N-CSRS 1 fp0042665_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: 811-22747

 

ALPS SERIES TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

303.623.2577

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Christopher A. Moore, Esq., Secretary

ALPS Series Trust

1290 Broadway, Suite 1100

Denver, CO 80203

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Date of fiscal year end: September 30

 

Date of reporting period: October 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019

 

 

Item 1.Reports to Stockholders.

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

Portfolio Updates 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 5
Portfolio of Investments 6
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 12
Statements of Operations 13
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 14
Financial Highlights 16
Notes to Financial Statements 20
Additional Information 27

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website at www.americanindependence.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 1-888-266-8787 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.americanindependence.com. 

 

 

American Independence Global
Tactical Allocation Fund
Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns (as of March 31, 2019)  
  1 Year 3 Year 5 Year Since Inception*
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund - Institutional Class -0.92% 5.88% 4.80% 5.00%
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund - Class A -1.34% 5.50% 4.41% 4.62%
MSCI All Country World Index(a)  2.60% 10.67% 6.45% 7.13%
60% MSCI ACWI / 40% Bloomberg Barclays US Agg Bond Index(b)  3.59% 7.27% 5.11% 5.58%

 

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (833) 287-7933 or by visiting www.americanindependence.com.

 

*The Fund commenced operations on September 20, 2013. The Predecessor Fund, American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund, managed by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC, was reorganized into the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund on September 24, 2018. Manifold Partners, LLC has been the Fund’s investment adviser since September 24, 2018, with Lee Capital Management, L.P. serving as sub-adviser. Fund performance prior to September 24, 2018 is reflective of the past performance of the Predecessor Fund.
(a) The MSCI All Country World Index (“ACWI”) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI consists of 46 country indexes comprising 23 developed and 23 emerging market country indexes.
(b) The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS (agency and non-agency). The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.

 

Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.

 

The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class and Class A shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 1.44% and 1.27% and 1.69% and 1.52%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2021.

 

Performance of $3,000,000 Initial Investment (as of March 31, 2019)

 

 

 

The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $3,000,000 in the Institutional Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of Class A will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Returns do not reflect the deduction of fees, sales charges, or taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 1

 

 

American Independence Global
Tactical Allocation Fund
Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Portfolio Diversification (% of Net Assets as of March 31, 2019)

 

 

 

2 www.americanindependence.com

 

 

American Independence Kansas
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns (as of March 31, 2019)  
  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception*
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - Institutional Class 3.76% 2.86% 3.45% 4.55%
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund – Class A 3.53% 2.50% 3.07% 3.11%
Bloomberg Barclays US Municipal Bond: 7 Year (6-8) Index(a)  5.67% 3.11% 4.05% 2.56%

 

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (833) 287-7933 or by visiting www.americanindependence.com.

 

*The Fund commenced operations on May 22, 2007. The Predecessor Fund, American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, managed by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC, was reorganized into the American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund on September 24, 2018. Manifold Partners, LLC has been the Fund’s investment adviser since September 24, 2018, with Carret Asset Management, LLC serving as sub-adviser. Fund performance prior to September 24, 2018, is reflective of the past performance of the Predecessor Fund.
(a) The Bloomberg Barclays 7-Year Municipal Bond Index is a total return performance benchmark for the investment-grade, geographically unrestricted 7-year tax-exempt bond market, consisting of municipal bonds with maturities of 6 to 8 years.

 

Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.

 

The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class and Class A shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 0.57% and 0.48% and 0.82% and 0.73%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2021.

 

Performance of $3,000,000 Initial Investment (as of March 31, 2019)

 

 

The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $3,000,000 in the Institutional Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of Class A will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Returns do not reflect the deduction of fees, sales charges, or taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 3

 

 

American Independence Kansas
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Portfolio Diversification (% of Net Assets as of March 31, 2019)

 

 

 

4 www.americanindependence.com

 

 

American Independence Funds Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Examples. As a shareholder of the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund or American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including applicable redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.

 

Actual Expenses. The first line under each class in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning Account Value October 1, 2018   Ending Account Value March 31, 2019     Expense Ratio(a)  Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019(b) 
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund        
Institutional Class        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $   991.60 0.95% $ 4.72
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,020.19 0.95% $ 4.78
Class A        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $   989.90 1.20% $ 5.95
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,018.95 1.20% $ 6.04
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund        
Institutional Class        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $ 1,035.40 0.48% $ 2.44
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,022.54 0.48% $ 2.42
Class A        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $ 1,035.10 0.73% $ 3.70
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,021.29 0.73% $ 3.68

 

(a) Each Fund's expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund's actual expenses for the 6 month period ending March 31, 2019.
(b) Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio shown above for the applicable class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 5

 

 

American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
EXCHANGE TRADED PRODUCTS (95.60%)          
International Equity Exchange Traded Products (28.51%)          
Global X Scientific Beta Asia ex-Japan ETF   10,200   $252,042 
Global X Scientific Beta Europe ETF   1,000    24,110 
Global X Scientific Beta Japan ETF   1,000    27,380 
iShares Europe ETF   66,000    2,863,740 
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF   44,100    1,892,772 
iShares MSCI Japan ETF   100    5,472 
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF   19,600    899,640 
Total International Equity Exchange Traded Products        5,965,156 
           
International Fixed-Income Exchange Traded Products (30.71%)          
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF(a)    115,200    6,424,704 
           
U.S. Equity Exchange Traded Products (36.38%)          
Global X Scientific Beta US ETF   26,600    842,973 
SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF(a)    125,400    6,063,090 
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust   2,500    706,200 
Total U.S. Equity Exchange Traded Products        7,612,263 
           
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED PRODUCTS (Cost $19,666,908)        20,002,123 

 

 

   7-Day Yield   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (3.16%)            
Money Market Fund            
Federated Government Obligations Fund, Premier Shares   2.327%   661,912   $661,912 
                
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $661,912)             661,912 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (98.76%) (Cost $20,328,820)            $20,664,035 
                
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (1.24%)             259,006 
                
NET ASSETS (100.00%)            $20,923,041 

 

(a) Represents an investment greater than 25% of the Fund's net assets. Performance of the Fund may be adversely impacted by concentrated investments in securities. The financial statements and portfolio holdings for these securities can be found at www.sec.gov.

 

Summary of Abbreviations

ETF - Exchange Traded Funds

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6 www.americanindependence.com

 

 

American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
MUNICIPAL BONDS (97.74%)        
Education (30.38%)        
Barton Community College, Certificate Participation Bonds        
4.000%, 12/01/2032  $555,000   $605,677 
4.000%, 12/01/2034   250,000    269,290 
Bourbon County Unified School District No. 234-Fort Scott, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 09/01/2025   355,000    408,246 
Butler County Unified School District No. 385 Andover, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2030   690,000    769,343 
4.000%, 09/01/2031   500,000    552,135 
5.000%, 09/01/2032   750,000    898,905 
5.000%, 09/01/2034   2,000,000    2,381,440 
Butler County Unified School District No. 490 El Dorado, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2036   500,000    536,455 
Dodge City Community College, Revenue Bonds          
5.125%, 04/01/2030   250,000    258,785 
Douglas County Unified School District No. 497 Lawrence, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2031   1,500,000    1,680,465 
4.000%, 09/01/2033   500,000    535,160 
Finney County Unified School District No. 457 Garden City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2031   500,000    544,405 
Ford County Unified School District No. 443 Dodge City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 03/01/2034   1,000,000    1,088,100 
Franklin County Unified School District No. 290 Ottawa, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2040   250,000    262,433 
5.000%, 09/01/2031   1,715,000    1,992,813 
5.000%, 09/01/2032   150,000    173,905 
5.000%, 09/01/2033   1,000,000    1,158,270 
Geary County Unified School District No. 475, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2038   2,000,000    2,117,320 
Hutchinson Community College & Area Vocational School, Certificate Participation Bonds          
4.000%, 10/01/2037   1,700,000    1,745,084 
Johnson & Miami Counties Unified School District No. 230 Spring Hills, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2033   1,000,000    1,086,180 
4.000%, 09/01/2035   1,000,000    1,075,690 
5.250%, 09/01/2029   1,500,000    1,626,885 
Johnson County Unified School District No. 233 Olathe, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2031   1,000,000    1,103,680 
4.000%, 09/01/2033   905,000    979,184 
4.000%, 09/01/2035   790,000    850,119 
4.000%, 09/01/2036   480,000    514,478 
Johnson County Unified School District No. 512 Shawnee Mission, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 10/01/2032   1,000,000    1,174,390 
Kansas Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 05/01/2034   1,000,000    1,047,810 
Leavenworth County Unified School District No. 453, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2036   1,000,000    1,078,450 
5.250%, 09/01/2023   60,000    60,924 
Leavenworth County Unified School District No. 458, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 09/01/2029   395,000    400,676 
5.000%, 09/01/2030   215,000    218,090 
5.000%, 09/01/2038   1,000,000    1,164,060 
Rice County Unified School District No. 376 Sterling, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.250%, 09/01/2035   500,000    507,825 
Riley County Unified School District No. 383 Manhattan-Ogden, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 09/01/2023   1,000,000    1,013,910 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 7  

 

 

American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

 March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
Education (continued)        
Scott County Unified School District No. 466 Scott City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds        
4.000%, 09/01/2037  $1,000,000   $1,042,030 
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 259 Wichita, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
3.000%, 10/01/2021   500,000    516,045 
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 260 Derby, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 10/01/2029   340,000    380,151 
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 261 Haysville, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 11/01/2019   20,000    20,057 
5.000%, 11/01/2023   5,000    5,013 
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 262 Valley Center, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2030   500,000    537,295 
5.000%, 09/01/2033   750,000    852,967 
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 264 Clearwater, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2029   530,000    584,458 
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 265 Goddard, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 10/01/2024   370,000    431,868 
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 266 Maize, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 09/01/2021   500,000    542,190 
Seward County Unified School District No. 480 Liberal, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 09/01/2029   2,390,000    2,792,237 
Shawne County Unified School District No. 437 Auburn - Washburn, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
3.950%, 09/01/2028   825,000    853,050 
Sumner County Unified School District No. 353 Wellington, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 09/01/2026   230,000    258,348 
Washburn University/Topeka, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 07/01/2041   330,000    345,424 
5.000%, 07/01/2035   500,000    573,680 
Wyandotte County Unified School District No. 500 Kansas City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 09/01/2030   500,000    596,515 
Total Education        42,211,910 
           
