable for capital shares redeemed   1,085,714    937,752         
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned   38,794,170    1,133,397    14,038    2,939,478 
Total Liabilities   40,294,565    2,344,133    17,445    2,987,461 
NET ASSETS  $464,685,403   $114,405,817   $5,992,895   $112,895,998 
                     
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Paid-in capital  $832,316,310   $143,568,462   $7,200,570   $257,648,284 
Total distributable earnings/(accumulated losses)   (367,630,907)   (29,162,645)   (1,207,675)   (144,752,286)
NET ASSETS  $464,685,403   $114,405,817   $5,992,895   $112,895,998 
                     
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $720,166,243   $126,389,752   $6,557,902   $123,013,746 
                     
PRICING OF SHARES                    
Net Assets  $464,685,403   $114,405,817   $5,992,895   $112,895,998 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   10,700,002    3,050,002    275,002    3,575,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $43.43   $37.51   $21.79   $31.58 

 

(a) Includes $59,805,453, $2,809,638, $12,621 and $7,599,291 of securities on loan.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

22 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Statements of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

  

ALPS Clean

Energy ETF

  

ALPS Disruptive

Technologies

ETF

  

ALPS Global

Travel

Beneficiaries

ETF

  

ALPS Medical

Breakthroughs

ETF

 
INVESTMENT INCOME:                    
Dividends*  $2,884,082   $426,965   $38,261   $1,105 
Securities Lending Income   2,486,704    5,474    119    58,496 
Total Investment Income   5,370,786    432,439    38,380    59,601 
                     
EXPENSES:                    
Investment adviser fees   1,492,689    284,899    23,120    269,268 
Total Expenses   1,492,689    284,899    23,120    269,268 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME/(LOSS)   3,878,097    147,540    15,260    (209,667)
                     
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS)                    
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments(a)   (33,967,397)   (961,444)   182,361    (3,932,354)
Net realized gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions   3,115    (22)   (310)    
Total net realized gain/(loss)   (33,964,282)   (961,466)   182,051    (3,932,354)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   (114,175,648)   8,794,104    164,717    5,068,524 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies   (1,036)   (3,180)   (17)    
Total net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (114,176,684)   8,790,924    164,700    5,068,524 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS   (148,140,966)   7,829,458    346,751    1,136,170 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(144,262,869)  $7,976,998   $362,011   $926,503 
*Net of foreign tax withholding.  $379,657   $30,124   $2,457   $ 

 

(a) Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

23 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

  

For the Six 

Months Ended 

May 31, 2023 

(Unaudited) 

  

For the 

Year Ended 

November 30, 2022 

 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $3,878,097   $5,115,730 
Net realized loss   (33,964,282)   (19,774,548)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (114,176,684)   (235,883,266)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   (144,262,869)   (250,542,084)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (2,612,095)   (2,463,315)
From tax return of capital       (3,378,816)
Total distributions   (2,612,095)   (5,842,131)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   29,705,074    203,438,962 
Cost of shares redeemed   (126,055,561)   (253,910,852)
Net decrease from capital share transactions   (96,350,487)   (50,471,890)
Net decrease in net assets   (243,225,451)   (306,856,105)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   707,910,854    1,014,766,959 
End of period  $464,685,403   $707,910,854 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   12,700,002    13,725,002 
Shares sold   650,000    3,625,000 
Shares redeemed   (2,650,000)   (4,650,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   10,700,002    12,700,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

24 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

  

For the Six 

Months Ended 

May 31, 2023 

(Unaudited) 

  

For the 

Year Ended 

November 30, 2022

 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income/(loss)  $147,540   $(74,355)
Net realized gain/(loss)   (961,466)   4,788,241 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   8,790,924    (64,939,656)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   7,976,998    (60,225,770)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (25,708)   (621,900)
Total distributions   (25,708)   (621,900)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   1,675,546    14,781,795 
Cost of shares redeemed   (17,434,603)   (69,266,142)
Net decrease from capital share transactions   (15,759,057)   (54,484,347)
Net decrease in net assets   (7,807,767)   (115,332,017)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   122,213,584    237,545,601 
End of period  $114,405,817   $122,213,584 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   3,500,002    4,925,002 
Shares sold   50,000    325,000 
Shares redeemed   (500,000)   (1,750,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   3,050,002    3,500,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

25 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

  

For the Six 

Months Ended 

May 31, 2023 

(Unaudited) 

  

For the 

Year Ended 

November 30, 

2022 

 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income/(loss)  $15,260   $(16,209)
Net realized gain/(loss)   182,051    (513,843)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   164,700    (342,658)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   362,011    (872,710)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (3,090)   (12,194)
Total distributions   (3,090)   (12,194)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   576,399    9,593,771 
Cost of shares redeemed   (2,863,139)   (8,453,163)
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions   (2,286,740)   1,140,608 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (1,927,819)   255,704 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   7,920,714    7,665,010 
End of period  $5,992,895   $7,920,714 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   375,002    325,002 
Shares sold   25,000    450,000 
Shares redeemed   (125,000)   (400,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   275,002    375,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

26 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

  

For the Six 

Months Ended 

May 31, 2023 

(Unaudited) 

  

For the 

Year Ended 

November 30, 2022

 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment loss  $(209,667)  $(481,312)
Net realized loss   (3,932,354)   (64,609,014)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   5,068,524    14,490,450 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   926,503    (50,599,876)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   5,897,730    23,693,301 
Cost of shares redeemed   (8,936,811)   (47,014,164)
Net decrease from capital share transactions   (3,039,081)   (23,320,863)
Net decrease in net assets   (2,112,578)   (73,920,739)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   115,008,576    188,929,315 
End of period  $112,895,998   $115,008,576 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   3,675,000    4,400,000 
Shares sold   200,000    725,000 
Shares redeemed   (300,000)   (1,450,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   3,575,000    3,675,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

27 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

  

For the

Six Months Ended

May 31, 2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

2022

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

 2021

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

2020

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

2019

  

For the Period

June 28, 2018

(Commencement

of Operations) to

November 30,

2018

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $55.74   $73.94   $70.05   $32.23   $25.03   $24.95 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.34    0.39    0.20    0.25    0.32    0.09 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (12.44)   (18.14)   4.11    38.08    7.42    (0.01)
Total from investment operations   (12.10)   (17.75)   4.31    38.33    7.74    0.08 
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (0.21)   (0.19)   (0.17)   (0.18)   (0.23)    
Tax return of capital       (0.26)   (0.25)   (0.33)   (0.31)    
Total distributions   (0.21)   (0.46)   (0.42)   (0.51)   (0.54)    
                               
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   (12.31)   (18.20)   3.89    37.82    7.20    0.08 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $43.43   $55.74   $73.94   $70.05   $32.23   $25.03 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   (21.71)%   (24.00)%   6.16%   120.45%   31.28%   0.32%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $464,685   $707,911   $1,014,767   $609,457   $106,359   $16,271 
                               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.55%(c)   0.55%   0.56%(d)   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.43%(c)   0.69%   0.26%   0.57%   1.10%   0.89%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   23%   44%   39%   34%   15%   9%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c)Annualized.

(d)Effective January 1, 2021, the Fund's Advisory Fee changed from 0.65% to 0.55%.

(e)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

28 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

  

For the

Six Months Ended

May 31, 2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

2022

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

 2021

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

2020

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

2019

  

For the Period

December 28, 2017

(Commencement

of Operations) to

November 30,

2018

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $34.92   $48.23   $42.99   $31.88   $26.21   $25.08 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   0.05    (0.02)   0.15    0.25    0.14    0.13 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   2.55    (13.17)   5.26    11.00    5.61    1.00(b)
Total from investment operations   2.60    (13.19)   5.41    11.25    5.75    1.13 
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (0.01)   (0.12)   (0.17)   (0.14)   (0.08)    
Total distributions   (0.01)   (0.12)   (0.17)   (0.14)   (0.08)    
                               
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   2.59    (13.31)   5.24    11.11    5.67    1.13 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $37.51   $34.92   $48.23   $42.99   $31.88   $26.21 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   7.44%   (27.41)%   12.60%   35.42%   22.04%   4.47%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $114,406   $122,214   $237,546   $150,459   $74,910   $48,483 
                               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.50%(d)   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%(d)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets   0.26%(d)   (0.05)%   0.31%   0.72%   0.48%   0.53%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   14%   31%   26%   38%   42%   33%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Net realized and unrealized gain on investments per share does not correlate to aggregate of the net realized and unrealized loss in the Statements of Operations for the period ended November 30, 2018, primarily due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of the Fund's shares in relation to the fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.

(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(d)Annualized.

(e)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

29 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

  

For the 

Six Months Ended 

May 31, 2023 

(Unaudited) 

  

For the Year 

Ended 

November 30, 

2022 

  

For the Period 

September 8, 

2021 

(Commencement 

of Operations) to 

November 30, 

2021

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $21.12   $23.58   $24.91 
                
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:               
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   0.05    (0.04)   0.05 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   0.63    (2.39)   (1.38)
Total from investment operations   0.68    (2.43)   (1.33)
                
DISTRIBUTIONS:               
From net investment income   (0.01)   (0.03)    
Total distributions   (0.01)   (0.03)    
                
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   0.67    (2.46)   (1.33)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $21.79   $21.12   $23.58 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   3.17%   (10.27)%   (5.34)%
                
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:               
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $5,993   $7,921   $7,665 
                
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.65%(c)   0.65%   0.65%(c)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets   0.43%(c)   (0.18)%   0.82%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   28%   57%   19%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c)Annualized.

(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

30 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

  

For the 

Six Months Ended 

May 31, 2023 

(Unaudited) 

  

For the Year 

Ended 

November 30, 

2022 

  

For the Year 

Ended 

November 30, 

2021 

  

For the Year 

Ended 

November 30, 

2020 

  

For the Year 

Ended 

November 30, 

2019 

  

For the Year 

Ended 

November 30, 

2018

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $31.29   $42.94   $49.00   $39.51   $33.59   $31.70 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income/(loss)(a)   (0.06)   (0.13)   (0.18)   (0.13)   0.03    (0.10)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   0.35    (11.52)   (5.88)   9.64    6.67    2.57(b)
Total from investment operations   0.29    (11.65)   (6.06)   9.51    6.70    2.47 
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income               (0.02)   (0.78)   (0.58)
Total distributions               (0.02)   (0.78)   (0.58)
                               
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   0.29    (11.65)   (6.06)   9.49    5.92    1.89 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $31.58   $31.29   $42.94   $49.00   $39.51   $33.59 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   0.93%   (27.13)%   (12.37)%   24.07%   20.99%   7.81%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $112,896   $115,009   $188,929   $242,542   $197,570   $221,694 
                               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.50%(d)   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets   (0.39)%(d)   (0.39)%   (0.36)%   (0.33)%   0.09%   (0.27)%
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   35%   88%   81%   68%   88%   48%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Net realized and unrealized gain on investments per share does not correlate to aggregate of the net realized and unrealized loss in the Statements of Operations for the year ended November 30, 2018, primarily due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of the Fund's shares in relation to the fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.

(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(d)Annualized.

(e)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

31 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

1. ORGANIZATION

 

  

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of May 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of twenty-three separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains to the ALPS Clean Energy ETF, ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF, ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF and the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).

 

The investment objective of the ALPS Clean Energy ETF is to seek investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Total Return Index. The investment objective of the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF is to seek investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the Indxx Disruptive Technologies Index. The investment objective of the ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF is to seek investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the S-Network Global Travel Index. The investment objective of the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF is to seek investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the S-Network Medical Breakthroughs Index.

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF is considered non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund. ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF, ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF and ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF have elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

Each Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). Each Fund issues and redeems Shares, at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements. The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

A. Portfolio Valuation 

Each Fund’s NAV is determined daily, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.

 

Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price as determined by NASDAQ. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities traded on the NASDAQ, are valued at the last quoted sale price in such market.

 

The Funds’ investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value according to procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for each Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments. The Adviser may carry out its designated responsibilities as Valuation Designee through various teams and committees. When market quotations are not readily available or when events occur that make established valuation methods unreliable, securities of the Funds may be valued in good faith by the Valuation Designee. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established primary pricing source or the pricing source is not willing to provide a price; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is most likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of the Fund’s NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; or a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security’s “fair value” due to the security being de-listed from a national exchange or the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when, under normal conditions, it would be open. As a general principle, the current “fair value” of a security would be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive from the sale on the applicable exchange or principal market. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities.

32 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

B. Fair Value Measurements 

Each Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability; including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Valuation techniques used to value the Funds’ investments by major category are as follows:

 

Equity securities, including restricted securities, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by a third party pricing vendor on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the mean of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices on such day and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing NAV each business day and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments.

 

These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;

 

Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

 

Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

33 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of May 31, 2023:

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $411,993,497   $   $   $411,993,497 
Master Limited Partnerships*   51,537,104            51,537,104 
Short Term Investments   39,158,719            39,158,719 
Total  $502,689,320   $   $   $502,689,320 

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $113,070,021   $   $   $113,070,021 
Master Limited Partnerships*   1,219,261            1,219,261 
Short Term Investments   1,145,232            1,145,232 
Total  $115,434,514   $   $   $115,434,514 

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $5,984,447   $   $   $5,984,447 
Short Term Investments   20,347            20,347 
Total  $6,004,794   $   $   $6,004,794 

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $112,892,617   $   $   $112,892,617 
Short Term Investments   2,983,691            2,983,691 
Total  $115,876,308   $   $   $115,876,308 

 

*For a detailed sector breakdown, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments.

 

The Funds did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the six months ended May 31, 2023.

 

C. Foreign Investment Risk 

The Funds may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investments in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, less liquidity generally, greater market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the value of the Fund’s investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the investment to U.S. investors. The Fund will not enter into transactions to hedge against declines in the value of the Fund’s assets that are denominated in foreign currency.

 

Countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments and may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets. The economies of emerging markets countries also may be based on only a few industries, making them more vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions and more sensitive to debt burdens, inflation rates or adverse news and events.

34 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which investors may purchase the shares of the Fund, the value of the Funds’ securities may change on the days when investors are not able to purchase the shares of the Fund. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Any use of a different rate from the rates used by the Index may adversely affect a Fund's ability to track its Index.

 

D. Foreign Currency Translation 

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment valuations and other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. The portion of realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed and is included in realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, when applicable.

 

E. Securities Transactions and Investment Income 

Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the specific identification in accordance with GAAP. Dividend income and capital gains distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of any foreign taxes withheld. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis.

 

F. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders 

Dividends from net investment income for the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF, the ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF and the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF, if any, are declared and paid annually or as the Board may determine from time to time. Dividends from net investment income for ALPS Clean Energy ETF, if any, are declared and paid quarterly or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Funds, if any, are distributed at least annually.

 

G. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information 

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Funds’ capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2022               
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $2,463,315   $   $3,378,816 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   621,900         
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   12,194         
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF            

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration.

 

As of November 30, 2022, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $95,237,759   $17,824,699 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   9,594,458    6,638,043 
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   770,617    68,861 
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   81,852,451    50,190,516 

35 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

As of May 31, 2023, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

Fund  ALPS Clean Energy ETF   ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)   $36,908,235   $12,280,554   $397,172   $23,032,574 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (261,923,430)   (24,450,575)   (954,780)   (31,274,637)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)  $(225,015,195)  $(12,170,021)  $(557,608)  $(8,242,063)
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $727,704,515   $127,604,535   $6,562,402   $124,118,371 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales and investments in partnerships. In addition, certain tax cost basis adjustments are finalized at fiscal year-end and therefore have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

H. Income Taxes 

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Each Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the six months ended May 31, 2023, each Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. Each Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. Each Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

I. Lending of Portfolio Securities 

The Funds have entered into a securities lending agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Co. (“SSB”), the Funds’ lending agent. Each Fund may lend their portfolio securities only to borrowers that are approved by SSB. Each Fund will limit such lending to not more than 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. Each Funds’ securities held at SSB as custodian shall be available to be lent except those securities the Fund or ALPS Advisors, Inc. specifically identifies in writing as not being available for lending. The borrower pledges and maintains with each Fund collateral consisting of cash (U.S. Dollars only), securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and cash equivalents (including irrevocable bank letters of credit) issued by a person other than the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower. The initial collateral received by each Fund is required to have a value of no less than 102% of the market value of the loaned securities for U.S equity securities and a value of no less than 105% of the market value for non-U.S. equity securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter, at a market value equal to not less than 102% of the current value of the U.S. equity securities on loan and not less than 105% of the current value of the non-U.S. equity securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to each Fund on the next business day. During the term of the loan, each Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the customary time period for settlement of securities transactions.

 

Any cash collateral received is reinvested in a money market fund managed by SSB as disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and is reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned. Non-cash collateral, in the form of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, is not disclosed in a Fund’s Statements of Assets and Liabilities or the contractual maturity table below as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of each Fund, and each Fund does not have the ability to rehypothecate these securities. Income earned by the Fund from securities lending activity is disclosed in the Statement of Operations. 

36 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial StatementsMay 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of each Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of May 31, 2023:

 

Fund  Market Value of Securities on Loan   Cash Collateral Received   Non-Cash Collateral Received   Total Collateral Received 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $59,805,453   $38,794,170   $24,091,572   $62,885,742 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   2,809,638    1,133,397    1,759,745    2,893,142 
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   12,621    14,038        14,038 
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   7,599,291    2,939,478    4,670,247    7,609,725 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, each Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Funds could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received.

 

The following tables reflect a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of May 31, 2023:

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF      Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements    
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 Days  30-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   Total 
Common Stocks  $38,794,170   $   $   $   $38,794,170 
Total Borrowings                     38,794,170 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)        $38,794,170 

  

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF      Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements    
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 Days  30-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   Total 
Common Stocks  $1,133,397   $  $   $   $1,133,397 
Total Borrowings                      1,133,397 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)   $1,133,397 

   

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF      Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements    
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 Days  30-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   Total 
Common Stocks  $14,038   $  $   $   $14,038 
Total Borrowings                      14,038 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)       $14,038 

   

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF      Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements    
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 Days  30-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   Total 
Common Stocks  $2,939,478   $  $   $   $2,939,478 
Total Borrowings                      2,939,478 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)        $2,939,478 

37 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial StatementsMay 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. serves as the Funds’ investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis as a percentage of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee.

 

Fund Advisory Fee
ALPS Clean Energy ETF 0.55%
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 0.50%
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 0.65%
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 0.50%

 

Out of the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of each Fund, including licensing fees to the Underlying Index provider, the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, trustees and other services, except for interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of each Fund's business. The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay substantially all of each Fund's expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services for each Fund.

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, is the administrator for the Funds.

 

Each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $20,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $10,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $124,808,446   $125,958,577 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   16,715,910    16,437,693 
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   1,933,251    1,963,686 
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   38,778,697    38,792,315 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $29,703,411   $123,635,797 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   1,631,116    17,418,987 
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   567,333    2,808,497 
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   5,897,693    8,933,557 

38 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial StatementsMay 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

   

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the in-kind net realized gain/(losses) were as follows:

 

Fund  Net Realized Gain/(Loss) 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $12,476,540 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   2,404,682 
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   330,611 
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   1,994,735 

 

Gains on in-kind transactions are not considered taxable for federal income tax purposes and losses on in-kind transactions are also not deductible for tax purposes.

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Funds. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of each Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The ALPS Clean Energy ETF and ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF engaged in cross trades between other funds in the Trust during the six months ended May 31, 2023 pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds of the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7. These transactions related to cross trades during the period complied with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Trust’s procedures.

 

Transactions related to cross trades during the six months ended May 31, 2023, were as follows:

 

   Purchase cost paid   Sale proceeds received   Realized gain/(loss) on sales 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $   $615,624   $(82,207)
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF       322,465    75,379 

 

7. MARKET RISK

 

 

The Funds are subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause each Fund to lose value. Securities in each Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.

 

8. CONCENTRATION RISK

 

 

Each Fund seeks to track an underlying index, which itself may have concentration in certain regions, economies, countries, markets, industries or sectors. Underperformance or increased risk in such concentrated areas may result in underperformance or increased risk in the Fund.

 

9. CHANGE IN AUDITOR

 

 

On March 14, 2023, BBD LLP (“BBD”) ceased to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Funds. The Board approved the replacement of BBD as a result of Cohen & Company, Ltd.’s (“Cohen”) acquisition of BBD’s investment management group.  

39 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 
Notes to Financial StatementsMay 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

   

The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Funds as of and for the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023: (i) there were no disagreements between the registrant and BBD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Funds for such years or interim period; and (ii) there were no “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

On March 7, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Funds’ Audit Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Cohen, effective upon the resignation of BBD, as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.

 

During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023, neither the registrant, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Cohen on behalf of the Funds regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Funds’ financial statements, or any matter that was either: (i) the subject of a "disagreement," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the instructions thereto; or (ii) "reportable events," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Effective July 1, 2023, each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $25,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $15,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.  

40 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 
Additional InformationMay 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 and a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures used in determining how to vote for proxies are available without charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and upon request, by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

Each Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of each Fund’s Form N-PORT are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1-866-759-5679 and on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The Funds designate the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022:

 

Fund Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction
ALPS Clean Energy ETF 84.58% 13.22%
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 100.00% 100.00%
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 100.00% 100.00%
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 0.00% 0.00%

 

In early 2023, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year 2022 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2024 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2023.

 

LICENSING AGREEMENT

 

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF 

CIBC NTC is the designer of the construction and methodology for the Underlying Index. “CIBC NTC” and “CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Index” are service marks or trademarks of the Index Provider. CIBC NTC acts as brand licensor for the Underlying Index and is not responsible for the descriptions of the Fund that appear herein.

 

The Fund is not sponsored by CIBC NTC or any of its affiliates. CIBC NTC makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities or commodities generally or in the Fund particularly. CIBC NTC does not guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of the Underlying Index or any Underlying Index data included herein or derived therefrom and assumes no liability in connection with their use. The Underlying Index is determined and composed without regard to the Adviser or the Fund. CIBC NTC has no obligation to take the needs of the Adviser, the Fund or the shareholders of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Underlying Index. CIBC NTC is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. CIBC NTC has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund and is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of pricing or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Shares of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the NAV of the Fund.

 

CIBC NTC has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund. CIBC NTC makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Adviser, the Fund, Fund shareholders or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. CIBC NTC makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall CIBC NTC have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

All intellectual property rights in the Underlying Index vests in CIBC NTC.

41 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 
Additional InformationMay 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

   

The Underlying Index is the property of CIBC NTC, which has contracted with S&P Opco, LLC (a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC) to calculate and maintain the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is not sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices or its affiliates or its third party licensors (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices will not be liable for any errors or omissions in calculating the Underlying Index. “Calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices” and the related stylized mark(s) are service marks of S&P Dow Jones Indices and have been licensed for use by CIBC NTC. S&P® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“SPFS”), and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”).

 

The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices. S&P Dow Jones Indices does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Underlying Index to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to CIBC NTC with respect to the Underlying Index is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices, and the provision of the calculation services related to the Underlying Index. S&P Dow Jones Indices is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund may be converted into cash or other redemption mechanics. S&P Dow Jones Indices has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is not an investment advisor. Inclusion of a security within the Underlying Index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it investment advice.

 

S&P DOW JONES INDICES DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION WITH RESPECT THERETO, INCLUDING, ORAL, WRITTEN, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS. S&P DOW JONES INDICES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY CIBC NTC, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME, OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.

 

The Index Provider is not affiliated with the Trust, the Adviser or ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (the “Distributor”). The Index Provider has entered into a license agreement with the Adviser (the “License Agreement”). The use of the Underlying Index by the Adviser and the Fund is subject to the terms of the License Agreement, which impose certain limitations and conditions on the Fund’s ability to use the Underlying Index.

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 

“Indxx” is a service mark of Indxx, LLC (“Indxx” or the “Index Provider”) and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”).

 

The ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Indxx. Indxx makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF particularly. Indxx has no obligation to take the needs of ALPS Advisors, Inc. or the shareholders of ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF into consideration in determining, composing, or calculating the Underlying Index. Indxx is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing, amount or pricing of the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF shares to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF is to be converted into cash. Indxx has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF.

 

INDXX MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX(ES), TRADING BASED ON THE INDEX(ES), OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCTS, OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. INDXX EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EXPRESS, STATUTORY, OR IMPLIED, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, INDXX HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, TITLE, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX(ES) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. INDXX DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF ANY DATA SUPPLIED BY IT OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. INDXX MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE FUNDS, ITS SHAREHOLDERS OR AFFILIATES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE DATA SUPPLIED BY INDXX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. INDXX MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE DATA SUPPLIED BY INDXX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL INDXX HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

42 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Additional InformationMay 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 

S-Network and S-Network Global Travel Index are service marks of S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. ("S-Network") and have been licensed for use by the ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“ALPS” or the “Adviser”). The Fund is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S-Network or its affiliates. S-Network makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the purchasers or owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Index to track general market performance. S-Network's only relationship to the Fund is the licensing of the service marks and the Index, which is determined, composed and calculated by S-Network without regard to ALPS or the Fund. S-Network is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund issued by ALPS. S-Network has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

 

S-NETWORK DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S-NETWORK GLOBAL TRAVEL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND S-NETWORK SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. S-NETWORK MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S-NETWORK GLOBAL TRAVEL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S-NETWORK MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE S-NETWORK GLOBAL TRAVEL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, UNLESS ARISING AS A RESULT OF S-NETWORK'S (i) GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, (ii) BREACH OF ITS CONFIDENTIALITY OBLIGATIONS: OR (iii) INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS, S-NETWORK SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 

The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. (“Licensor”). Licensor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Underlying Index to track the performance of the physical commodities market. Licensor’s only relationship to the Licensee is the licensing of certain service marks and trade names of Licensor and of the Underlying Index that is determined, composed and calculated by Licensor without regard to the Licensee or the Fund. Licensor has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Underlying Index. Licensor is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. Licensor has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

43 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Additional InformationMay 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

LICENSOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND LICENSOR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL LICENSOR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

Standard & Poor’s Custom Indexes serves as calculation agent for the Index. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”) or its third party licensors. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Underlying Index to track general stock market performance. S&P’s and its third party licensor’s only relationship to S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of S&P and/or its third party licensors and for the providing of calculation and maintenance services related to the Underlying Index. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors is responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

 

NEITHER S&P, ITS AFFILIATES NOR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P, ITS AFFILIATES AND THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO ITS TRADEMARKS, THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P, ITS AFFILIATES OR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.

 

Standard & Poor’s®, and S&P® are registered trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; “Calculated by S&P Custom Indices” and its related stylized mark are service marks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. These marks have been licensed for use by S-Network Global Indexes, Inc.

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

44 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 
Liquidity Risk Management ProgramMay 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

In compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s liquidity risk management rule (the “Liquidity Rule”), the ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”) has established a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk for each series of the Trust (each a “Fund”). The Program is overseen by the Liquidity Committee (the “Committee”), a committee comprised of representatives of the Trust’s investment adviser, ALPS Advisors, Inc. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the designation of the Committee to oversee the Program.

 

The Program’s principal objectives include supporting each Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and assessing and managing the risk that a Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence a Fund’s liquidity and, for Funds that are not “In-Kind ETFs,” the periodic classification and re-classification of such Fund’s investments into groupings that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on March 7, 2023, the Trustees received a report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the Program for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the Program has been operating effectively to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and (as applicable) respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments.

 

The Committee reported that during the period covered by the report, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Funds or their ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries. Among other things, the Committee’s report noted that no Fund is required to have a highly liquid investment minimum based either on its status as an In-Kind ETF or on its ability to rely on another exemption under the Liquidity Rule. The Committee’s report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

45 | May 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 10
Financial Statements  
Schedule of Investments 11
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 18
Statements of Operations 19
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 20
Financial Highlights 24
Notes to Financial Statements 28
Additional Information 37
Liquidity Risk Management Program 39

  

alpsfunds.com

 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (the “Fund” or “SDOG”) seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® Sector Dividend Dogs Index (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index is a rules based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the highest dividend paying stocks (i.e. “Dividend Dogs”) in the S-Network US Equity WR Large-Cap 500 Index (the “S-Net 500”) on a sector-by-sector basis. “Dividend Dogs” refers to the five stocks in each of the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) sectors, excluding the Real Estate sector, that make up the S-Net 500 which offer the highest dividend yields.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)    

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year 10 Years Since Inception^
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – NAV -9.98% -12.04% 5.23% 8.24% 9.98%
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – Market Price* -9.98% -12.04% 5.21% 8.22% 9.98%
S-Network® Sector Dividend Dogs Total Return Index -9.84% -11.83% 5.64% 8.71% 10.46%
S&P 500® Total Return Index 3.33% 2.92% 11.01% 11.99% 12.99%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) 0.36%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund Commencement Date was June 29, 2012.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The S-Network® Sector Dividend Dogs Total Return Index is designed to serve as a fair, impartial and transparent measure of the performance of US large cap equities with above average dividend yields. The Underlying Index is a portfolio of fifty stocks derived from the S-Net 500. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is an index of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping among other factors. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the ETF.

1 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)     Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)  
         
Hasbro, Inc. 2.54%   Information Technology 10.82%
Intel Corp. 2.43%   Utilities 10.66%
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. 2.32%   Consumer Staples 10.29%
Kimberly-Clark Corp. 2.31%   Industrials 10.17%
Southern Co. 2.30%   Health Care 9.98%
Medtronic PLC 2.27%   Communication Services 9.90%
HP, Inc. 2.23%   Energy 9.75%
Fastenal Co. 2.20%   Consumer Discretionary 9.65%
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. 2.20%   Materials 9.59%
Snap-On, Inc. 2.18%   Financials 9.01%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 22.98%   Money Market Fund 0.18%
      Total 100.00%

 

*% of Total Investments

  

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund over the past ten years with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

2 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (the “Fund” or “IDOG”) seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® International Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index is a rules-based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the highest dividend paying stocks (i.e. “Dividend Dogs”) in the S-Network® Developed International Equity 1000 Index, a universe of mainly large capitalization stocks in international developed markets not located in the Americas (the “S-Net Developed Markets”) on a sector-by-sector basis. “Dividend Dogs” refers to the five stocks in each of the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) sectors, excluding the Real Estate sector, that make up the S-Net Developed Markets which offer the highest dividend yields.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)    

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – NAV 5.87% -0.21% 3.67% 4.83%
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – Market Price* 5.53% -0.24% 3.73% 4.86%
S-Network® International Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index 6.05% -0.10% 4.06% 5.22%
Morningstar® Developed Markets ex-North America Net Total Return Index 6.46% 1.95% 2.78% 4.97%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) 0.50%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund Commencement Date was June 28, 2013.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The S-Network® International Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index is designed to serve as a fair, impartial and transparent measure of the performance of international large cap equities with above average dividend yields. The Underlying Index is a portfolio of fifty stocks derived from the S-Network Developed International Equity 1000 Index. Total Return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. Net Total Return (NTR) is obtained by reinvesting the net dividend, which is equal to the ordinary gross dividend minus the amount of withholding tax.

 

Morningstar® Developed Markets ex-North America Net Total Return Index measures the performance of companies in developed markets ex-North America. It covers approximately 97% of the full market capitalization in the Developed Markets ex-North America.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the ETF.

3 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)     Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)  
         
NEC Corp. 2.56%   Information Technology 11.54%
The Sage Group Plc 2.43%   Health Care 10.81%
Koninklijke Philips NV 2.32%   Utilities 10.41%
Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA 2.32%   Consumer Staples 10.15%
Canon, Inc. 2.32%   Consumer Discretionary 9.80%
Kyocera Corp. 2.30%   Industrials 9.75%
Enel SpA 2.27%   Energy 9.71%
Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA 2.22%   Communication Services 9.63%
Endesa SA 2.21%   Financials 9.39%
Sanofi 2.19%   Materials 8.74%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 23.14%   Money Market Fund 0.07%
      Total 100.00%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned).

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

4 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (the “Fund” or “EDOG”) seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index is a rules-based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the highest dividend paying stocks (i.e. “Dividend Dogs”) in the S-Network® Emerging Markets Liquid 500 Index, a universe of mainly large capitalization stocks domiciled in emerging markets (the “S-Network Emerging Markets”) on a sector-by-sector basis. “Dividend Dogs” refers to the five stocks in each of the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) sectors, excluding the real estate sector, that make up the S-Network® Emerging Markets which offer the highest dividend yields. Emerging market countries are countries that major international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)          

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – NAV -0.75% -1.84% 2.54% 1.95%
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – Market Price* -0.46% -2.12% 2.66% 1.99%
S-Network® Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index -0.44% -1.12% 3.28% 2.77%
Morningstar® Emerging Markets Net Total Return Index 0.20% -7.35% 0.55% 3.04%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) 0.60%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund Commencement Date was March 28, 2014.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The S-Network® Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index is a portfolio of stocks derived from a universe of mainly large capitalization stocks domiciled in emerging markets (the “S-Network Emerging Markets Liquid 500 Index” or “SNX500”). The index methodology selects the five stocks in each of the GICS sectors, excluding the real estate sector, that make up the universe which offer the highest dividend yields as of the last trading day of November. The fifty stocks that are selected for inclusion in the portfolio are equally weighted. The universe includes stocks whose domicile and primary exchange listings are in countries identified by the World Bank as Upper Middle Income (certain lower middle income countries are also included, as well as stocks traded on the Taiwan Stock Exchange despite non-recognition by the World Bank). The selection criteria for the universe, in addition to the aforementioned country qualifications, also include requirements for sector inclusion, primary exchange listing, minimum market capitalization, share price, average daily trading volume and other factors. Total Return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. Net Total Return (NTR) is obtained by reinvesting the net dividend, which is equal to the ordinary gross dividend minus the amount of withholding tax.

 

Morningstar® Emerging Markets Net Total Return Index measures the performance of emerging markets targeting the top 97% of stocks by market capitalization.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the ETF.

5 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)     Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)  
         
Richter Gedeon Nyrt 3.17%   Industrials 11.74%
TOTVS SA 2.83%   Health Care 11.26%
Wipro, Ltd. 2.73%   Consumer Staples 10.90%
Bumrungrad Hospital Pcl 2.72%   Information Technology 10.55%
Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Ltd. 2.71%   Utilities 10.50%
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL 2.65%   Financials 9.48%
Delta Electronics Thailand PCL 2.62%   Energy 9.28%
Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PT 2.51%   Communication Services 9.24%
Infosys, Ltd. 2.37%   Materials 8.76%
Astra International Tbk PT 2.33%   Consumer Discretionary 8.19%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 26.64%   Money Market Fund 0.10%
      Total 100.00%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned).

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

6 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (the “Fund” or "RDOG") seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® REIT Dividend Dogs Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index is a rules-based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the highest dividend paying real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) (i.e. “Dividend Dogs”) in the S-Network® Composite US REIT Index, a universe of mainly REITs listed in the United States (the “S-Net U.S. REIT” or "SNREIT"), on a segment-by-segment basis. “Dividend Dogs” refers to the five REITs in each of the nine segments that make up the S-Net U.S. REIT which offer the highest dividend yields.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)                       

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception^
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF – NAV -14.61% -21.80% -0.41% 2.06% 1.60%
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF – Market Price* -14.23% -21.81% -0.34% 2.10% 1.59%
S-Network® REIT Dividend Dogs Total Return Index -14.35% -21.51%
S-Network® Composite US REIT Index -7.46% -16.06% 4.08%
S-Network® REIT Dividend Dogs Index/S&P United States REIT Index** -14.35% -21.51% 0.85% 3.76% 4.35%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.35%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. On January 2, 2020, the Fund changed its Underlying Index and principal investment strategies. Consequently, the Fund's total returns shown above for the periods prior to January 2, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the performance of the Fund, as it is currently managed. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund Inception Date was May 7, 2008.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

**The performance shown reflects a combination of the Fund's Underlying Index, and for periods prior to January 2, 2020, the S&P United States REIT Index. Prior to January 2, 2020, the Fund used a different Underlying Index than the S&P United States REIT Index. Therefore, the historical returns shown for the periods prior to January 2, 2020, are not necessarily indicative of the historical strategy of the Fund.

 

The S-Network® REIT Dividend Dogs Total Return Index, like the S-Net U.S. REIT from which components of the Underlying Index are selected, divides into nine segments, eight of which are based on Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) Sub-Industries (excluding Technology REITs involved in cell towers and/or data centers) and a separate Technology REIT segment based on the research of the Underlying Index provider, S-Network® Global Indexes, Inc. (the “Index Provider”). The Underlying Index generally consists of 45 REITs on each annual reconstitution date. The Underlying Index’s REITs must be constituents of the S-Net U.S. REIT universe, which includes a universe of mainly REITs listed in the United States. The selection criteria for the universe also includes requirements for segment inclusion, primary exchange listing, minimum market capitalization, share price, average daily trading volume and other factors. The Underlying Index is rebalanced quarterly. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index commenced operations on October 29, 2019.

 

The S-Network® Composite US REIT Index (the “S-Net U.S. REIT” or “SNREIT”) is a benchmark index for the Real Estate Investment Trust component of the US stock market. The SNREIT provides the universe of stocks for RDOGX. The selection criteria for SNREIT include requirements for sector inclusion, primary exchange listing, minimum market capitalization, minimum average daily trading volume, and other factors. All constituents of RDOGX must be constituents of SNREIT. The index commenced operations on February 12, 2016.

 

The S&P United States REIT Index defines and measures the investable universe of publicly traded real estate investment trusts domiciled in the United States.

7 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the ETF.

8 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview     May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)     REIT Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)
       
Equinix, Inc. 2.66%   Specialized REITs 13.60%
STAG Industrial, Inc. 2.64%   Industrial REITs 12.15%
EPR Properties 2.63%   Health Care REITs 11.85%
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. 2.58%   Residential REITs 11.41%
Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc. 2.56%   Hotel & Resort REITs 11.21%
EastGroup Properties, Inc. 2.51%   Retail REITs 11.17%
LXP Industrial Trust 2.49%   Diversified REITs 10.90%
Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. 2.47%   Technology REITs 9.44%
UMH Properties, Inc. 2.44%   Office REITs 8.14%
Centerspace 2.40%   Money Market Fund 0.13%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 25.38%   Total 100.00%

 

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.        

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund over the past ten years with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

9 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through May 31, 2023.

 

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

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries. Therefore, the second line 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 costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

  Beginning Account Value 12/1/22 Ending Account Value 5/31/23 Expense Ratio(a) Expenses Paid During Period 12/1/22 - 5/31/23(b)
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $900.20 0.39% $1.85
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $1,022.99 0.39% $1.97
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $1,058.70 0.50% $2.57
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $1,022.44 0.50% $2.52
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $992.50 0.60% $2.98
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $1,021.94 0.60% $3.02
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $853.90 0.35% $1.62
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $1,023.19 0.35% $1.77

 

(a)Annualized based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses.

(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

10 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 
Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.57%)          
Communication Services (9.87%)          
AT&T, Inc.   1,286,854   $20,242,213 
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.   702,352    26,120,471 
Omnicom Group, Inc.   271,137    23,911,572 
Paramount Global, Class B   1,192,417    18,136,663 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   646,579    23,037,610 
Total Communication Services        111,448,529 
           
Consumer Discretionary (9.63%)          
Best Buy Co., Inc.   301,690    21,923,813 
Hasbro, Inc.   481,923    28,602,130 
Newell Brands, Inc.   1,937,717    16,102,428 
VF Corp.   1,088,977    18,752,184 
Whirlpool Corp.   180,480    23,334,259 
Total Consumer Discretionary        108,714,814 
           
Consumer Staples (10.27%)          
Altria Group, Inc.   508,848    22,603,028 
Kimberly-Clark Corp.   193,899    26,036,758 
Kraft Heinz Co.   625,151    23,893,272 
Philip Morris International, Inc.   241,188    21,709,332 
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.   713,107    21,657,060 
Total Consumer Staples        115,899,450 
           
Energy (9.72%)          
Devon Energy Corp.   458,245    21,125,094 
Kinder Morgan, Inc.   1,414,317    22,784,647 
ONEOK, Inc.   368,311    20,868,501 
Phillips 66   234,358    21,469,536 
Williams Cos., Inc.   820,622    23,519,027 
Total Energy        109,766,805 
           
Financials (8.98%)          
Citigroup, Inc.   490,683    21,747,071 
Franklin Resources, Inc.   860,228    20,654,074 
Lincoln National Corp.   924,310    19,336,565 
Prudential Financial, Inc.   267,902    21,081,208 
Truist Financial Corp.   610,591    18,604,708 
Total Financials        101,423,626 
           
Health Care (9.95%)         
AbbVie, Inc.   158,439    21,858,245 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.   298,326    22,953,202 
Medtronic PLC   309,119    25,582,688 
Organon & Co.   1,045,769    20,277,461 
Viatris, Inc.   2,371,735    21,701,375 
Total Health Care        112,372,971 
           
Industrials (10.14%)          
3M Co.   227,886    21,264,042 
Fastenal Co.   460,360    24,790,386 
Snap-On, Inc.   98,729    24,569,699 
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.   293,835    22,028,810 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Industrials (continued)          
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   130,631   $21,815,377 
Total Industrials        114,468,314 
           
Information Technology (10.80%)          
Corning, Inc.   713,104    21,970,734 
HP, Inc.   863,976    25,107,143 
Intel Corp.   871,357    27,395,464 
International Business Machines Corp.   189,009    24,304,667 
Seagate Technology Holdings PLC   384,075    23,082,908 
Total Information Technology        121,860,916 
           
Materials (9.57%)          
Amcor PLC   2,208,301    21,288,022 
International Paper Co.   667,725    19,657,824 
LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A   266,664    22,810,438 
Newmont Mining Corp.   562,520    22,810,186 
The Dow Chemical Co.   440,138    21,469,932 
Total Materials        108,036,402 
           
Utilities (10.64%)          
Dominion Resources, Inc.   445,777    22,413,668 
Duke Energy Corp.   255,491    22,812,791 
Edison International   358,149    24,182,220 
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.   320,505    24,768,626 
Southern Co.   370,954    25,874,042 
Total Utilities        120,051,347 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $1,253,613,818)        1,124,043,174 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.17%)  
Money Market Fund (0.17%)  
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)   5.02%   1,959,522    1,959,522 
                
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $1,959,522)             1,959,522 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.75%)     
(Cost $1,255,573,340)            $1,126,002,696 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.25%)   2,861,960 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%  $1,128,864,656 


See Notes to Financial Statements.

11 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.06%)          
Australia (7.52%)          
BHP Group, Ltd.   138,683   $3,790,464 
Fortescue Metals Group, Ltd.(a)   290,238    3,628,447 
South32, Ltd.   1,441,706    3,638,493 
Woodside Energy Group, Ltd.   183,352    4,090,656 
Total Australia        15,148,060 
           
Austria (1.80%)         
Erste Group Bank AG   111,927    3,621,470 
           
Denmark (1.78%)          
A P Moller-Maersk A/S   2,130    3,581,772 
           
Finland (1.75%)          
Fortum Oyj   265,851    3,532,214 
           
France (15.92%)          
Amundi SA(b)   63,656    3,579,008 
Bouygues SA   119,682    3,832,731 
Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA   133,508    3,790,295 
Credit Agricole SA   350,236    4,002,740 
Danone SA   70,197    4,152,363 
Engie SA   273,679    4,107,789 
Orange SA   354,877    4,237,858 
Sanofi   43,060    4,367,032 
Total France        32,069,816 
           
Germany (6.26%)          
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG   39,282    4,279,477 
Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA   103,757    4,430,695 
Mercedes-Benz Group AG   52,122    3,887,115 
Total Germany        12,597,287 
           
Hong Kong (2.10%)          
CITIC, Ltd.   3,666,000    4,232,278 
           
Israel (1.50%)          
Israel Chemicals, Ltd.   556,239    3,028,976 
           
Italy (5.93%)         
Enel SpA   724,780    4,538,300 
Eni SpA   287,404    3,824,721 
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA   1,555,216    3,583,244 
Total Italy        11,946,265 
           
Japan (18.77%)          
Canon, Inc.(a)   186,663    4,636,933 
ENEOS Holdings, Inc.   1,165,200    3,878,843 
Japan Tobacco, Inc.(a)   199,600    4,355,169 
Kyocera Corp.   80,620    4,586,356 
NEC Corp.   108,700    5,110,246 
Nippon Steel Corp.   172,100    3,354,298 
Nippon Yusen KK(a)   163,300    3,484,007 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Japan (continued)          
Sumitomo Corp.   229,300   $4,339,131 
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.   127,500    4,045,774 
Total Japan        37,790,757 
           
Netherlands (4.03%)          
Koninklijke Philips NV   246,065    4,641,237 
Stellantis NV(a)   228,604    3,465,445 
Total Netherlands        8,106,682 
           
Norway (3.57%)          
Aker BP ASA   159,849    3,473,413 
Telenor ASA   362,650    3,724,446 
Total Norway        7,197,859 
           
Poland (2.04%)          
Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN SA   289,078    4,108,331 
           
Portugal (2.31%)          
Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA   192,275    4,640,710 
           
Spain (6.35%)          
Endesa SA(a)   204,135    4,414,190 
Red Electrica Corp. SA   247,329    4,188,947 
Telefonica SA   985,502    4,182,016 
Total Spain        12,785,153 
           
Sweden (5.85%)          
H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB,          
Class B(a)   332,034    4,144,076 
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B   745,335    3,854,494 
Telia Co. AB   1,623,734    3,781,102 
Total Sweden        11,779,672 
           
Switzerland (1.97%)          
Swiss Re AG   39,608    3,967,106 
           
United Kingdom (9.61%)          
British American Tobacco PLC   109,603    3,482,826 
GSK PLC   244,132    4,088,859 
Imperial Brands PLC   172,535    3,637,896 
The Sage Group Plc   448,413    4,858,472 
Vodafone Group PLC   3,463,936    3,290,759 
Total United Kingdom        19,358,812 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $203,740,357)        199,493,220 


12 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 
Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

    7 Day Yield    Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (4.29%)     
Money Market Fund (0.07%)     
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)               
(Cost $133,179)   5.02%   133,179   $133,179 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (4.22%)           
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%               
(Cost $8,507,375)        8,507,375    8,507,375 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS    
(Cost $8,640,554)             8,640,554 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (103.35%)    
(Cost $212,380,911)            $208,133,774 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-3.35%)  (6,741,362)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%        $201,392,412 

 

(a)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $12,635,909.
(b)Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $3,579,008, representing 1.78% of net assets.


See Notes to Financial Statements.

13 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.14%)          
Brazil (10.77%)          
Cia Siderurgica Nacional SA   198,982   $476,540 
Engie Brasil Energia SA   77,400    641,224 
JBS S/A   165,712    548,748 
Petroleo Brasileiro SA   126,772    652,689 
TOTVS SA   144,469    818,979 
Total Brazil        3,138,180 
           
Chile (7.60%)          
Banco Santander Chile, ADR(a)   33,597    583,580 
Cia Sud Americana de Vapores SA   5,890,314    433,117 
Empresas CMPC SA   361,596    618,281 
Falabella SA   262,826    579,187 
Total Chile        2,214,165 
           
China (9.42%)          
BBMG Corp.   4,495,000    487,935 
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.   1,050,000    661,073 
COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co., Ltd.   558,000    491,696 
Maanshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd.   2,630,000    476,933 
Sinotrans, Ltd.   1,897,000    627,452 
Total China        2,745,089 
           
Colombia (3.66%)          
Bancolombia SA, ADR   23,640    553,412 
Ecopetrol SA, Sponsored ADR, Sponsored ADR(a)   56,594    513,874 
Total Colombia        1,067,286 
           
Czech Republic (3.97%)          
CEZ AS   13,499    607,294 
Komercni banka A.S.   18,482    550,844 
Total Czech Republic        1,158,138 
           
Hungary (3.15%)          
Richter Gedeon Nyrt   36,424    916,796 
           
India (7.75%)          
Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Ltd., ADR   14,215    784,526 
Infosys, Ltd., Sponsored ADR   42,923    685,051 
Wipro, Ltd., ADR   161,809    789,628 
Total India        2,259,205 
           
Indonesia (9.72%)          
Astra International Tbk PT   1,569,600    675,378 
Bukit Asam Tbk PT   2,410,900    492,152 
Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk PT   246,500    363,830 
Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PT   1,531,200    725,251 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Indonesia (continued)          
Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk PT   6,050,600   $577,209 
Total Indonesia        2,833,820 
           
Malaysia (10.23%)          
Maxis Bhd   698,100    621,642 
MISC Bhd   378,400    598,488 
Petronas Gas Bhd   166,100    602,430 
Sime Darby Bhd   1,270,100    569,626 
Sime Darby Plantation Bhd   645,500    590,187 
Total Malaysia        2,982,373 
           
Mexico (6.38%)          
Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV, ADR   7,939    657,508 
El Puerto de Liverpool SAB de CV   97,546    572,571 
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV, Class A   309,800    630,143 
Total Mexico        1,860,222 
           
Philippines (3.98%)          
Manila Electric Co.   104,680    609,515 
PLDT, Inc.   25,740    550,000 
Total Philippines        1,159,515 
           
Russia (0.01%)          
Magnit PJSC, GDR(b)(c)(d)   32,174    321 
Mobile TeleSystems PJSC, Sponsored ADR(b)(c)   64,600    646 
Novolipetsk Steel PJSC, GDR(b)(c)(d)   17,594    176 
Severstal PAO, GDR(b)(c)(d)   23,283    233 
X5 Retail Group NV, GDR(b)(c)(d)   17,785    178 
Total Russia        1,554 
           
South Africa (8.26%)          
African Rainbow Minerals, Ltd.   45,270    473,506 
MultiChoice Group   78,635    391,126 
Nedbank Group, Ltd.   49,264    520,078 
Ninety One, Ltd.   263,208    533,390 
Vodacom Group, Ltd.   87,571    490,153 
Total South Africa        2,408,253 
           
Thailand (12.12%)          
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL   944,400    766,647 
Bumrungrad Hospital Pcl   123,000    788,190 
Delta Electronics Thailand PCL   266,600    758,431 
Home Product Center PCL   1,511,100    599,229 
Intouch Holdings PCL   287,800    618,191 
Total Thailand        3,530,688 


14 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 
Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Turkey (2.12%)          
Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi A.S.   59,724   $617,775 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $31,012,183)        28,893,059 

 

    7 Day Yield    Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (3.51%)       
Money Market Fund (0.12%)       
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)               
(Cost $35,580)   5.02%   35,580    35,580 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (3.39%)           
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%               
(Cost $986,663)        986,663    986,663 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS       
(Cost $1,022,243)             1,022,243 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (102.65%)       
(Cost $32,034,426)            $29,915,302 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-2.65%)  (771,514)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%        $29,143,788 

 

(a)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $944,910.
(b)Non-income producing security.
(c)As a result of the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value, these investments have been classified as Level 3 securities under the fair value hierarchy.
(d)Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of May 31, 2023, the market value of those securities was $908 representing 0.01% of net assets.


See Notes to Financial Statements.

15 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 
Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.75%)          
Data Center REITs (2.65%)        
Equinix, Inc.   519   $386,940 
           
Diversified REITs (10.89%)          
Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.   21,384    335,301 
CTO Realty Growth, Inc.   21,277    339,156 
Gladstone Commercial Corp.   27,719    324,035 
Global Net Lease, Inc.   26,549    255,401 
One Liberty Properties, Inc.   16,715    334,468 
Total Diversified REITs        1,588,361 
           
Health Care REITs (11.83%)          
Global Medical REIT, Inc.   37,587    327,759 
Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.   18,775    349,403 
Medical Properties Trust, Inc.   39,385    324,926 
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.   12,615    376,053 
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.   30,911    348,058 
Total Health Care REITs        1,726,199 
           
Hotel & Resort REITs (11.19%)          
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.   22,321    324,324 
Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   27,782    359,499 
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust(a)   24,943    338,227 
RLJ Lodging Trust   32,600    335,128 
Service Properties Trust   33,577    275,667 
Total Hotel & Resort REITs        1,632,845 
           
Industrial REITs (12.13%)          
EastGroup Properties, Inc.   2,217    364,940 
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.   4,328    286,081 
LXP Industrial Trust   35,040    362,314 
Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc.   16,996    372,382 
STAG Industrial, Inc.   11,035    384,018 
Total Industrial REITs        1,769,735 
           
Multi-Family Residential REITs (8.96%)          
Apartment Income REIT Corp.   9,917    344,021 
BRT Apartments Corp.   17,343    318,418 
Centerspace   5,946    349,684 
Clipper Realty, Inc.   53,926    294,975 
Total Multi-Family Residential REITs        1,307,098 
           
Office REITs (8.13%)          
Brandywine Realty Trust   66,193    258,153 
Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.   43,438    202,855 
Office Properties Income Trust(a)   24,925    180,457 
SL Green Realty Corp.   11,641    269,256 
Vornado Realty Trust   20,235    274,387 
Total Office REITs        1,185,108 
           
Retail REITs (11.16%)          
Alexander's, Inc.(a)   1,765    289,743 
Necessity Retail REIT, Inc.   54,262    346,734 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Retail REITs (continued)          
Saul Centers, Inc.   9,477   $320,417 
Simon Property Group, Inc.   3,107    326,701 
Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.   8,796    343,572 
Total Retail REITs        1,627,167 
           
Self-Storage REITs (2.15%)          
National Storage Affiliates Trust   8,563    313,491 
           
Single-Family Residential REITs (2.44%)          
UMH Properties, Inc.   23,389    355,747 
           
Specialized REITs (11.44%)          
EPR Properties   9,193    383,440 
Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.   13,315    342,196 
Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.   6,857    330,096 
Outfront Media, Inc.   21,772    311,775 
Uniti Group, Inc.   80,885    300,892 
Total Specialized REITs        1,668,399 
           
Technology REITs (4.49%)          
Crown Castle, Inc.   2,728    308,837 
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.   3,377    346,007 
Total Technology REITs        654,844 
           
Telecom Tower REITs (2.29%)          
American Tower Corp.   1,810    333,836 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $19,325,420)        14,549,770 


16 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 
Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

    7 Day Yield    Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.13%)  
Money Market Fund (0.12%)  
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)               
(Cost $17,850)   5.02%   17,850   $17,850 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (0.01%)           
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%               
(Cost $1,271)        1,271    1,271 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $19,121)             19,121 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.88%)           
(Cost $19,344,541)            $14,568,891 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.12%)     17,042 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%    $14,585,933 

 

(a)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $726,832.


See Notes to Financial Statements.

17 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   ALPS Sector
Dividend Dogs
ETF
   ALPS
International
Sector Dividend
Dogs ETF
   ALPS Emerging
Sector Dividend
Dogs ETF
   ALPS REIT
Dividend Dogs
ETF
 
ASSETS:                    
Investments, at value*  $1,126,002,696   $208,133,774   $29,915,302   $14,568,891 
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $–, $162, $– and $–)       167         
Foreign tax reclaims       673,286    5,833    1,257 
Dividends receivable   5,871,215    1,181,342    225,553    21,371 
Total Assets   1,131,873,911    209,988,569    30,146,688    14,591,519 
                     
LIABILITIES:                    
Payable for investments purchased   2,648,464             
Payable to adviser   360,791    88,782    15,376    4,315 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned       8,507,375    986,663    1,271 
Payable to custodian for overdraft           861     
Total Liabilities   3,009,255    8,596,157    1,002,900    5,586 
NET ASSETS  $1,128,864,656   $201,392,412   $29,143,788   $14,585,933 
                     
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Paid-in capital  $1,418,628,628   $260,517,148   $40,417,455   $28,172,491 
Total Distributable earnings/(accumulated losses)   (289,763,972)   (59,124,736)   (11,273,667)   (13,586,558)
NET ASSETS  $1,128,864,656   $201,392,412   $29,143,788   $14,585,933 
                     
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $1,255,573,340   $212,380,911   $32,034,426   $19,344,541 
                     
PRICING OF SHARES:                    
Net Assets  $1,128,864,656   $201,392,412   $29,143,788   $14,585,933 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   23,884,141    7,500,000    1,400,000    425,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $47.26   $26.85   $20.82   $34.32 

 

*Includes $, $12,635,909, $944,910, and $726,832 respectively of securities on loan.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

18 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Statements of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   ALPS Sector
Dividend Dogs
ETF
   ALPS
International
Sector Dividend
Dogs ETF
   ALPS Emerging
Sector Dividend
Dogs ETF
   ALPS REIT
Dividend Dogs
ETF
 
INVESTMENT INCOME:                    
Dividends*  $28,035,962   $6,903,191   $1,010,526   $611,228 
Securities Lending Income       7,006    577    444 
Total Investment Income   28,035,962    6,910,197    1,011,103    611,672 
                     
EXPENSES:                    
Investment adviser fees   2,442,825    478,490    86,116    31,308 
Total Expenses   2,442,825    478,490    86,116    31,308 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   25,593,137    6,431,707    924,987    580,364 
                     
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS)                    
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments(a)   43,201,345    (3,405,732)   (913,579)   (2,304,056)
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions       (12,112)   (16,026)    
Total net realized gain/(loss)   43,201,345    (3,417,844)   (929,605)   (2,304,056)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   (197,582,472)   7,000,599    (315,431)   (1,043,689)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies       (45,687)   (3,553)   33 
Total net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (197,582,472)   6,954,912    (318,984)   (1,043,656)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS   (154,381,127)   3,537,068    (1,248,589)   (3,347,712)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(128,787,990)  $9,968,775   $(323,602)  $(2,767,348)
*Net of foreign tax withholding:  $   $1,222,769   $178,232   $ 

 

(a)Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

19 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six
Months Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
November 30, 2022
 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $25,593,137   $47,106,686 
Net realized gain   43,201,345    79,831,594 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (197,582,472)   (10,173,890)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (128,787,990)   116,764,390 
           
Net Equalization Credits/(Debits)   (408,164)   1,492,734 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (25,385,615)   (46,839,426)
Total distributions   (25,385,615)   (46,839,426)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   31,903,339    142,289,681 
Cost of shares redeemed   (51,433,476)   (44,389,643)
Net income equalization (Note 2)   408,164    (1,492,734)
Net increase/(decrease) from share transactions   (19,121,973)   96,407,304 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (173,703,742)   167,825,002 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   1,302,568,398    1,134,743,396 
End of period  $1,128,864,656   $1,302,568,398 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   24,309,141    22,484,141 
Shares sold   600,000    2,700,000 
Shares redeemed   (1,025,000)   (875,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   23,884,141    24,309,141 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

20 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six
Months Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
November 30, 2022
 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $6,431,707   $7,271,405 
Net realized gain/(loss)   (3,417,844)   12,053 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   6,954,912    (5,804,169)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   9,968,775    1,479,289 
           
Net Equalization Credits   562,239    157,925 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (3,493,620)   (6,875,035)
From tax return of capital       (104,515)
Total distributions   (3,493,620)   (6,979,550)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   39,912,372    47,390,193 
Cost of shares redeemed   (14,945,757)   (29,427,911)
Net income equalization (Note 2)   (562,239)   (157,925)
Net increase from share transactions   24,404,376    17,804,357 
Net increase in net assets   31,441,770    12,462,021 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   169,950,642    157,488,621 
End of period  $201,392,412   $169,950,642 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   6,575,000    5,950,000 
Shares sold   1,475,000    1,775,000 
Shares redeemed   (550,000)   (1,150,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   7,500,000    6,575,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

21 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six
Months Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
November 30, 2022
 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $924,987   $1,344,781 
Net realized loss   (929,605)   (97,520)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (318,984)   (2,290,146)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   (323,602)   (1,042,885)
           
Net Equalization Credits/(Debits)   (52,611)   69,251 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (377,580)   (1,199,258)
Total distributions   (377,580)   (1,199,258)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   2,723,972    8,949,252 
Cost of shares redeemed   (1,060,988)   (3,266,629)
Net income equalization (Note 2)   52,611    (69,251)
Net increase from share transactions   1,715,595    5,613,372 
Net increase in net assets   961,802    3,440,480 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   28,181,986    24,741,506 
End of period  $29,143,788   $28,181,986 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   1,325,000    1,050,000 
Shares sold   125,000    450,000 
Shares redeemed   (50,000)   (175,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   1,400,000    1,325,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

22 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six
Months Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
November 30, 2022
 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $580,364   $801,823 
Net realized gain/(loss)   (2,304,056)   3,120,128 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (1,043,656)   (7,304,705)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   (2,767,348)   (3,382,754)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (566,744)   (825,395)
From tax return of capital       (282,853)
Total distributions   (566,744)   (1,108,248)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Cost of shares redeemed   (2,833,617)   (3,444,778)
Net decrease from share transactions   (2,833,617)   (3,444,778)
Net decrease in net assets   (6,167,709)   (7,935,780)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   20,753,642    28,689,422 
End of period  $14,585,933   $20,753,642 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   500,000    575,000 
Shares sold        
Shares redeemed   (75,000)   (75,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   425,000    500,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

23 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2022   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $53.58   $50.47   $43.69   $45.78   $44.26   $45.61 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income (a)   1.05    2.02    1.75    1.70    1.71    1.54 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (6.34)   3.11    6.84    (2.14)   1.34    (1.31)
Total from investment operations   (5.29)   5.13    8.59    (0.44)   3.05    0.23 
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (1.03)   (2.02)   (1.81)   (1.65)   (1.53)   (1.58)
Total distributions   (1.03)   (2.02)   (1.81)   (1.65)   (1.53)   (1.58)
                               
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   (6.32)   3.11    6.78    (2.09)   1.52    (1.35)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $47.26   $53.58   $50.47   $43.69   $45.78   $44.26 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   (9.98)%   10.42%   19.77%   (0.27)%   7.26%   0.51%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $1,128,865   $1,302,568   $1,134,743   $1,007,514   $1,746,784   $2,166,709 
                               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.39%(c)(d)   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%
Ratio of net investment income to average  net assets   4.06%(c)   3.84%   3.43%   4.27%   3.97%   3.40%
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   40%   54%   54%   77%   55%   61%
Undistributed net investment income included in price of units issued and redeemed(a)(f)  $(0.02)  $0.06   $(0.02)  $0.12   $0.06   $0.04 

 

(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c) Annualized.

(d) Effective April 1, 2023 the Advisory Fee changed from 0.40% to 0.36%.

(e) Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year is not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

(f) The per share amount of equalization is presented to show the impact of equalization on distributable earnings per share.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

24 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2022   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $25.85   $26.47   $24.82   $26.88   $25.14   $28.27 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.91    1.15    1.09    0.75    1.20    1.15 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   0.60    (0.68)   1.65    (1.66)   1.69    (3.19)
Total from investment operations   1.51    0.47    2.74    (0.91)   2.89    (2.04)
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (0.51)   (1.07)   (1.08)   (1.11)   (1.15)   (1.09)
Tax return of capital       (0.02)   (0.01)   (0.04)        
Total distributions   (0.51)   (1.09)   (1.09)   (1.15)   (1.15)   (1.09)
                               
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   1.00    (0.62)   1.65    (2.06)   1.74    (3.13)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $26.85   $25.85   $26.47   $24.82   $26.88   $25.14 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   5.87%   1.92%   10.93%   (3.08)%   11.79%   (7.47)%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $201,392   $169,951   $157,489   $146,431   $221,741   $285,327 
                               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.50%(c)   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   6.72%(c)   4.43%   3.92%   3.22%   4.65%   4.16%
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   55%   53%   61%   79%   58%   72%
Undistributed net investment income included in price of units issued and redeemed(a)(e)  $0.08   $0.03   $(0.25)  $0.00(f)   $0.04   $0.05 

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c)Annualized.

(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year is not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

(e)The per share amount of equalization is presented to show the impact of equalization on distributable earnings per share.