General Obligation (30.17%)          
Ashland Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2019   100,000    100,623 
4.000%, 09/01/2020   110,000    112,269 
5.000%, 09/01/2035   720,000    766,843 
City of Abilene, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.300%, 09/01/2027   150,000    155,830 
4.600%, 09/01/2030   500,000    521,525 
City of Abilene, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 12/01/2029   325,000    362,801 
4.000%, 12/01/2031   445,000    488,516 
City of Dodge City, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 06/01/2024   230,000    253,007 
City of Haysville, Certificate Participation Bonds          
4.125%, 11/01/2032   460,000    470,235 
City of Junction City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.500%, 09/01/2031   1,000,000    1,032,090 
City of Lawrence, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2030   470,000    528,012 
4.000%, 09/01/2031   445,000    495,285 
City of Leawood, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 09/01/2025   665,000    798,279 
City of Manhattan, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 11/01/2025   570,000    683,994 
City of Merriam, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 10/01/2027   1,670,000    2,084,828 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8 www.americanindependence.com  

 

 

American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
General Obligation (continued)        
City of Newton, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds        
4.000%, 09/01/2023  $250,000   $272,448 
City of Olathe, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 10/01/2028   1,315,000    1,496,154 
5.000%, 10/01/2024   535,000    612,773 
City of Park City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.375%, 12/01/2025   5,000    5,072 
City of Phillipsburg, Revenue Bonds          
4.500%, 10/01/2028   545,000    563,399 
City of Shawnee, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 12/01/2027   425,000    471,992 
City of Topeka, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.500%, 08/15/2030   450,000    454,451 
City of Wichita, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 06/01/2026   475,000    492,523 
4.000%, 06/01/2027   780,000    809,234 
4.000%, 12/01/2029   250,000    262,250 
4.000%, 06/01/2030   820,000    932,020 
5.000%, 12/01/2025   500,000    602,795 
County of Clay, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 10/01/2036   750,000    797,363 
County of Johnson, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
3.000%, 09/01/2030   400,000    405,880 
4.000%, 09/01/2028   1,125,000    1,259,494 
County of Scott, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
5.000%, 04/01/2028   500,000    517,205 
Crawford County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds          
5.375%, 09/01/2024   1,300,000    1,320,410 
Johnson County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2024   500,000    517,290 
4.000%, 09/01/2029   650,000    731,315 
4.000%, 09/01/2031   1,500,000    1,661,955 
4.500%, 09/01/2027   955,000    1,017,132 
Kansas Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 10/01/2020   250,000    258,353 
4.750%, 09/01/2034   360,000    364,291 
5.000%, 04/01/2025   800,000    892,280 
5.000%, 04/01/2026   1,485,000    1,653,874 
5.000%, 11/01/2029   2,060,000    2,099,326 
5.000%, 04/01/2031   1,000,000    1,104,200 
5.000%, 04/01/2034   2,000,000    2,201,300 
5.250%, 11/15/2021   1,300,000    1,329,091 
5.500%, 11/15/2022   1,000,000    1,024,221 
Overland Park Transportation Development District, Revenue Bonds          
5.900%, 04/01/2032   975,000    998,576 
Unified Government of Greeley County, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 12/01/2029   250,000    271,148 
4.000%, 12/01/2032   100,000    106,038 
Wyandotte County-Kansas City Unified Government, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds          
4.000%, 08/01/2029   685,000    776,900 
4.000%, 08/01/2030   1,560,000    1,705,963 
4.000%, 08/01/2031   930,000    985,707 
5.000%, 08/01/2029   1,000,000    1,045,370 
Wyandotte County-Kansas City Unified Government, Revenue Bonds          
4.875%, 10/01/2028   400,000    390,060 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 9  

 

 

American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

 March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
General Obligation (continued)        
5.000%, 12/01/2023  $570,000   $647,925 
Total General Obligation        41,911,915 
           
Health Care (10.29%)          
Allen County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds          
5.150%, 12/01/2036   500,000    563,480 
City of Manhattan, Revenue Bonds          
5.000%, 11/15/2029   680,000    743,736 
City of Olathe, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2030   450,000    470,594 
City of Wichita, Revenue Bonds          
4.750%, 11/15/2024   810,000    825,909 
5.000%, 11/15/2029   1,570,000    1,705,114 
County of Franklin, Certificate Participation Bonds          
4.750%, 09/01/2021   465,000    465,576 
Kansas Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 04/01/2024   230,000    235,313 
4.500%, 04/01/2022   225,000    231,316 
5.000%, 02/01/2022   555,000    569,891 
5.000%, 11/15/2027   1,000,000    1,019,540 
5.000%, 04/01/2029   650,000    671,645 
5.000%, 11/15/2032   1,500,000    1,630,350 
5.000%, 11/15/2034   350,000    379,753 
5.000%, 05/15/2035   330,000    331,350 
5.250%, 01/01/2025   200,000    205,214 
5.250%, 11/15/2030   250,000    255,300 
5.375%, 03/01/2030   1,000,000    1,031,040 
Lyon County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds          
5.000%, 12/01/2035   1,335,000    1,531,165 
Pawnee County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 02/15/2031   145,000    149,243 
University of Kansas Hospital Authority, Revenue Bonds          
5.000%, 09/01/2028   250,000    293,625 
5.000%, 09/01/2030   350,000    405,832 
5.000%, 09/01/2031   500,000    576,860 
Total Health Care        14,291,846 
           
Housing (2.48%)          
La Cygne Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds          
5.000%, 11/01/2029   375,000    381,630 
Pratt County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds          
3.250%, 12/01/2032   655,000    655,242 
Topeka Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds          
5.000%, 06/01/2027   2,355,000    2,408,058 
Total Housing        3,444,930 
           
Transportation (8.47%)          
Kansas Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 09/01/2026   1,000,000    1,029,660 
5.000%, 09/01/2032   500,000    622,645 
State of Kansas Department of Transportation, Revenue Bonds          
5.000%, 09/01/2023   200,000    229,040 
5.000%, 09/01/2024   500,000    586,185 
5.000%, 09/01/2028   1,500,000    1,852,875 
5.000%, 09/01/2029   1,000,000    1,177,790 
5.000%, 09/01/2031   2,000,000    2,420,900 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10 www.americanindependence.com  

 

 

American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
Transportation (continued)        
5.000%, 09/01/2034  $3,260,000   $3,848,925 
Total Transportation        11,768,020 
           
Utilities (15.95%)          
City of Lawrence Water & Sewage System, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 11/01/2038   1,000,000    1,057,810 
City of Olathe Water & Sewer System, Revenue Bonds          
4.000%, 07/01/2024   250,000    276,613 
City of Topeka Combined Utility, Revenue Bonds          
3.375%, 08/01/2032   1,335,000    1,344,786 
3.500%, 08/01/2033   2,285,000    2,302,252 
4.000%, 08/01/2026   2,600,000    2,740,400 
4.500%, 08/01/2033   650,000    655,206 
City of Wichita Water & Sewer Utility, Revenue Bonds          
3.250%, 10/01/2031   1,070,000    1,079,427 
4.000%, 10/01/2029   1,000,000    1,037,480 
4.000%, 10/01/2030   1,000,000    1,037,480 
5.000%, 10/01/2025   1,000,000    1,079,780 
5.000%, 10/01/2028   2,650,000    2,857,362 
Kansas Power Pool, Revenue Bonds          
5.000%, 12/01/2019   600,000    612,480 
5.000%, 12/01/2023   200,000    217,248 
5.000%, 12/01/2028   700,000    814,457 
Kansas Rural Water Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds          
4.100%, 09/01/2034   270,000    274,344 
Wyandotte County-Kansas City Unified Government Utility System, Revenue Bonds          
4.250%, 09/01/2023   500,000    510,905 
5.000%, 09/01/2027   1,300,000    1,396,837 
5.000%, 09/01/2031   1,350,000    1,560,790 
5.000%, 09/01/2032   1,090,000    1,193,528 
5.000%, 09/01/2033   100,000    114,417 
Total Utilities        22,163,602 
           
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS (Cost $132,436,111)        135,792,223 

 

   7-Day Yield   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.97%)            
Money Market Fund            
Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares   2.297%   2,739,289   $2,739,289 
                
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,739,289)             2,739,289 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.71%) (Cost $135,175,400)            $138,531,512 
                
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.29%)             401,147 
                
NET ASSETS (100.00%)            $138,932,659 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 11

 

 

American Independence Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE GLOBAL TACTICAL ALLOCATION FUND   AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE KANSAS TAX- EXEMPT BOND FUND 
ASSETS:        
Investments, at value (Cost $20,328,820 and $135,175,400)  $20,664,035   $138,531,512 
Receivable for investments sold   414,945     
Receivable for shares sold   65,050    64,342 
Dividends and interest receivable   6,952    1,358,558 
Other assets   16,465    29,455 
Total Assets   21,167,447    139,983,867 
           
LIABILITIES:          
Distributions payable       315,566 
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees   40,088    29,375 
Payable for investments purchased   84,368    612,410 
Payable for shares redeemed   68,778    13,078 
Payable to adviser   4,098    21,549 
Payable for distribution and service fees   1,635    856 
Payable for printing   760    53 
Payable for professional fees   27,997    41,767 
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses   131     
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees   3,622    5,260 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   12,929    11,294 
Total Liabilities   244,406    1,051,208 
NET ASSETS  $20,923,041   $138,932,659 
           
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:          
Paid-in capital (Note 5)  $21,714,415   $135,284,886 
Total distributable earnings   (791,374)   3,647,773 
NET ASSETS  $20,923,041   $138,932,659 
           
PRICING OF SHARES          
Institutional Class:          
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $9.68   $10.77 
Net Assets  $14,013,014   $134,875,817 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   1,448,080    12,517,516 
Class A :          
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $9.60   $10.78 
Net Assets  $6,910,027   $4,056,842 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   719,603    376,462 
Maximum offering price per share(a)   $10.19   $11.26 

 

(a) Net Asset Value/100% minus maximum sales charge of net asset value, 5.75% and 4.25% respectively for the Funds, adjusted to the nearest cent.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