(f)Less than $0.005.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

25 | May 31, 2023 

 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2022   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $21.27   $23.56   $20.96   $20.67   $21.33   $24.29 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.69    1.11    1.04    0.56    0.89    0.91 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (0.85)   (2.41)   2.50    0.42    (0.33)   (3.02)
Total from investment operations   (0.16)   (1.30)   3.54    0.98    0.56    (2.11)
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (0.29)   (0.99)   (0.94)   (0.69)   (1.22)   (0.85)
Total distributions   (0.29)   (0.99)   (0.94)   (0.69)   (1.22)   (0.85)
                               
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   (0.45)   (2.29)   2.60    0.29    (0.66)   (2.96)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $20.82   $21.27   $23.56   $20.96   $20.67   $21.33 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   (0.75)%   (5.20)%   16.81%   5.20%   2.67%   (8.76)%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $29,144   $28,182   $24,742   $20,958   $28,941   $35,201 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.60%(c)   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%
Ratio of net investment income to average  net assets   6.44%(c)   5.17%   4.32%   2.92%   4.16%   3.88%
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   73%   90%   84%   93%   83%   85%
Undistributed net investment income  included in price of units issued and redeemed(a)(e)  $(0.04)  $0.06   $0.02   $0.02   $0.01   $0.10 

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c)Annualized.

(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year is not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

(e)The per share amount of equalization is presented to show the impact of equalization on distributable earnings per share.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

26 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2022   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 (a)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $41.51   $49.89   $40.49   $48.42   $44.18   $45.37 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income (b)   1.23    1.49    1.21    1.29    1.19    1.17 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (7.26)   (7.86)   10.25    (7.26)   4.45    (0.53)
Total from investment operations   (6.03)   (6.37)   11.46    (5.97)   5.64    0.64 
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (1.16)   (1.51)   (1.36)   (1.57)   (1.40)   (1.83)
Tax return of capital       (0.50)   (0.70)   (0.39)        
Total distributions   (1.16)   (2.01)   (2.06)   (1.96)   (1.40)   (1.83)
                               
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   (7.19)   (8.38)   9.40    (7.93)   4.24    (1.19)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $34.32   $41.51   $49.89   $40.49   $48.42   $44.18 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   (14.61)%   (13.06)%   29.03%   (11.77)%   13.00%   1.47%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $14,586   $20,754   $28,689   $26,320   $53,265   $55,222 
                               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.35%(d)   0.35%   0.35%   0.38%(e)   0.55%   0.55%
Ratio of net investment income to average  net assets   6.49%(d)   3.23%   2.60%   3.26%   2.56%   2.67%
Portfolio turnover rate(f)   65%   85%   78%   148%   10%   14%

 

(a)Prior to January 2, 2020, the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF was known as the Cohen & Steers Global Realty Majors ETF.

(b)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(d)Annualized.

(e)Effective January 2, 2020 the Fund's Advisory Fee changed from 0.55% to 0.35%.

(f)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year is not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

27 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of May 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of twenty-three separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains to the ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, and the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).

 

The investment objective of the ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF is to seek investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® Sector Dividend Dogs Index. The investment objective of the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF is to seek investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® International Sector Dividend Dogs Index. The investment objective of the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF is to seek investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs Index. The investment objective of the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF is to seek investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® REIT Dividend Dogs Index. Each Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

Each Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). Each Fund issues and redeems Shares, at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements. The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

A. Portfolio Valuation 

Each Fund’s NAV is determined daily, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.

 

Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price as determined by NASDAQ. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities traded on the NASDAQ, are valued at the last quoted sale price in such market.

 

The Funds’ investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value according to procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for each Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments. The Adviser may carry out its designated responsibilities as Valuation Designee through various teams and committees. When market quotations are not readily available or when events occur that make established valuation methods unreliable, securities of the Funds may be valued in good faith by the Valuation Designee. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established primary pricing source or the pricing source is not willing to provide a price; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is most likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of the Fund’s NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; or a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security’s “fair value” due to the security being de-listed from a national exchange or the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when, under normal conditions, it would be open. As a general principle, the current “fair value” of a security would be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive from the sale on the applicable exchange or principal market. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities.

28 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

B. Fair Value Measurements 

Each Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Valuation techniques used to value the Funds’ investments by major category are as follows:

 

Equity securities, including restricted securities, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by a third party pricing vendor on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the mean of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices on such day and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing NAV each business day and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments.

 

These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;

 

Level 2 Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

 

Level 3 Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

29 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of May 31, 2023:

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value 

  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3 -
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
   Total 
Common Stocks*   1,124,043,174            1,124,043,174 
Short Term Investments   1,959,522            1,959,522 
Total  $1,126,002,696   $   $   $1,126,002,696 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3 -
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
   Total 
Common Stocks*  $199,493,220   $   $   $199,493,220 
Short Term Investments   8,640,554            8,640,554 
Total  $208,133,774   $   $   $208,133,774 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3 -
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
   Total 
Common Stocks*                    
Russia  $   $   $1,554   $1,554 
Other*  $28,891,505           $28,891,505 
Short Term Investments   1,022,243            1,022,243 
Total  $29,913,748   $   $1,554   $29,915,302 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3 -
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
   Total 
Common Stocks*   14,549,770            14,549,770 
Short Term Investments   17,850            17,850 
Total  $14,567,620   $   $   $14,567,620 

 

*For a detailed sector/country breakdown, see the accompanying Schedules of Investments.

 

The Funds, except for the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the six months ended May 31, 2023. As of May 31, 2023, ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF held securities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy valued at $1,554, which represents 0.01% of net assets.

 

C. Foreign Securities 

The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, and the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investments in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, less liquidity generally, greater market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the value of the Fund’s investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the investment to U.S. investors.

 

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which investors may purchase the shares of each Fund, the value of each Fund's securities may change on the days when investors are not able to purchase the shares of the Funds. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or NASDAQ. Any use of a different rate from the rates used by the Index may adversely affect a Fund's ability to track its Index.

30 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

D. Foreign Currency Translation 

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment valuations and other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. The portion of realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed and is included in realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, when applicable.

 

E. Securities Transactions and Investment Income 

Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the specific identification in accordance with GAAP. Dividend income and capital gains distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of any foreign taxes withheld. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis, including any amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.

 

F. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders 

Dividends from net investment income for each Fund, if any, are declared and paid quarterly or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Funds, if any, are distributed at least annually.

 

G. Equalization 

The ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, and the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF utilize the accounting practice known as “Equalization” by which a portion of the proceeds from sales and costs of reacquiring the Funds’ shares, equivalent on a per share basis to the amount of distributable net investment income on the date of the transaction, is credited or charged to undistributed net investment income. As a result, undistributed net investment income per share is unaffected by sales or reacquisitions of the Funds’ shares. Amounts related to Equalization can be found on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

H. Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) 

As part of its investments in real estate related securities, the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (“RDOG”) will invest in REITs and is subject to certain risks associated with direct investment in REITs. REITs possess certain risks which differ from an investment in common stocks. REITs are financial vehicles that pool investors’ capital to acquire, develop and/or finance real estate and provide services to their tenants. REITs may concentrate their investments in specific geographic areas or in specific property types, e.g., regional malls, shopping centers, office buildings, apartment buildings and industrial warehouses. REITs may be affected by changes in the value of their underlying properties and by defaults by borrowers or tenants. REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to shareowners, and certain REITs have self-liquidation provisions by which mortgages held may be paid in full and distributions of capital returns may be made at any time.

 

As REITs generally pay a higher rate of dividends than most other operating companies, to the extent application of RDOG’s investment strategy results in RDOG investing in REIT shares, the percentage of RDOG’s dividend income received from REIT shares will likely exceed the percentage of RDOG’s portfolio that is comprised of REIT shares. Distributions received by RDOG from REITs may consist of dividends, capital gains and/or return of capital.

 

Dividend income from REITs is recognized on the ex-dividend date. The calendar year-end amounts of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital included in distributions received from RDOG’s investments in REITs are reported to RDOG after the end of the calendar year; accordingly, RDOG estimates these amounts for accounting purposes until the characterization of REIT distributions is reported to RDOG after the end of the calendar year. Estimates are based on the most recent REIT distribution information available.

 

The performance of a REIT may be affected by its failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or its failure to maintain exemption from registration under the 1940 Act. Due to RDOG’s investments in REITs, RDOG may also make distributions in excess of RDOG’s earnings and capital gains. Distributions, if any, in excess of RDOG’s earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder’s shares and, after that basis has been reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to the shareholder.

 

I. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information 

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Funds’ capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

31 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2022          
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $46,839,426   $ 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   6,875,035    104,515 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   1,199,258     
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   825,395    282,853 

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2022, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $   $200,576,307 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   4,571,287    48,986,381 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   436,837    7,651,923 
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   5,407,710    979,936 

 

As of May 31, 2023, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   Gross Appreciation 
(excess of value 
over tax cost)
   Gross
Depreciation
(excess of tax
cost over value)
   Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
   Cost of
Investments for
Income Tax
Purposes
 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $66,250,429   $(202,125,311)  $(135,874,882)  $1,261,877,578 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   12,752,394    (17,760,441)   (5,008,047)   213,141,821 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   2,646,411    (4,872,692)   (2,226,281)   32,141,583 
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   537,276    (5,408,557)   (4,871,281)   19,440,172 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales. In addition, certain tax cost basis adjustments are finalized at fiscal year-end and therefore have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

J. Income Taxes 

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Code, applicable to regulated investment companies. Each Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the six months ended May 31, 2023, each Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. Each Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. Each Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Each Fund’s tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

K. Lending of Portfolio Securities 

The Funds have entered into a securities lending agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Co. (“SSB”), the Funds’ lending agent. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities only to borrowers that are approved by SSB. Each Fund will limit such lending to not more than 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. The Fund’s securities held at SSB as custodian shall be available to be lent except those securities the Fund or ALPS Advisors, Inc. specifically identifies in writing as not being available for lending. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Fund collateral consisting of cash (U.S. Dollars only), securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and cash equivalents (including irrevocable bank letters of credit) issued by a person other than the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower. The initial collateral received by the Fund is required to have a value of no less than 102% of the market value of the loaned securities for U.S equity securities and a value of no less than 105% of the market value for non-U.S. equity securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter, at a market value equal to not less than 102% of the current value of the U.S. equity securities on loan and not less than 105% of the current value of the non-U.S. equity securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. During the term of the loan, each Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the customary time period for settlement of securities transactions.

32 | May 31, 2023

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Any cash collateral received is reinvested in a money market fund managed by SSB as disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and is reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned. Non-cash collateral, in the form of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, is not disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities or the contractual maturity table below as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of the Fund, and the Fund does not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. Income earned by the Fund from securities lending activity is disclosed in the Statements of Operations.

 

The following is a summary of the Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of May 31, 2023:

 

 

Fund 

 

Market Value of 

Securities on Loan 

  

Cash Collateral 

Received 

  

Non-Cash Collateral 

Received 

  

Total Collateral 

Received 

 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $12,635,909   $8,507,375   $4,885,262   $13,392,637 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   944,910    986,663    17,906    1,004,569 
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   726,832    1,271    742,640    743,911 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the Funds benefit from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Funds could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received.

33 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of May 31, 2023:

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements    
        
Securities Lending Transactions 

Overnight &

Continuous

   Up to 30 Days  30-90 Days  

Greater 

than 90 Days

   Total 
Common Stocks  $8,507,375   $   $   $   $8,507,375 
Total Borrowings                     8,507,375 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)        $8,507,375 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements    
         
Securities Lending Transactions 

Overnight &

Continuous

   Up to 30 Days  30-90 Days  

Greater 

than 90 Days

   Total 
Common Stocks  $986,663   $   $   $   $986,663 
Total Borrowings                     986,663 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)        $986,663 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF  Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements    
        
Securities Lending Transactions 

Overnight &

Continuous

   Up to 30 Days  30-90 Days  

Greater 

than 90 Days

   Total 
Common Stocks  $1,271   $   $   $   $1,271 
Total Borrowings                     1,271 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)           $1,271 

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. serves as the Funds’ investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis as a percentage of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee.

 

Fund Advisory Fee
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 0.36%*
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 0.50%
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 0.60%
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF 0.35%

 

*Effective April 1, 2023, the Advisory Fee was reduced from 0.40% to 0.36%.

 

Out of the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of each Fund, including licensing fees to the Underlying Index provider, the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, trustees and other services, except for interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of each Fund's business. The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay substantially all of each Fund's expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services for each Fund.

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, is the administrator of the Funds. 

34 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust 

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $20,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $10,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $508,251,724   $506,259,227 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   106,448,180    103,378,147 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   21,795,995    20,809,789 
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   9,924,652    9,869,307 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $31,891,191   $51,417,974 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   39,368,248    15,035,764 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   1,883,742    764,776 
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF       2,833,535 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the in-kind net realized gains/(losses) were as follows:                

 

Fund  Net Realized Gain/(Loss) 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $6,078,967 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   1,730,106 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   159,363 
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   17,425 

 

Gains on in-kind transactions are not considered taxable for federal income tax purposes and losses on in-kind transactions are also not deductible for tax purposes.

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Funds. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of each Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF engaged in cross trades between other funds in the Trust during the six months ended May 31, 2023 pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds of the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7. These transactions related to cross trades during the period complied with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Trust’s procedures.

35 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Transactions related to cross trades during the six months ended May 31, 2023, were as follows:

 

   Purchase cost paid   Sale proceeds received   Realized gain/(loss) on sales 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $157,441   $20,627   $(3,249)

 

7. MARKET RISK

 

 

The Funds are subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause each Fund to lose value. Securities in each Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.

 

8. CHANGE IN AUDITOR

 

 

On March 14, 2023, BBD LLP (“BBD”) ceased to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Funds. The Board approved the replacement of BBD as a result of Cohen & Company, Ltd.’s (“Cohen”) acquisition of BBD’s investment management group.

 

The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Funds as of and for the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023: (i) there were no disagreements between the registrant and BBD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Funds for such years or interim period; and (ii) there were no “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

On March 7, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Funds’ Audit Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Cohen, effective upon the resignation of BBD, as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.

 

During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023, neither the registrant, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Cohen on behalf of the Funds regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Funds’ financial statements, or any matter that was either: (i) the subject of a "disagreement," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the instructions thereto; or (ii) "reportable events," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Effective July 1, 2023, each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $25,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $15,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

36 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust 

 

Additional Information May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 and a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures used in determining how to vote for proxies are available without charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and upon request, by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

Each Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of each Fund’s Form N-PORT are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1-866-759-5679 and on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The Funds designate the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction 199A
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 100.00% 89.99% 0.00%
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 100.00% 0.00% 0.00%
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 61.13% 0.00% 0.00%
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF 0.64% 0.00% 89.84%

 

In early 2023, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year 2022 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2024 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2023.

 

LICENSING AGREEMENTS

 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, and ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S-Network Global Indexes, Inc.SM (“Licensor”). Licensor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Funds or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds particularly or the ability of the (i) in the case of SDOG, S-Network Sector Dividend DogsSM, (ii) in the case of IDOG, S-Network International Sector Dividend DogsSM, (iii) in the case of EDOG, S-Network Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs IndexSM, and (iv) in the case of RDOG, S-Network REIT Dividend Dogs IndexSM (each an “Underlying Index”) to track the performance of a market or sector. Licensor’s only relationship to the Licensee is the licensing of certain service marks and trade names of Licensor and of the Underlying Index that is determined, composed and calculated by Licensor without regard to the Licensee or the Fund. Licensor has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Underlying Index. Licensor is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. Licensor has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

 

LICENSOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND LICENSOR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL LICENSOR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”) or its third party licensors. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of each Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in each Fund particularly or the ability of each Underlying Index to track general stock market performance. S&P’s and its third party licensor’s only relationship to the Index Provider is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of S&P and/or its third party licensors and for the providing of calculation and maintenance services related to the Underlying Index. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors is responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of each Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of each Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which each Fund is to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of each Fund.

37 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust 

 

Additional Information May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

NEITHER S&P, ITS AFFILIATES NOR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF EACH UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P, ITS AFFILIATES AND THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO ITS TRADEMARKS, EACH UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P, ITS AFFILIATES OR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.

 

Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; “Calculated by S&P Custom Indices” and its related stylized mark are service marks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. These marks have been licensed for use by the Index Provider.

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of each Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by each Fund, owners of the Shares of each Fund or any other person or entity from the use of each Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to each Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of each Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

38 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust 

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s liquidity risk management rule (the “Liquidity Rule”), the ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”) has established a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk for each series of the Trust (each a “Fund”). The Program is overseen by the Liquidity Committee (the “Committee”), a committee comprised of representatives of the Trust’s investment adviser, ALPS Advisors, Inc. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the designation of the Committee to oversee the Program.

 

The Program’s principal objectives include supporting each Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and assessing and managing the risk that a Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence a Fund’s liquidity and, for Funds that are not “In-Kind ETFs,” the periodic classification and re-classification of such Fund’s investments into groupings that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on March 7, 2023, the Trustees received a report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the Program for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the Program has been operating effectively to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and (as applicable) respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments.

 

The Committee reported that during the period covered by the report, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Funds or their ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries. Among other things, the Committee’s report noted that no Fund is required to have a highly liquid investment minimum based either on its status as an In-Kind ETF or on its ability to rely on another exemption under the Liquidity Rule. The Committee’s report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

39 | May 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 12
Financial Statements  
Schedules of Investments 13
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 23
Statements of Operations 24
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 26
Financial Highlights 30
Notes to Financial Statements 36
Additional Information 45
Liquidity Risk Management Program 47

 

alpsfunds.com 

 

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF 

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

The ALPS|O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF (the "Fund") seeks investment results that track the performance, before fees and expenses, of the O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend Index (the "Underlying Index").

 

The Underlying Index is designed to measure the performance of publicly-listed large-capitalization and mid-capitalization dividend-paying issuers in the United States that meet certain market capitalization, liquidity, high quality, low volatility and dividend yield thresholds, as determined by O'Shares Investment Advisers, LLC. The high quality and low volatility requirements are designed to reduce exposure to high dividend equities that have experienced large price declines. The constituents of the Underlying Index are selected from the S-Network U.S. Equity Large-Cap 500 Index.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF – NAV -2.60% 0.50% 8.82% 9.17%
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF – Market Price* -2.55% 0.43% 8.82% 9.17%
O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend Index** -2.37% 0.98% 9.37% 9.71%
Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Value Index*** -3.99% -2.25% 8.54% 9.11%
Russell 1000® Value Index -5.40% -4.55% 6.78% 7.26%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.48%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. The Fund adopted the historical performance of the O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF (the "Predecessor Fund") as the result of a reorganization in which the Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to liabilities, of the Predecessor Fund on June 17, 2022. The returns presented for the Fund for periods prior to June 17, 2022 reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund. At the time of the reorganization, the investment objectives of the Fund and the Predecessor Fund were identical and the investment strategies of the Fund and the Predecessor Fund were substantially the same. Previously, the Predecessor Fund had adopted the historical performance of the O’Shares FTSE U.S. Quality Dividend ETF (the “Previous Predecessor Fund”), a series of FQF Trust, as the result of a reorganization in which the Predecessor Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to liabilities, of the Previous Predecessor Fund on June 28, 2018. The returns presented for the Predecessor Fund for periods prior to June 28, 2018 reflect the performance of the Previous Predecessor Fund. At the time of the reorganization, the investment objectives of the Previous Predecessor Fund and the Predecessor Fund were identical and the investment strategies of the Previous Predecessor Fund and the Predecessor Fund were substantially the same. Effective June 1, 2020, the Predecessor Fund’s underlying index was changed to the Underlying Index from the FTSE USA Qual/Vol/Yield Factor 5% Capped Index (the “Former Index”). Thus, Predecessor Fund performance shown through May 31, 2020 reflects the Predecessor Fund seeking to track the performance of the Former Index, and Predecessor Fund performance shown beginning June 1, 2020 reflects the Predecessor Fund seeking to track the performance of the Underlying Index. In addition, the Underlying Index performance shown reflects the blended performance of the Former Index through May 31, 2020 and the Underlying Index thereafter. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund's per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund's NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund's NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commencement date was July 14, 2015.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per shares, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

**The O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend Index performance information reflects the blended performance of the FTSE USA Qual/Vol/Yield Factor 5% Capped Index through May 31, 2020 and the O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend Index thereafter.

 

***Effective March 31, 2023 the Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Value Index is replacing the Russell 1000® Value Index as the Fund's secondary benchmark. The Adviser made this recommendation to the Board because the new index closely aligns to the Fund's investment strategies and investment restrictions. Information on both indices will be shown for a one-year transition period.

 

The O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend Index is designed to measure the performance of publicly-listed large-capitalization and mid-capitalization dividend-paying issuers in the United States that meet certain market capitalization, liquidity, high quality, low volatility and dividend yield thresholds. The high quality and low volatility requirements are designed to reduce exposure to high dividend equities that have experienced large price declines. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

1 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF 

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Value Index is designed to provide comprehensive, consistent representation of the large-mid cap value segment of the US equity market. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund's shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or "authorized participants" may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Microsoft Corp. 6.22%
Home Depot, Inc. 4.63%
S&P Global, Inc. 4.22%
Apple, Inc. 4.21%
Merck & Co., Inc. 3.98%
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc. 3.95%
Johnson & Johnson 3.84%
McDonald's Corp. 3.42%
T Rowe Price Group, Inc. 3.31%
Pfizer, Inc. 3.17%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 40.95%

Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Information Technology 21.29%
Health Care 19.37%
Financials 17.83%
Consumer Discretionary 15.45%
Industrials 10.89%
Consumer Staples 10.18%
Communication Services 4.99%
Total 100.00%

 

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

2 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF 

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

3 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

The ALPS|O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF (the "Fund") seeks investment results that track the performance, before fees and expenses, of the O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend Index (the "Underlying Index").

 

The Underlying Index is designed to measure the performance of publicly-listed small-capitalization dividend-paying issuers in the United States that meet certain market capitalization, liquidity, high quality, low volatility and dividend yield thresholds, as determined by O'Shares Investment Advisers, LLC. The high quality and low volatility factors are designed to reduce exposure to high dividend equities that have experienced large price declines, as may occur with some dividend investing strategies. The constituents of the Underlying Index are selected from the S-Network U.S. Equity Mid/Small-Cap 2500 Index.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF – NAV -2.67% 2.06% 6.95% 7.11%
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF – Market Price* -2.67% 2.06% 6.94% 7.11%
O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend Index** -2.50% 2.51% 7.46% 7.63%
Morningstar US Small-Cap Broad Value Extended Index*** -10.66% -9.83% 3.37% 4.36%
Russell 2000® Value Index -11.27% -11.50% 2.09% 3.51%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.48%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. The Fund adopted the historical performance of the O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF (the "Predecessor Fund") as the result of a reorganization in which the Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to liabilities, of the Predecessor Fund on June 17, 2022. The returns presented for the Fund for periods prior to June 17, 2022 reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund. At the time of the reorganization, the investment objectives of the Fund and the Predecessor Fund were identical and the investment strategies of the Fund and the Predecessor Fund were substantially the same. Effective May 4, 2018, the Predecessor Fund’s underlying index was changed from the FTSE USA Small Cap Qual/Vol/Yield Factor 3% Capped Index (the “Former Underlying Index 1”) to the FTSE USA Small Cap ex Real Estate 2Qual/Vol/Yield 3% Capped Factor Index (the “Former Underlying Index 2” and together with the Former Underlying Index 1, the “Former Underlying Indexes”). Effective June 1, 2020, the Predecessor Fund’s underlying index was changed from the Former Underlying Index 2 to the Underlying Index. Thus, Predecessor Fund performance shown prior to May 4, 2018 reflects the Predecessor Fund seeking to track the performance of the Former Underlying Index 1, Predecessor Fund performance shown from May 4, 2018 through May 31, 2020 reflects the Predecessor Fund seeking to track the performance of the Former Underlying Index 2, and Predecessor Fund performance shown beginning June 1, 2020 reflects the Predecessor Fund seeking to track the performance of the Underlying Index.

 

In addition, the Underlying Index performance shown reflects the blended performance of the Former Underlying Index 1 through May 3, 2018, the Former Underlying Index 2 from May 4, 2018 through May 31, 2020 and the Underlying Index thereafter. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund's per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund's NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund's NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commencement date was December 30, 2016.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per shares, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

**The O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend Index performance information reflects the blended performance of the FTSE USA Small Cap Qual/Vol/Yield 3% Capped Factor Index through May 3, 2018, the FTSE USA Small Cap ex Real Estate 2Qual/Vol/Yield 3% Capped Factor Index from May 4, 2018 through May 31, 2020 and the O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend Index thereafter.

 

***Effective March 31, 2023 the Morningstar US Small-Cap Broad Value Extended Index is replacing the Russell 2000® Value Index as the Fund's secondary benchmark. The Adviser made this recommendation to the Board because the new index closely aligns to the Fund's investment strategies and investment restrictions. Information on both indices will be shown for a one-year transition period.

4 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend Index is designed to reflect the performance of publicly-listed small-capitalization dividend paying issuers in the United States that meet certain market capitalization, liquidity, high quality, low volatility and dividend yield thresholds. The quality and low volatility requirements are designed to reduce exposure to high dividend equities that have experienced large price declines. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

Morningstar US Small-Cap Broad Value Extended Index is designed to provide comprehensive, consistent representation of the small-cap value segment of the US equity market. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of the small capitalization value sector of the U.S. equity market.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund's shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or "authorized participants" may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. 2.46%
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. 2.45%
National Instruments Corp. 2.43%
Encompass Health Corp. 2.42%
Graco, Inc. 2.33%
Watsco, Inc. 2.27%
Amdocs, Ltd. 2.25%
A O Smith Corp. 2.25%
Houlihan Lokey, Inc. 2.24%
Snap-on, Inc. 2.24%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 23.34%

Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Industrials 27.61%
Financials 23.28%
Information Technology 14.41%
Consumer Discretionary 12.64%
Health Care 7.79%
Consumer Staples 5.65%
Communication Services 4.47%
Utilities 4.10%
Money Market Fund 0.05%
Total 100.00%

 


*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned).

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

5 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

6 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

The ALPS|O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF (the "Fund") seeks investment results that track the performance, before fees and expenses, of the O'Shares Global Internet Giants Index (the "Underlying Index").

 

The Underlying Index is a rules-based index intended to give investors a means of tracking stocks exhibiting quality and growth characteristics in the "internet sector", as defined by O'Shares Investment Advisers, LLC.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)

 

  6 Months 1 Year Since Inception^
ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF – NAV 21.90% 7.90% 4.14%
ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF – Market Price* 21.46% 8.02% 4.11%
O'Shares Global Internet Giants Index 22.27% 8.51% 4.68%
NASDAQ 100 Index 19.01% 13.77% 15.89%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.48%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. The Fund adopted the historical performance of the O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF (the "Predecessor Fund") as the result of a reorganization in which the Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to liabilities, of the Predecessor Fund on June 17, 2022. The returns presented for the Fund for periods prior to June 17, 2022 reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund. At the time of the reorganization, the investment objectives of the Fund and the Predecessor Fund were identical and the investment strategies of the Fund and the Predecessor Fund were substantially the same. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund's per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund's NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund's NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commencement date was June 5, 2018.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per shares, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The O’Shares Global Internet Giants Index is a rules-based index intended to give investors a means of tracking stocks exhibiting quality and growth characteristics in the internet technology and e-commerce business segments and pass screens for gross margin and cash burn sustainability. Companies included in the Underlying Index derive at least 50% of their revenues from a) internet technology companies whose principal business is to provide the technologies that support internet commerce; and b) internet commerce companies whose principal business is to sell products and services via the internet. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The NASDAQ 100 Index includes 100 of the largest domestic and international non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund's shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or "authorized participants" may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

7 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Microsoft Corp. 6.80%
Amazon.com, Inc. 5.03%
Alphabet, Inc. 4.96%
Meta Platforms, Inc. 2.20%
ServiceNow, Inc. 2.10%
Snowflake, Inc. 2.06%
Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. 1.89%
Meituan 1.81%
Datadog, Inc. 1.74%
MongoDB, Inc. 1.68%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 30.27%

Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Information Technology 60.82%
Communication Services 20.25%
Consumer Discretionary 15.63%
Industrials 3.27%
Money Market Fund 0.03%
Total 100.00%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned).

  

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

8 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

The ALPS|O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF (the "Fund") seeks investment results that track the performance, before fees and expenses, of the O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend Index (the "Underlying Index").

 

The Underlying Index is designed to measure the performance of publicly-listed large-capitalization and mid-capitalization dividend-paying issuers in Europe that meet certain market capitalization, liquidity, high quality, low volatility and dividend yield thresholds, as determined by O'Shares Investment Advisers, LLC. The high quality and low volatility requirements are designed to reduce exposure to high dividend equities that have experienced large price declines. The constituents of the Underlying Index are selected from the S-Network Europe Equity 500 Index.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
ALPS | O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF – NAV 12.77% 12.85% 5.37% 3.94%
ALPS | O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF – Market Price* 12.16% 13.35% 5.48% 4.00%
O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend Index** 12.80% 13.32% 5.88% 4.41%
EURO STOXX 50 Net Return USD Index 12.47% 13.65% 4.94% 4.60%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.48%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. The Fund adopted the historical performance of the O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF (the "Predecessor Fund") as the result of a reorganization in which the Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to liabilities, of the Predecessor Fund on June 17, 2022. The returns presented for the Fund for periods prior to June 17, 2022 reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund. At the time of the reorganization, the investment objectives of the Fund and the Predecessor Fund were identical and the investment strategies of the Fund and the Predecessor Fund were substantially the same. Previously, the Predecessor Fund had adopted the historical performance of the O’Shares FTSE Europe Quality Dividend ETF (the “Previous Predecessor Fund”), a series of FQF Trust, as the result of a reorganization in which the Predecessor Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to liabilities, of the Previous Predecessor Fund on June 28, 2018. The returns presented for the Predecessor Fund for periods prior to June 28, 2018 reflect the performance of the Previous Predecessor Fund. At the time of the reorganization, the investment objectives of the Previous Predecessor Fund and the Predecessor Fund were identical and the investment strategies of the Previous Predecessor Fund and the Predecessor Fund were substantially the same.

 

Effective June 1, 2020, the Predecessor Fund’s underlying index was changed to the Underlying Index from the FTSE Developed Europe Qual/Vol/Yield 5% Capped Factor Index (the “Former Index”). Thus, Predecessor Fund performance shown through May 31, 2020 reflects the Predecessor Fund seeking to track the performance of the Former Index, and Predecessor Fund performance shown beginning June 1, 2020 reflects the Predecessor Fund seeking to track the performance of the Underlying Index. In addition, the Underlying Index performance shown reflects the blended performance of the Former Index through May 31, 2020 and the Underlying Index thereafter. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund's per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund's NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund's NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commencement date was August 19, 2015.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per shares, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

**The O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend Index performance information reflects the blended performance of the FTSE Developed Europe Qual/Vol/Yield 5% Capped Factor Index through May 31, 2020 and the O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend Index thereafter.

 

The O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend Index is designed to reflect the performance of publicly-listed large-capitalization and mid-capitalization dividend paying issuers in Europe that meet certain market capitalization, liquidity, high quality, low volatility and high dividend yield thresholds. The quality and low volatility requirements are designed to reduce exposure to high dividend equities that have experienced large price declines. The index is reported on a Net Total Return basis which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period (net of any amounts of withholding tax).

 

The EURO STOXX 50 Net Return USD Index represents the performance of the 50 largest companies among the 20 supersectors in terms of free-float market cap in Eurozone countries.

9 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund's shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or "authorized participants" may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

SAP SE 6.16%
ASML Holding NV 6.11%
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE 5.52%
Novo Nordisk A/S 5.39%
Novartis AG 4.82%
Nestle SA 4.27%
3i Group PLC 3.68%
Schneider Electric SE 3.67%
Roche Holding AG 3.46%
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG 2.96%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 46.04%

Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Industrials 24.37%
Information Technology 16.05%
Health Care 15.76%
Consumer Discretionary 14.82%
Consumer Staples 14.25%
Utilities 6.86%
Financials 6.31%
Communication Services 1.49%
Money Market Fund 0.09%
Total 100.00%

 

Country Exposure* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Switzerland 20.54%
France 18.80%
Great Britain 14.12%
Germany 14.04%
Netherlands 10.97%
Sweden 7.29%
Denmark 7.21%
Finland 3.27%
Spain 2.43%
Ireland 1.24%
Money Market Fund 0.09%
Total 100.00%

 

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

10 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

11 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through May 31, 2023.

 

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

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries. Therefore, the second line 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 costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

  Beginning Account
Value
12/1/22
Ending Account
Value
5/31/23
Expense
Ratio
(a)
Expenses Paid
During Period
12/1/22 - 5/31/23
(b)
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF            
Actual $ 1,000.00 $ 974.00 0.48% $ 2.36
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,022.54 0.48% $ 2.42
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF            
Actual $ 1,000.00 $ 973.30 0.48% $ 2.36
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,022.54 0.48% $ 2.42
ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF            
Actual $ 1,000.00 $ 1,219.00 0.48% $ 2.66
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,022.54 0.48% $ 2.42
ALPS | O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF            
Actual $ 1,000.00 $ 1,127.70 0.48% $ 2.55
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,022.54 0.48% $ 2.42

 

(a)Annualized based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses.

(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

12 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.85%)          
Aerospace & Defense (1.83%)          
General Dynamics Corp.   8,704   $1,777,183 
L3Harris Technologies, Inc.   4,039    710,541 
Lockheed Martin Corp.   12,614    5,600,741 
Northrop Grumman Corp.   8,722    3,798,344 
Total Aerospace & Defense        11,886,809 
           
Air Freight & Logistics (2.31%)          
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.   7,021    663,765 
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.   13,459    1,484,662 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   76,365    12,752,955 
Total Air Freight & Logistics        14,901,382 
           
Beverages (2.76%)          
Brown-Forman Corp., Class B   11,809    729,442 
Coca-Cola Co.   143,317    8,550,292 
PepsiCo, Inc.   47,429    8,648,678 
Total Beverages        17,928,412 
           
Biotechnology (2.75%)          
AbbVie, Inc.   58,527    8,074,384 
Amgen, Inc.   31,301    6,906,566 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.   37,153    2,858,552 
Total Biotechnology        17,839,502 
           
Building Products (0.17%)          
Trane Technologies PLC   6,609    1,078,787 
           
Capital Markets (10.79%)          
BlackRock, Inc.   7,206    4,738,305 
Blackstone, Inc.   70,365    6,026,059 
Moody's Corp.   19,688    6,238,733 
MSCI, Inc.   8,985    4,227,712 
S&P Global, Inc.   74,341    27,315,114 
T Rowe Price Group, Inc.   200,197    21,453,111 
Total Capital Markets        69,999,034 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies (0.46%)          
Cintas Corp.   2,652    1,252,115 
Waste Management, Inc.   10,719    1,735,621 
Total Commercial Services & Supplies        2,987,736 
           
Communications Equipment (2.71%)          
Cisco Systems, Inc.   332,138    16,497,295 
Motorola Solutions, Inc.   3,824    1,078,062 
Total Communications Equipment        17,575,357 
           
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail (1.96%)          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   8,435    4,315,008 
Dollar General Corp.   10,065    2,023,971 
Target Corp.   15,845    2,074,586 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail (continued)          
Walmart, Inc.   29,173   $4,284,639 
Total Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail        12,698,204 
           
Diversified Telecommunication Services (2.33%)          
AT&T, Inc.   220,191    3,463,604 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   327,197    11,658,030 
Total Diversified Telecommunication Services        15,121,634 
           
Electrical Equipment (0.39%)          
Eaton Corp. PLC   6,510    1,145,109 
Emerson Electric Co.   18,164    1,410,980 
Total Electrical Equipment        2,556,089 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (0.55%)          
Amphenol Corp., Class A   17,364    1,310,114 
Corning, Inc.   15,775    486,028 
TE Connectivity, Ltd.   14,383    1,761,629 
Total Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components        3,557,771 
           
Financial Services (2.55%)          
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   10,126    3,696,193 
Visa, Inc., Class A   57,961    12,811,119 
Total Financial Services        16,507,312 
           
Food Products (0.97%)          
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.   7,927    560,043 
General Mills, Inc.   13,396    1,127,407 
Hershey Co.   6,220    1,615,334 
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A   32,820    2,409,316 
Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A   11,068    560,484 
Total Food Products        6,272,584 
           
Ground Transportation (1.49%)          
CSX Corp.   49,256    1,510,682 
Norfolk Southern Corp.   8,099    1,686,050 
Union Pacific Corp.   33,618    6,472,137 
Total Ground Transportation        9,668,869 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (1.86%)          
Abbott Laboratories   93,004    9,486,408 
Medtronic PLC   31,131    2,576,402 
Total Health Care Equipment & Supplies        12,062,810 
           
Health Care Providers & Services (1.51%)          
CVS Health Corp.   4,953    336,953 
Elevance Health, Inc.   1,217    544,997 
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.   4,432    587,905 

13 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Health Care Providers & Services (continued)          
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   17,101   $8,332,291 
Total Health Care Providers & Services        9,802,146 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (6.58%)          
McDonald's Corp.   77,601    22,124,821 
Starbucks Corp.   159,161    15,540,480 
Yum! Brands, Inc.   38,810    4,994,459 
Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure        42,659,760 
           
Household Durables (0.39%)          
Garmin, Ltd.   24,356    2,512,321 
           
Household Products (3.45%)          
Colgate-Palmolive Co.   33,286    2,475,813 
Kimberly-Clark Corp.   10,825    1,453,581 
Procter & Gamble Co.   129,349    18,432,233 
Total Household Products        22,361,627 
           
Industrial Conglomerates (1.54%)          
3M Co.   34,465    3,215,929 
Honeywell International, Inc.   35,383    6,779,383 
Total Industrial Conglomerates        9,995,312 
           
Insurance (4.47%)          
Chubb, Ltd.   18,344    3,408,315 
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.   147,515    25,546,648 
Total Insurance        28,954,963 
           
IT Services (2.33%)          
Accenture PLC, Class A   37,981    11,619,147 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A   40,093    2,505,412 
International Business Machines Corp.   7,740    995,287 
Total IT Services        15,119,846 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services (0.24%)          
Agilent Technologies, Inc.   4,050    468,464 
Danaher Corp.   2,679    615,152 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   894    454,563 
Total Life Sciences Tools & Services        1,538,179 
           
Machinery (1.53%)          
Caterpillar, Inc.   6,921    1,423,996 
Cummins, Inc.   5,966    1,219,510 
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.   27,019    5,909,866 
Otis Worldwide Corp.   16,882    1,342,288 
Total Machinery        9,895,660 
           
Media (2.65%)          
Comcast Corp., Class A   435,901    17,152,704 
           
Personal Care Products (0.07%)          
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., Class A   2,480    456,394 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Pharmaceuticals (12.98%)          
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   58,559   $3,773,542 
Eli Lilly & Co.   17,703    7,602,730 
Johnson & Johnson   160,321    24,859,374 
Merck & Co., Inc.   233,501    25,780,845 
Pfizer, Inc.   540,158    20,536,807 
Zoetis, Inc.   9,792    1,596,194 
Total Pharmaceuticals        84,149,492 
           
Professional Services (0.69%)          
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.   9,270    1,937,337 
Paychex, Inc.   16,478    1,729,037 
Verisk Analytics, Inc.   3,731    817,499 
Total Professional Services        4,483,873 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (4.67%)          
Analog Devices, Inc.   13,524    2,403,080 
Broadcom, Inc.   4,830    3,902,447 
Intel Corp.   104,115    3,273,376 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   7,095    804,644 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   114,622    19,930,472 
Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment        30,314,019 
           
Software (6.67%)          
Microsoft Corp.   122,680    40,286,885 
Oracle Corp.   28,196    2,987,084 
Total Software        43,273,969 
           
Specialty Retail (7.95%)          
Home Depot, Inc.   105,851    30,003,467 
Lowe's Cos., Inc.   53,872    10,835,275 
TJX Cos., Inc.   103,680    7,961,587 
Tractor Supply Co.   13,176    2,761,558 
Total Specialty Retail        51,561,887 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals (4.32%)          
Apple, Inc.   153,839    27,267,963 
HP, Inc.   26,373    766,399 
Total Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals        28,034,362 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (0.51%)          
NIKE, Inc., Class B   31,471    3,312,637 
           
Tobacco (0.95%)          
Altria Group, Inc.   26,572    1,180,328 
Philip Morris International, Inc.   55,602    5,004,736 
Total Tobacco        6,185,064 

14 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Trading Companies & Distributors (0.47%)          
Fastenal Co.   57,053   $3,072,304 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $598,033,726)        647,478,811 
           
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.85%)          
(Cost $598,033,726)       $647,478,811 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.15%)        989,999 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%       $648,468,810 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.


15 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.81%)          
Air Freight & Logistics (0.39%)          
Forward Air Corp.   9,343   $908,794 
           
Automobile Components (2.97%)          
BorgWarner, Inc.   39,447    1,748,686 
Gentex Corp.   173,469    4,555,295 
Lear Corp.   5,174    634,643 
Total Automobile Components        6,938,624 
           
Beverages (0.38%)          
Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B   14,359    888,104 
           
Building Products (3.07%)          
A O Smith Corp.   82,087    5,248,643 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.   9,289    1,097,867 
UFP Industries, Inc.   10,563    824,970 
Total Building Products        7,171,480 
           
Capital Markets (11.24%)          
Artisan Partners Asset          
Management, Inc., Class A   48,063    1,538,016 
Cohen & Steers, Inc.   27,737    1,509,170 
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.   6,381    1,013,111 
Evercore, Inc., Class A   24,922    2,690,330 
GCM Grosvenor, Inc.   224,000    1,545,600 
Hamilton Lane, Inc., Class A   17,969    1,220,275 
Houlihan Lokey, Inc.   59,846    5,225,154 
Invesco, Ltd.   54,072    777,555 
Lazard, Ltd., Class A   77,826    2,232,828 
Moelis & Co., Class A   74,812    2,833,130 
Morningstar, Inc.   4,761    974,577 
SEI Investments Co.   83,303    4,713,284 
Total Capital Markets        26,273,030 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies (1.09%)          
Ennis, Inc.   53,924    1,044,508 
Tetra Tech, Inc.   10,995    1,511,483 
Total Commercial Services & Supplies        2,555,991 
           
Communications Equipment (2.11%)          
Juniper Networks, Inc.   162,645    4,939,529 
           
Consumer Finance (0.61%)          
FirstCash Holdings, Inc.   14,369    1,415,921 
           
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail (0.40%)          
Casey's General Stores, Inc.   3,066    691,843 
Weis Markets, Inc.   4,074    242,566 
Total Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail        934,409 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Diversified Consumer Services (2.09%)          
H&R Block, Inc.   41,499   $1,238,745 
Service Corp. International   57,257    3,642,118 
Total Diversified Consumer Services        4,880,863 
           
Diversified Telecommunication Services (0.48%)          
Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.   18,242    1,122,248 
           
Electric Utilities (1.90%)          
ALLETE, Inc.   5,115    304,701 
IDACORP, Inc.   4,663    485,278 
MGE Energy, Inc.   3,566    255,896 
NRG Energy, Inc.   28,614    966,868 
OGE Energy Corp.   29,923    1,055,684 
Otter Tail Corp.   6,371    472,792 
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.   7,490    578,827 
Portland General Electric Co.   6,239    304,026 
Total Electric Utilities        4,424,072 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (6.08%)          
Avnet, Inc.   100,561    4,408,594 
Littelfuse, Inc.   8,644    2,213,210 
National Instruments Corp.   98,160    5,673,648 
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.   74,176    1,912,257 
Total Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components        14,207,709 
           
Financial Services (4.02%)          
Essent Group, Ltd.   19,465    859,769 
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.   23,639    3,614,167 
Radian Group, Inc.   51,990    1,327,825 
Western Union Co.   316,788    3,608,215 
Total Financial Services        9,409,976 
           
Food Products (4.29%)          
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.   19,804    941,680 
Flowers Foods, Inc.   103,348    2,581,633 
Ingredion, Inc.   30,800    3,221,680 
J & J Snack Foods Corp.   3,534    544,059 
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.   5,961    662,863 
Lancaster Colony Corp.   8,620    1,694,520 
Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.   9,988    390,231 
Total Food Products        10,036,666 
           
Gas Utilities (1.21%)          
Chesapeake Utilities Corp.   1,048    133,830 
National Fuel Gas Co.   17,040    867,506 
New Jersey Resources Corp.   5,715    276,892 
Spire, Inc.   3,522    227,416 
UGI Corp.   47,260    1,321,861 
Total Gas Utilities        2,827,505 
           
Ground Transportation (2.24%)          
Landstar System, Inc.   15,567    2,730,141 

16 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Ground Transportation (continued)          
Schneider National, Inc., Class B   96,311   $2,496,381 
Total Ground Transportation        5,226,522 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (1.63%)          
DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.   105,462    3,809,287 
           
Health Care Providers & Services (4.83%)          
Encompass Health Corp.   91,013    5,644,626 
National HealthCare Corp.   38,574    2,341,442 
Premier, Inc., Class A   132,347    3,308,675 
Total Health Care Providers & Services        11,294,743 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (3.62%)          
Choice Hotels International, Inc.   9,378    1,064,309 
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.   6,296    617,134 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.   20,285    2,188,752 
Vail Resorts, Inc.   16,223    3,945,433 
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   9,761    666,188 
Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure        8,481,816 
           
Household Durables (1.16%)          
Leggett & Platt, Inc.   46,803    1,426,555 
Whirlpool Corp.   9,888    1,278,420 
Total Household Durables        2,704,975 
           
Household Products (0.57%)          
Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.   27,525    755,286 
WD-40 Co.(a)   3,006    570,088 
Total Household Products        1,325,374 
           
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers (0.13%)          
Clearway Energy, Inc.   10,333    296,867 
           
Insurance (7.38%)          
Erie Indemnity Co., Class A   20,759    4,444,502 
First American Financial Corp.   87,147    4,786,985 
Old Republic International Corp.   210,196    5,147,700 
RLI Corp.   12,980    1,607,573 
Stewart Information Services Corp.   28,357    1,271,528 
Total Insurance        17,258,288 
           
IT Services (2.25%)          
Amdocs, Ltd.   55,754    5,250,354 
           
Leisure Products (0.79%)          
Brunswick Corp.   9,201    694,676 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Leisure Products (continued)          
Sturm Ruger & Co., Inc.   22,252   $1,147,313 
Total Leisure Products        1,841,989 
           
Machinery (12.09%)          
Crane NXT Co.   20,141    1,060,021 
Donaldson Co., Inc.   86,718    5,075,605 
Franklin Electric Co., Inc.   15,875    1,443,990 
Graco, Inc.   71,201    5,446,164 
ITT, Inc.   21,626    1,647,036 
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.   33,691    5,716,014 
Mueller Industries, Inc.   14,230    1,056,720 
Snap-on, Inc.   20,970    5,218,594 
Watts Water Technologies, Inc., Class A   10,343    1,638,848 
Total Machinery        28,302,992 
           
Media (3.98%)          
Cable One, Inc.   589    360,368 
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.   154,745    5,754,966 
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Class A   20,280    730,080 
New York Times Co., Class A   22,349    791,602 
News Corp., Class A   66,309    1,214,118 
TEGNA, Inc.   30,015    464,932 
Total Media        9,316,066 
           
Multi-Utilities (0.58%)          
Avista Corp.   4,060    167,881 
Black Hills Corp.   3,233    197,051 
NiSource, Inc.   28,684    771,314 
NorthWestern Corp.   4,060    229,755 
Total Multi-Utilities        1,366,001 
           
Pharmaceuticals (1.32%)          
Organon & Co.   158,935    3,081,750 
           
Professional Services (6.42%)          
CSG Systems International, Inc.   25,906    1,242,970 
Exponent, Inc.   21,789    1,989,771 
Genpact, Ltd.   83,198    3,060,022 
Maximus, Inc.   59,698    4,833,151 
Robert Half International, Inc.   59,783    3,887,091 
Total Professional Services        15,013,005 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (0.83%)          
Power Integrations, Inc.   22,489    1,943,050 
           
Software (3.12%)          
Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A   63,128    5,209,954 
InterDigital, Inc.   25,206    2,093,106 
Total Software        7,303,060 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (1.99%)          
Carter's, Inc.   21,674    1,347,473 
Columbia Sportswear Co.   17,881    1,320,154 

17 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (continued)          
Ralph Lauren Corp.   10,990   $1,168,347 
Steven Madden, Ltd.   26,457    825,723 
Total Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods        4,661,697 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors (2.27%)          
Watsco, Inc.   16,330    5,296,962 
           
Water Utilities (0.28%)          
American States Water Co.   2,932    260,420 
Essential Utilities, Inc.   9,930    404,548 
Total Water Utilities        664,968 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $224,779,172)        233,374,687 

 

    7 Day Yield  Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.10%)               
Money Market Fund (0.05%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)               
(Cost $116,537)   5.02%   116,537    116,537 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (0.05%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%               
(Cost $118,278)        118,278    118,278 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $234,815)             234,815 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.91%)               
(Cost $225,013,987)            $233,609,502 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.09%)             210,960 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $233,820,462 

 

(a)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $114,738.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.


18 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

   

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.97%)          
Broadline Retail (11.42%)          
Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., Sponsored ADR(a)   15,400   $1,225,070 
Allegro.eu SA(a)(b)(c)   248,152    2,081,214 
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   60,004    7,235,283 
Etsy, Inc.(a)   4,980    403,629 
JD.com, Inc., ADR   25,614    835,016 
MercadoLibre, Inc.(a)   1,815    2,248,785 
PDD Holdings, Inc., ADR(a)   36,926    2,412,006 
Total Broadline Retail        16,441,003 
           
Entertainment (8.40%)          
Activision Blizzard, Inc.   12,925    1,036,585 
Bilibili, Inc., ADR(a)(d)   58,870    921,904 
Electronic Arts, Inc.   2,303    294,784 
Kingsoft Corp., Ltd.   310,400    1,127,762 
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.(a)   5,947    475,403 
NetEase, Inc., ADR   6,286    534,813 
Netflix, Inc.(a)   4,098    1,619,653 
Nexon Co., Ltd.   29,000    592,385 
ROBLOX Corp., Class A(a)   45,499    1,904,587 
Roku, Inc.(a)   9,877    574,841 
Spotify Technology SA(a)   7,765    1,156,209 
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)   13,360    1,840,073 
Total Entertainment        12,078,999 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (3.85%)          
Delivery Hero SE(a)(b)(c)   39,557    1,479,889 
DoorDash, Inc., Class A(a)   22,309    1,456,555 
Meituan, Class B(a)(b)(c)   184,917    2,602,385 
Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure        5,538,829 
           
Interactive Media & Services (11.85%)          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   58,080    7,136,289 
Baidu, Inc., Sponsored ADR(a)   3,994    490,663 
Kuaishou Technology(a)(b)(c)   154,800    1,047,756 
Match Group, Inc.(a)   13,635    470,408 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a)   11,959    3,165,787 
Pinterest, Inc., Class A(a)   29,528    706,900 
Snap, Inc., Class A(a)   47,100    480,420 
Tencent Holdings, Ltd.   53,117    2,106,921 
Z Holdings Corp.   145,400    362,235 
ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc.(a)   43,758    1,082,135 
Total Interactive Media & Services        17,049,514 
           
IT Services (8.43%)          
Cloudflare, Inc., Class A(a)   33,362    2,307,316 
MongoDB, Inc.(a)   8,219    2,414,660 
Okta, Inc.(a)   10,365    942,179 
Shopify, Inc., Class A(a)   39,247    2,244,536 
Snowflake, Inc., Class A(a)   17,909    2,961,432 
Twilio, Inc., Class A(a)   11,820    822,908 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
IT Services (continued)          
VeriSign, Inc.(a)   1,956   $436,814 
Total IT Services        12,129,845 
           
Professional Services (3.27%)          
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.(a)   14,801    915,442 
Paycom Software, Inc.   5,058    1,416,897 
Paycor HCM, Inc.(a)   45,605    1,002,854 
Paylocity Holding Corp.(a)   7,946    1,372,672 
Total Professional Services        4,707,865 
           
Software (52.39%)          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   3,981    1,663,222 
Atlassian Corp., Class A(a)   10,797    1,951,990 
BILL Holdings, Inc.(a)   20,108    2,082,787 
Confluent, Inc., Class A(a)   69,183    2,195,868 
Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   16,979    2,718,847 
CyberArk Software, Ltd.(a)   9,380    1,451,367 
Datadog, Inc., Class A(a)   26,342    2,500,119 
DocuSign, Inc.(a)   7,248    408,787 
DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc.(a)   55,052    1,919,663 
Dynatrace, Inc.(a)   29,377    1,497,933 
Elastic NV(a)   24,278    1,767,924 
Fortinet, Inc.(a)   28,997    1,981,365 
Gen Digital, Inc.   41,241    723,367 
Gitlab, Inc., Class A(a)   35,633    1,316,996 
HashiCorp, Inc., Class A(a)   54,145    1,859,339 
HubSpot, Inc.(a)   3,438    1,780,850 
Intuit, Inc.   2,763    1,158,029 
Kingdee International Software Group Co., Ltd.(a)   841,215    1,117,258 
Microsoft Corp.   29,798    9,785,366 
Monday.com, Ltd.(a)   11,590    2,088,518 
Nice, Ltd., ADR   2,513    517,527 
Nutanix, Inc.(a)   34,387    1,018,543 
Open Text Corp.   45,260    1,881,749 
Oracle Corp.   18,973    2,010,000 
Palantir Technologies, Inc., Class A(a)   144,563    2,126,522 
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(a)   9,795    2,090,155 
Qualtrics International, Inc., Class A(a)   47,401    857,010 
Salesforce, Inc.(a)   6,569    1,467,383 
Samsara, Inc., Class A(a)   83,182    1,601,254 
SAP SE   7,491    978,312 
SentinelOne, Inc., Class A(a)   112,906    2,413,930 
ServiceNow, Inc.(a)   5,542    3,019,171 
Smartsheet, Inc., Class A(a)   36,659    1,817,553 
Splunk, Inc.(a)   4,969    493,372 
Tenable Holdings, Inc.(a)   23,455    961,420 
UiPath, Inc., Class A(a)   67,786    1,212,692 
Unity Software, Inc.(a)   63,373    1,883,446 
VMware, Inc., Class A(a)   2,612    355,989 
Workday, Inc., Class A(a)   6,869    1,456,159 
Workiva, Inc.(a)   11,173    1,082,217 
Xero, Ltd.(a)   25,781    1,843,776 

19 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

   

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Software (continued)          
Zscaler, Inc.(a)   17,068   $2,312,373 
Total Software        75,370,148 
           
Specialty Retail (0.36%)          
Chewy, Inc., Class A(a)   17,422    513,775 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $170,300,721)        143,829,978 

 

    7 Day Yield     Shares    Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.64%)            
Money Market Fund (0.03%)            
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)            
(Cost $39,532)   5.02%    39,532    39,532 
             
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (0.61%)            
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%            
(Cost $884,544)     884,544    884,544 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS            
(Cost $924,076)          924,076 
             
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.62%)            
(Cost $171,224,797)         $144,754,054 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.62%)          (884,901)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%         $143,869,153 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $7,211,244, representing 5.01% of net assets.

(c)Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of May 31, 2023, the market value of those securities was $7,211,244 representing 5.01% of net assets.

(d)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $814,821.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.


20 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.00%)          
Air Freight & Logistics (2.20%)          
Deutsche Post AG   19,581   $880,113 
           
Automobile Components (1.07%)          
Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA   15,083    428,207 
           
Automobiles (3.97%)          
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG   10,750    1,171,131 
Stellantis NV(a)   27,355    414,679 
Total Automobiles        1,585,810 
           
Beverages (2.78%)          
Carlsberg AS   1,873    282,161 
Diageo PLC   12,593    524,310 
Heineken NV   1,536    155,120 
Pernod Ricard SA   689    148,841 
Total Beverages        1,110,432 
           
Building Products (2.13%)          
Assa Abloy AB, Class B   26,009    577,136 
Geberit AG   515    272,782 
Total Building Products        849,918 
           
Capital Markets (5.65%)          
3i Group PLC   59,842    1,455,684 
Partners Group Holding AG   881    793,988 
Total Capital Markets        2,249,672 
           
Communications Equipment (1.63%)          
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson   126,015    651,686 
           
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail (0.93%)          
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV   11,701    370,964 
           
Diversified Telecommunication Services (1.48%)          
Elisa Oyj   10,519    589,174 
           
Electric Utilities (4.69%)          
Iberdrola SA   78,774    959,899 
SSE PLC   39,059    914,174 
Total Electric Utilities        1,874,073 
           
Electrical Equipment (6.81%)          
ABB, Ltd.   23,123    844,437 
Legrand SA   4,503    425,781 
Schneider Electric SE   8,419    1,451,912 
Total Electrical Equipment        2,722,130 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (2.11%)          
Hexagon AB, Class B   72,847   $844,482 
           
Food Products (4.41%)          
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG   6    71,743 
Nestle SA   14,259    1,689,318 
Total Food Products        1,761,061 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (0.28%)          
Coloplast A/S, Class B   894    112,542 
           
Household Products (1.46%)          
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC   7,500    582,729 
           
Insurance (0.61%)          
Zurich Insurance Group AG   524    245,099 
           
Machinery (4.18%)          
Atlas Copco AB   55,643    810,407 
Kone Oyj, Class B   13,853    702,911 
Schindler Holding AG(a)   743    153,862 
Total Machinery        1,667,180 
           
Marine (0.81%)          
A P Moller-Maersk A/S(a)   193    324,546 
           
Marine Transportation (1.64%)          
Kuehne + Nagel International AG   2,300    654,329 
           
Multi-Utilities (2.11%)          
E.ON SE   69,630    841,776 
           
Personal Care Products (4.33%)          
L'Oreal SA   1,860    793,274 
Unilever PLC   18,660    935,217 
Total Personal Care Products        1,728,491 
           
Pharmaceuticals (15.34%)          
GSK PLC   8,671    145,227 
Merck KGaA   1,297    225,631 
Novartis AG   19,939    1,908,188 
Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B   13,314    2,133,174 
Roche Holding AG   4,327    1,369,247 
Sanofi   3,372    341,979 
Total Pharmaceuticals        6,123,446 
           
Professional Services (6.37%)          
Experian PLC   13,968    492,074 
RELX PLC   30,313    946,468 
SGS SA   1,375    122,048 
Wolters Kluwer NV   8,608    982,678 
Total Professional Services        2,543,268 

21 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (6.05%)          
ASML Holding NV   3,366   $2,416,005 
           
Software (6.11%)          
SAP SE   18,668    2,438,011 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (9.64%)          
Hermes International   371    754,182 
Kering SA   1,706    908,764 
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE   2,512    2,185,388 
Total Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods        3,848,334 
           
Tobacco (0.21%)          
British American Tobacco PLC   2,666    84,717 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $38,836,529)        39,528,195 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.09%)               
Money Market Fund (0.09%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)   5.02%   36,704    36,704 
                
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $36,704)             36,704 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.09%)               
(Cost $38,873,233)            $39,564,899 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.91%)             361,590 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $39,926,489 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.