12 www.americanindependence.com

 

 

American Independence Funds Statements of Operations

 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE GLOBAL TACTICAL ALLOCATION FUND   AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE KANSAS TAX- EXEMPT BOND FUND 
INVESTMENT INCOME:        
Dividends  $324,040   $21,764 
Interest       2,209,821 
Total Investment Income   324,040    2,231,585 
           
EXPENSES:          
Investment advisory fees (Note 6)   114,442    202,455 
Administration fees   19,945    99,171 
Distribution fees          
Class A   11,962    5,232 
Custody fees   37    2,316 
Legal fees   1,744    6,150 
Audit and tax fees   6,501    6,967 
Transfer agent fees   40,383    16,272 
Trustees fees and expenses   1,616    6,598 
Registration and filing fees   15,110    10,049 
Printing fees   2,192    5,054 
Chief Compliance Officer fees   6,252    21,703 
Insurance fees   31    139 
Other expenses   3,440    5,803 
Total Expenses   223,655    387,909 
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser (Note 6)          
Institutional Class   (45,560)   (55,444)
Class A   (22,320)   (3,318)
Total fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser   (67,880)   (58,762)
Net Expenses   155,775    329,147 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   168,265    1,902,438 
           
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:          
Net realized gain/(loss) on:          
Investments   (941,413)   348,547 
Net realized gain/(loss)   (941,413)   348,547 
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:          
Investments   4,492    2,546,101 
Net change   4,492    2,546,101 
           
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS   (936,921)   2,894,648 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(768,656)  $4,797,086 

  

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 13

 

 

American Independence Global
Tactical Allocation Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a)    For the Year Ended October 31, 2017 
OPERATIONS:            
Net investment income  $168,265   $1,247,186   $1,961,191 
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments   (941,413)   10,693,162    3,920,283 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   4,492    (10,162,136)   9,660,783 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (768,656)   1,778,212    15,542,257 
                
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)                
Institutional Class   (3,844,973)   (2,800,890)   (720,260)
Class A (c)    (1,803,990)   (2,261,503)   (563,180)
Class C (c)        (145,462)   (17,786)
Total distributions   (5,648,963)   (5,207,855)   (1,301,226)
                
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):               
Institutional Class               
Shares sold   1,925,466    24,535,873    30,834,298 
Dividends reinvested   2,987,525    1,859,235    490,606 
Shares redeemed   (17,882,573)   (65,522,791)   (11,783,964)
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions   (12,969,582)   (39,127,683)   19,540,940 
Class A (c)                
Shares sold   41,989    9,225,330    24,876,625 
Dividends reinvested   1,662,406    1,790,835    281,975 
Shares redeemed   (4,773,398)   (59,181,296)   (26,350,301)
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions   (3,069,003)   (48,165,131)   (1,191,701)
Class C (c)                
Shares sold       221,432    540,680 
Dividends reinvested       116,345    15,079 
Shares redeemed       (4,373,476)   (2,146,016)
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions       (4,035,699)   (1,590,257)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (22,456,204)   (94,758,156)   31,000,013 
                
NET ASSETS:               
Beginning of period   43,379,245    138,137,401    107,137,388 
End of period  $20,923,041   $43,379,245   $138,137,401 

 

(a)Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30.
(b)For the prior year ended October 31, 2017, American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund had Total Distributions consisting of Net Investment Income of $1,301,226, and Net Realized Gains of $0 and Net Assets included accumulated net investment income of $798,190.
(c)Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 24, 2018. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent the merger. As a result of the merger, Shareholder equity in Class A increased by $2,040,463 and 172,662 shares.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

14 www.americanindependence.com

 

 

American Independence Kansas
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a)    For the Year Ended October 31, 2017 
OPERATIONS:            
Net investment income  $1,902,438   $3,968,031   $5,370,631 
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments   348,547    1,077,483    (244,507)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   2,546,101    (5,413,242)   (3,649,118)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   4,797,086    (367,728)   1,477,006 
                
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)                
Institutional Class   (2,351,966)   (3,771,175)   (5,057,517)
Class A (c)    (69,985)   (180,929)   (294,193)
Class C (c)        (8,545)   (18,921)
Total distributions   (2,421,951)   (3,960,649)   (5,370,631)
                
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):               
Institutional Class               
Shares sold   9,694,981    28,106,930    28,351,865 
Dividends reinvested   476,921    384,039    453,721 
Shares redeemed   (10,837,330)   (58,543,555)   (48,557,589)
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions   (665,428)   (30,052,586)   (19,752,003)
Class A (c)                
Shares sold   8,749    651,534    381,419 
Dividends reinvested   54,872    113,411    164,729 
Shares redeemed   (824,199)   (7,251,264)   (374,573)
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions   (760,578)   (6,486,319)   171,575 
Class C (c)                
Shares sold       27,246    1,536 
Dividends reinvested       4,246    8,118 
Shares redeemed       (710,429)   (459,797)
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions       (678,937)   (450,143)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   949,129    (41,546,219)   (23,924,196)
                
NET ASSETS:               
Beginning of period   137,983,530    179,529,749    203,453,945 
End of period  $138,932,659   $137,983,530   $179,529,749 

 

(a) Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30.
(b) For the prior year ended October 31, 2017, American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund had Total Distributions consisting of Net Investment Income of $5,370,631, and Net Realized Gains of $0 and Net Assets included accumulated net investment income of $72,211.
(c) Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 24, 2018. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent the merger. As a result of the merger, Shareholder equity in Class A increased by $342,954 and 32,402 shares.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 15

 

 

American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund Financial Highlights

 

Institutional Class For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a)    For the Year Ended October 31, 2017   For the Year Ended October 31, 2016   For the Year Ended October 31, 2015   For the Year Ended October 31, 2014   For the Period Ended October 31, 2013(b)  
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $11.83   $12.09   $10.68   $10.52   $10.69   $10.18   $10.00 
                                    
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                                   
Net investment income(c)    0.06    0.17    0.22    0.26    0.32    0.21    0.01(d) 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   (0.19)   0.01(e)     1.34    0.09    (0.10)   0.35    0.17 
Total from investment operations   (0.13)   0.18    1.56    0.35    0.22    0.56    0.18 
                                    
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                                   
From net investment income   (0.16)   (0.15)   (0.15)   (0.19)   (0.39)   (0.05)    
From net realized gains on investments   (1.86)   (0.29)                    
Total Distributions   (2.02)   (0.44)   (0.15)   (0.19)   (0.39)   (0.05)    
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (2.15)   (0.26)   1.41    0.16    (0.17)   0.51    0.18 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $9.68   $11.83   $12.09   $10.68   $10.52   $10.69   $10.18 
                                    
TOTAL RETURN(f)     (0.84%)   1.53%   14.78%   3.34%   2.10%   5.52%   1.80%
                                    
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $14,013   $31,417   $72,454   $45,813   $20,028   $6,329   $6,934 
                                    
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                                   
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver   1.39%(g)     1.42%(g)     1.23%   1.27%   1.33%   1.73%   10.18%(g)  
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver   0.95%(g)     1.01%(g)     0.95%   0.95%   0.94%   0.90%   0.90%(g)  
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver   1.18%(g)     1.52%(g)     1.93%   2.48%   2.98%   2.00%   6.14%(g)(h)  
                                    
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(i)     227%   193%   138%   129%   98%   166%   19%

 

(a)Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30.
(b)Commenced operations on September 20, 2013.
(c)Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted.
(d)Calculated based on ending shares outstanding during the period.
(e)Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.
(f)  Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(g)  Annualized.
(h)  Due to the short life of the Fund and significant cash inflows into the Institutional Class at the end of the year in question; the ratio of net investment income is not indicative of future results.
(i)  Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

16 www.americanindependence.com

 

 

American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund Financial Highlights

 

Class A For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a)(b)     For the Year Ended October 31, 2017   For the Year Ended October 31, 2016   For the Year Ended October 31, 2015   For the Year Ended October 31, 2014   For the Period Ended October 31, 2013(c)   
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $11.75   $12.04   $10.64   $10.50   $10.65   $10.18   $10.00 
                                    
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                                   
Net investment income(d)     0.05    0.14    0.18    0.23    0.29    0.24    0.00(e)(f)  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   (0.20)   0.00(e)(g)     1.33    0.08    (0.10)   0.27    0.18 
Total from investment operations   (0.15)   0.14    1.51    0.31    0.19    0.51    0.18 
                                    
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                                   
From net investment income   (0.14)   (0.14)   (0.11)   (0.17)   (0.34)   (0.04)    
From net realized gains on investments   (1.86)   (0.29)                    
Total Distributions   (2.00)   (0.43)   (0.11)   (0.17)   (0.34)   (0.04)    
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (2.15)   (0.29)   1.40    0.14    (0.15)   0.47    0.18 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $9.60   $11.75   $12.04   $10.64   $10.50   $10.65   $10.18 
                                    
TOTAL RETURN(h)     (1.01%)   1.19%   14.34%   2.99%   1.75%   5.07%   1.80%
                                    
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $6,910   $11,962   $61,546   $56,135   $38,019   $21,684   $3,876 
                                    
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                                   
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver   1.67%(i)     1.91%(i)     1.73%   1.77%   1.75%   2.23%   10.77%(i)  
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver   1.20%(i)     1.37%(i)     1.33%   1.33%   1.28%   1.28%   1.28%(i)  
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver   0.96%(i)     1.25%(i)     1.59%   2.23%   2.70%   2.32%   0.25%(i)(j)  
                                    
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(k)     227%   193%   138%   129%   98%   166%   19%

 

(a)Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30.
(b)Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 24, 2018. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger.
(c)Commenced operations on September 20, 2013.
(d)Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted.
(e)Less than $0.005 per share.
(f)Calculated based on ending shares outstanding during the period.
(g)Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.
(h)  Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(i)Annualized.
(j)Due to the short life of the Fund and significant cash inflows into the Institutional Class at the end of the year in question; the ratio of net investment income is not indicative of future results.
(k)Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 17

 

 

American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Financial Highlights

 

Institutional Class For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a)      For the Year Ended October 31, 2017    For the Year Ended October 31, 2016    For the Year Ended October 31, 2015    For the Year Ended October 31, 2014    For the Year Ended October 31, 2013 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $10.59   $10.88   $11.09   $11.11   $11.16   $10.80   $11.28 
                                    