22 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

  

ALPS |

O'Shares

U.S. Quality

Dividend ETF

  

ALPS |

O'Shares

U.S. Small-Cap

Quality Dividend

ETF

  

ALPS |

O'Shares

Global Internet

Giants ETF

  

ALPS |

O'Shares

Europe Quality

Dividend ETF

 
ASSETS:                    
Investments, at value(a)  $647,478,811   $233,609,502   $144,754,054   $39,564,899 
Foreign Currency, at value (Cost $–, $–, $– and $50,036)               49,842 
Dividends and foreign tax reclaims receivable   1,431,058    417,366    54,912    328,442 
Receivable for investments sold   4,182,952             
Receivable for shares sold       3,399,047         
Total Assets   653,092,821    237,425,915    144,808,966    39,943,183 
                     
LIABILITIES:                    
Payable to custodian for overdraft   171,568             
Payable to adviser   270,428    92,185    55,269    16,694 
Payable for investments purchased       3,394,990         
Payable for capital shares redeemed   4,182,015             
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned       118,278    884,544     
Total Liabilities   4,624,011    3,605,453    939,813    16,694 
NET ASSETS  $648,468,810   $233,820,462   $143,869,153   $39,926,489 
                     
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Paid-in capital  $638,600,449   $236,877,260   $352,841,956   $47,964,776 
Total distributable earnings/(accumulated losses)   9,868,361    (3,056,798)   (208,972,803)   (8,038,287)
NET ASSETS  $648,468,810   $233,820,462   $143,869,153   $39,926,489 
                     
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $598,033,726   $225,013,987   $171,224,797   $38,873,233 
                     
PRICING OF SHARES                    
Net Assets  $648,468,810   $233,820,462   $143,869,153   $39,926,489 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   15,550,000    6,879,000    4,700,000    1,475,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $41.70   $33.99   $30.61   $27.07 

 

(a) Includes $-, $114,738, $814,821 and $- of securities on loan.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

23 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Statements of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

  

ALPS |

O'Shares

U.S. Quality

Dividend ETF

  

ALPS |

O'Shares

U.S. Small-Cap

Quality Dividend

ETF

 
INVESTMENT INCOME:          
Dividends  $8,171,030   $2,677,465 
Securities Lending Income       217 
Total Investment Income   8,171,030    2,677,682 
           
EXPENSES:          
Investment adviser fees   1,642,322    485,142 
Total Expenses   1,642,322    485,142 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   6,528,708    2,192,540 
           
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS          
Net realized gain on investments(a)   16,348,256    1,493,512 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments   (42,754,831)   (10,399,388)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS   (26,406,575)   (8,905,876)
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(19,877,867)  $(6,713,336)

 

(a) Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

24 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Statements of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

  

ALPS |

O'Shares

Global Internet

Giants ETF

  

ALPS |

O'Shares

Europe Quality

Dividend ETF

 
INVESTMENT INCOME:          
Dividends*  $130,071   $892,236 
Securities Lending Income   2,406    17 
Total Investment Income   132,477    892,253 
           
EXPENSES:          
Investment adviser fees   333,563    91,854 
Total Expenses   333,563    91,854 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME/(LOSS)   (201,086)   800,399 
           
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS          
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments(a)   (38,078,443)   379,169 
Net realized gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions   (10,103)   2,810 
Total net realized gain/(loss)   (38,088,546)   381,979 
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   65,327,694    3,191,888 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies   (269)   5,377 
Total net change in unrealized appreciation   65,327,425    3,197,265 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS   27,238,879    3,579,244 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $27,037,793   $4,379,643 
*Net of foreign tax withholding.  $3,271   $147,132 

 

(a) Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

25 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

  

For the Six

Months Ended

May 31,

2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the Period

July 1,

2022 to

November 30,

2022(a)

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2022

 
OPERATIONS:               
Net investment income  $6,528,708   $6,363,668   $13,561,060 
Net realized gain   16,348,256    3,499,404    43,405,783 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation   (42,754,831)   47,553,595    (83,029,339)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (19,877,867)   57,416,667    (26,062,496)
                
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:               
From distributable earnings   (6,725,287)   (6,308,456)   (13,415,408)
Total distributions   (6,725,287)   (6,308,456)   (13,415,408)
                
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:               
Proceeds from sale of shares       6,268,102    230,032,035 
Cost of shares redeemed   (73,049,538)   (46,483,693)   (142,045,551)
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions   (73,049,538)   (40,215,590)   87,986,484 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (99,652,692)   10,892,620    48,508,580 
                
NET ASSETS:               
Beginning of period   748,121,502    737,228,882    688,720,302 
End of period  $648,468,810   $748,121,502   $737,228,882 
                
OTHER INFORMATION:               
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:               
Beginning shares   17,300,000    18,300,000    16,400,000 
Shares sold       150,000    5,200,000 
Shares redeemed   (1,750,000)   (1,150,000)   (3,300,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   15,550,000    17,300,000    18,300,000 

 

(a) Effective November 30, 2022, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from June 30 to November 30.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

26 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

  

For the Six

Months Ended

May 31,

2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the Period

July 1,

2022 to

November 30,

2022(a)

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2022

 
OPERATIONS:               
Net investment income  $2,192,540   $1,534,368   $2,637,053 
Net realized gain   1,493,512    669,930    14,022,562 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation   (10,399,388)   17,488,042    (29,865,443)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (6,713,336)   19,692,340    (13,205,828)
                
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:               
From distributable earnings   (2,132,576)   (1,333,102)   (2,765,428)
Total distributions   (2,132,576)   (1,333,102)   (2,765,428)
                
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:               
Proceeds from sale of shares   67,468,587    13,889,462    78,553,967 
Cost of shares redeemed   (6,746,128)   (5,623,137)   (56,478,862)
Net increase from capital share transactions   60,722,459    8,266,325    22,075,105 
Net increase in net assets   51,876,547    26,625,563    6,103,849 
                
NET ASSETS:               
Beginning of period   181,943,914    155,318,351    149,214,502 
End of period  $233,820,461   $181,943,914   $155,318,351 
                
OTHER INFORMATION:               
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:               
Beginning shares   5,154,000    4,904,000    4,254,000 
Shares sold   1,925,000    425,000    2,250,000 
Shares redeemed   (200,000)   (175,000)   (1,600,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   6,879,000    5,154,000    4,904,000 

 

(a) Effective November 30, 2022, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from June 30 to November 30.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

27 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

  

For the Six

Months Ended

May 31,

2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the Period

July 1,

2022 to

November 30,

2022(a)

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2022

 
OPERATIONS:               
Net investment loss  $(201,086)  $(306,436)  $(1,474,256)
Net realized loss   (38,088,546)   (48,551,905)   (38,677,188)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation   65,327,425    34,370,555    (244,942,887)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   27,037,793    (14,487,786)   (285,094,331)
                
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:               
Proceeds from sale of shares           5,994,386 
Cost of shares redeemed   (35,681,748)   (42,866,222)   (229,798,933)
Net decrease from capital share transactions   (35,681,748)   (42,866,222)   (223,804,547)
Net decrease in net assets   (8,643,955)   (57,354,008)   (508,898,878)
                
NET ASSETS:               
Beginning of period   152,513,107    209,867,115    718,765,993 
End of period  $143,869,152   $152,513,107   $209,867,115 
                
OTHER INFORMATION:               
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:               
Beginning shares   6,075,000    7,750,000    12,600,000 
Shares sold           150,000 
Shares redeemed   (1,375,000)   (1,675,000)   (5,000,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   4,700,000    6,075,000    7,750,000 

 

(a) Effective November 30, 2022, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from June 30 to November 30.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

28 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

  

For the Six

Months Ended

May 31,

2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the Period

July 1,

2022 to

November 30,

2022(a)

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2022

 
OPERATIONS:               
Net investment income  $800,399   $43,643   $970,521 
Net realized gain/(loss)   381,979    (4,897,849)   3,196,544 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation   3,197,265    6,975,792    (14,660,540)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   4,379,643    2,121,586    (10,493,475)
                
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:               
From distributable earnings   (274,189)   (284,255)   (1,031,977)
Total distributions   (274,189)   (284,255)   (1,031,977)
                
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:               
Proceeds from sale of shares   3,889,047        43,521,283 
Cost of shares redeemed   (3,732,101)   (6,889,121)   (17,876,858)
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions   156,946    (6,889,121)   25,644,425 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   4,262,400    (5,051,790)   14,118,973 
                
NET ASSETS:               
Beginning of period   35,664,088    40,715,878    26,596,905 
End of period  $39,926,488   $35,664,088   $40,715,878 
                
OTHER INFORMATION:               
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:               
Beginning shares   1,475,000    1,800,000    950,000 
Shares sold   150,000        1,550,000 
Shares redeemed   (150,000)   (325,000)   (700,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   1,475,000    1,475,000    1,800,000 

 

(a) Effective November 30, 2022, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from June 30 to November 30.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

29 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

  

For the

Six Months

Ended

May 31,

2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the

Period

July 1,

2022 to

November 30,

2022 (a)

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2022

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2021

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2020

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2019

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2018

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $43.24   $40.29   $42.00   $33.16   $34.13   $30.69   $29.25 
                                    
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:                                   
Net investment income(b)   0.40    0.36    0.77    0.69(c)   0.93    0.89(c)   0.78 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (1.53)   2.95    (1.72)   8.81    (0.96)   3.44    1.46 
Total from investment operations   (1.13)   3.31    (0.95)   9.50    (0.03)   4.33    2.24 
                                    
DISTRIBUTIONS:                                   
From net investment income   (0.41)   (0.36)   (0.76)   (0.66)   (0.94)   (0.89)   (0.80)
Total distributions   (0.41)   (0.36)   (0.76)   (0.66)   (0.94)   (0.89)   (0.80)
                                    
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (1.54)   2.95    (1.71)   8.84    (0.97)   3.44    1.44 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $41.70   $43.24   $40.29   $42.00   $33.16   $34.13   $30.69 
TOTAL RETURN(d)   (2.60)%   8.27%   (2.38)%   28.84%   (0.12)%   14.31%   7.67%
                                    
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $648,469   $748,122   $737,229   $688,720   $479,121   $496,574   $411,269 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.48%(e)   0.48%(e)   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%(f)
Ratio of expenses including waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   0.48%(e)   0.48%(e)   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%(f)
Ratio of net investment income excluding waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   1.91%(e)   2.11%(e)   1.78%   1.81%   2.71%   2.76%   2.53%
Ratio of net investment income including waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   1.91%(e)   2.11%(e)   1.78%   1.81%(g)   2.71%   2.76%(g)   2.54%
Portfolio turnover rate(h)   0%   25%   15%   26%   64%(i)   15%   18%

 

(a) Effective November 30, 2022, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from June 30 to November 30.
(b) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) The net investment income per share excluding the impact of large, non-recurring dividends (special dividends) was $0.67 during the year ended June 30, 2021 and $0.88 during the year ended June 30, 2019.
(d) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Prior to June 28, 2018, the unitary management fee was 0.48% and the former investment advisor to the Fund agreed to contractually waive its fees and reimburse expenses so that the total annual fund operating expenses were limited to 0.48%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

30 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

(g) The ratio of net investment income, including waiver/reimbursement and excluding the impact of large, non-recurring dividends (special dividends) was 1.77% during the year ended June 30, 2021 and 2.71% during the year ended June 30, 2019.
(h) Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.
(i) Increase in the Portfolio turnover was a result of the Index change that was effective on June 1, 2020.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

31 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

  

For the

Six Months

Ended

May 31,

2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the

Period

July 1,

2022 to

November 30,

2022 (a)

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2022

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2021

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2020

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2019

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2018

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $35.30   $31.67   $35.08   $24.99   $27.45   $27.07   $25.41 
                                    
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                                   
Net investment income(b)   0.38    0.31    0.59    0.64(c)   0.64(c)   0.58(c)   0.66 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (1.32)   3.59    (3.38)   9.98    (2.48)   0.38(d)   1.70 
Total from investment operations   (0.94)   3.90    (2.79)   10.62    (1.84)   0.96    2.36 
                                    
DISTRIBUTIONS:                                   
From net investment income   (0.37)   (0.27)   (0.62)   (0.53)   (0.57)   (0.58)   (0.66)
From net realized gain/loss                           (e)
From tax return of capital                   (0.05)       (0.04)
Total distributions   (0.37)   (0.27)   (0.62)   (0.53)   (0.62)   (0.58)   (0.70)
                                    
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (1.31)   3.63    (3.41)   10.09    (2.46)   0.38    1.66 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $33.99   $35.30   $31.67   $35.08   $24.99   $27.45   $27.07 
TOTAL RETURN(f)   (2.67)%   12.39%   (8.12)%   42.79%   (6.82)%   3.65%   9.39%
                                    
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $233,820   $181,944   $155,318   $149,215   $93,812   $97,570   $136,802 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.48%(g)   0.48%(g)   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.17%(g)   2.28%(g)   1.69%   2.08%(h)   2.38%(h)   2.16%(h)   2.51%
Portfolio turnover rate(i)   1%   34%   34%   60%   101%(j)   52%   64%

 

(a) Effective November 30, 2022, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from June 30 to November 30.
(b) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) The net investment income per share excluding the impact of large, non-recurring dividends (special dividends) was $0.57 during the year ended June 30, 2021, $0.62 during the year ended June 30, 2020 and $0.54 during the year ended June 30, 2019.
(d) The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period is not in accordance with the aggregate net realized and unrealized gain (loss) for that period because of the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments in the Fund.
(e) Per share amount is less than $0.01.
(f) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(g) Annualized.
(h) The ratio of net investment income, including waiver/reimbursement and excluding the impact of large, non-recurring dividends (special dividends) was 1.84% during the year ended June 30, 2021, 2.30% during the year ended June 30, 2020 and 2.03% during the year ended June 30, 2019.
(i) Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.
(j) Increase in the Portfolio turnover was a result of the Index change that was effective on June 1, 2020.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

32 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

  

For the

Six Months

Ended

May 31,

2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the

Period

July 1,

2022 to

November 30,

2022 (a)

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2022

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2021

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2020

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2019

  

For the

Period

June 5,

2018

(Commencement

of operations) to

June 30,

2018

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $25.11   $27.08   $57.04   $37.85   $25.04   $24.06   $25.00 
                                    
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                                   
Net investment loss(b)   (0.04)   (0.04)   (0.15)   (0.21)   (0.10)   (0.06)(c)   (0.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   5.54    (1.93)   (29.81)   19.40    12.91    1.04    (0.93)
Total from investment operations   5.50    (1.97)   (29.96)   19.19    12.81    0.98    (0.94)
                                    
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   5.50    (1.97)   (29.96)   19.19    12.81    0.98    (0.94)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $30.61   $25.11   $27.08   $57.04   $37.85   $25.04   $24.06 
TOTAL RETURN(d)   21.90%   (7.27)%   (52.52)%   50.70%   51.16%   4.07%   (3.76)%
                                    
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $143,869   $152,513   $209,867   $718,766   $272,512   $48,834   $51,735 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.48%(e)   0.48%(e)   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.30)%(e)   (0.37)%(e)   (0.32)%   (0.40)%   (0.34)%   (0.28)%(f)   (0.48)%(e)
Portfolio turnover rate(g)   24%   22%   51%   48%   38%   55%   8%

 

(a) Effective November 30, 2022, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from June 30 to November 30.
(b) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) The net investment loss per share excluding the impact of large, non-recurring dividends (special dividends) was $(0.07) during the year ended June 30, 2019.
(d) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
(f) The ratio of net investment loss, including waiver/reimbursement and excluding the impact of large, non-recurring dividends (special dividends) was (0.31)% during the year ended June 30, 2019.
(g) Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

33 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF

 
Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

  

For the

Six Months

Ended

May 31,

2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the

Period

July 1,

2022 to

November 30,

2022 (a)

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2022

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2021

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2020

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2019

  

For the

Year Ended

June 30,

2018

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $24.18   $22.62   $28.00   $22.28   $24.28   $23.94   $24.69 
                                    
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                                   
Net investment income(b)   0.54    0.03    0.58    0.55(c)   0.64(c)   0.76(c)   0.69 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   2.54    1.71    (5.33)   5.97    (1.95)   0.44    (0.55)
Total from investment operations   3.08    1.74    (4.75)   6.52    (1.31)   1.20    0.14 
                                    
DISTRIBUTIONS:                                   
From net investment income   (0.19)   (0.18)   (0.63)   (0.80)   (0.69)   (0.86)   (0.89)
Total distributions   (0.19)   (0.18)   (0.63)   (0.80)   (0.69)   (0.86)   (0.89)
                                    
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   2.89    1.56    (5.38)   5.72    (2.00)   0.34    (0.75)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $27.07   $24.18   $22.62   $28.00   $22.28   $24.28   $23.94 
TOTAL RETURN(d)   12.77%   7.78%   (17.29)%   29.72%   (5.44)%   5.16%   0.53%
                                    
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $39,926   $35,664   $40,716   $26,597   $17,821   $25,498   $40,698 
                                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.48%(e)   0.48%(e)   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.60%(f)
Ratio of expenses including waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   0.48%(e)   0.48%(e)   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.58%(f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   4.20%(e)   0.29%(e)   2.20%   2.18%   2.72%   3.23%   2.75%
Ratio of net investment income including waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   4.20%(e)   0.29%(e)   2.20%   2.18%(g)   2.72%(g)   3.23%(g)   2.77%(g)
Portfolio turnover rate(h)   1%   38%   22%   42%   72%(i)   35%   30%

 

(a) Effective November 30, 2022, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from June 30 to November 30.
(b) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) The net investment income per share excluding the impact of large, non-recurring dividends (special dividends) was $0.54 during the year ended June 30, 2021, $0.63 during the year ended June 30, 2020 and $0.74 during the year ended June 30, 2019.
(d) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Prior to June 28, 2018, the unitary management fee was 0.58% and the former investment advisor to the Fund agreed to contractually waive its fees and reimburse expenses so that the total annual fund operating expenses were limited to 0.58%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

34 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF

 
Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

(g) The ratio of net investment income, including waiver/reimbursement and excluding the impact of large, non-recurring dividends (special dividends) was 2.15% during the year ended June 30, 2021, 2.70% during the year ended June 30, 2020 and 3.15% during the year ended June 30, 2019, and 2.76% during the year ended June 30, 2018.
(h) Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.
(i) Increase in the Portfolio turnover was a result of the Index change that was effective on June 1, 2020.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

35 | May 31, 2023

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the ‘‘Trust’’), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the ‘‘1940 Act’’). As of May 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of twenty-three separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains to the ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF, the ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF, the ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF and the ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). Effective November 30, 2022, the Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board") approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from June 30 to November 30.

 

The investment objective of the ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF is to seek investment results that track the performance (before fees and expenses) of the O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend Index. The investment objective of the ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF is to seek investment results that track the performance (before fees and expenses) of the O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend Index. The investment objective of the ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF is to seek investment results that track the performance (before fees and expenses) of the O’Shares Global Internet Giants Index. The investment objective of the ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF is to seek investment results that track the performance (before fees and expenses) of the O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend Index.

 

ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF is considered non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund. ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF, ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF and ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF have each elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act The Funds, previously part of another investment company, OSI ETF Trust, reorganized effective after the close of business on June 17, 2022. See Note 7 for further discussion on the reorganizations.

 

Each Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Cboe BZX”). Each Fund issues and redeems Shares, at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements. The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

Each Fund’s NAV is determined daily, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing the value of all assets of each Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.

 

Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price as determined by NASDAQ. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities traded on the NASDAQ, are valued at the last quoted sale price in such market.

36 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The Funds’ investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value according to procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for each Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments. The Adviser may carry out its designated responsibilities as Valuation Designee through various teams and committees. When market quotations are not readily available or when events occur that make established valuation methods unreliable, securities of the Funds may be valued in good faith by the Valuation Designee. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established primary pricing source or the pricing source is not willing to provide a price; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is most likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of a Fund’s NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; or a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security’s “fair value” due to the security being de-listed from a national exchange or the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when, under normal conditions, it would be open. As a general principle, the current “fair value” of a security would be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive from the sale on the applicable exchange or principal market. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities.

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

Each Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Valuation techniques used to value the Funds’ investments by major category are as follows:

 

Equity securities, including restricted securities, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by a third party pricing vendor on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the mean of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices on such day and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing NAV each business day and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments.

 

These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;
   
Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
   
Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

37 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of May 31, 2023:

 

ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and
Unadjusted Prices
   Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
   Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
   Total 
Common Stocks*  $647,478,811   $   $   $647,478,811 
Total  $647,478,811   $   $   $647,478,811 

 

ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and
Unadjusted Prices
   Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
   Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
   Total 
Common Stocks*  $233,374,687   $   $   $233,374,687 
Short Term Investments   234,815            234,815 
Total  $233,609,502   $   $   $233,609,502 

 

ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and
Unadjusted Prices
   Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
   Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
   Total 
Common Stocks*  $143,829,978   $   $   $143,829,978 
Short Term Investments   924,076            924,076 
Total  $144,754,054   $   $   $144,754,054 

 

ALPS | O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and
Unadjusted Prices
   Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
   Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
   Total 
Common Stocks*  $39,528,195   $   $   $39,528,195 
Short Term Investments   36,704            36,704 
Total  $39,564,899   $   $   $39,564,899 

 

* For a detailed sector breakdown, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments.

 

The Funds did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the period ended May 31, 2023.

 

C. Foreign Investment Risk

The ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF and the ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investments in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, less liquidity generally, greater market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the value of the Fund’s investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the investment to U.S. investors.

 

Countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments and may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets. The economies of emerging markets countries also may be based on only a few industries, making them more vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions and more sensitive to debt burdens, inflation rates or adverse news and events.

 

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which investors may purchase the shares of each Fund, the value of each Fund's securities may change on the days when investors are not able to purchase the shares of the Funds. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or NASDAQ. Any use of a different rate from the rates used by the Index may adversely affect a Fund's ability to track its Index.

38 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

D. Foreign Currency Translation

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment valuations and other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. The portion of realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed and is included in realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, when applicable.

 

E. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the specific identification in accordance with GAAP. Dividend income and capital gains distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of any foreign taxes withheld. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded at the fair market value of the asset received. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.

 

F. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

Dividends from net investment income for each Fund, if any, are declared and paid monthly or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Funds, if any, are distributed at least annually.

 

G. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Funds’ capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

The tax character of the distributions paid for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2022, and fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2022            
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF  $6,308,456   $   $ 
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF   1,333,102         
ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF            
ALPS | O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF   284,255         

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
June 30, 2022            
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF  $13,415,408   $   $ 
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF   2,765,428         
ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF            
ALPS | O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF   1,031,977         

 

The character of distributions made during the period may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration.

 

As of November 30, 2022, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF  $19,082,389   $37,084,012 
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF   4,402,596    8,972,191 
ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF   91,621,464    50,288,330 
ALPS | O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF   2,867,763    6,723,125 

39 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

As of May 31, 2023, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   ALPS | O'Shares U.S.
Quality Dividend ETF
   ALPS | O'Shares U.S.
Small-Cap Quality
Dividend ETF
   ALPS | O'Shares Global
Internet Giants ETF
   ALPS | O'Shares Europe
Quality Dividend ETF
 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $89,234,646   $23,133,769   $12,189,850   $3,924,292 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (40,008,000)   (14,667,618)   (40,535,526)   (3,305,760)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  $49,226,646   $8,466,151   $(28,345,676)  $618,532 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $598,252,165   $225,143,351   $173,099,730   $38,946,367 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales and investments in partnerships. In addition, certain tax cost basis adjustments are finalized at fiscal year-end and therefore have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

H. Income Taxes

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Each Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the six months ended May 31, 2023, each Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. Each Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. Each Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Each Fund’s tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

I. Lending of Portfolio Securities

Effective June 20, 2022, the Funds have entered into a securities lending agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Co. (“SSB”), the Funds’ lending agent. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities only to borrowers that are approved by SSB. Each Fund will limit such lending to not more than 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. The Funds' securities held at SSB as custodian shall be available to be lent except those securities the Funds or ALPS Advisors, Inc. specifically identifies in writing as not being available for lending. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Funds collateral consisting of cash (U.S. Dollars only), securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and cash equivalents (including irrevocable bank letters of credit) issued by a person other than the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower. The initial collateral received by the Fund is required to have a value of no less than 102% of the market value of the loaned securities for U.S equity securities and a value of no less than 105% of the market value for non-U.S. equity securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter, at a market value equal to not less than 102% of the current value of the U.S. equity securities on loan and not less than 105% of the current value of the non-U.S. equity securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. During the term of the loan, each Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the customary time period for settlement of securities transactions.

 

Any cash collateral received is reinvested in a money market fund managed by SSB as disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and is reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned. Non-cash collateral, in the form of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, is not disclosed in the Funds' Statements of Assets and Liabilities or the contractual maturity table below as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of the Funds, and the Funds do not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. Income earned by the Fund from securities lending activity is disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

The following is a summary of the Funds' securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of May 31, 2023:

 

   Market Value of
Securities on Loan
   Cash
Collateral Received
   Non-Cash
Collateral Received
   Total
Collateral Received
 
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF  $114,738   $118,278   $   $118,278 
ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF  $814,821   $884,544   $   $884,544 

40 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of May 31, 2023:

 

ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF   Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements
                    
Securities Lending Transactions   Overnight &
Continuous
   Up to 30 Days   30-90 Days    Greater than
90 Days
    Total 
Common Stocks  $118,278   $    $   $   $118,278 
Total Borrowings                     118,278 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)  $118,278 

 

ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF   Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements
                    
Securities Lending Transactions   Overnight &
Continuous
   Up to 30 Days   30-90 Days    Greater than
90 Days
    Total 
Common Stocks  $884,544   $    $   $   $884,544 
Total Borrowings                     884,544 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)  $884,544 

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. serves as the Funds’ investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis as a percentage of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee.

 

Fund Advisory Fee  
ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF Average net assets up to and including $2 billion 0.48%
  Average net assets greater than $2 billion up to and including $3 billion 0.44%
  Average net assets greater than $3 billion up to and including $4 billion 0.40%
  Average net assets greater than $4 billion up to and including $5 billion 0.36%
  Average net assets greater than $5 billion 0.32%
ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF Average net assets up to and including $2 billion 0.48%
  Average net assets greater than $2 billion up to and including $3 billion 0.44%
  Average net assets greater than $3 billion up to and including $4 billion 0.40%
  Average net assets greater than $4 billion up to and including $5 billion 0.36%
  Average net assets greater than $5 billion 0.32%
ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF   0.48%
ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF   0.48%

 

Out of the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of each Fund, including licensing fees to the Underlying Index provider, the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, trustees and other services, except for interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of each Fund’s business. The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay substantially all of each Fund’s expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services for each Fund.

 

Prior to June 17, 2022, O’Shares Investment Advisers, LLC (“OSI”) served as each predecessor fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the “O’Shares Advisory Agreement”). Under the O’Shares Advisory Agreement, the Funds paid OSI a unitary management fee for its services payable on a monthly basis at an annual rate of 0.48%, based on the average daily net assets of each Fund. Under the O’Shares Advisory Agreement, OSI was responsible for all of the ordinary operating expenses of the Funds, except for (i) the management fee, (ii) payments under the Funds’ Rule 12b-1 plan, (iii) brokerage expenses (including any costs incidental to transactions in portfolio securities or instruments), (iv) acquired fund fees and expenses, (v) taxes, interest (including borrowing costs and dividend expenses on securities sold short and overdraft charges), litigation expenses (including litigation to which the Trust or a Fund may be a party and indemnification of the Trustees and officers with respect thereto) and (viii) other extraordinary or non-routine expenses. See Note 7.

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, is the administrator of the Funds.

41 | May 31, 2023 

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $20,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $10,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF  $   $210,193 
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF   2,423,668    2,578,857 
ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF   34,160,522    34,517,839 
ALPS | O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF   441,061    168,339 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF  $   $73,051,210 
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF   67,449,695    6,744,522 
ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF       35,469,156 
ALPS | O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF   3,875,344    3,677,736 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the in-kind net realized gains/(losses) were as follows:

 

Fund  Net Realized Gain/(Loss) 
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF  $16,429,409 
ALPS | O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF   1,245,725 
ALPS | O'Shares Global Internet Giants ETF   (3,286,783)
ALPS | O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF   398,064 

 

Gains on in-kind transactions are not considered taxable for federal income tax purposes and losses on in-kind transactions are also not deductible for tax purposes.

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker- dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Funds. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of each Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. MARKET RISK

 

 

The Funds are subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause each Fund to lose value. Securities in each Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.

42 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

7. FUND REORGANIZATIONS

 

 

On February 23, 2022, the Board of Trustees of OSI ETF Trust (the “OSI ETF Board”) approved an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with the Trust (the “Plan”) to reorganize each Predecessor Fund listed below with and into its corresponding Acquiring Fund, each a newly created series of the Trust. Shareholders of the O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF and O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF approved the Plan on May 18, 2022. Shareholders of the O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF approved the Plan on June 15, 2022 and shareholders of the O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF approved the Plan on June 8, 2022. The Trust acquired all of the assets of the corresponding Predecessor Funds, each a series of OSI ETF Trust, in exchange for shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the liabilities of the Predecessor Fund (the “Reorganizations”). The Reorganizations were completed after the close of business on June 17, 2022 in a tax-free exchange in which each shareholder of the Acquiring Funds received the same aggregate share and net asset value.

 

Acquiring Fund Predecessor Fund
ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF
ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF
ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF
ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF

 

At the time of the reorganizations, each Acquiring Fund had the same ticker symbol and underlying index as its respective Predecessor Fund, was managed in accordance with the same investment objective and was subject to substantially the same investment strategies, policies and risks as the Predecessor Fund. Each Acquiring Fund is the accounting successor of the corresponding Predecessor Fund and assumed the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund. As a result, the financial statements and financial highlights reflect the operations of the Predecessor Funds for periods prior to June 17, 2022.

 

Prior to the Reorganizations, the Acquiring Funds did not have any assets or liabilities. For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Acquiring Funds were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received from the Predecessor Funds were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Acquiring Funds realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

 

8. CHANGE IN AUDITOR

 

 

On March 14, 2023, BBD LLP (“BBD”) ceased to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Funds. The Board approved the replacement of BBD as a result of Cohen & Company, Ltd.’s (“Cohen”) acquisition of BBD’s investment management group.

 

The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Funds as of and for the fiscal period and year ended November 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, respectively, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal period and year ended November 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023: (i) there were no disagreements between the registrant and BBD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Funds for such years or interim period; and (ii) there were no “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

On March 7, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Funds’ Audit Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Cohen, effective upon the resignation of BBD, as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.

 

During the fiscal period and year ended November 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023, neither the registrant, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Cohen on behalf of the Funds regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Funds’ financial statements, or any matter that was either: (i) the subject of a "disagreement," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the instructions thereto; or (ii) "reportable events," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

43 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Effective July 1, 2023, each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $25,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $15,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

44 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Additional Information May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 and a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures used in determining how to vote for proxies are available without charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and upon request, by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

Each Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of each Fund’s Form N-PORT are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1-866-759-5679 and on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The Funds designate the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction
ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF 100% 100%
ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF 100% 100%
ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF 0% 0%
ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF 100% 0%

 

In early 2023, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year 2022 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2024 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2023.

 

LICENSING AGREEMENTS

 

 

O’Shares Investment Advisers, LLC ( “O’Shares”) has entered into an index licensing agreement with ALPS Advisors Inc. (the “Adviser”) with respect to each of ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF, ALPS | O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF, ALPS | O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF, and ALPS | O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF (each, a “Fund”), to allow the Adviser’s use of the O'Shares U.S. Quality Dividend Index, the O'Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend Index, the O'Shares Global Internet Giants Index, and the O'Shares Europe Quality Dividend Index (each, an “Underlying Index”). The following disclosure relates to O’Shares.

 

The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by O’Shares or its third party licensors. Neither O’Shares nor its third party licensors make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to shareholders of a Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in a Fund particularly or the ability of the Underlying Index to track general stock market performance. O’Shares’ and its third party licensor’s only relationship to the Adviser and each Fund is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of O’Shares and/or its third party licensors and for the providing the Underlying Index. Neither O’Shares nor its third party licensors is responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of a Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of a Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which a Fund is to be converted into cash. O’Shares has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Funds.

 

NEITHER O’SHARES, ITS AFFILIATES NOR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. O’SHARES, ITS AFFILIATES AND THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR DELAYS THEREIN. O’SHARES MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO ITS TRADEMARKS, THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL O’SHARES, ITS AFFILIATES OR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.

45 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Additional Information May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

O’Shares Investments is a registered trademark and registered service mark of O’Shares Investment, Inc. and has been licensed for use by the Adviser and the Funds.

 

The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by O’Shares, its affiliates or their third party licensors and neither O’Shares, its affiliates nor its third party licensors make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Funds.

 

O’Shares has entered into an agreement with S-Network Global Indexes Inc. (“S-Network”) pursuant to which S-Network calculates each Underlying Index. The following disclosure relates to O’Shares.

 

The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by or its third party licensors. Neither S-Network nor its third party licensors make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of a Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in a Fund particularly or the ability of the Underlying Index to track general stock market performance. S-Network's and its third party licensor’s only relationship to the Adviser is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. and/or its third party licensors and for the providing of calculation and maintenance services related to the Underlying Index. Neither S-Network nor its third party licensors is responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of a Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of a Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which a Fund is to be converted into cash. S-Network has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Funds.

 

NEITHER S-NETWORK GLOBAL INDEXES, INC. (“S-Network”), ITS AFFILIATES NOR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CUSTOM INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S-NETWORK, ITS AFFILIATES AND THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR DELAYS THEREIN. S-NETWORK MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO ITS TRADEMARKS, THE CUSTOM INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S-NETWORK, ITS AFFILIATES OR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.

 

S-Network Global Indexes, Inc.SM, and SNGISM are registered trademarks and registered service marks of S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. “Calculated by S-Network Global Indexes, Inc.” and its related stylized mark are service marks of S-Network Global Indexes, Inc.SM, and have been licensed for use by the Adviser.

 

The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SNGI, its affiliates or their third party licensors and neither SNGI, its affiliates nor their its third party licensors make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in a Fund.

46 | May 31, 2023 

 

ALPS ETF Trust  

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s liquidity risk management rule (the “Liquidity Rule”), the ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”) has established a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk for each series of the Trust (each a “Fund”). The Program is overseen by the Liquidity Committee (the “Committee”), a committee comprised of representatives of the Trust’s investment adviser, ALPS Advisors, Inc. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the designation of the Committee to oversee the Program.

 

The Program’s principal objectives include supporting each Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and assessing and managing the risk that a Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence a Fund’s liquidity and, for Funds that are not “In-Kind ETFs,” the periodic classification and re-classification of such Fund’s investments into groupings that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on March 7, 2023, the Trustees received a report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the Program for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the Program has been operating effectively to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and (as applicable) respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments.

 

The Committee reported that during the period covered by the report, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Funds or their ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries. Among other things, the Committee’s report noted that no Fund is required to have a highly liquid investment minimum based either on its status as an In-Kind ETF or on its ability to rely on another exemption under the Liquidity Rule. The Committee’s report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

47 | May 31, 2023 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  

Performance Overview 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 3
Schedule of Investments 4
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 9
Statement of Operations 10
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 11
Financial Highlights 12
Notes to Financial Statements 13
Additional Information 19
Liquidity Risk Management Program 21
 
 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

 

The Barron’s 400SM ETF (the “Fund” or “BFOR”) seeks investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the Barron’s 400 IndexSM (the “Underlying Index” or “B400T”). The Underlying Index is a rules-based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of high performing equity securities of U.S. companies. The Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the equity securities which comprise the Underlying Index.

 

The Underlying Index generally consists of 400 stocks. The Underlying Index’s stocks are constituents of the MarketGrader U.S. Coverage Universe. In compiling the Underlying Index, MarketGrader Capital, LLC (the “Index Provider”) selects the 400 stocks from the MarketGrader U.S. Coverage Universe by using a methodology that selects components based on the strength of their fundamentals in growth, value, profitability and cash flow and then screens such potential Underlying Index components for certain criteria regarding concentration, market capitalization, and liquidity. The eligible stocks that are selected for inclusion in the Underlying Index’s portfolio are equally weighted. The Underlying Index is rebalanced by the Index Provider semiannually, on the third Friday of March and September each year.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
Barron’s 400SM ETF – NAV -8.47% -6.24% 4.98% 8.55%
Barron’s 400SM ETF – Market Price* -8.46% -6.23% 4.96% 8.55%
Barron’s 400 IndexSM -8.28% -5.73% 5.65% 9.26%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.65%

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced Investment Operations on June 4, 2013.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The Barron’s 400 IndexSM, calculated by NYSE Arca or its affiliates, measures the performance of a diversified group of U.S. companies selected in part based on fundamentals-related, rules-based criteria. The index includes companies that have scored highest according to fundamentals-related rankings calculated by MarketGrader Capital, LLC. Additional rules-based screening provides for sector and market cap diversification. The Underlying Index has been licensed by MarketGrader for use with the Barron’s 400SM ETF.

 

The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect Fund performance.

 

Funds that emphasize investments in small/mid cap companies will generally experience greater price volatility.

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Barron’s 400SM ETF on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The Barron’s 400SM ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund. 

1 | May 31, 2023

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

Top 10 Holdings*^ (as of May 31, 2023) 

 

Super Micro Computer, Inc. 0.62%
Green Brick Partners, Inc. 0.39%
Shockwave Medical, Inc. 0.39%
elf Beauty, Inc. 0.38%
Meta Platforms, Inc. 0.38%
Bel Fuse, Inc. 0.37%
Builders FirstSource, Inc. 0.37%
New York Community Bancorp, Inc. 0.36%
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. 0.35%
Alphabet, Inc. 0.35%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 3.96%

  

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned).

 

^Excludes Money Market Fund

Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

 

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023) 

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in the Fund and the Underlying Index

 

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

2 | May 31, 2023

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 
Disclosure of Fund Expenses May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through May 31, 2023.

 

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

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries. Therefore, the second line 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 costs were included, your costs would have been higher. 

 

  Beginning Account Value 12/1/22 Ending Account Value 5/31/23 Expense Ratio(a) Expenses Paid During Period 12/1/22 - 5/31/23(b)
Barron's 400SM ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $915.30 0.65% $3.10
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.69 0.65% $3.28

 

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.

(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

3 | May 31, 2023

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (97.11%)          
Communication Services (1.83%)          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   3,479   $427,465 
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A(a)   952    310,495 
Fox Corp., Class A(b)   9,510    296,712 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a)   1,756    464,848 
Netflix, Inc.(a)   1,072    423,686 
Omnicom Group, Inc.   3,600    317,484 
Total Communication Services        2,240,690 
           
Consumer Discretionary (15.30%)          
Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.   5,270    258,019 
Airbnb, Inc., Class A(a)   2,669    292,976 
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.(a)   1,399    292,545 
Best Buy Co., Inc.   4,009    291,334 
Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)   127    318,614 
BorgWarner, Inc.   6,580    291,691 
Boyd Gaming Corp.   5,160    328,847 
Brunswick Corp.   3,790    286,145 
Buckle, Inc.   8,363    256,828 
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.   12,830    233,249 
Cavco Industries, Inc.(a)   1,112    276,866 
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(a)   206    427,757 
Crocs, Inc.(a)   2,735    307,086 
Darden Restaurants, Inc.   2,193    347,634 
Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)   760    361,000 
Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc.   2,160    275,422 
Dillard's, Inc., Class A(b)   938    258,241 
DR Horton, Inc.   3,349    357,807 
Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.   11,041    276,356 
Everi Holdings, Inc.(a)   18,400    255,760 
Five Below, Inc.(a)   1,610    277,757 
Fox Factory Holding Corp.(a)   2,766    245,953 
General Motors Co.   8,630    279,698 
Genuine Parts Co.   1,938    288,626 
Green Brick Partners, Inc.(a)   10,107    483,822 
Harley-Davidson, Inc.   7,930    246,702 
Haverty Furniture Cos., Inc.   9,800    258,622 
Hibbett Sports, Inc.   4,820    173,616 
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.   2,240    304,909 
Home Depot, Inc.   1,100    311,795 
Installed Building Products, Inc.   2,884    301,493 
KB Home   9,110    394,736 
La-Z-Boy, Inc.   10,720    286,438 
Lennar Corp., Class B(b)   3,857    364,679 
LKQ Corp.   5,772    304,473 
M/I Homes, Inc.(a)   5,430    383,738 
Malibu Boats, Inc., Class A(a)   5,499    288,423 
Marriott International, Inc., Class A   1,914    321,150 
MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.(a)   9,690    256,785 
Meritage Homes Corp.   2,959    341,262 
NIKE, Inc., Class B   2,687    282,834 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Consumer Discretionary (continued)          
NVR, Inc.(a)   60   $333,253 
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)   380    343,258 
Oxford Industries, Inc.   2,836    283,430 
Polaris, Inc.   2,830    304,819 
Pool Corp.   909    287,453 
PulteGroup, Inc.   5,892    389,343 
Ross Stores, Inc.   3,030    313,969 
Skyline Champion Corp.(a)   4,724    274,606 
Steven Madden, Ltd.   9,149    285,540 
Tapestry, Inc.   7,620    304,952 
Target Hospitality Corp.(a)(b)   18,920    267,340 
Taylor Morrison Home Corp., Class A(a)   8,941    379,367 
Tesla, Inc.(a)   1,813    369,725 
TJX Cos., Inc.   4,240    325,590 
Toll Brothers, Inc.   5,490    371,673 
TopBuild Corp.(a)   1,637    330,118 
Tractor Supply Co.   1,384    290,073 
TRI Pointe Group, Inc.(a)   13,290    388,201 
Ulta Beauty, Inc.(a)   601    246,308 
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.   2,611    296,375 
Total Consumer Discretionary        18,777,081 
           
Consumer Staples (4.11%)          
Brown-Forman Corp., Class A   5,104    320,786 
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.   5,618    267,136 
Campbell Soup Co.   6,007    303,654 
Clorox Co.   2,100    332,178 
Coca-Cola Co.   5,329    317,928 
Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.   600    397,044 
Costco Wholesale Corp.   667    341,210 
Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)   2,250    303,480 
elf Beauty, Inc.(a)   4,530    471,211 
General Mills, Inc.   4,010    337,482 
Hershey Co.   1,321    343,064 
Kraft Heinz Co.   8,310    317,608 
Kroger Co.   6,690    303,258 
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.   3,230    359,176 
PepsiCo, Inc.   1,830    333,700 
Total Consumer Staples        5,048,915 
           
Energy (9.53%)          
APA Corp.   8,773    278,806 
Arch Resources, Inc., Class A   2,078    214,761 
Ardmore Shipping Corp.   18,170    212,771 
Berry Corp.   35,380    222,894 
Cactus, Inc., Class A   7,400    233,692 
Callon Petroleum Co.(a)(b)   8,644    264,766 
Cheniere Energy, Inc.   2,050    286,528 
Civitas Resources, Inc.(b)   4,621    308,683 
CVR Energy, Inc.(b)   10,290    240,889 
Denbury, Inc.(a)   3,878    349,679 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.   2,327    295,878 
Dorian LPG, Ltd.   14,840    342,507 
Exxon Mobil Corp.   2,928    299,183 
Halliburton Co.   9,130    261,574 
Hess Corp.   2,433    308,188 
HF Sinclair Corp.   6,399    265,175 

4 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Energy (continued)          
HighPeak Energy, Inc.(b)   13,850   $170,909 
International Seaways, Inc.   6,640    239,372 
Kosmos Energy, Ltd.(a)   45,101    268,802 
Liberty Energy, Inc., Class A   21,940    257,576 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   2,454    257,449 
Matador Resources Co.   6,184    271,910 
Murphy Oil Corp.   8,602    299,350 
NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.(a)   35,140    264,956 
Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.(b)   10,347    309,479 
ONEOK, Inc.   4,892    277,181 
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.(a)   11,430    243,688 
PBF Energy, Inc., Class A   7,122    262,161 
Peabody Energy Corp.   12,268    222,787 
Permian Basin Royalty Trust(b)   13,360    329,190 
Permian Resources Corp.(b)   29,353    273,863 
Phillips 66   3,112    285,090 
Range Resources Corp.   12,278    336,049 
Ranger Oil Corp.   7,878    289,516 
RPC, Inc.   37,310    248,111 
Sabine Royalty Trust(b)   4,257    294,755 
San Juan Basin Royalty Trust(b)   29,218    236,374 
SandRidge Energy, Inc.   22,844    307,709 
Schlumberger Ltd.   6,177    264,561 
Targa Resources Corp.   4,284    291,526 
VAALCO Energy, Inc.(b)   68,529    264,522 
Valero Energy Corp.   2,390    255,826 
Viper Energy Partners LP   11,040    284,611 
Total Energy        11,693,297 
           
Financials (16.38%)          
American Express Co.   1,902    301,581 
American International Group, Inc.   5,928    313,176 
Arch Capital Group, Ltd.(a)   4,730    329,681 
Axos Financial, Inc.(a)   8,370    316,553 
BancFirst Corp.   3,620    306,143 
Bancorp, Inc.(a)   10,340    319,092 
Bank of America Corp.   10,412    289,350 
Bank OZK   8,612    297,803 
Banner Corp.   5,580    241,447 
Byline Bancorp, Inc.   14,230    252,156 
Cadence Bank   12,990    233,300 
Capital One Financial Corp.   3,213    334,827 
Cathay General Bancorp   8,181    239,212 
Central Pacific Financial Corp.   15,620    228,208 
Charles Schwab Corp.   5,374    283,156 
Citizens Financial Group, Inc.   9,150    235,887 
City Holding Co.(b)   3,420    294,770 
Coastal Financial Corp.(a)(b)   8,120    277,785 
Comerica, Inc.   5,362    193,568 
ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.   14,786    200,794 
Discover Financial Services   3,090    317,467 
East West Bancorp, Inc.   5,025    240,446 
Enova International, Inc.(a)   6,870    319,592 
Enterprise Financial Services  Corp.   6,285    255,297 
FactSet Research Systems, Inc.   793    305,218 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Financials (continued)          
Fifth Third Bancorp   10,383   $251,995 
First Bancorp(b)   8,220    247,422 
First BanCorp(b)   24,556    274,045 
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.   9,585    248,252 
First Merchants Corp.   8,430    222,974 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.(a)   1,614    365,652 
Fulton Financial Corp.   20,420    227,887 
Hancock Whitney Corp.   7,419    271,016 
Hanmi Financial Corp.   14,701    211,694 
Heritage Financial Corp.   13,240    216,474 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.   23,583    243,141 
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.   3,930    303,514 
International Bancshares Corp.   7,000    299,040 
Jackson Financial, Inc., Class A   7,878    218,221 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   2,354    319,461 
KeyCorp   20,135    188,061 
LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.   1,360    264,901 
M&T Bank Corp.   2,390    284,792 
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.   910    247,893 
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   908    331,438 
MSCI, Inc.   600    282,318 
Navient Corp.   19,020    288,153 
New York Community Bancorp, Inc.(b)   42,770    439,676 
OceanFirst Financial Corp.   15,050    213,710 
OFG Bancorp   11,426    277,195 
Old National Bancorp   19,750    245,295 
Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.   11,376    214,210 
Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp.   9,470    249,913 
Peoples Bancorp, Inc.(b)   11,200    287,504 
Preferred Bank   5,062    233,459 
Principal Financial Group, Inc.   4,094    267,993 
Provident Financial Services, Inc.   15,230    241,852 
QCR Holdings, Inc.   6,810    261,640 
Regions Financial Corp.   15,548    268,514 
S&T Bancorp, Inc.   9,250    248,085 
South State Corp.(b)   4,164    260,333 
State Street Corp.   3,950    268,679 
Synchrony Financial   9,808    303,656 
Synovus Financial Corp.   9,088    246,194 
TriCo Bancshares   7,050    229,548 
Truist Financial Corp.   8,118    247,356 
TrustCo Bank Corp.   9,125    252,124 
UMB Financial Corp.   4,094    231,884 
United Community Banks, Inc.   10,740    242,831 
Visa, Inc., Class A, Class A   1,462    323,146 
Washington Federal, Inc.   9,951    258,826 
Webster Financial Corp.   7,330    260,582 
Wells Fargo & Co.   7,620    303,352 
Western Alliance Bancorp   6,393    216,723 
WR Berkley Corp.   5,029    280,015 
Total Financials        20,109,148 
           
Health Care (7.86%)          
AbbVie, Inc.   2,107    290,682 
Agilent Technologies, Inc.   2,334    269,974 

5 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Health Care (continued)          
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   8,826   $391,610 
Assertio Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)   54,920    347,644 
Biogen, Inc.(a)   1,230    364,584 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   4,802    309,441 
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   21,529    248,660 
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(a)   1,559    301,479 
Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.(a)   12,852    327,726 
Dexcom, Inc.(a)   2,930    343,572 
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)   4,240    357,135 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.   3,970    305,452 
Hologic, Inc.(a)   4,060    320,293 
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)   690    320,691 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings   1,415    300,730 
Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   21,500    276,060 
Medpace Holdings, Inc.(a)   1,801    372,753 
Merck & Co., Inc.   2,924    322,839 
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)   221    292,133 
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   420    308,935 
ResMed, Inc.   1,532    322,930 
Shockwave Medical, Inc.(a)   1,731    476,181 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   582    295,924 
United Therapeutics Corp.(a)   1,380    289,441 
Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A(a)   1,910    316,487 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   1,100    355,927 
Waters Corp.(a)   1,033    259,510 
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.   1,004    335,969 
Zoetis, Inc.   1,955    318,685 
Zynex, Inc.(a)(b)   33,080    310,290 
Total Health Care        9,653,737 
           
Industrials (19.07%)          
AAON, Inc.   3,480    301,403 
AGCO Corp.   2,430    267,980 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   6,890    325,897 
AMETEK, Inc.   2,322    336,853 
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.   2,269    278,996 
ArcBest Corp.   3,265    273,542 
Atkore, Inc.(a)   2,273    265,418 
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.   1,479    309,096 
BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.(a)   3,890    319,836 
Boise Cascade Co.   4,846    348,040 
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.   2,300    337,456 
Builders FirstSource, Inc.(a)   3,864    448,031 
Carlisle Cos., Inc.   1,292    274,473 
Caterpillar, Inc.   1,384    284,758 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Industrials (continued)          
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.   3,077   $290,900 
Cintas Corp.   741    349,856 
Comfort Systems USA, Inc.   2,234    330,587 
Copart, Inc.(a)   4,612    403,965 
Core & Main, Inc.(a)(b)   14,260    381,312 
CSW Industrials, Inc.   2,310    327,373 
CSX Corp.   10,692    327,924 
Cummins, Inc.   1,300    265,733 
Deere & Co.   796    275,400 
Dover Corp.   2,165    288,659 
Eagle Bulk Shipping, Inc.   6,178    242,672 
Encore Wire Corp.   1,706    279,221 
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.   2,940    324,311 
Fastenal Co.   6,115    329,293 
Fortive Corp.   4,890    318,388 
Forward Air Corp.   2,994    291,226 
Franklin Electric Co., Inc.   3,470    315,631 
GMS, Inc.(a)   5,613    355,471 
Graco, Inc.   4,655    356,061 
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.   6,480    233,021 
Herc Holdings, Inc.   2,492    252,739 
Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.(a)   8,852    293,532 
Hub Group, Inc., Class A(a)   3,560    261,874 
Hubbell, Inc.   1,317    372,000 
Hudson Technologies, Inc.(a)   37,175    324,910 
IDEX Corp.   1,436    285,994 
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.   1,370    299,660 
Insteel Industries, Inc.   11,467    343,207 
Janus International Group, Inc.(a)   31,090    274,525 
JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.   1,800    300,546 
Korn Ferry   5,751    270,297 
Landstar System, Inc.   1,787    313,404 
LSI Industries, Inc.   23,200    269,816 
Marten Transport, Ltd.   14,471    306,062 
Masonite International Corp.(a)   3,620    318,813 
Mueller Industries, Inc.   4,398    326,595 
Norfolk Southern Corp.   1,500    312,270 
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.   939    291,503 
Owens Corning   3,377    359,076 
PACCAR, Inc.   4,354    299,468 
Paychex, Inc.   2,927    307,130 
Quanex Building Products Corp.   15,292    321,285 
RBC Bearings, Inc.(a)   2,090    271,470 
Republic Services, Inc.   2,477    350,818 
Rockwell Automation, Inc.   1,090    303,674 
Rush Enterprises, Inc., Class A   5,780    302,121 
Ryder System, Inc.   3,465    273,146 
Saia, Inc.(a)   1,138    323,374 
Shoals Technologies Group, Inc., Class A(a)   14,430    338,961 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.   3,043    359,652 
Snap-on, Inc.   1,316    327,500 
Terex Corp.   5,920    274,510 

6 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Industrials (continued)          
Titan Machinery, Inc.(a)   7,260   $183,315 
Toro Co.   2,880    281,750 
UFP Industries, Inc.   3,978    310,682 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   1,740    290,580 
United Rentals, Inc.   736    245,669 
Verisk Analytics, Inc.   1,752    383,881 
Watsco, Inc.(b)   1,072    347,725 
Watts Water Technologies,          
Inc., Class A   1,892    299,787 
WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.(a)   6,360    273,989 
WW Grainger, Inc.   464    301,145 
Total Industrials        23,407,238 
           
Information Technology (16.05%)          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   954    398,572 
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.   3,400    333,710 
Aehr Test Systems(a)(b)   10,780    355,956 
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.(a)   7,150    281,209 
Amdocs, Ltd.   3,470    326,770 
Amphenol Corp., Class A   4,119    310,779 
Analog Devices, Inc.   1,733    307,937 
ANSYS, Inc.(a)   1,060    343,005 
Apple, Inc.   2,124    376,479 
Applied Materials, Inc.   2,751    366,708 
Arista Networks, Inc.(a)   2,154    358,296 
Autodesk, Inc.(a)   1,620    323,012 
Axcelis Technologies, Inc.(a)   2,553    402,225 
Bel Fuse, Inc., Class B   9,240    454,516 
Broadcom, Inc.   514    415,291 
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)   1,615    372,920 
CDW Corp.   1,651    283,460 
Cirrus Logic, Inc.(a)   3,131    243,216 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   6,490    322,358 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A   5,220    326,198 
Diodes, Inc.(a)   3,571    320,819 
Enphase Energy, Inc.(a)   1,498    260,472 
Fabrinet(a)   2,670    302,297 
Fortinet, Inc.(a)   5,360    366,249 
Gartner, Inc.(a)   1,000    342,860 
Intuit, Inc.   800    335,296 
Jabil, Inc.   3,850    344,652 
Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a)   2,042    330,396 
KLA Corp.   861    381,414 
Lam Research Corp.   657    405,172 
Lattice Semiconductor Corp.(a)   3,643    296,212 
Littelfuse, Inc.   1,210    309,808 
Manhattan Associates, Inc.(a)   2,300    417,266 
MaxLinear, Inc.(a)   9,537    278,576 
Microchip Technology, Inc.   3,868    291,106 
Micron Technology, Inc.   5,743    391,673 
Microsoft Corp.   1,268    416,398 
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.   663    324,810 
Motorola Solutions, Inc.   1,210    341,123 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Information Technology (continued)          
Napco Security Technologies, Inc.   10,370   $385,660 
NetApp, Inc.   5,070    336,394 
NVE Corp.   4,210    376,248 
ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)   4,018    335,905 
Onto Innovation, Inc.(a)   3,908    419,524 
PTC, Inc.(a)   2,666    358,310 
Qorvo, Inc.(a)   3,310    321,931 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   2,741    310,857 
Qualys, Inc.(a)   2,680    338,377 
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.   2,835    293,451 
Super Micro Computer, Inc.(a)   3,400    761,430 
Synopsys, Inc.(a)   884    402,185 
Teradyne, Inc.   3,110    311,591 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   1,834    318,896 
Veeco Instruments, Inc.(a)   15,140    369,567 
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.   14,720    379,482 
Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A(a)   4,696    315,242 
Total Information Technology        19,694,266 
           
Materials (5.90%)          
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.   1,120    301,437 
Albemarle Corp.   1,400    270,942 
Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.   1,898    256,173 
Avery Dennison Corp.   1,842    296,801 
Cabot Corp.   4,240    290,355 
Celanese Corp.   2,884    299,994 
Commercial Metals Co.   6,575    281,081 
Dow Chemical Co.   5,852    285,461 
Eagle Materials, Inc.   2,322    378,323 
FMC Corp.   2,610    271,649 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.   8,323    285,812 
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.   13,270    317,153 
Hawkins, Inc.   8,120    381,153 
International Paper Co.   8,875    261,280 
Intrepid Potash, Inc.(a)(b)   10,856    190,848 
Livent Corp.(a)(b)   14,790    340,909 
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.   926    368,585 
Mosaic Co.   6,425    205,343 
MP Materials Corp.(a)(b)   10,744    222,616 
NewMarket Corp.   930    362,533 
Nucor Corp.   1,987    262,403 
Packaging Corp. of America   2,377    294,819 
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.   1,265    296,870 
Steel Dynamics, Inc.   2,622    240,962 
Warrior Met Coal, Inc.   8,324    272,861 
Total Materials        7,236,363 
           
Utilities (1.08%)          
Brookfield Renewable Corp.(b)   11,012    369,783 
Clearway Energy, Inc.   10,600    304,538 
NiSource, Inc.   11,800    317,302 

7 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Utilities (continued)          
Otter Tail Corp.(b)   4,569   $339,065 
Total Utilities        1,330,688 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $112,082,095)        119,191,423 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (2.31%)          
Energy (1.83%)          
Black Stone Minerals LP   21,866    336,518 
Dorchester Minerals LP   10,960    316,415 
Energy Transfer LP   25,020    310,248 
Enterprise Products Partners LP   12,312    311,863 
Magellan Midstream Partners LP   5,947    358,069 
MPLX LP   9,108    303,661 
Western Midstream Partners LP   12,089    305,126 
Total Energy        2,241,900 
           
Materials (0.22%)          
CVR Partners LP   3,367    275,017 
           
Utilities (0.26%)          
Suburban Propane Partners LP   20,872    318,715 
           
TOTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS          
(Cost $2,860,295)        2,835,632 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.94%)               
Money Market Fund (0.44%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund               
(Cost $535,682)   5.02%   535,682    535,682 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (1.50%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%               
(Cost $1,842,907)        1,842,907    1,842,907 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $2,378,589)             2,378,589 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (101.36%)               
(Cost $117,320,979)            $124,405,644 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-1.36%)             (1,670,728)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $122,734,916 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.
(b)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $7,269,594.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

8 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value*  $124,405,644 
Dividends receivable   240,491 
Total Assets   124,646,135 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable to adviser   68,312 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned   1,842,907 
Total Liabilities   1,911,219 
NET ASSETS  $122,734,916 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $172,354,968 
Total distributable earnings/(accumulated losses)   (49,620,052)
NET ASSETS  $122,734,916 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $117,320,979 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $122,734,916 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   2,350,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $52.23 

 

*Includes $7,269,594 of securities on loan.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

9 | May 31, 2023

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Statement of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Dividends*  $1,568,095 
Securities Lending Income   18,508 
Total Investment Income   1,586,603 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment adviser fees   419,587 
Net Expenses   419,587 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   1,167,016 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):     
Net realized loss on investments(a)   (4,969,648)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   (7,717,216)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS   (12,686,864)
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(11,519,848)

 

*Net of foreign tax withholding of $2,095.
(a)Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

10 | May 31, 2023

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

  

For the Six 

Months Ended 

May 31, 2023 

(Unaudited) 

  

For the 

Year Ended 

November 30, 2022

 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $1,167,016   $1,813,824 
Net realized gain/(loss)   (4,969,648)   4,441,694 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (7,717,216)   (15,691,208)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   (11,519,848)   (9,435,690)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (2,124,271)   (1,433,725)
Total distributions   (2,124,271)   (1,433,725)
           

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

          
Proceeds from sale of shares       1,408,837 
Cost of shares redeemed   (2,868,561)   (7,260,095)
Net decrease from capital share transactions   (2,868,561)   (5,851,258)
Net decrease in net assets   (16,512,680)   (16,720,673)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   139,247,596    155,968,269 
End of period  $122,734,916   $139,247,596 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   2,400,000    2,500,000 
Shares sold       25,000 
Shares redeemed   (50,000)   (125,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   2,350,000    2,400,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

11 | May 31, 2023

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

  

For the

Six Months

Ended

May 31, 2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

2022

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

2021

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

2020

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

2019

  

For the Year

Ended

November 30,

2018

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $58.02   $62.39   $47.32   $42.04   $40.42   $41.54 
                               
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.49    0.75    0.52    0.43    0.44    0.40 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (5.39)   (4.55)   15.05    5.14    1.51    (1.27)
Total from investment operations   (4.90)   (3.80)   15.57    5.57    1.95    (0.87)
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (0.89)   (0.57)   (0.50)   (0.29)   (0.33)   (0.25)
Total distributions   (0.89)   (0.57)   (0.50)   (0.29)   (0.33)   (0.25)
                               
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (5.79)   (4.37)   15.07    5.28    1.62    (1.12)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $52.23   $58.02   $62.39   $47.32   $42.04   $40.42 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   (8.47)%   (6.18)%   33.18%   13.33%   5.00%   (2.12)%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $122,735   $139,248   $155,968   $118,293   $147,150   $163,708 
                               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.65%(c)   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.81%(c)   1.32%   0.90%   1.08%   1.10%   0.93%
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   38%   94%   91%   83%   109%   88%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c)Annualized.

(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

12 | May 31, 2023

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of May 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of twenty-three separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the Barron’s 400SM ETF (the “Fund”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the Barron’s 400 IndexSM (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). The Fund issues and redeems Shares, at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of the financial statements. The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

The Fund’s NAV is determined daily, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.

 

Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price as determined by NASDAQ. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities traded on the NASDAQ, are valued at the last quoted sale price in such market.

 

The Fund’s investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value according to procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for the Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments. The Adviser may carry out its designated responsibilities as Valuation Designee through various teams and committees. When market quotations are not readily available or when events occur that make established valuation methods unreliable, securities of the Fund may be valued in good faith by the Valuation Designee. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established primary pricing source or the pricing source is not willing to provide a price; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is most likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of the Fund’s NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; or a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security’s “fair value” due to the security being de-listed from a national exchange or the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when, under normal conditions, it would be open. As a general principle, the current “fair value” of a security would be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive from the sale on the applicable exchange or principal market. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities.

13 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

The Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability; including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Valuation techniques used to value the Fund's investments by major category are as follows:

 

Equity securities and Limited Partnerships, including restricted securities, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by a third party pricing vendor on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the mean of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices on such day and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing NAV each business day and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments.

 

These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 –Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;

 

Level 2 –Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

 

Level 3 –Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of May 31, 2023:

 

Barron's 400SM ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and
Unadjusted Prices
   Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
   Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
   Total 
Common Stocks*  $119,191,423   $   $   $119,191,423 
Limited Partnerships*   2,835,632            2,835,632 
Short Term Investments   2,378,589            2,378,589 
Total  $124,405,644   $   $   $124,405,644 

 

*For a detailed sector breakdown, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments.

 

The Fund did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the six months ended May 31, 2023.

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the specific identification in accordance with GAAP. Dividend income and capital gains distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis.

14 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid annually or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Fund, if any, are distributed at least annually.

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2022               
Barron’s 400 ETF  $1,433,725   $   $ 

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2022, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
Barron’s 400 ETF  $43,473,433   $8,875,623 

 

As of May 31, 2023, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   Barron’s 400 ETF 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $16,654,348 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (9,307,658)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)  $7,346,690 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $117,058,953 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales and investments in partnerships. In addition, certain tax cost basis adjustments are finalized at fiscal year-end and therefore have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

F. Income Taxes

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as the Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. The Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the six months ended May 31, 2023, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

15 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

G. Lending of Portfolio Securities

The Fund has entered into a securities lending agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Co. (“SSB”), the Fund’s lending agent. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities only to borrowers that are approved by SSB. The Fund will limit such lending to not more than 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. The Fund’s securities held at SSB as custodian shall be available to be lent except those securities the Fund or ALPS Advisors, Inc. specifically identifies in writing as not being available for lending. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Fund collateral consisting of cash (U.S. Dollars only), securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and cash equivalents (including irrevocable bank letters of credit) issued by a person other than the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower. The initial collateral received by the Fund is required to have a value of no less than 102% of the market value of the loaned securities for U.S equity securities and a value of no less than 105% of the market value for non-U.S. equity securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter, at a market value equal to not less than 102% of the current value of the U.S. equity securities on loan and not less than 105% of the current value of the non-U.S. equity securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. During the term of the loan, the Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the customary time period for settlement of securities transactions.

 

Any cash collateral received is reinvested in a money market fund managed by SSB as disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and is reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned. Non-cash collateral, in the form of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, is not disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities or the contractual maturity table below as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of the Fund, and the Fund does not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. Income earned by the Fund from securities lending activity is disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

The following is a summary of the Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of May 31, 2023:

 

   Market Value of
Securities on Loan
   Cash
Collateral Received
   Non-Cash
Collateral Received
   Total
Collateral Received
 
Barron's 400 SM ETF  $7,269,594   $1,842,907   $5,735,284   $7,578,191 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Fund could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received.

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of May 31, 2023:

 

Barron's 400 SM ETF       Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements     
              
Securities Lending Transactions    Overnight &
Continuous
  Up to 30 Days   30-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   Total 
Common Stocks  $ 1,842,907  $   $   $   $1,842,907 
Total Borrowings                       1,842,907 
Gross amount of recognized
liabilities for securities lending
(collateral received)
          $1,842,907 

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee.

 

Out of the unitary management fees, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, trustees and other services, except for interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business. The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay substantially all of the Fund’s expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services to the Fund.

16 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, is the administrator of the Fund.

 

Each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $20,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $10,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
Barron's 400SM ETF  $49,075,459   $49,891,699 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
Barron's 400SM ETF  $   $2,872,246 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the Fund had in-kind net realized gains of $506,331.

 

Gains on in-kind transactions are not considered taxable for federal income tax purposes and losses on in-kind transactions are also not deductible for tax purposes.

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by the Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Fund. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of the Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The Fund engaged in cross trades between other funds in the Trust during the six months ended May 31, 2023 pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds of the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7. These transactions related to cross trades during the period complied with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Trust’s procedures.

 

Transactions related to cross trades during the six months ended May 31, 2023, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchase Cost Paid   Sale Proceeds Received   Realized Gain/(Loss) on Sales 
Barron's 400 SM ETF  $938,165   $196,305   $(15,342)

 

7. MARKET RISK

 

 

The Fund is subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause the Fund to lose value. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.

17 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

8. CHANGE IN AUDITOR

 

 

On March 14, 2023, BBD LLP (“BBD”) ceased to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund. The Board approved the replacement of BBD as a result of Cohen & Company, Ltd.’s (“Cohen”) acquisition of BBD’s investment management group.

 

The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Fund as of and for the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023: (i) there were no disagreements between the registrant and BBD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Fund for such years or interim period; and (ii) there were no “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

On March 7, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Fund's Audit Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Cohen, effective upon the resignation of BBD, as the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.

 

During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023, neither the registrant, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Cohen on behalf of the Fund regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Fund’s financial statements, or any matter that was either: (i) the subject of a "disagreement," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the instructions thereto; or (ii) "reportable events," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Effective July 1, 2023, each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $25,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $15,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

18 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Additional Information May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 and a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures used in determining how to vote for proxies are available without charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and upon request, by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of the Fund’s Form N-PORT are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1-866-759-5679 and on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The Barron’s 400 SM ETF designates the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction
Barron's 400 SM ETF 97.49% 96.18%

 

In early 2023, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Fund during the calendar year 2022 via Form 1099. The Fund will notify shareholders in early 2024 of amounts paid to them by the Fund, if any, during the calendar year 2023.