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                                   
Net investment income(b)     0.15    0.27    0.32    0.33    0.35    0.37(c)     0.35(c)  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   0.22    (0.29)   (0.21)   (0.02)   (0.05)   0.36    (0.48)
Total from investment operations   0.37    (0.02)   0.11    0.31    0.30    0.73    (0.13)
                                    
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                                   
From net investment income   (0.15)   (0.27)   (0.32)   (0.33)   (0.35)   (0.37)   (0.35)
From net realized gains on investments   (0.04)                        
Total Distributions   (0.19)   (0.27)   (0.32)   (0.33)   (0.35)   (0.37)   (0.35)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   0.18    (0.29)   (0.21)   (0.02)   (0.05)   0.36    (0.48)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $10.77   $10.59   $10.88   $11.09   $11.11   $11.16   $10.80 
                                    
TOTAL RETURN(d)     3.54%   (0.15%)   1.04%   2.80%   2.70%   6.89%   (1.13%)
                                    
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $134,876   $133,235   $167,374   $190,780   $181,983   $183,423   $232,502 
                                    
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                                   
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver   0.56%(e)     0.75%(e)     0.61%   0.60%   0.60%   0.58%   0.55%
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver   0.48%(e)     0.56%(e)     0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%   0.48%
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver   2.83%(e)     2.80%(e)     2.95%   2.94%   3.12%   3.39%   3.20%
                                    
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)     5%   14%   9%   10%   13%   1%   8%

 

(a)Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30.
(b)Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted.
(c)Calculated based on ending shares outstanding during the period.
(d)  Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e)Annualized.
(f)Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

18 www.americanindependence.com

 

 

American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Financial Highlights
 
Class A For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a)(b)      For the Year Ended October 31, 2017    For the Year Ended October 31, 2016    For the Year Ended October 31, 2015    For the Year Ended October 31, 2014    For the Year Ended October 31, 2013 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $10.59   $10.88   $11.09   $11.11   $11.16   $10.80   $11.28 
                                    
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                                   
Net investment income(c)     0.14    0.24    0.28    0.29    0.31    0.33(d)     0.31(d)  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   0.23    (0.29)   (0.21)   (0.02)   (0.05)   0.36    (0.48)
Total from investment operations   0.37    (0.05)   0.07    0.27    0.26    0.69    (0.17)
                                    
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                                   
From net investment income   (0.14)   (0.24)   (0.28)   (0.29)   (0.31)   (0.33)   (0.31)
From net realized gains on investments   (0.04)                        
Total Distributions   (0.18)   (0.24)   (0.28)   (0.29)   (0.31)   (0.33)   (0.31)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   0.19    (0.29)   (0.21)   (0.02)   (0.05)   0.36    (0.48)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $10.78   $10.59   $10.88   $11.09   $11.11   $11.16   $10.80 
                                    
TOTAL RETURN(e)     3.51%   (0.51%)   0.65%   2.41%   2.34%   6.47%   (1.52%)
                                    
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                   
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $4,057   $4,748   $11,462   $11,509   $10,620   $10,186   $9,815 
                                    
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                                   
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver   0.89%(f)     1.25%(f)     1.11%   1.10%   1.03%   1.08%   1.05%
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver   0.73%(f)     0.94%(f)     0.87%   0.87%   0.83%   0.87%   0.87%
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver   2.58%(f)     2.43%(f)     2.56%   2.55%   2.76%   3.00%   2.82%
                                    
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(g)     5%   14%   9%   10%   13%   1%   8%

 

(a) Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30.
(b) Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 24, 2018. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger.
(c) Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted.
(d) Calculated based on ending shares outstanding during the period.
(e) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(f) Annualized.
(g) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 19

 

 

American Independence Funds Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund ("Global Tactical Allocation Fund") and American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (each individually “Fund” or collectively “Funds”). The Global Tactical Allocation Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek to provide long-term capital appreciation. The Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund’s primary investment objective is to preserve capital while producing current income for the investor that is exempt from both federal and Kansas state income taxes. The Funds currently offer Institutional Class Shares and Class A Shares. Each share class has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (“Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

Investment Valuation: The Funds generally value their securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

For equity securities and shares of registered investment companies that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.

 

The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third-party pricing service approved by the Board, which may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable investments, market indices and yield curves. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed to be unreliable, the market price may be determined using quotations received from one or more broker-dealers that make a market in the security.

 

Most securities listed on a foreign exchange are valued either at the last sale price at the close of the exchange on which the security is principally traded or at fair value (see description below). Foreign securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate of said currencies against the U.S. Dollar, as of Valuation Time, as provided by an independent pricing service approved by the Board.

 

Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value, with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities.

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

 

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

 

 
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American Independence Funds Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2019:

 

Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
International Equity Exchange Traded Products  $5,965,156   $   $   $5,965,156 
International Fixed-Income Exchange Traded Products   6,424,704            6,424,704 
U.S. Equity Exchange Traded Products   7,612,263            7,612,263 
Short Term Investments   661,912            661,912 
Total  $20,664,035   $   $   $20,664,035 

 

Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Municipal Bonds  $   $135,792,223   $   $135,792,223 
Short Term Investments   2,739,289            2,739,289 
Total  $2,739,289   $135,792,223   $   $138,531,512 

 

*For a detailed Sector breakdown, see the accompanying Portfolio of Investments.

 

There were no Level 3 securities held in either of the Funds at March 31, 2019.

 

Securities Purchased on a When-Issued Basis: Each Fund may purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis. When-issued securities are securities purchased for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and/or yield, thereby involving the risk that the price and/or yield obtained may be more or less than those available in the market when delivery takes place. At the time a Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, the Fund records the transaction and reflects the value of the security in determining net asset value. Normally, the settlement date occurs within one month of the purchase. No payment is made by the Fund and no interest accrues to the Fund during the period between purchase and settlement.

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Funds consider their investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Funds maintain cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Funds maintain these balances with a high-quality financial institution.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 21

 

 

American Independence Funds Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: The Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Fund to a credit risk. The Funds do not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.

 

The Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund invests primarily in debt obligations issued by the State of Kansas and its respective political subdivisions, agencies and public authorities. The Fund is more susceptible to economic and political factors adversely affecting issuers of Kansas specific municipal securities than are municipal bond funds that are not concentrated in these issuers to the same extent.

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees’ fees and expenses.

 

Fund Expenses: Some expenses can be directly attributed to a Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.

 

Class Expenses: Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the distribution (Rule 12b-1) and/or shareholder service plans for a particular class of each Fund are charged to the operations of such class.

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Funds intend to comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intend to distribute substantially all of their net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Funds are not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

As of and during the six month period ended March 31, 2019, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds file U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Funds’ administrator has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that, as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements related to these tax positions.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis for financial reporting purposes). Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned based on the effective yield method. Dividend income and realized gain distributions from underlying investments are recognized on the ex-dividend date. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.

 

Distributions to Shareholders: Distributions from net investment income for the Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions from net investment income, if any, for the Global Tactical Allocation Fund are declared and paid quarterly. Distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest, dividends and other income the Funds receive from their investments, including short- term capital gains. Long term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when a Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. A Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

3. TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Funds. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions are estimated at the time of distribution and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.

 

 
22 www.americanindependence.com

 

 

American Independence Funds Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds for the fiscal periods or years ended September 30, 2018, October 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016 respectively, were as follows:

 

   Ordinary Income   Tax-Exempt Income   Long-Term Capital Gains 
Global Tactical Allocation Fund  $5,006,179   $   $201,676 
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund   49,064    3,911,585     
                
   Ordinary Income   Tax-Exempt Income   Long-Term Capital Gains 
Global Tactical Allocation Fund  $1,301,226   $   $ 
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund       5,370,631     
                
   Ordinary Income   Tax-Exempt Income   Long-Term Capital Gains 
Global Tactical Allocation Fund  $1,234,579   $   $ 
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund   308    5,687,453     

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments: As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation for Federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

   Global Tactical Allocation Fund   Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $310,466   $3,457,791 
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (9,380)   (101,679)
Net unrealized appreciation  $301,086   $3,356,112 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $20,362,949   $135,175,400 

 

4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six month period ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

   Purchases of Securities   Proceeds from Sales of Securities 
Global Tactical Allocation Fund  $37,087,802   $53,512,973 
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund   6,784,253    9,576,501 

 

5. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Funds have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Funds nor any of their creditors have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 23

 

 

American Independence Funds Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Transactions in common shares were as follows:

 

   For the Period Ended March 31, 2019   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a)     For the Year Ended October 31, 2017 
Global Tactical Allocation Fund               
Institutional Class               
Shares sold   193,205    2,040,221    2,718,628 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   309,163    156,547    45,399 
Shares redeemed   (1,709,381)   (5,533,403)   (1,062,820)
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding   (1,207,013)   (3,336,635)   1,701,207 
Class A               
Shares sold   3,923    774,392    2,203,305 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   173,463    151,407    26,027 
Shares redeemed   (475,514)   (5,018,761)   (2,395,818)
Net decrease in shares outstanding   (298,128)   (4,092,962)   (166,486)
Class C               
Shares sold       18,642    48,482 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders       10,002    1,324 
Shares redeemed       (377,558)   (196,239)
Net decrease in shares outstanding       (348,914)   (146,433)
                
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund               
Institutional Class               
Shares sold   910,529    2,618,566    2,598,718 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   45,038    35,603    41,610 
Shares redeemed   (1,022,968)   (5,458,564)   (4,458,454)
Net decrease in shares outstanding   (67,401)   (2,804,395)   (1,818,126)
Class A               
Shares sold   821    61,220    34,999 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   5,164    10,574    15,117 
Shares redeemed   (77,996)   (677,021)   (34,278)
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding   (72,011)   (605,227)   15,838 
Class C               
Shares sold       2,509    142 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders       396    745 
Shares redeemed       (66,742)   (42,133)
Net decrease in shares outstanding       (63,837)   (41,246)

 

(a)  Effective September 24, 2018, the Predecessor Kansas Fund and Predecessor GTA Fund merged with and into clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30.