 

LICENSING AGREEMENT

 

 

MarketGrader Capital, LLC (the “Index Provider”) has entered into a license agreement with Dow Jones & Company to use the “Barron’s” name and certain related intellectual property in connection with the Underlying Index. The Index Provider also has entered into a license and services agreement with its parent company, MarketGrader.com, to use the methodology for constructing the Underlying Index. The Index Provider in turn has entered into the Sublicense Agreement with the Adviser to use the Underlying Index. The following disclosure relates to such licensing agreements:

 

The Barron’s 400 SM ETF (the “Fund”) is not sponsored, managed or advised by the Index Provider. The Index Provider makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Underlying Index to track the performance of a market or sector. The Index Provider’s only relationship to the Adviser or the Fund is the licensing of certain service marks and trade names of the Index Provider and of the Underlying Index that is determined, composed and calculated by the Index Provider without regard to the Adviser or the Fund. The Index Provider has no obligation to take the needs of the Adviser or the Fund or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Underlying Index.

 

THE INDEX PROVIDER DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND THE INDEX PROVIDER SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. THE INDEX PROVIDER MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ADVISER, THE FUND, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE INDEX PROVIDER MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE INDEX PROVIDER HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

“The Barron’s 400 Index℠” is calculated and published by the Index Provider. “Barron’s,” “Barron’s 400” and “Barron’s 400 Index” are trademarks or service marks of DJC & Company, Inc. (“DJC”) or its affiliates and have been licensed to the Index Provider and sublicensed for certain purposes by Barron’s 400 Exchange Traded Fund, a sub-fund of that certain ALPS ETF Trust, a Delaware Statutory Trust (the “Sub-Licensee”). The Barron’s 400℠ ETF (the “Product”) is not sponsored or advised by DJC or its affiliates. DJC and its affiliates make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Licensee or to the owners of the Product(s) or any member of the public regarding the advisability of trading in the Product. DJC and its affiliates’ only relationship to the Licensee is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of DJC. The Barron's 400 Index℠ is determined, composed and calculated by the Index Provider without regard to DJC. DJC has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Product into consideration in connection with its licensing of the Barron’s 400 Index to the Index Provider or the sublicense to Licensee. DJC and its affiliates are not responsible for and have not participated in the calculation of the Barron's 400 Index℠ or in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be sold or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Product are to be converted into cash. DJC and its affiliates have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Barron’s 400 Index or the Product.

19 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Additional Information May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

DOW JONES DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE BARRON’S 400 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND DOW JONES AND ITS AFFILIATES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. DOW JONESAND ITS AFFILIATES MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE BARRON’S 400 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. DOW JONES AND ITS AFFILIATES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES. AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE BARRON’S 400 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL DOW JONES AND ITS AFFILIATES HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN DJC AND THE LICENSEE, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF MARKETGRADER.

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

20 | May 31, 2023 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s liquidity risk management rule (the “Liquidity Rule”), the ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”) has established a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk for each series of the Trust (each a “Fund”). The Program is overseen by the Liquidity Committee (the “Committee”), a committee comprised of representatives of the Trust’s investment adviser, ALPS Advisors, Inc. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the designation of the Committee to oversee the Program.

 

The Program’s principal objectives include supporting each Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and assessing and managing the risk that a Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence a Fund’s liquidity and, for Funds that are not “In-Kind ETFs,” the periodic classification and re-classification of such Fund’s investments into groupings that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on March 7, 2023, the Trustees received a report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the Program for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the Program has been operating effectively to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and (as applicable) respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments.

 

The Committee reported that during the period covered by the report, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Funds or their ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries. Among other things, the Committee’s report noted that no Fund is required to have a highly liquid investment minimum based either on its status as an In-Kind ETF or on its ability to rely on another exemption under the Liquidity Rule. The Committee’s report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

21 | May 31, 2023 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview  
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 1
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 3
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 5
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 7
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 9
Financial Statements  
Schedules of Investments  
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 10
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 12
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 14
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 16
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 19
Statements of Operations 20
Statements of Changes in Net Assets  
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 21
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 22
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 23
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 24
Financial Highlights 25
Notes to Financial Statements 29
Additional Information 37
Liquidity Risk Management Program 38

 

alpsfunds.com

 
 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF (the “Fund” or "RFCI") seeks total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a global portfolio of fixed income securities of various maturities, ratings and currency denominations.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023) 

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF – NAV 1.55% -0.75% 1.13% 0.81%
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF – Market Price* 1.37% -0.75% 1.13% 0.82%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index 2.00% -2.14% 0.81% 0.60%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.53%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced operations on June 14, 2016.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS (agency and non-agency). The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF.

1 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings*^ (as of May 31, 2023)

 

U.S. Treasury Bond 02/15/2043 3.88% 12.13%
U.S. Treasury Bond 05/15/2032 2.88% 6.50%
U.S. Treasury Bond 05/15/2042 3.25% 6.20%
U.S. Treasury Bond 11/15/2052 4.00% 4.71%
Bank of America Corp. 12/31/9999 5Y US TI + 3.231% 2.49%
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. 12/31/9999 5Y US TI + 3.238% 2.37%
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. 11/15/2027 5.85% 2.36%
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC 11/04/2027 7.35% 2.31%
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 11/01/2024 5.70% 2.29%
Dominion Energy, Inc. 06/01/2028 4.25% 2.29%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 43.65%

 

*% of Total Investments.
^Excludes Money Market Fund.

Asset Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

2 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (the “Fund” or "RFDA") seeks to provide capital appreciation and dividend income. Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 65% of its net assets in a portfolio of equity securities of publicly traded U.S. companies with the potential for dividend income. Equity securities include common stocks and common or preferred shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023) 

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF – NAV -1.78% -5.04% 8.57% 10.45%
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF – Market Price* -2.01% -5.17% 8.50% 10.42%
S&P 500® Total Return Index 3.33% 2.92% 11.01% 12.32%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.52%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced operations on June 7, 2016.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor’s composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF.

3 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Microsoft Corp. 9.14%
Apple, Inc. 7.87%
Merck & Co., Inc. 4.49%
Amazon.com, Inc. 3.65%
Exxon Mobil Corp. 3.39%
NVIDIA Corp. 3.03%
Cisco Systems, Inc. 2.82%
Alphabet, Inc. 2.24%
AllianceBernstein Holding LP 2.02%
AbbVie, Inc. 1.84%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 40.49%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

Asset Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

4 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF (the “Fund” or "RFFC") seeks to provide capital appreciation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 65% of its net assets in a portfolio of equity securities of publicly traded U.S. companies. Equity securities include common stocks and common or preferred shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023)

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF - NAV -0.99% -2.29% 5.91% 8.95%
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF - Market -0.97% -2.29% 5.87% 8.94%
S&P Composite 1500® Total Return Index 2.49% 2.35% 10.50% 11.99%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus, as supplemented June 1, 2023) is 0.48%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced operations on June 7, 2016.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

S&P Composite 1500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor’s broad-based unmanaged capitalization-weighted index comprising 1,500 stocks of Large-cap, Mid-cap, and Small-cap U.S. companies. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF.

5 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Apple, Inc. 6.87%
Microsoft Corp. 5.94%
Meta Platforms, Inc. 2.21%
Tesla, Inc. 1.92%
NVIDIA Corp. 1.82%
Amazon.com, Inc. 1.73%
Cisco Systems, Inc. 1.62%
Broadcom, Inc. 1.56%
Visa, Inc. 1.47%
Merck & Co., Inc. 1.44%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 26.58%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

Asset Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

6 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund

 
Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective 

The RiverFront Strategic Income Fund (the “Fund” or "RIGS") seeks total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a global portfolio of fixed income securities of various maturities, ratings and currency denominations. The Fund utilizes various investment strategies in a broad array of fixed income sectors.

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2023) 

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund – NAV 1.81% 0.26% 1.78% 2.86%
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund – Market Price* 1.54% 0.26% 1.81% 2.85%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index 2.00% -2.14% 0.81% 1.55%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.47%. The Fund’s management fees consist of a fee of 0.11% paid to the Fund’s investment adviser and a fee of 0.35% paid to the Fund’s sub-adviser.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.

 

^The Fund commenced Investment Operations on October 8, 2013.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income investment to a change in interest rates. Duration is expressed as a number of years. The duration number is a calculation involving present value, yield, coupon, final maturity and call features. The bigger the duration number, the greater the interest-rate risk or reward for bond prices. Rising interest rates mean falling bond prices, while declining interest rates mean rising bond prices.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS (agency and non-agency). The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The RiverFront Strategic Income Fund is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

The Fund's shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or "authorized participants" may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund.

7 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings*^ (as of May 31, 2023)

 

U.S. Treasury Bond 11/15/2052 4.00% 8.49%
U.S. Treasury Note 05/31/2024 2.50% 7.94%
U.S. Treasury Bond 05/15/2042 3.25% 5.31%
U.S. Treasury Bond 02/15/2043 3.88% 3.66%
Wells Fargo & Co. 09/09/2024 3.30% 1.60%
T-Mobile USA, Inc. 02/01/2028 4.75% 1.39%
Vistra Operations Co. LLC 07/15/2024 3.55% 1.29%
PulteGroup, Inc. 03/01/2026 5.50% 1.27%
JPMorgan Chase & Co. 10/01/2027 4.25% 1.27%
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 10/21/2025 4.25% 1.26%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 33.48%

 

*% of Total Investments.
^Excludes Money Market Fund

Asset Allocation* (as of May 31, 2023)

 

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2023)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark

 

 

The chart above compares historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception with the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index. Results include the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

8 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through May 31, 2023.

 

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

 

Hypothetical 5% Return: The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries. Therefore, the second line 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 costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

Beginning

Account Value

12/1/22

Ending

Account Value

5/31/23

Expense

Ratio(a)

Expenses Paid

During Period

12/1/22 - 5/31/23(b)

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,015.50 0.51% $2.56
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.39 0.51% $2.57
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $982.20 0.52% $2.57
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.34 0.52% $2.62
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $990.10 0.52% $2.58
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.34 0.52% $2.62
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,018.10 0.46% $2.31
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.64 0.46% $2.32

 

(a) Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.
(b) Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

9 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
CORPORATE BONDS (67.69%)          
Communications (4.45%)          
Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital          
4.91%, 07/23/2025  $320,000   $314,756 
Comcast Corp.          
4.15%, 10/15/2028   321,000    313,380 
Discovery Communications LLC          
3.95%, 03/20/2028   559,000    518,236 
Sirius XM Radio, Inc.          
3.13%, 09/01/2026(a)   355,000    313,593 
Total Communications        1,459,965 
           
Consumer Discretionary (9.44%)          
Ford Motor Co.          
9.63%, 04/22/2030   447,000    509,858 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC          
7.35%, 11/04/2027   720,000    728,119 
General Motors Financial Co., Inc.          
3.60%, 06/21/2030   316,000    273,960 
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.          
4.88%, 03/15/2027   320,000    306,140 
Marriott International, Inc.          
4.00%, 04/15/2028(b)   745,000    711,787 
Toyota Motor Credit Corp.          
3.95%, 06/30/2025   573,000    564,078 
Total Consumer Discretionary        3,093,942 
           
Consumer Staples (2.91%)          
Anheuser-Busch InBev          
Worldwide, Inc.          
4.00%, 04/13/2028   369,000    361,522 
Dollar Tree, Inc.          
4.00%, 05/15/2025   607,000    593,672 
Total Consumer Staples        955,194 
           
Energy (4.81%)          
Hess Midstream Operations LP          
4.25%, 02/15/2030(a)   320,000    277,646 
Marathon Oil Corp.          
4.40%, 07/15/2027   603,000    581,004 
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC          
5.75%, 05/15/2024   559,000    557,928 
Schlumberger Investment SA          
3.65%, 12/01/2023   163,000    161,604 
Total Energy        1,578,182 
           
Financials (29.35%)          
Bank of America Corp.          
4.25%, 10/22/2026   455,000    440,546 
5Y US TI + 3.231%(c)(d)   801,000    783,841 
Blackstone Private Credit Fund          
3.25%, 03/15/2027   346,000    297,758 
Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Financials (continued)          
Citigroup, Inc.          
4.45%, 09/29/2027  $589,000   $566,598 
6.63%, 06/15/2032   195,000    206,007 
FNB Corp.          
5.15%, 08/25/2025   662,000    622,354 
FS KKR Capital Corp.          
4.25%, 02/14/2025(a)   611,000    579,220 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.          
5.70%, 11/01/2024   720,000    721,945 
Host Hotels & Resorts LP          
4.00%, 06/15/2025   410,000    396,461 
HSBC Holdings PLC          
4.38%, 11/23/2026   589,000    565,514 
Iron Mountain, Inc.          
4.88%, 09/15/2027(a)   619,000    579,827 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.          
4.25%, 10/01/2027   378,000    369,239 
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.          
3M US L + 1.00%,          
09/11/2024(c)   191,000    191,117 
Morgan Stanley          
5.00%, 11/24/2025   676,000    674,590 
3.63%, 01/20/2027   145,000    139,066 
NatWest Markets PLC          
3.48%, 03/22/2025(a)   379,000    364,591 
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.          
3.45%, 04/23/2029   316,000    289,102 
5Y US TI + 3.238%(c)(d)   801,000    746,932 
Royal Bank of Canada          
6.00%, 11/01/2027   676,000    701,049 
Wells Fargo & Co.          
3.00%, 04/22/2026   410,000    388,034 
Total Financials        9,623,791 
           
Health Care (2.23%)          
AbbVie, Inc.          
3.20%, 11/21/2029   320,000    290,748 
CVS Health Corp.          
4.30%, 03/25/2028   124,000    120,839 
HCA, Inc.          
5.38%, 09/01/2026   320,000    318,936 
Total Health Care        730,523 
           
Industrials (2.27%)          
3M Co.          
3.25%, 02/14/2024   163,000    160,816 
Boeing Co.          
4.88%, 05/01/2025   587,000    581,465 
Total Industrials        742,281 
           
Materials (2.81%)          
Ball Corp.          
4.00%, 11/15/2023   609,000    601,156 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

10 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Materials (continued)          
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.          
4.73%, 11/15/2028  $320,000   $318,304 
Total Materials        919,460 
           
Technology (2.98%)          
Micron Technology, Inc.          
5.38%, 04/15/2028   711,000    702,161 
Oracle Corp.          
3.25%, 11/15/2027   295,000    275,418 
Total Technology        977,579 
           
Utilities (6.44%)          
Dominion Energy, Inc.          
4.25%, 06/01/2028   745,000    720,885 
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.          
5.85%, 11/15/2027   720,000    743,961 
Southern California Gas Co.          
5.20%, 06/01/2033   650,000    647,725 
Total Utilities        2,112,571 
           
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS          
(Cost $23,639,197)        22,193,488 
           
GOVERNMENT BONDS (28.37%)          
United States Treasury Bond          
2.88%, 05/15/2032   2,176,000    2,046,970 
3.25%, 05/15/2042   2,176,000    1,952,790 
3.88%, 02/15/2043   3,895,000    3,819,535 
4.00%, 11/15/2052   1,447,000    1,483,401 
TOTAL GOVERNMENT BONDS          
(Cost $9,763,383)        9,302,696 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (3.25%)               
Money Market Fund (3.25%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)   5.02%   1,064,545    1,064,545 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $1,064,545)             1,064,545 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.31%)               
(Cost $34,467,125)            $32,560,729 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.69%)             226,901 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $32,787,630 

 

 

Investment Abbreviations: 

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate

TI - Treasury Index

 

Reference Rates: 

5Y US TI - 5 Year US TI as of May 31, 2023 was 4.18%

3M US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of May 31, 2023 was 5.49%

 

(a)Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $2,114,877, representing 6.45% of net assets.

(b)Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of May 31, 2023, the market value of those securities was $711,787 representing 2.17% of net assets.

(c)Floating or variable rate security. Interest rate resets periodically on specific dates. The rate shown represents the coupon or interest rate in effect as of May 31, 2023. Security description includes the reference rate and spread if published and available.

(d)Securities are perpetual and thus do not have a predetermined maturity date.


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

11 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.31%)          
Communication Services (4.83%)          
Alphabet, Inc., Class C(a)   13,149   $1,622,192 
AT&T, Inc.   45,011    708,023 
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Class A(b)   17,051    613,836 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   15,724    560,246 
Total Communication Services        3,504,297 
           
Consumer Discretionary (6.39%)          
ADT, Inc.   73,292    417,031 
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   21,902    2,640,943 
Nordstrom, Inc.   34,097    521,684 
NVR, Inc.(a)   98    544,314 
PetMed Express, Inc.(b)   34,184    506,949 
Total Consumer Discretionary        4,630,921 
           
Consumer Staples (3.76%)          
Altria Group, Inc.   14,303    635,339 
Coca-Cola Co.   9,678    577,389 
Philip Morris International, Inc.   3,361    302,524 
Vector Group, Ltd.   103,404    1,210,861 
Total Consumer Staples        2,726,113 
           
Energy (11.59%)          
Antero Midstream Corp.   106,729    1,089,703 
Berry Corp.   92,555    583,096 
Devon Energy Corp.   10,470    482,667 
Equitrans Midstream Corp.   151,434    1,291,732 
Exxon Mobil Corp.   24,062    2,458,655 
Kinder Morgan, Inc.   53,571    863,029 
ONEOK, Inc.   18,233    1,033,082 
Select Water Solutions, Inc.   83,019    602,718 
Total Energy        8,404,682 
           
Financials (13.74%)          
AllianceBernstein Holding LP   42,029    1,461,348 
Annaly Capital Management, Inc.   25,816    487,406 
Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A   25,288    809,216 
Bank of America Corp.   23,062    640,893 
Dynex Capital, Inc.(b)   29,932    336,436 
FNB Corp.(b)   36,454    400,629 
Fulton Financial Corp.   34,568    385,779 
New York Community Bancorp, Inc.(b)   44,906    461,634 
Old Republic International Corp.   28,682    702,422 
OneMain Holdings, Inc.   14,222    538,445 
Ready Capital Corp.(b)   48,877    494,147 
Rithm Capital Corp.   110,290    897,761 
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.(b)   20,189    354,317 
US Bancorp   32,757    979,434 
Veritex Holdings, Inc.   24,974    431,301 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Financials (continued)          
Western Union Co.   51,173   $582,860 
Total Financials        9,964,028 
           
Health Care (10.28%)          
AbbVie, Inc.   9,683    1,335,867 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   19,616    1,264,055 
Cardinal Health, Inc.   9,698    798,145 
Merck & Co., Inc.   29,469    3,253,672 
Pfizer, Inc.   21,126    803,211 
Total Health Care        7,454,950 
           
Industrials (4.62%)          
Fastenal Co.   19,145    1,030,958 
Global Industrial Co.   27,583    686,265 
Quanex Building Products Corp.   34,601    726,967 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   5,443    908,981 
Total Industrials        3,353,171 
           
Information Technology (28.60%)          
Apple, Inc.   32,139    5,696,638 
Broadcom, Inc.   1,455    1,175,582 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   41,096    2,041,238 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.   81,086    1,169,260 
Microsoft Corp.   20,167    6,622,641 
NetApp, Inc.   8,188    543,274 
NVIDIA Corp.   5,799    2,193,994 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   7,482    1,300,970 
Total Information Technology        20,743,597 
           
Materials (0.87%)          
Newmont Mining Corp.   15,607    632,864 
           
Real Estate (8.44%)          
Camden Property Trust   5,142    537,185 
Invitation Homes, Inc.   17,405    589,681 
Iron Mountain, Inc.   19,552    1,044,468 
Medical Properties Trust, Inc.(b)   131,337    1,083,530 
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., Class A   41,811    260,483 
SITE Centers Corp.   54,782    653,002 
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.   36,855    750,736 
Universal Health Realty Income Trust   27,530    1,202,510 
Total Real Estate        6,121,595 
           
Utilities (6.19%)          
Clearway Energy, Inc., Class C   35,323    1,014,830 
Duke Energy Corp.   14,160    1,264,346 
Entergy Corp.   8,851    869,168 
Evergy, Inc.   8,749    506,130 


See Notes to Financial Statements.

12 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF

 

Schedule of Investments  May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Utilities (continued)          
OGE Energy Corp.   23,723   $836,948 
Total Utilities        4,491,422 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $71,498,434)        72,027,640 

 

      7 Day Yield  Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.64%)               
Money Market Fund (0.55%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)               
(Cost $396,733)   5.02%   396,733    396,733 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (1.09%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%               
(Cost $789,913)        789,913    789,913 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $1,186,646)             1,186,646 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.94%)               
(Cost $72,685,080)            $73,214,286 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.94%)             (684,681)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $72,529,605 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $3,487,958.

 



See Notes to Financial Statements.

13 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.63%)          
Communication Services (6.65%)          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   1,731   $212,688 
Alphabet, Inc., Class C(a)   1,322    163,095 
Cargurus, Inc.(a)   5,210    97,896 
Liberty Broadband Corp., Class C(a)   1,730    128,193 
Magnite, Inc.(a)   10,106    120,059 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a)   1,832    484,967 
New York Times Co., Class A   2,043    72,363 
Sinclair, Inc., Class A(b)   3,450    53,061 
Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.(b)   36,411    129,623 
Total Communication Services        1,461,945 
           
Consumer Discretionary (11.57%)          
ADT, Inc.   13,359    76,013 
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   3,156    380,550 
BorgWarner, Inc.   3,050    135,206 
Capri Holdings, Ltd.(a)   2,355    82,661 
Chegg, Inc.(a)   6,000    53,880 
Choice Hotels International, Inc.(b)   496    56,291 
Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.   3,500    87,605 
H&R Block, Inc.   2,952    88,117 
Home Depot, Inc.   1,000    283,450 
Lennar Corp., Class A   1,465    156,931 
Nordstrom, Inc.   5,985    91,571 
NVR, Inc.(a)   27    149,964 
Patrick Industries, Inc.(b)   1,415    92,725 
Stride, Inc.(a)   2,520    101,833 
Tesla, Inc.(a)   2,069    421,931 
TJX Cos., Inc.   2,405    184,680 
Vista Outdoor, Inc.(a)   3,705    98,664 
Total Consumer Discretionary        2,542,072 
           
Consumer Staples (4.77%)          
Albertsons Cos., Inc.   7,155    145,676 
Altria Group, Inc.   1,693    75,203 
Coca-Cola Co.   4,280    255,345 
Herbalife, Ltd.(a)(b)   840    9,945 
Philip Morris International, Inc.   2,270    204,323 
Procter & Gamble Co.   250    35,625 
Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.(a)   3,747    129,496 
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.(a)   1,585    96,162 
Vector Group, Ltd.   8,180    95,788 
Total Consumer Staples        1,047,563 
           
Energy (4.84%)          
Berry Corp.   12,655    79,726 
Callon Petroleum Co.(a)(b)   3,125    95,719 
Chevron Corp.   205    30,877 
Exxon Mobil Corp.   811    82,868 
Kinder Morgan, Inc.   9,237    148,808 
ONEOK, Inc.   2,156    122,159 
PBF Energy, Inc., Class A   2,405    88,528 
Peabody Energy Corp.   4,060    73,730 
SandRidge Energy, Inc.   6,600    88,902 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Energy (continued)          
Transocean, Ltd.(a)(b)   15,650   $89,518 
Williams Cos., Inc.   5,660    162,216 
Total Energy        1,063,051 
           
Financials (12.97%)          
Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.(b)   5,033    63,466 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(a)   465    149,302 
Credit Acceptance Corp.(a)   230    102,506 
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.   5,494    69,499 
Genworth Financial, Inc., Class A(a)   19,505    104,352 
Hope Bancorp, Inc.   6,071    48,689 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.   13,045    134,494 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   437    59,305 
KeyCorp   11,319    105,720 
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.   1,115    193,096 
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   822    300,046 
MGIC Investment Corp.   7,895    119,372 
Nelnet, Inc.   930    86,025 
New York Community Bancorp, Inc.(b)   11,405    117,243 
Old Republic International Corp.   4,330    106,042 
PROG Holdings, Inc.(a)   4,155    135,578 
Radian Group, Inc.   4,512    115,237 
Regions Financial Corp.   6,146    106,141 
Truist Financial Corp.   4,785    145,799 
US Bancorp   2,912    87,069 
Valley National Bancorp   10,215    75,387 
Visa, Inc., Class A   1,458    322,262 
Western Union Co.   9,195    104,731 
Total Financials        2,851,361 
           
Health Care (15.79%)          
Abbott Laboratories   2,297    234,294 
AbbVie, Inc.   2,101    289,854 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   3,135    202,019 
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   5,940    68,607 
Cigna Group   654    161,806 
CVS Health Corp.   2,501    170,143 
Danaher Corp.   890    204,362 
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)   2,010    169,302 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.   2,390    183,887 
Hologic, Inc.(a)   1,480    116,757 
Johnson & Johnson   438    67,916 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings   410    87,137 
Merck & Co., Inc.   2,870    316,877 
Pfizer, Inc.   6,724    255,646 
Progyny, Inc.(a)   2,970    110,633 
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.   859    113,946 
Sotera Health Co.(a)   5,475    77,143 
STAAR Surgical Co.(a)(b)   1,540    89,351 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   190    92,576 


See Notes to Financial Statements.

14 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Health Care (continued)          
Vericel Corp.(a)   2,975   $95,557 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   576    186,376 
Zoetis, Inc.   1,085    176,866 
Total Health Care        3,471,055 
           
Industrials (8.43%)          
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.   1,195    115,640 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   910    43,043 
ArcBest Corp.   1,090    91,320 
BWX Technologies, Inc.   1,548    93,375 
CACI International, Inc., Class A(a)   382    114,302 
Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Class A(a)   1,614    145,518 
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.   1,490    140,865 
Cintas Corp.   350    165,249 
CSX Corp.   5,794    177,702 
Eagle Bulk Shipping, Inc.(b)   2,030    79,738 
Fastenal Co.   2,895    155,896 
Generac Holdings, Inc.(a)   865    94,216 
Landstar System, Inc.   600    105,228 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   1,115    186,205 
XPO, Inc.(a)   3,080    144,545 
Total Industrials        1,852,842 
           
Information Technology (28.30%)          
Accenture PLC, Class A   860    263,092 
Adeia, Inc.   4,742    46,519 
Adobe, Inc.(a)   36    15,041 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   2,189    258,762 
Apple, Inc.   8,507    1,507,866 
Broadcom, Inc.   424    342,575 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   7,158    355,538 
Cloudflare, Inc., Class A(a)   1,818    125,733 
Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   858    137,392 
Digital Turbine, Inc.(a)(b)   8,700    79,518 
Fortinet, Inc.(a)   2,545    173,900 
Gen Digital, Inc.   9,606    168,489 
Lattice Semiconductor Corp.(a)   1,685    137,007 
Manhattan Associates, Inc.(a)   565    102,502 
Microsoft Corp.   3,968    1,303,052 
NVIDIA Corp.   1,057    399,905 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   1,281    145,278 
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   1,159    258,897 
Synaptics, Inc.(a)   930    80,017 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   1,165    202,570 
Vontier Corp.   3,920    116,189 
Total Information Technology        6,219,842 
           
Materials (1.26%)          
LSB Industries, Inc.(a)   8,935    83,095 
Ryerson Holding Corp.   2,685    91,263 
Sealed Air Corp.   199    7,532 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Materials (continued)          
SunCoke Energy, Inc.   13,945   $94,687 
Total Materials        276,577 
           
Real Estate (4.58%)          
Camden Property Trust   1,410    147,303 
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.   2,140    135,184 
Equity Residential   370    22,496 
Healthpeak Properties, Inc.   6,895    137,624 
Highwoods Properties, Inc.   2,136    44,173 
Invitation Homes, Inc.   4,880    165,334 
Iron Mountain, Inc.   2,850    152,247 
Medical Properties Trust, Inc.(b)   13,000    107,250 
Terreno Realty Corp.   1,555    95,368 
Total Real Estate        1,006,979 
           
Utilities (0.47%)          
OGE Energy Corp.   2,946    103,935 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $20,895,287)        21,897,222 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.44%)               
Money Market Fund (0.22%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)               
(Cost $48,459)   5.02%   48,459    48,459 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (1.22%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.11%               
(Cost $267,783)        267,783    267,783 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $316,242)             316,242 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (101.07%)               
(Cost $21,211,529)            $22,213,464 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-1.07%)             (234,676)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $21,978,788 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

(b)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $749,636.