 

Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 27% of the shares outstanding of the Global Tactical Allocation Fund are owned by one omnibus account. Approximately 95% of the shares outstanding of the Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund are owned by one omnibus account.

 

6. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Investment Advisory: Manifold Partners LLC (“Adviser” or "Manifold Partners"), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Funds’ business affairs. The Adviser manages the investments of the Funds in accordance with each Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.

 

 
24 www.americanindependence.com

 

 

American Independence Funds Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Global Tactical Allocation Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.75% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, and the Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.30% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fees are paid on a monthly basis. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement is two years and the Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms by approval at an in-person meeting called for the purpose of considering such matters. The Board and shareholders of the Funds may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 days’ prior written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ prior written notice.

 

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (“Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of interest, dividend expense on short sales/interest expense, taxes, brokerage commissions, other investment related costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, distribution service fees (i.e., Rule 12b-1 fees), shareholder service fee, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business, for the Global Tactical Allocation Fund and Kansas Fund to 0.95% and 0.48%, respectively, of each Fund’s average daily net assets for Institutional Class shares and Class A shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2021. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that each Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis. The Adviser may not discontinue this waiver without the approval by the Trust's Board. Fees waived or reimbursed for the six month period ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statements of Operations.

 

Lee Capital Management, L.P. is the Sub-Adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Global Tactical Allocation Fund.

 

Carret Asset Management, LLC is the Sub-Adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund.

 

Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to the Funds. The Funds have agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Funds including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration, and will generally assist in the Funds’ operations. The Funds’ administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers and an Interested Trustee of the Trust are employees of ALPS. ALPS is reimbursed by the Funds for certain out of pocket expenses.

 

Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for the Funds under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Compliance Services: ALPS provides services as the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of each Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of each Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of each Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Funds. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares of the Funds and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

Each Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan (“Shareholder Services Plan”) for its Class A Shares. Under the Shareholder Services Plan each Fund is authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and other institutions, including broker-dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of each Fund’s Class A Shares to Participating Organizations as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization. Each Fund can pay distribution and service fees at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of its Class A share assets. As of March 31, 2019, both Funds assessed the full 0.25% of distribution fees.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 25

 

 

American Independence Funds Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

7. TRUSTEES

 

 

As of March 31, 2019, there were four Trustees, three of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

8. INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

 

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

 

9. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Funds have elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.

 

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

 
26 www.americanindependence.com

 

 

American Independence Funds Additional Information
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD

 

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-833-287-7933 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-833-287-7933 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

3. SHAREHOLDER PROXY RESULTS

 

 

At a Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, held on April 2, 2019, shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 2, 2019 voted to approve the following proposals:

 

Proposal 1: To approve a new Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement among the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, Manifold Partners LLC and Carret Asset Management, LLC.

 

   Shares Voted In Favor   Shares Voted Against or Abstentions 
    11,954,603    10,465 

 

Proposal 2: To authorize Manifold to enter into and materially amend investment sub-advisory agreements in the future with affiliated or unaffiliated sub-advisers, with the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, but without obtaining Shareholder approval:

 

   Shares Voted In Favor   Shares Voted Against or Abstentions 
    11,954,603    10,465 

 

4. DISCLOSURE REGARDING RENEWAL AND APPROVAL OF FUND ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

 

The Board of Trustees (“Board”) of the ALPS Series Trust met in person on February 11, 2019 to evaluate, among other things, to determine whether approving the new investment sub-advisory agreement and interim sub-advisory agreement (the “New Sub-Advisory Agreements”) among the Trust (on behalf of the Fund), Manifold Partners LLC (“Adviser” or “Manifold”) and Carret Asset Management, LLC (“Sub-Adviser” or “Carret”) was in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders. At this Board meeting and throughout the consideration process, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, was advised by counsel.

 

Carret served as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund and was responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s assets. On February 14, 2019, GB Capital LLC, the parent company of Carret, pursuant to an agreement entered into with Morningstar Japan K.K. (“Morningstar”), a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, Inc., sold a 67% interest in Carret Holdings Inc. to Morningstar, by means of a stock sale (“Transaction”). The Transaction is deemed to result in a “change in control” of Carret for the purpose of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”) and under the terms of the 1940 Act and resulted in the automatic termination of the then current investment sub-advisory agreement with Carret (“Terminated Agreement”).

 

In voting to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board did not identify any single factor as all-important or controlling. The following summary does not identify all the matters considered by the Board but provides a summary of the principal matters the Board considered.

 

Nature, Extent, and Quality of the Services: The Trustees recalled their relatively recent initial approval of the then current investment sub-advisory agreement during which they evaluated the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Kansas Fund. The Trustees reviewed and considered Carret’s history as an asset manager and its performance generally under the then current agreement. The Trustees also recalled the research and decision-making processes utilized by Carret, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 27

 

 

American Independence Funds Additional Information
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The Trustees reviewed the background and experience of Carret’s management relating to the Fund, including the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, and noted that the Transaction would not result in a change in portfolio managers. They also discussed the resources of Carret devoted to research and analysis of actual and potential investments. They considered the Trust’s experience with Carret, including the Carret’s responsiveness and compliance record.

 

Investment Sub-Advisory Fee Rate: The Trustees reviewed and considered the proposed annual sub-advisory fee to be paid by the Trust on behalf of the Kansas Fund to Carret, noting that the fees would not change as a result of the Transaction. The Trustees considered the information they received when the then current investment sub-advisory agreement was recently approved, comparing Fund’s contractual annual advisory fees and overall expenses with those of funds in the expense group and universe of funds provided by FUSE, an independent provider of investment company data, which screened retail and institutional funds with similar strategies and comparable fee structures of Fund and excluded all others. Each FUSE peer group consisted of the Fund and several other funds identified by FUSE using similar strategies with comparable fee structures. The Board discussed the other comparable accounts managed by Carret, and the fee structure and servicing requirements for these products.

 

Performance: The Trustees recalled their discussion of performance of the predecessor fund to the Fund when the then current investment sub-advisory agreement was originally approved. They reviewed performance information for the Fund through December 31, 2018 as included in the Board Materials, noting that for the one-year period ended December 31, 2018, the Fund had performed in line with the relevant Barclays Municipal Bond Indices.

 

Profitability: The Trustees received and considered actual and estimated profitability analyses provided by Carret when the then current investment sub-advisory agreement was originally approved, as well as Carret’s confirmation that profitability had not materially changed since the last approval. The Trustees considered the profits, if any, realized and anticipated to be realized by Carret relating to the operation of the Fund. The Trustees then considered the financial condition of Carret.

 

Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Fund would be passed along to the shareholders under the New Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Trustees noted that Carret indirectly contributes to the expense limitation provided by Manifold because the annual sub-advisory fee of 0.15% is reduced by an amount equal to one half of Manifold’s fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement. They agreed that the expense limitation agreement was a benefit to shareholders and, based on current asset levels, adequately addressed the issue.

 

Other Benefits to the Adviser: The Trustees reviewed and considered any other incidental benefits derived or to be derived by Carret from its relationship with the Fund.

 

The Board summarized its deliberations with respect to the Interim Sub-Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement with Carret. In evaluating Carret and the fees to be charged under the proposed Interim Sub-Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the Interim Sub-Advisory Agreement or the New Sub-Advisory Agreement. Further, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Trustees, including all the Independent Trustees, concluded that:

 

the Kansas Fund’s contractual sub-advisory fee was not unreasonable;

 

the nature, extent and quality of services to be rendered by Carret under the proposed Interim Sub-Advisory Agreement and New Sub-Advisory Agreement were adequate;

 

bearing in mind the relatively short performance history of the Fund, the performance of the Fund was acceptable;

 

the estimated profitability of Carret relating to the management of the Fund was not unreasonable, and would remain so after the Transaction; and

 

there were no material economies of scale or other material incidental benefits accruing to Carret because of its relationship with the Fund.

 

Based on its evaluation of the considerations, the Board unanimously voted to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreements.

 

 
28 www.americanindependence.com

 

 

This material must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The American Independence Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

Portfolio Update  
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund 2
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund 4
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 6
Portfolios of Investments  
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund 8
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund 10
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 13
Statements of Operations 15
Statements of Changes in Net Assets  
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund 16
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund 17
Financial Highlights 18
Notes to Financial Statements 22
Additional Information 35

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website at www.beacontrust.com and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 1-844-894-9222 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.beacontrust.com.

 

 

Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment (at Inception* through March 31, 2019)

 

 

 

The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Institutional Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of Class A will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Performance (as of March 31, 2019)

 

  1 Month 3 Month 6 Month YTD 1 Year Since Inception*
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund – Class A 2.03% 14.82% -1.22% 14.82% 3.45%
CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index 1.76% 6.77% -4.78% 6.77% -1.19%
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund – Institutional Class 2.14% 14.90% -1.02% 14.90% 9.87% 8.24%
CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index 1.76% 6.77% -4.78% 6.77% 3.29% 2.94%

 

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month end is available by calling (844) 814-9222 or by visiting www.beacontrust.com.

 

*Inception date of October 2, 2017 for Institutional Class. Inception date of June 8, 2018 for Class A.

 

The Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index (BXM) is a benchmark index designed to track the performance of a hypothetical buy-write strategy on the S&P 500 Index. The BXM is a passive total return index based on (1) buying an S&P 500 stock index portfolio, and (2) “writing” (or selling) the near-term S&P 500 Index (SPXSM) “covered” call option, generally on the third Friday of each month. The SPX call written will have about one month remaining to expiration, with an exercise price just above the prevailing index level (i.e., slightly out of the money). The SPX call is held until expiration and cash settled, at which time a new one-month, near-the-money call is written.

 

 

2 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.

 

Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect a deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.

 

The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus), are 1.35% and 1.35%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.

 

Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Option Contract Expiration Date Strike Price  
S&P 500 Mini Index 9/13/2019 0.01 11.29%
S&P 500 Mini Index 6/14/2019 0.01 10.73%
S&P 500 Mini Index 5/14/2019 0.01 10.63%
S&P 500 Mini Index 07/12/2019 0.01 10.14%
S&P 500 Mini Index 8/14/2019 0.01 10.01%
S&P 500 Mini Index 10/14/2019 0.01 9.98%
S&P 500 Mini Index 11/14/2019 0.01 8.45%
S&P 500 Mini Index 12/13/2019 0.01 8.20%
S&P 500 Mini Index 1/14/2020 0.01 8.20%
S&P 500 Mini Index 4/12/2019 0.01 4.73%
Top Ten Holdings     92.36%

 

Asset Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Purchased Option Contracts 101.58%
Written Option Conctracts (2.85)%
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 1.27%
Total 100.00%

 

*Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 3

 

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment (at Inception* through March 31, 2019)

 

 

The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Institutional Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of the Class A will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Performance (as of March 31, 2019)

 

  1 Month 3 Month 6 Month YTD 1 Year Since Inception*
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund – Class A 1.32% 9.42% 1.32% 9.42% 3.93%
CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index 1.76% 6.77% -4.78% 6.77% -1.19%
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund – Institutional Class 1.32% 9.40% 1.42% 9.40% 7.74% 6.05%
CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index 1.76% 6.77% -4.78% 6.77% 3.29% 2.94%

 

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month end is available by calling (844) 894-9222 or by visiting www.beacontrust.com.

 

*Inception date of October 2, 2017 for Institutional Class. Inception date of June 8, 2018 for Class A.

 

The Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index (BXM) is a benchmark index designed to track the performance of a hypothetical buy-write strategy on the S&P 500 Index. The BXM is a passive total return index based on (1) buying an S&P 500 stock index portfolio, and (2) “writing” (or selling) the near-term S&P 500 Index (SPXSM) “covered” call option, generally on the third Friday of each month. The SPX call written will have about one month remaining to expiration, with an exercise price just above the prevailing index level (i.e., slightly out of the money). The SPX call is held until expiration and cash settled, at which time a new one-month, near-the-money call is written.

 

 

4 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.

 

Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect a deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.

 

The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus), 1.31% and 1.31%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.

 

Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Option Contract Expiration Date Strike Price  
S&P 500 Mini Index 10/14/2019 35.96 9.74%
S&P 500 Mini Index 1/14/2020 36.12 9.70%
S&P 500 Mini Index 12/13/2019 33.90 9.55%
S&P 500 Mini Index 05/14/2019 35.30 9.40%
S&P 500 Mini Index 07/12/2019 36.50 8.93%
S&P 500 Mini Index 8/14/2019 36.50 8.92%
S&P 500 Mini Index 9/13/2019 37.80 8.91%
S&P 500 Mini Index 4/12/2019 34.90 8.40%
S&P 500 Mini Index 6/14/2019 36.12 8.14%
S&P 500 Mini Index 2/14/2020 36.70 5.48%
Top Ten Holdings     87.17%

 

Asset Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Purchased Option Contracts 106.19%
Written Option Conctracts (7.95)%
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 1.76%
Total 100.00%

 

*Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 5

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Example. As a shareholder of the Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund or Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund (the “Funds”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.

 

Actual Expenses. The first line under each class in the following table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

6 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

  Beginning
Account Value
October 1, 2018
Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2019
Expense
Ratio(a)
Expenses Paid
During Period
October 1, 2018 -
March 31, 2019(b)
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund        
Class A        
Actual $1,000.00 $  987.80 1.42% $ 7.04
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,017.85 1.42% $ 7.14
         
Class I        
Actual $1,000.00 $  989.80 1.20% $ 5.95
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,018.95 1.20% $ 6.04
         
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund        
Class A        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,013.20 1.40% $ 7.03
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,017.95 1.40% $ 7.04
         
Class I        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,014.20 1.18% $ 5.93
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,019.05 1.18% $ 5.94

 

(a)The Fund’s expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund’s most recent fiscal half-year expenses.

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

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 7

 

 

Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Counterparty  Expiration Date  Strike Price   Contracts   Notional Value   Value (Note 2) 
PURCHASED OPTION CONTRACTS - (101.58%)          
Call Option Contracts (101.58%)          
S&P 500® Mini Index:          
Jefferies  04/12/2019   0.01   200   $5,668,800   $5,665,781 
Jefferies  04/12/2019   268.35   200    5,668,800    307,960 
Jefferies  05/14/2019   0.01   450    12,754,800    12,732,563 
Jefferies  05/14/2019   270.50   450    12,754,800    678,512 
Jefferies  06/14/2019   0.01   455    12,896,520    12,856,615 
Jefferies  06/14/2019   276.97   455    12,896,520    523,106 
Jefferies  07/12/2019   0.01   430    12,187,920    12,140,114 
Jefferies  07/12/2019   279.74   430    12,187,920    474,289 
Jefferies  08/14/2019   0.01   425    12,046,200    11,982,676 
Jefferies  08/14/2019   281.20   425    12,046,200    492,870 
Jefferies  09/13/2019   0.01   480    13,605,120    13,517,020 
Jefferies  09/13/2019   270.25   115    3,259,560    238,193 
Jefferies  09/13/2019   289.57   365    10,345,560    285,428 
Jefferies  10/14/2019   0.01   425    12,046,200    11,958,077 
Jefferies  10/14/2019   276.20   425    12,046,200    743,747 
Jefferies  11/14/2019   0.01   360    10,203,840    10,117,137 
Jefferies  11/14/2019   261.10   360    10,203,840    1,081,816 
Jefferies  12/13/2019   277.00   200    5,668,800    378,401 
Jefferies  12/13/2019   260.97   150    4,251,600    464,337 
Jefferies  12/13/2019   0.01   350    9,920,400    9,824,028 
Jefferies  01/14/2020   277.00   120    3,401,280    240,106 
Jefferies  01/14/2020   0.01   350    9,920,400    9,815,433 
Jefferies  01/14/2020   282.00   230    6,519,120    383,570 
Jefferies  02/14/2020   0.01   160    4,535,040    4,481,077 
Jefferies  02/14/2020   282.00   160    4,535,040    281,838 
                231,570,480    121,664,694 
TOTAL PURCHASED OPTION CONTRACTS (Cost $117,501,983)   231,570,480    121,664,694 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.43%)               
Money Market Funds               
BlackRock Liquidity Funds, T-Fund Portfolio - Institutional Class(a)   1.806%   978,330    978,330 
Invesco Short-Term Investments Trust Government & Agency Portfolio -  Institutional Class   2.316%   730,391    730,391 
              1,708,721 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,708,721)             1,708,721 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (103.01%) (Cost $119,210,704)            $123,373,415 
                
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-3.01%)             (3,607,382)
                
NET ASSETS (100.00%)            $119,766,033 

 

(a)All or a portion is held as collateral at broker for written options.

 

WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS (2.85%) 

Counterparty  Expiration Date  Strike Price   Contracts  Premiums Received   Notional Value   Value (Note 2) 
Call Option Contracts - (2.85%)        
S&P 500® Mini Index            
Jefferies  04/12/19  $291.25   (400)  $265,080   $(11,337,600)  $(6,100)
Jefferies  05/14/19   292.50   (900)   527,131    (25,509,600)   (119,529)
Jefferies  06/14/19   299.59   (910)   470,198    (25,793,040)   (77,659)
Jefferies  07/12/19   301.00   (860)   480,482    (24,375,840)   (116,453)
Jefferies  08/14/19   303.32   (850)   486,798    (24,092,400)   (146,101)
Jefferies  09/13/19   292.57   (230)   156,555    (6,519,120)   (144,942)
Jefferies  09/13/19   311.03   (730)   414,422    (20,691,120)   (74,013)
Jefferies  10/14/19   300.16   (850)   597,299    (24,092,400)   (361,103)
Jefferies  11/14/19   283.53   (720)   424,585    (20,407,680)   (984,458)
Jefferies  12/13/19   284.12   (300)   186,805    (8,503,200)   (427,065)
Jefferies  12/13/19   297.78   (400)   219,075    (11,337,600)   (278,240)
Jefferies  01/14/20   299.16   (240)   137,681    (6,802,560)   (176,208)
Jefferies  01/14/20   301.54   (460)   241,357    (13,038,240)   (293,235)
Jefferies  02/14/20   303.15   (320)   175,898    (9,070,080)   (209,974)

TOTAL WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS

  $4,783,366   $(231,570,480)  $(3,415,080)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 9

 

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Counterparty  Expiration Date  Strike Price   Contracts  Notional Value   Value (Note 2) 
PURCHASED OPTION CONTRACTS - (106.19%)       
Call Option Contracts (103.30%)       
S&P 500® Mini Index:          
Jefferies  04/12/2019   34.90   1,025  $29,052,600   $25,464,256 
Jefferies  04/12/2019   267.60   1,025   29,052,600    1,652,705 
Jefferies  05/14/2019   35.30   1,150   32,595,600    28,492,863 
Jefferies  05/14/2019   270.80   1,150   32,595,600    1,704,314 
Jefferies  06/14/2019   36.12   1,000   28,344,000    24,663,747 
Jefferies  06/14/2019   276.97   1,000   28,344,000    1,149,683 
Jefferies  07/12/2019   36.50   1,100   31,178,400    27,070,051 
Jefferies  07/12/2019   280.00   1,100   31,178,400    1,193,683 
Jefferies  08/14/2019   36.50   1,100   31,178,400    27,036,479 
Jefferies  08/14/2019   281.40   1,100   31,178,400    1,261,181 
Jefferies  09/13/2019   37.80   1,105   31,320,120    26,987,339 
Jefferies  09/13/2019   289.70   1,105   31,320,120    856,481 
Jefferies  10/14/2019   35.96   1,200   34,012,800    29,505,659 
Jefferies  10/14/2019   276.95   1,200   34,012,800    2,036,415 
Jefferies  11/14/2019   35.03   550   15,589,200    13,559,146 
Jefferies  11/14/2019   270.50   550   15,589,200    1,249,133 
Jefferies  11/14/2019   260.69   610   17,289,840    1,853,318 
Jefferies  11/14/2019   33.90   610   17,289,840    15,106,235 
Jefferies  12/13/2019   33.90   1,170   33,162,480    28,940,805 
Jefferies  12/13/2019   260.69   1,170   33,162,480    3,648,048 
Jefferies  01/14/2020   276.70   1,200   34,012,800    2,425,865 
Jefferies  01/14/2020   36.12   1,200   34,012,800    29,399,619 
Jefferies  02/14/2020   282.75   680   19,273,920    1,165,167 
Jefferies  02/14/2020   36.70   680   19,273,920    16,600,145 
               674,020,320    313,022,337 
Put Option Contracts (2.89%)          
S&P 500® Mini Index:          
Jefferies  04/12/2019   267.60   1,025   29,052,600    17,849 
Jefferies  05/14/2019   270.80   1,150   32,595,600    210,930 
Jefferies  06/14/2019   276.97   1,000   28,344,000    447,878 
Jefferies  07/12/2019   280.00   1,100   31,178,400    722,818 
Jefferies  08/14/2019   281.40   1,100   31,178,400    919,436 
Jefferies  09/13/2019   289.70   1,105   31,320,120    1,398,624 
Jefferies  10/14/2019   276.95   1,200   34,012,800    1,076,333 
Jefferies  11/14/2019   270.50   550   15,589,200    449,147 
Jefferies  11/14/2019   260.69   610   17,289,840    376,508 
Jefferies  12/13/2019   260.69   1,170   33,162,480    802,603 
Jefferies  01/14/2020   276.70   1,200   34,012,800    1,363,491 
Jefferies  02/14/2020   282.75   680   19,273,920    957,828 
               337,010,160    8,743,445 
TOTAL PURCHASED OPTION  CONTRACTS (Cost $318,190,756)   1,011,030,480    321,765,782 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.89%)            
Money Market Funds               
BlackRock Liquidity Funds, T-Fund Portfolio - Institutional Class(a)   1.806%   634,719    634,719 
Invesco Short-Term Investments Trust Government & Agency Portfolio -  Institutional Class   2.316%   5,079,848    5,079,847 
              5,714,566 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $5,714,566)             5,714,566 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (108.08%) (Cost $323,905,322)            $327,480,348 
                