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

15 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
CORPORATE BONDS (71.50%)          
Communications (4.94%)          
AMC Networks, Inc.          
5.00%, 04/01/2024  $346,000   $340,325 
4.75%, 08/01/2025   426,000    377,056 
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.          
5.50%, 05/01/2026(a)   450,000    441,187 
Netflix, Inc.          
4.38%, 11/15/2026   848,000    834,123 
Sirius XM Radio, Inc.          
3.13%, 09/01/2026(a)   850,000    750,857 
T-Mobile USA, Inc.          
4.75%, 02/01/2028   1,500,000    1,473,026 
Warnermedia Holdings, Inc.          
6.41%, 03/15/2026   494,000    495,187 
WMG Acquisition Corp.          
3.75%, 12/01/2029(a)   848,000    730,501 
Total Communications        5,442,262 
           
Consumer Discretionary (11.79%)          
Air Canada          
3.88%, 08/15/2026(a)   913,000    848,558 
Aramark Services, Inc.          
6.38%, 05/01/2025(a)   913,000    906,974 
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.          
6.25%, 07/01/2025(a)   1,078,000    1,075,694 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC          
2.30%, 02/10/2025   1,256,000    1,173,454 
General Motors Financial Co., Inc.          
5.40%, 04/06/2026   975,000    971,589 
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.          
5.00%, 05/31/2026   1,100,000    1,073,655 
Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.          
3.75%, 05/01/2029(a)   1,005,000    888,782 
International Game Technology PLC          
6.50%, 02/15/2025(a)   241,000    242,121 
Las Vegas Sands Corp.          
3.20%, 08/08/2024   810,000    781,725 
Lennar Corp.          
4.75%, 11/29/2027   1,005,000    984,839 
Marriott International, Inc.          
4.90%, 04/15/2029   975,000    957,335 
Newell Brands, Inc.          
4.70%, 04/01/2026   848,000    790,760 
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.          
3.52%, 09/17/2025(a)   1,005,000    933,605 
PulteGroup, Inc.          
5.50%, 03/01/2026   1,337,000    1,343,341 
Total Consumer Discretionary        12,972,432 
Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Consumer Staples (2.55%)          
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.          
4.75%, 01/23/2029  $913,000   $920,382 
JBS USA LUX SA / JBS USA Food Co. / JBS USA Finance, Inc.          
5.13%, 02/01/2028(a)   1,000,000    964,419 
Spectrum Brands, Inc.          
5.75%, 07/15/2025   30,000    29,846 
US Foods, Inc.          
6.25%, 04/15/2025(a)   890,000    888,895 
Total Consumer Staples        2,803,542 
           
Energy (3.08%)          
DCP Midstream Operating LP          
5.38%, 07/15/2025   850,000    841,501 
Petroleos Mexicanos          
4.88%, 01/18/2024   878,000    863,164 
Reliance Industries, Ltd.          
4.13%, 01/28/2025(a)   839,000    824,226 
Schlumberger Holdings Corp.          
3.90%, 05/17/2028(a)   913,000    866,431 
Total Energy        3,395,322 
           
Financials (23.06%)          
Air Lease Corp.          
4.25%, 02/01/2024   850,000    839,813 
American Express Co.          
5.85%, 11/05/2027   1,114,000    1,157,135 
Bank of America Corp.          
4.25%, 10/22/2026   1,371,000    1,327,447 
Blackstone Secured Lending Fund          
3.63%, 01/15/2026   997,000    919,174 
Capital One Financial Corp.          
4.20%, 10/29/2025   913,000    869,879 
Citigroup, Inc.          
4.45%, 09/29/2027   1,371,000    1,318,857 
EPR Properties          
4.75%, 12/15/2026   850,000    768,258 
FS KKR Capital Corp.          
3.40%, 01/15/2026   1,005,000    912,661 
GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II, Inc.          
3.35%, 09/01/2024   810,000    784,442 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.          
4.25%, 10/21/2025   1,371,000    1,336,612 
HAT Holdings I LLC / HAT Holdings II LLC          
3.38%, 06/15/2026(a)   934,000    818,114 
Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp.          
4.75%, 09/15/2024   1,079,000    1,011,321 
Iron Mountain, Inc.          
4.88%, 09/15/2027(a)   959,000    898,310 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.          
4.25%, 10/01/2027   1,371,000    1,339,223 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

16 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Financials (continued)          
KeyBank NA/Cleveland OH          
5.85%, 11/15/2027  $1,062,000   $986,873 
NatWest Markets PLC          
3.48%, 03/22/2025(a)   847,000    814,799 
Newmark Group, Inc.          
6.13%, 11/15/2023   1,051,000    1,043,632 
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.          
4.38%, 08/01/2023   283,000    281,194 
5.25%, 01/15/2026   558,000    542,985 
OneMain Finance Corp.          
6.13%, 03/15/2024   1,078,000    1,054,316 
Royal Bank of Canada          
6.00%, 11/01/2027   1,114,000    1,155,279 
Santander Holdings USA, Inc.          
3.50%, 06/07/2024   422,000    410,200 
SBA Communications Corp.          
3.88%, 02/15/2027   1,279,000    1,180,033 
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.          
4.75%, 03/15/2025   848,000    796,585 
VICI Properties LP / VICI Note Co., Inc.          
4.25%, 12/01/2026(a)   1,189,000    1,115,981 
Wells Fargo & Co.          
3.30%, 09/09/2024   1,738,000    1,695,116 
Total Financials        25,378,239 
           
Health Care (2.10%)          
DaVita, Inc.          
4.63%, 06/01/2030(a)   959,000    821,309 
GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc.          
5.60%, 11/15/2025(a)   1,062,000    1,065,394 
HCA, Inc.          
5.38%, 02/01/2025   426,000    423,306 
Total Health Care        2,310,009 
           
Industrials (5.14%)          
Boeing Co.          
4.88%, 05/01/2025   1,005,000    995,523 
MasTec, Inc.          
4.50%, 08/15/2028(a)   929,000    856,516 
Sensata Technologies BV          
5.00%, 10/01/2025(a)   848,000    834,298 
Stericycle, Inc.          
5.38%, 07/15/2024(a)   851,000    842,490 
TransDigm, Inc.          
6.25%, 03/15/2026(a)   890,000    884,830 
WESCO Distribution, Inc.          
7.13%, 06/15/2025(a)   1,231,000    1,241,085 
Total Industrials        5,654,742 
           
Materials (10.33%)          
Alcoa Nederland Holding BV          
4.13%, 03/31/2029(a)   1,123,000    1,014,176 
Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Materials (continued)          
ArcelorMittal SA          
3.60%, 07/16/2024  $936,000   $916,830 
6.55%, 11/29/2027   1,062,000    1,101,669 
Arconic Corp.          
6.00%, 05/15/2025(a)   913,000    917,558 
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC / Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc.          
5.25%, 04/30/2025(a)   1,096,000    1,075,340 
Ball Corp.          
5.25%, 07/01/2025   684,000    681,266 
4.88%, 03/15/2026   426,000    417,194 
Berry Global, Inc.          
4.88%, 07/15/2026(a)   963,000    932,926 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.          
5.00%, 09/01/2027   472,000    462,564 
Methanex Corp.          
5.13%, 10/15/2027   890,000    829,710 
NOVA Chemicals Corp.          
4.88%, 06/01/2024(a)   1,078,000    1,054,100 
Novelis Corp.          
3.25%, 11/15/2026(a)   850,000    767,600 
Sasol Financing USA LLC          
4.38%, 09/18/2026   558,000    489,106 
Standard Industries, Inc.          
3.38%, 01/15/2031(a)   913,000    714,086 
Total Materials        11,374,125 
           
Technology (2.93%)          
CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp.          
3.57%, 12/01/2031   848,000    708,477 
Gen Digital, Inc.          
5.00%, 04/15/2025(a)   711,000    695,624 
Microchip Technology, Inc.          
4.25%, 09/01/2025   929,000    906,016 
Seagate HDD Cayman          
4.75%, 06/01/2023   913,000    913,000 
Total Technology        3,223,117 
           
Utilities (5.58%)          
American Electric Power Co., Inc.          
5.75%, 11/01/2027   1,114,000    1,148,919 
AmeriGas Partners LP / AmeriGas Finance Corp.          
5.88%, 08/20/2026   934,000    869,518 
Calpine Corp.          
5.25%, 06/01/2026(a)   450,000    436,782 
NextEra Energy Operating Partners LP          
4.25%, 07/15/2024(a)   1,227,000    1,204,472 
NRG Energy, Inc.          
3.75%, 06/15/2024(a)   848,000    821,549 
6.63%, 01/15/2027   300,000    299,513 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

17 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Utilities (continued)          
Vistra Operations Co. LLC          
3.55%, 07/15/2024(a)  $1,411,000   $1,366,142 
Total Utilities        6,146,895 
           
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS          
(Cost $83,428,158)        78,700,685 
           
GOVERNMENT BONDS (24.56%)          
U.S. Treasury Note          
2.50%, 05/31/2024   8,622,000    8,396,415 
2.88%, 06/15/2025   79,000    76,688 
3.25%, 06/30/2029   104,000    101,148 
United States Treasury Bond          
3.25%, 05/15/2042   6,251,000    5,609,784 
3.88%, 02/15/2043   3,950,000    3,873,469 
4.00%, 11/15/2052   8,753,000    8,973,193 
TOTAL GOVERNMENT BONDS          
(Cost $28,092,100)        27,030,697 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (3.06%)               
Money Market Fund (3.06%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class)   5.02%   3,372,324    3,372,324 
                
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $3,372,324)             3,372,324 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.12%)               
(Cost $114,892,582)            $109,103,706 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.88%)             964,091 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $110,067,797 

 

(a)Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $31,555,732, representing 28.67% of net assets.


See Notes to Financial Statements.

18 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   RiverFront
Dynamic Core
Income ETF
   RiverFront
Dynamic US
Dividend
Advantage ETF
   RiverFront
Dynamic US
Flex-Cap ETF
   RiverFront
Strategic
Income Fund
 
ASSETS:                    
Investments, at value(a)  $32,560,729   $73,214,286   $22,213,464   $109,103,706 
Dividend receivable   4,553    137,345    42,741    15,793 
Interest receivable   236,602            991,854 
Total Assets   32,801,884    73,351,631    22,256,205    110,111,353 
                     
LIABILITIES:                    
Payable to adviser   14,254    32,113    9,634    43,556 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned       789,913    267,783     
Total Liabilities   14,254    822,026    277,417    43,556 
NET ASSETS  $32,787,630   $72,529,605   $21,978,788   $110,067,797 
                     
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Paid-in capital  $37,867,916   $78,998,352   $42,697,365   $128,217,694 
Total distributable earnings/(accumulated losses)   (5,080,286)   (6,468,747)   (20,718,577)   (18,149,897)
NET ASSETS  $32,787,630   $72,529,605   $21,978,788   $110,067,797 
                     
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $34,467,125   $72,685,080   $21,211,529   $114,892,582 
                     
PRICING OF SHARES              
Net Assets  $32,787,630   $72,529,605   $21,978,788   $110,067,797 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   1,475,000    1,675,002    525,002    4,850,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $22.23   $43.30   $41.86   $22.69 

 

(a)Includes $-, $3,487,958, $749,636, and $-, respectively, of securities on loan.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

19 | May 31, 2023 

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Statements of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   RiverFront
Dynamic Core
Income ETF
   RiverFront
Dynamic US
Dividend
Advantage ETF
   RiverFront
Dynamic US
Flex-Cap ETF
   RiverFront
Strategic
Income Fund
 
INVESTMENT INCOME:                    
Interest  $606,555   $   $   $1,926,385 
Dividends   35,083    1,630,919    278,496    93,346 
Securities Lending Income       2,928    4,815     
Total Investment Income   641,638    1,633,847    283,311    2,019,731 
                     
EXPENSES:                    
Investment adviser and sub-adviser fees (Note 3)   93,494    204,387    60,979    250,646 
Total Expenses   93,494    204,387    60,979    250,646 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   548,144    1,429,460    222,332    1,769,085 
                     
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS)                    
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments(a)   (1,536,954)   (1,217,846)   161,965    (1,016,337)
NET REALIZED GAIN/(LOSS)   (1,536,954)   (1,217,846)   161,965    (1,016,337)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   1,668,761    (2,073,406)   (760,144)   1,202,706 
NET CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION/(DEPRECIATION)   1,668,761    (2,073,406)   (760,144)   1,202,706 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS   131,807    (3,291,252)   (598,179)   186,369 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $679,951   $(1,861,792)  $(375,847)  $1,955,454 

 

(a)Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

20 | May 31, 2023 

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six
Months Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2022
 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $548,144   $1,590,452 
Net realized loss   (1,536,954)   (4,980,857)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   1,668,761    (5,468,905)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   679,951    (8,859,310)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (556,310)   (3,382,868)
Total distributions   (556,310)   (3,382,868)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares       4,002,594 
Shares redeemed   (10,677,192)   (66,292,105)
Net decrease from share transactions   (10,677,192)   (62,289,511)
           
Net decrease in net assets   (10,553,551)   (74,531,689)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   43,341,181    117,872,871 
End of period  $32,787,630   $43,341,182 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   1,950,000    4,650,000 
Shares sold       175,000 
Shares redeemed   (475,000)   (2,875,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   1,475,000    1,950,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

21 | May 31, 2023 

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six
Months Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2022
 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $1,429,460   $3,463,622 
Net realized gain/(loss)   (1,217,846)   35,036,588 
Net change in unrealized depreciation   (2,073,406)   (36,235,123)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (1,861,792)   2,265,087 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (1,176,120)   (3,342,217)
Total distributions   (1,176,120)   (3,342,217)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares       54,331,616 
Shares redeemed   (17,313,606)   (92,897,556)
Net decrease from share transactions   (17,313,606)   (38,565,940)
           
Net decrease in net assets   (20,351,518)   (39,643,070)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   92,881,123    132,524,193 
End of period  $72,529,605   $92,881,123 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   2,075,002    2,950,002 
Shares sold       1,200,000 
Shares redeemed   (400,000)   (2,075,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   1,675,002    2,075,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

22 | May 31, 2023 

 

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six
Months Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2022
 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $222,332   $374,530 
Net realized gain   161,965    10,867,396 
Net change in unrealized depreciation   (760,144)   (13,757,793)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   (375,847)   (2,515,867)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (203,867)   (438,679)
From return of capital       (8,648)
Total distributions   (203,867)   (447,327)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares       15,524,015 
Shares redeemed   (6,240,082)   (35,496,905)
Net decrease from share transactions   (6,240,082)   (19,972,890)
           
Net decrease in net assets   (6,819,796)   (22,936,084)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   28,798,584    51,734,668 
End of period  $21,978,788   $28,798,584 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   675,002    1,125,002 
Shares sold       350,000 
Shares redeemed   (150,000)   (800,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   525,002    675,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

23 | May 31, 2023 

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six
Months Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2022
 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $1,769,085   $2,966,868 
Net realized loss   (1,016,337)   (3,575,790)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   1,202,706    (6,970,220)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   1,955,454    (7,579,142)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (1,785,230)   (3,248,534)
Total distributions   (1,785,230)   (3,248,534)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   14,823,283    9,753,437 
Shares redeemed   (9,685,027)   (37,059,629)
Net increase/(decrease) from share transactions   5,138,256    (27,306,192)
           
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   5,308,480    (38,133,868)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   104,759,317    142,893,186 
End of period  $110,067,797   $104,759,318 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   4,625,000    5,825,000 
Shares sold   650,000    425,000 
Shares redeemed   (425,000)   (1,625,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   4,850,000    4,625,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

24 | May 31, 2023 

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

  

   For the
Six Months
Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2022
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2021
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2020
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2019
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2018
 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $22.23   $25.35   $26.21   $25.22   $23.52   $24.60 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.33    0.47    0.47    0.50    0.68    0.68 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   0.01    (2.71)   (0.87)   0.99    1.70    (1.10)
Total from investment operations   0.34    (2.24)   (0.40)   1.49    2.38    (0.42)
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (0.34)   (0.50)   (0.46)   (0.50)   (0.68)   (0.66)
From net realized gains       (0.38)                
Total distributions   (0.34)   (0.88)   (0.46)   (0.50)   (0.68)   (0.66)
                               
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE       (3.12)   (0.86)   0.99    1.70    (1.08)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $22.23   $22.23   $25.35   $26.21   $25.22   $23.52 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   1.55%   (9.02)%   (1.51)%   5.97%   10.22%   (1.74)%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $32,788   $43,341   $117,873   $112,724   $134,951   $150,527 
                               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.51%(c)  0.51%   0.51%   0.51%   0.51%   0.51%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.99%(c)  2.03%   1.83%   1.94%   2.74%   2.83%
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   25%   50%   45%   11%   6%   15%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and the redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(c)Annualized.

(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

25 | May 31, 2023 

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

  

   For the
Six Months
Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2022
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2021
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2020
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2019
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2018
 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $44.76   $44.92   $37.03   $33.98   $31.19   $31.39 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.78    1.46    0.62    0.56    0.65    0.73 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (1.60)   (0.21)   7.90    3.08    2.81    (0.26)
Total from investment operations   (0.82)   1.25    8.52    3.64    3.46    0.47 
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (0.64)   (1.41)   (0.63)   (0.59)   (0.67)   (0.67)
Total distributions   (0.64)   (1.41)   (0.63)   (0.59)   (0.67)   (0.67)
                               
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (1.46)   (0.16)   7.89    3.05    2.79    (0.20)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $43.30   $44.76   $44.92   $37.03   $33.98   $31.19 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   (1.78)%   2.86%   23.13%   10.92%   11.29%   1.45%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $72,530   $92,881   $132,524   $133,294   $130,828   $151,293 
                               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.52%(c)  0.52%   0.52%   0.52%   0.52%   0.52%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   3.64%(c)  3.23%   1.47%   1.68%   2.05%   2.27%
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   14%   104%   0%   75%   64%   96%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and the redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(c)Annualized.
(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

26 | May 31, 2023 

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

  

   For the
Six Months
Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2022
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2021
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2020
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2019
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2018
 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $42.66   $45.99   $37.58   $34.70   $32.79   $32.46 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.39    0.48    0.42    0.45    0.48    0.44 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (0.82)   (3.23)   8.43    2.87(b)   1.93    0.27(b)
Total from investment operations   (0.43)   (2.75)   8.85    3.32    2.41    0.71 
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (0.37)   (0.57)   (0.44)   (0.44)   (0.50)   (0.38)
Tax return of capital       (0.01)                
Total distributions   (0.37)   (0.58)   (0.44)   (0.44)   (0.50)   (0.38)
                               
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (0.80)   (3.33)   8.41    2.88    1.91    0.33 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $41.86   $42.66   $45.99   $37.58   $34.70   $32.79 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   (0.99)%   (5.98)%   23.65%   9.75%   7.49%   2.16%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $21,979   $28,799   $51,735   $71,400   $126,662   $152,464 
                               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.52%(d)  0.52%   0.52%   0.52%   0.52%   0.52%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.90%(d)  1.10%   0.97%   1.34%   1.46%   1.30%
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   39%   113%   5%   99%   98%   152%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)Net realized and unrealized gain on investments per share does not correlate to the aggregate of the net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) in the Statements of Operations for the period(s) presented, primarily due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of the Fund's shares in relation to the fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.

(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and the redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(d)Annualized.
(e)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

27 | May 31, 2023 

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the
Six Months
Ended
May 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2022
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2021
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2020
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2019
   For the Year
Ended
November 30,
2018
 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $22.65   $24.53   $24.79   $24.69   $24.27   $25.21 
                               
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.37    0.55    0.55    0.81    0.94    1.06 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   0.04    (1.82)   (0.18)   0.13(b)   0.48    (0.92)
Total from investment operations   0.41    (1.27)   0.37    0.94    1.42    0.14 
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS:                              
From net investment income   (0.37)   (0.61)   (0.63)   (0.84)   (1.00)   (1.08)
Total distributions   (0.37)   (0.61)   (0.63)   (0.84)   (1.00)   (1.08)
                               
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   0.04    (1.88)   (0.26)   0.10    0.42    (0.94)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $22.69   $22.65   $24.53   $24.79   $24.69   $24.27 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   1.81%   (5.20)%   1.52%   3.95%   5.96%   0.57%
                               
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                              
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $110,068   $104,759   $142,893   $118,984   $167,889   $152,880 
                               
Ratio of expenses excluding waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   0.46%(d)  0.46%   0.46%   0.46%   0.46%   0.46%
Ratio of expenses including waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   0.46%(d)  0.46%   0.46%   0.46%   0.46%   0.17%(e)
Ratio of net investment income including expenses waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   3.25%(d)  2.35%   2.23%   3.32%   3.83%   4.31%
Portfolio turnover rate(f)   26%   24%   50%   54%   44%   35%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)Net realized and unrealized gain on investments per share does not correlate to the aggregate of the net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) in the Statements of Operations for the period(s) presented, primarily due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of the Fund's shares in relation to the fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.
(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and the redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(d)Annualized.
(e)Effective November 1, 2018, the Fund’s management fee consists of a fee of 0.11% paid to the Fund’s investment adviser and a fee of 0.35% paid to the Fund’s sub-adviser. The Fund’s sub-adviser ceased its voluntary waiver effective November 1, 2018.

(f)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

28 | May 31, 2023 

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of May 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of twenty-three separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF, the RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF, the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF, and the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).

 

The investment objective of the RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF Fund is to seek total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. The investment objective of the RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF Fund is to seek to provide capital appreciation and dividend income. The investment objective of the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF Fund is to seek to provide capital appreciation. The investment objective of the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund is to seek total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. Each Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act

 

Each Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). Each Fund issues and redeems Shares, at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities and/or cash. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of a Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements. The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

A. Portfolio Valuation 

Each Fund’s NAV is determined daily, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing the value of all assets of each Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.

 

Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price as determined by NASDAQ. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities traded on the NASDAQ, are valued at the last quoted sale price in such market.

 

Corporate bonds and United States government bonds are typically valued at the mean between the evaluated bid and ask prices formulated by an independent pricing service.

 

Each Fund’s investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value according to procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for each Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments. The Adviser may carry out its designated responsibilities as Valuation Designee through various teams and committees. When market quotations are not readily available or when events occur that make established valuation methods unreliable, securities of the Funds may be valued in good faith by the Valuation Designee. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933) for which a pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market price is not available from a pre-established primary pricing source or the pricing source is not willing to provide a price; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is most likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of a Fund’s NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; or a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security’s “fair value” due to the security being de-listed from a national exchange or the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when, under normal conditions, it would be open. As a general principle, the current “fair value” of a security would be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive from the sale on the applicable exchange or principal market. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities.

29 | May 31, 2023

 

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

Each Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Valuation techniques used to value the Funds’ investments by major category are as follows:

 

Equity securities, including restricted securities, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price as reported by a third party pricing vendor on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, securities are valued at the mean of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices on such day and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing NAV each business day and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

 

Debt securities, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated prices received from third party pricing vendors or from brokers who make markets in such securities. For corporate bonds, pricing vendors utilize matrix pricing which considers yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type as well as broker-supplied prices. When independent prices are unavailable or unreliable, debt securities may be valued utilizing pricing methodologies which consider similar factors that would be used by third party pricing vendors. Debt securities are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy but may be Level 3 depending on the circumstances. The RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF and the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund may invest a significant portion of their assets in below investment grade securities. The value of these securities can be more volatile due to changes in the credit quality of the issuer and is sensitive to changes in economic, market and regulatory conditions.

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments.

 

These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;

 

Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

 

Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

30 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of May 31, 2023:

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and   Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Corporate Bonds*  $   $22,193,488   $   $22,193,488 
Government Bonds*       9,302,696        9,302,696 
Short Term Investments   1,064,545            1,064,545 
Total  $1,064,545   $31,496,184   $   $32,560,729 

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and   Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $72,027,640   $   $   $72,027,640 
Short Term Investments   1,186,646            1,186,646 
Total  $73,214,286   $   $   $73,214,286 

  

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and   Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $21,897,222   $   $   $21,897,222 
Short Term Investments   316,242            316,242 
Total  $22,213,464   $   $   $22,213,464 

  

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and   Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Corporate Bonds*  $   $78,700,685   $   $78,700,685 
Government Bonds*       27,030,697        27,030,697 
Short Term Investments   3,372,324            3,372,324 
Total  $3,372,324   $105,731,382   $   $109,103,706 

 

*For a detailed sector breakdown, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments.

 

The Funds did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the six months ended May 31, 2023.

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the specific identification in accordance with GAAP. Dividend income and capital gains distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

Dividends from net investment income for each Fund, if any, are declared and paid monthly or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Funds, if any, are distributed at least annually.

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Funds’ capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

31 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2022               
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $1,672,309   $1,710,559   $ 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   3,342,217         
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   438,679        8,648 
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   3,248,534         

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration.

 

As of November 30, 2022, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $1,548,757   $61,907 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   6,171,196     
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   13,271,258    8,624,493 
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   7,632,679    3,389,052 

 

As of May 31, 2023, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

 

Fund  RiverFront 
Dynamic Core 
Income ETF
   RiverFront 
Dynamic US 
Dividend 
Advantage ETF
   RiverFront 
Dynamic US Flex-
 Cap ETF
   RiverFront 
Strategic Income 
Fund
 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $75,014   $7,988,266   $2,591,653   $154,265 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (1,981,410)   (7,374,050)   (1,594,910)   (5,943,141)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (1,906,396)   614,216    996,743    (5,788,876)
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $34,467,125   $72,600,070   $21,216,721   $114,892,582 

  

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales and adjustments from partnership basis. In addition, certain tax cost basis adjustments are finalized at fiscal year-end and therefore have not been determined as of May 31, 2023.

 

F. Income Taxes

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Each Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the six months ended May 31, 2023, each Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. Each Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. Each Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Each Fund’s tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

32 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

G. Lending of Portfolio Securities 

The RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF and the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF have entered into a securities lending agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Co. (“SSB”), the Funds’ lending agent. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities only to borrowers that are approved by SSB. Each Fund will limit such lending to not more than 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. Each Fund’s securities held at SSB as custodian shall be available to be lent except those securities the Fund or ALPS Advisors, Inc. specifically identifies in writing as not being available for lending. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Fund collateral consisting of cash (U.S. Dollars only), securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and cash equivalents (including irrevocable bank letters of credit) issued by a person other than the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower. The initial collateral received by each Fund is required to have a value of no less than 102% of the market value of the loaned securities for U.S equity securities and a value of no less than 105% of the market value for non-U.S. equity securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter, at a market value equal to not less than 102% of the current value of the U.S. equity securities on loan and not less than 105% of the current value of the non-U.S. equity securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to each Fund on the next business day. During the term of the loan, each Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the customary time period for settlement of securities transactions.

 

Any cash collateral received is reinvested in a money market fund managed by SSB as disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and is reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned. Non-cash collateral, in the form of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, is not disclosed in the Fund’s Statements of Assets and Liabilities or the contractual maturity table below as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of the Fund, and the Fund does not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. Income earned by the Fund from securities lending activity is disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

The following is a summary of the Funds' securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of May 31, 2023:

 

Fund  Market Value of Securities on Loan   Cash Collateral Received   Non-Cash Collateral Received   Total Collateral Received 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF  $3,487,958   $789,913   $2,805,899   $3,595,812 
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   749,636    267,783    514,175    781,958 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the Funds benefit from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Funds could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received. As of May 31, 2023, Riverfront Dynamic Core Income ETF and the Riverfront Strategic Income Fund did not have any securities on loan.

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of May 31, 2023: 

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF      Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements 
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 Days  30-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   Total 
Common Stocks  $789,913   $  $    $   $789,913 
Total Borrowings                       789,913 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)  $789,913 

  

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF      Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements 
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 Days  30-90 Days   Greater than 90 Days   Total 
Common Stocks  $267,783   $  $    $   $267,783 
Total Borrowings                       267,783 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)         $267,783 

33 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. serves as the Funds’ investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis as a percentage of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below:

 

Fund Advisory Fee
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 0.51%(a)
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 0.52%(b)
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 0.52%(b)
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 0.11%

 

(a)The unitary advisory fee as a percentage of net assets is subject to the following breakpoints: (i) 0.51% for average net assets up to $600 million, (ii) 0.48% for average net assets equal to or greater than $600 million.

(b)The unitary advisory fee as a percentage of net assets is subject to the following breakpoints: (i) 0.52% for average net assets up to $600 million, (ii) 0.49% for average net assets equal to or greater than $600 million.

  

Out of the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of each Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, trustees and other services, except for interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of each Fund's business. The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay substantially all of each Fund's expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services for each Fund.

 

RiverFront Investment Group, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as each Fund’s sub-adviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with the Trust (the ‘‘Sub-Advisory Agreement’’). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a sub-advisory fee out of the Adviser’s advisory fee for the services it provides besides RiverFront Strategic Income Fund, in which the Fund directly pays the Sub-Adviser. The fee is payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below:

 

Fund Sub-Advisory Fee
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 0.35%
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 0.35%
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 0.35%
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 0.35%

 

ALPS Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, is the administrator for the Funds.

 

Each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $20,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $10,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

34 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $11,101,303   $18,985,797 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   11,187,166    28,522,960 
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   9,321,746    15,558,654 
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   43,260,773    34,852,066 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of U.S. Government security purchases and proceeds from U.S. Government security sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $5,970,028   $6,355,799 
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   23,760,907    13,657,965 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $   $10,565,922 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF       17,302,608 
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF       6,242,025 
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   14,667,744    8,443,903 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2023, the in-kind net realized gains/(losses) were as follows:    

 

Fund  Net Realized Gain/(Loss) 
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $(669,241)
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   873,734 
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   788,929 
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   66,013 

 

Gains on in-kind transactions are not considered taxable for federal income tax purposes and losses on in-kind transactions are also not deductible for tax purposes.

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from each Fund. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of each Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.  

35 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The Riverfront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF engaged in cross trades between other funds in the Trust during the six months ended May 31, 2023 pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds of the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7. These transactions related to cross trades during the period complied with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a- 7 and the Trust’s procedures. Transactions related to cross trades during the six months ended May 31, 2023, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchase cost paid   Sale proceeds received   Realized gain/(loss) on sales 
Riverfront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF  $77,187   $100,527   $606 

 

7. MARKET RISK

 

 

The Funds are subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause each Fund to lose value. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.

 

8. CHANGE IN AUDITOR

 

 

On March 14, 2023, BBD LLP (“BBD”) ceased to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Funds. The Board approved the replacement of BBD as a result of Cohen & Company, Ltd.’s (“Cohen”) acquisition of BBD’s investment management group.

 

The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Funds as of and for the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023: (i) there were no disagreements between the registrant and BBD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Funds for such years or interim period; and (ii) there were no “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

On March 7, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Funds’ Audit Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Cohen, effective upon the resignation of BBD, as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.

 

During the fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023, neither the registrant, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Cohen on behalf of the Funds regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Funds’ financial statements, or any matter that was either: (i) the subject of a "disagreement," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the instructions thereto; or (ii) "reportable events," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Effective June 1, 2023, RiverFront Investment Group, LLC ceased to serve as the Sub-Adviser to the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF and the Adviser assumed all responsibility for selecting the investments of the Fund. In addition, the Fund changed its name to ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF and reduced the annual management fee to 0.48% of average daily net assets.

 

Effective July 1, 2023, each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $25,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $15,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

36 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Additional Information May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

   

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 and a description of the Funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures used in determining how to vote for proxies are available without charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and upon request, by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

Each Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of each Fund’s Form N-PORT are available without a charge, upon request, by contacting the Fund at 1-866-759-5679 and on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The Funds designate the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 0.00% 0.00%
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 80.67% 79.04%
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 100.00% 100.00%
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 0.00% 0.00%

 

In early 2023, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year 2022 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2024 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2023.

37 | May 31, 2023

 

RiverFront ETFs

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

  

In compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s liquidity risk management rule (the “Liquidity Rule”), the ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”) has established a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk for each series of the Trust (each a “Fund”). The Program is overseen by the Liquidity Committee (the “Committee”), a committee comprised of representatives of the Trust’s investment adviser, ALPS Advisors, Inc. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the designation of the Committee to oversee the Program.

 

The Program’s principal objectives include supporting each Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and assessing and managing the risk that a Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the management and assessment of liquidity risk, including an annual assessment of factors that influence a Fund’s liquidity and, for Funds that are not “In-Kind ETFs,” the periodic classification and re-classification of such Fund’s investments into groupings that reflect the Committee’s assessment of their liquidity under current market conditions.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on March 7, 2023, the Trustees received a report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the Program for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the Program has been operating effectively to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and (as applicable) respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments.

 

The Committee reported that during the period covered by the report, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Funds or their ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries. Among other things, the Committee’s report noted that no Fund is required to have a highly liquid investment minimum based either on its status as an In-Kind ETF or on its ability to rely on another exemption under the Liquidity Rule. The Committee’s report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

38 | May 31, 2023

 

Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)       Not applicable

 

Item 2.Code of Ethics.

 

Not Applicable to this Report.

 

Item 3.Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not Applicable to this Report.

 

Item 4.Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not Applicable to this Report.

 

Item 5.Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable to Registrant.

 

Item 6.Investments.

 

(a)       Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Report to Stockholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

(b)       Not applicable

 

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

 

Not applicable to Registrant.

 

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

 

Not applicable to Registrant.

 

-2-

 

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

 

Not applicable to Registrant.

 

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

 

No material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees have been implemented after the Registrant’s last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

 

Item 11.Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)The Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.

 

(b)There was no change in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 13.Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)Not applicable to this Report.

 

(a)(2)The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.Cert.

 

(a)(3)Not applicable.

 

-3-

 

(a)(4)Letter from BBD, LLP

 

(i) On March 14, 2023, BBD, LLP (“BBD”) ceased to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Funds. The Board of Trustees approved the replacement of BBD as a result of Cohen & Company, Ltd.’s (“Cohen”) acquisition of BBD’s investment management group. The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Funds as of and for the fiscal period and year ended November 30, 2022 for all series of the trust and for the year ended June 30, 2022 for ALPS O’Shares U.S Quality Dividend ETF, ALPS O’Shares U.S. Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF, ALPS O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF and ALPS O’Shares Europe Quality Dividend ETF, respectively, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal period and year ended November 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023: (i) there were no disagreements between the registrant and BBD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Funds for such years or interim period; and (ii) there were no “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

The registrant requested that BBD furnish it with a letter addressed to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission stating that it agrees with the above statements. A copy of such letter is filed as an exhibit hereto.

 

On March 7, 2023, upon the recommendation of the Funds’ Audit Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Cohen, effective upon the resignation of BBD, as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2023.

 

During the fiscal period or year ended November 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, and during the subsequent interim period through March 14, 2023, neither the registrant, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Cohen on behalf of the Funds regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Funds’ financial statements, or any matter that was either: (i) the subject of a "disagreement," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the instructions thereto; or (ii) "reportable events," as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

(b)The certifications by the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906Cert.

 

 

-4-

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

ALPS ETF TRUST  
     
By: /s/ Laton Spahr  
  Laton Spahr (Principal Executive Officer)  
  President  
     
Date: August 7, 2023  

 

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

 

By: /s/ Laton Spahr  
  Laton Spahr (Principal Executive Officer)  
  President  
     
Date: August 7, 2023  
     
By: /s/ Kathryn Burns  
  Kathryn Burns (Principal Financial Officer)  
  Treasurer  
     
Date: August 7, 2023  

 

-5-