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-8.08%)             (24,471,162)
                
NET ASSETS (100.00%)            $303,009,186 

 

(a)All or a portion is held as collateral at broker for written options.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 11

 

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS (7.95%) 

Counterparty  Expiration Date  Strike Price   Contracts   Premiums Received   Notional Value   Value (Note 2) 
Put Option Contracts - (1.04%)            
S&P 500® Mini Index         
Jefferies  04/12/19  $240.84    (1,025)   $897,861   $(29,052,600)  $(165)
Jefferies  05/14/19   243.72    (1,150)    890,909    (32,595,600)   (26,058)
Jefferies  06/14/19   249.27    (1,000)    747,702    (28,344,000)   (102,181)
Jefferies  07/12/19   252.00    (1,100)    804,058    (31,178,400)   (207,525)
Jefferies  08/14/19   253.26    (1,100)    889,577    (31,178,400)   (313,552)
Jefferies  09/13/19   260.73    (1,105)    791,961    (31,320,120)   (112,910)
Jefferies  10/14/19   249.26    (1,200)    1,085,649    (34,012,800)   (457,812)
Jefferies  11/14/19   243.45    (550)    530,584    (15,589,200)   (206,896)
Jefferies  11/14/19   234.62    (610)    470,737    (17,289,840)   (177,145)
Jefferies  12/13/19   234.62    (1,170)    967,247    (33,162,480)   (392,993)
Jefferies  01/14/20   249.03    (1,200)    905,644    (34,012,800)   (675,392)
Jefferies  02/14/20   254.48    (680)    477,834    (19,273,920)   (487,081)
                 9,459,763    (337,010,160)   (3,159,710)
Call Option Contracts - (6.91%)                 
S&P 500® Mini Index                     
Jefferies  04/12/19   280.25    (2,050)    2,197,523    (58,105,200)   (970,664)
Jefferies  05/14/19   283.13    (2,300)    2,126,828    (65,191,200)   (1,258,204)
Jefferies  06/14/19   289.25    (2,000)    2,043,414    (56,688,000)   (776,790)
Jefferies  07/12/19   292.00    (2,200)    2,158,117    (62,356,800)   (891,364)
Jefferies  08/14/19   293.89    (2,200)    2,234,565    (62,356,800)   (1,014,809)
Jefferies  09/13/19   302.10    (2,210)    2,025,932    (62,640,240)   (598,441)
Jefferies  10/14/19   291.07    (2,400)    2,711,308    (68,025,600)   (1,974,345)
Jefferies  11/14/19   285.49    (1,100)    1,321,877    (31,178,400)   (1,370,673)
Jefferies  11/14/19   272.55    (1,220)    1,252,583    (34,579,680)   (2,585,471)
Jefferies  12/13/19   273.33    (2,340)    2,475,045    (66,324,960)   (5,035,671)
Jefferies  01/14/20   288.81    (2,400)    2,432,898    (68,025,600)   (3,006,554)
Jefferies  02/14/20   294.12    (1,360)    1,309,277    (38,547,840)   (1,438,847)
                 24,289,367    (674,020,320)   (20,921,833)
TOTAL WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS   $33,749,130   $(1,011,030,480)  $(24,081,543)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

12 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   BEACON ACCELERATED RETURN STRATEGY FUND   BEACON PLANNED RETURN STRATEGY FUND 
ASSETS:          
Investments, at value (Cost $119,210,704 and $323,905,322)  $123,373,415   $327,480,348 
Cash and cash equivalents   6,800    14,183 
Dividends and interest receivable   95    354 
Other assets   20,002    37,653 
Total Assets   123,400,312    327,532,538 
           
LIABILITIES:          
Written options, at value (premiums received $4,783,366 and $33,749,130)   3,415,080    24,081,543 
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees   16,670    39,095 
Payable for shares redeemed   50,000    41,281 
Payable to adviser   101,999    261,276 
Payable for distribution and service fees   31,775    69,642 
Payable for professional fees   13,819    19,701 
Payable for trustees’ fees and expenses   28    73 
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees   897    1,562 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   4,011    9,179 
Total Liabilities   3,634,279    24,523,352 
NET ASSETS  $119,766,033   $303,009,186 
           
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:          
Paid-in capital (Note 5)  $124,362,019   $300,452,375 
Total distributable earnings   (4,595,986)   2,556,811 
NET ASSETS  $119,766,033   $303,009,186 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 13

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   BEACON ACCELERATED RETURN STRATEGY FUND   BEACON PLANNED RETURN STRATEGY FUND 
PRICING OF SHARES        
Class A :          
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $9.53   $9.99 
Net Assets  $10,342   $10,390 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   1,085    1,040 
Maximum offering price per share (NAV/0.95, based on maximum sales charge of 5.00% of the offering price)  $10.03   $10.52 
Institutional Class :          
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $9.56   $10.01 
Net Assets  $119,755,691   $302,998,796 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   12,532,682    30,267,975 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Statements of Operations

 

For the Period Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   BEACON ACCELERATED RETURN STRATEGY FUND   BEACON PLANNED RETURN STRATEGY FUND 
INVESTMENT INCOME:          
Dividends  $33,161   $67,628 
Total Investment Income   33,161    67,628 
           
EXPENSES:          
Investment advisory fees (Note 8)   628,642    1,568,394 
Administration fees   51,900    128,478 
Shareholder service fees          
Institutional Class   4,359    25,638 
Distribution fees          
Class A   12    13 
Custody fees   2,399    2,614 
Legal fees   5,019    11,993 
Audit and tax fees   9,541    9,633 
Transfer agent fees   14,110    30,473 
Trustees fees and expenses   6,207    15,453 
Registration and filing fees   18,591    23,755 
Printing fees   2,397    6,138 
Chief Compliance Officer fees   4,475    10,484 
Insurance fees   2,051    6,283 
Offering costs   233    230 
Other expenses   2,733    4,136 
Total Expenses   752,669    1,843,715 
NET INVESTMENT LOSS   (719,508)   (1,776,087)
           
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND WRITTEN OPTIONS:          
Net realized gain/(loss) on:          
Investments   (1,301,930)   (2,190,418)
Written options   3,373,829    13,141,533 
Net realized gain   2,071,899    10,951,115 
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:          
Investments   (12,601,695)   (40,000,574)
Written options   6,653,352    33,382,547 
Net change   (5,948,343)   (6,618,027)
           
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND WRITTEN OPTIONS   (3,876,444)   4,333,088 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(4,595,952)  $2,557,001 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 15

 

 

Beacon Accelerated
Return Strategy Fund
Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018 (a) 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment loss  $(719,508)  $(1,773,483)
Net realized gain on investments and written options   2,071,899    9,097,658 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and written options   (5,948,343)   11,479,340 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (4,595,952)   18,803,515 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS          
Class A (b)   (1,311)    
Institutional Class   (17,982,239)   (870,244)
Total distributions   (17,983,550)   (870,244)
           
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 6):          
Class A (b)          
Shares sold       10,000 
Dividends reinvested   1,311     
Net increase from beneficial share transactions   1,311    10,000 
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   19,760,888    151,518,922 
Dividends reinvested   17,459,214    153,524 
Shares redeemed   (49,404,169)   (15,087,426)
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions   (12,184,067)   136,585,020 
           
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (34,762,258)   154,528,291 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   154,528,291     
End of period  $119,766,033   $154,528,291 

 

(a)Commenced operations on October 2, 2017.
(b)Commenced operations on June 11, 2018.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned
Return Strategy Fund
Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018 (a) 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment loss  $(1,776,087)  $(4,140,058)
Net realized gain on investments and written options   10,951,115    9,765,102 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and written options   (6,618,027)   19,860,640 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   2,557,001    25,485,684 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS          
Class A (b)   (762)    
Institutional Class   (24,405,566)   (1,129,696)
Total distributions   (24,406,328)   (1,129,696)
           
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 6):          
Class A (b)          
Shares sold       10,000 
Dividends reinvested   762     
Net increase from beneficial share transactions   762    10,000 
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   19,560,409    370,673,094 
Dividends reinvested   21,646,863    293,880 
Shares redeemed   (67,954,708)   (43,727,775)
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions   (26,747,436)   327,239,199 
           
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (48,596,001)   351,605,187 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   351,605,187     
End of period  $303,009,186   $351,605,187 

 

(a)Commenced operations on October 2, 2017.
(b)Commenced operations on June 11, 2018.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 17

 

 

Beacon Accelerated
Return Strategy Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018 (a) 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $11.29   $10.78 
           
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:          
Net investment loss(b)   (0.07)   (0.05)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   (0.28)   0.56 
Total from investment operations   (0.35)   0.51 
           
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:          
From net realized gains on investments   (1.41)    
Total Distributions   (1.41)    
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (1.76)   0.51 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $9.53   $11.29 
           
TOTAL RETURN(c)   (1.22%)   4.73%
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:          
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $10   $10 
           
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS          
Operating expenses (d)   1.42%(e)   1.61%(e)
Net investment loss   (1.37%)(e)   (1.57%)(e)
           
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)(g)   0%   0%

 

(a)Commenced operations on June 11, 2018.
(b)Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

(d)According to the Fund’s shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund’s Class A shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and period ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the amount of 0.11% (annualized) and 0.11% (annualized) of average net assets of Class A shares.
(e)Annualized.
(f)Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
(g)All securities whose maturity or expiration date at time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded from the portfolio turnover calculation.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Beacon Accelerated
Return Strategy Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018 (a) 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $11.30   $10.00 
           
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:          
Net investment loss(b)   (0.06)   (0.13)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   (0.27)   1.49 
Total from investment operations   (0.33)   1.36 
           
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:          
From net realized gains on investments   (1.41)   (0.06)
Total Distributions   (1.41)   (0.06)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (1.74)   1.30 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $9.56   $11.30 
           
TOTAL RETURN(c)   (1.02%)   13.70%
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:          
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $119,756   $154,518 
           
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS          
Operating expenses (d)   1.20%(e)   1.29%(e)
Net investment loss   (1.15%)(e)   (1.25%)(e)
           
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)(g)   0%   0%

 

(a) Commenced operations on October 2, 2017.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) According to the Fund’s shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund’s Class I shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and period ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the amount of 0.06% (annualized) and 0.06% (annualized) of average net assets of Class I shares.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
(g) All securities whose maturity or expiration date at time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded from the portfolio turnover calculation.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 19

 

 

Beacon Planned
Return Strategy Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018 (a) 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $10.72   $10.45 
           
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:          
Net investment loss(b)   (0.07)   (0.05)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments   0.14    0.32 
Total from investment operations   0.07    0.27 
           
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:          
From net realized gains on investments   (0.80)    
Total Distributions   (0.80)    
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (0.73)   0.27 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $9.99   $10.72 
           
TOTAL RETURN(c)   1.32%   2.58%
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:          
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $10   $10 
           
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS          
Operating expenses (d)   1.40%(e)   1.56%(e)
Net investment loss   (1.35%)(e)   (1.53%)(e)
           
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)(g)   0%   0%

 

(a) Commenced operations on June 11, 2018.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) According to the Fund’s shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund’s Class A shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and period ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the amount of 0.11% (annualized) and 0.11% (annualized) of average net assets of Class A shares.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
(g) All securities whose maturity or expiration date at time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded from the portfolio turnover calculation.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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Beacon Planned
Return Strategy Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018 (a) 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $10.73   $10.00 
           
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:          
Net investment loss(b)   (0.14)   (0.13)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments   0.22    0.89 
Total from investment operations   0.08    0.76 
           
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:          
From net realized gains on investments   (0.80)   (0.03)
Total Distributions   (0.80)   (0.03)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (0.72)   0.73 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $10.01   $10.73 
           
TOTAL RETURN(c)   1.42%   7.64%
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:          
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $302,999   $351,595 
           
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS          
Operating expenses (d)   1.18%(e)   1.25%(e)
Net investment loss   (1.13%)(e)   (1.23%)(e)
           
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)(g)   0%   0%

 

(a) Commenced operations on October 2, 2017.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) According to the Fund’s shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund’s Class I shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and period ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the amount of 0.06% (annualized) and 0.06% (annualized) of average net assets of Class I shares.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
(g) All securities whose maturity or expiration date at time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded from the portfolio turnover calculation.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 21

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund and the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are non-diversified and the primary investment objectives are to deliver capital appreciation and generate positive alpha for the Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund, and capital preservation and capital appreciation for the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund. The Funds currently offer Class A shares and Institutional Class shares. Each share class of the Funds has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class-specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

Investment Valuation: The Funds generally value their securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

FLEX Options are customized option contracts available through the Chicago Board Options Exchange (“CBOE”). Flexible Exchange Options are valued based on prices supplied by an independent third-party pricing service, which utilizes pricing models that incorporate various inputs such as interest rates, credit spreads currency exchange rates and volatility measurements for in-the-money, at-the-money, and out-of-money contracts on a given strike price.

 

Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value (“NAV”), with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities. Money market funds, representing short-term investments, are valued at their net asset value.

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

  

 

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Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 23

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2019:

 

BEACON ACCELERATED RETURN STRATEGY FUND

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Purchased Options       121,664,694          –    121,664,694 
Short Term Investments   1,708,721            1,708,721 
Total  $1,708,721   $121,664,694   $   $123,373,415 
         
   Valuation Inputs     
Other Financial Instruments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Liabilities                    
Written Options  $   $(3,415,080)  $   $(3,415,080)
TOTAL  $   $(3,415,080)  $   $(3,415,080)

 

BEACON PLANNED RETURN STRATEGY FUND

 

Investments in Securities at Value   Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices    Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs    Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs    Total 
Purchased Options       321,765,782     –    321,765,782 
Short Term Investments   5,714,566            5,714,566 
Total  $5,714,566   $321,765,782   $   $327,480,348 
         
   Valuation Inputs     
Other Financial Instruments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Liabilities                    
Written Options  $   $(24,081,543)  $   $(24,081,543)
TOTAL  $   $(24,081,543)  $   $(24,081,543)

 

There were no Level 3 securities held during the period.

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Funds consider their investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Funds maintains cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Funds maintains these balances with a high quality financial institution.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: The Funds place their cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Funds to a credit risk. The Funds do not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.

 

 

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Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Offering Costs: The Funds incurred offering costs during the period ended March 31, 2019. These offering costs, including fees for printing initial prospectuses, legal and registration fees, are being amortized over the first twelve months from the inception date of the Funds. Amounts amortized through March 31, 2019 are expensed in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and amounts that remain to be amortized are shown on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund.

 

Fund Expenses: Some expenses can be directly attributed to a Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.

 

Class Expenses: Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the distribution and services plan for a particular class of a Fund are charged to the operations of such class.

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Funds comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intend to distribute substantially all of their net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that they will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Funds are not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

As of and during the period ended March 31, 2019, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds file U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Funds’ administrator has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions and has concluded that as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements related to these tax positions.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis) for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to a Fund. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.

 

Distributions to Shareholders: The Funds normally pay dividends, if any, and distribute capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest, dividends and other income the Funds receive from their investments, including short- term capital gains. Long-term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when a Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. A Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 25

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

3. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

 

 

The Funds’ investment objectives permit the Funds to enter into various types of derivatives contracts, including, but not limited to, futures contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, currency swaps and purchased and written options. In doing so, the Funds may employ strategies in differing combinations to permit it to increase, decrease, or change the level or types of exposure to market factors. Central to those strategies are features inherent in derivatives that make them more attractive for this purpose than equity or debt securities; they require little or no initial cash investment, they can focus exposure on only certain selected risk factors, and they may not require the ultimate receipt or delivery of the underlying security (or securities) to the contract. This may allow the Funds to pursue their objectives more quickly and efficiently than if they were to make direct purchases or sales of securities capable of affecting a similar response to market factors.

 

Risk of Investing in Derivatives: The Funds’ use of derivatives can result in losses due to unanticipated changes in the market risk factors and the overall market. In instances where the Funds are using derivatives to decrease, or hedge, exposures to market risk factors for securities held by the Funds, there are also risks that those derivatives may not perform as expected resulting in losses for the combined or hedged positions.

 

Derivatives may have little or no initial cash investment relative to their market value exposure and therefore can produce significant gains or losses in excess of their cost. This use of embedded leverage allows the Funds to increase their market value exposure relative to their net assets and can substantially increase the volatility of the Funds’ performance.

 

Additional associated risks from investing in derivatives also exist and potentially could have significant effects on the valuation of the derivative and the Funds. Typically, the associated risks are not the risks that the Funds are attempting to increase or decrease exposure to, per their investment objectives, but are the additional risks from investing in derivatives.

 

Examples of these associated risks are liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Funds will not be able to sell or close out the derivative in a timely manner, and counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Funds. In addition, use of derivatives may increase or decrease exposure to the following risk factors:

 

Equity Risk: Equity risk relates to the change in value of equity securities as they relate to increases or decreases in the general market. Associated risks can be different for each type of derivative.

 

Option Contracts: Each Fund may enter into options transactions for hedging purposes and for nonhedging purposes such as seeking to enhance return. Each Fund may write covered put and call options on any stocks or stock indices, currencies traded on domestic and foreign securities exchanges, or futures contracts on stock indices, interest rates and currencies traded on domestic and, to the extent permitted by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, foreign exchanges. A call option on an asset written by a Fund obligates the Fund to sell the specified asset to the holder (purchaser) at a stated price (the exercise price) if the option is exercised before a specified date (the expiration date). A put option on an asset written by a Fund obligates the Fund to buy the specified asset from the purchaser at the exercise price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. Premiums received when writing options are recorded as liabilities and are subsequently adjusted to the current value of the options written. Premiums received from writing options that expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options, which are either exercised or closed, are offset against the proceeds received or amount paid on the transaction to determine realized gains or losses.

 

 

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Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The Funds use FLEX Options, which are customized equity or index option contracts that trade on an exchange, but that provide investors with the ability to customize key contract terms like exercise prices, styles and expiration dates. Like standardized exchange-traded options, FLEX Options are guaranteed for settlement by The Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”), a market clearinghouse. The OCC guarantees performance by each of the counterparties to the FLEX Options, becoming the “buyer for every seller and the seller for every buyer,” protecting clearing members and options traders from counterparty risk. FLEX Options provide investors with the ability to customize key terms, while achieving price discovery in competitive, transparent auctions markets and avoiding the counterparty exposure of Over-the-Counter (“OTC”) options positions. The Funds bear the risk that the OCC will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the FLEX Options contracts. Additionally, FLEX Options may be less liquid than certain other securities such as standardized options. In a less liquid market for the FLEX Options, the Funds may have difficulty closing out certain FLEX Options positions at desired times and prices.

 

Purchased Options: When the Funds purchase an option, an amount equal to the premium paid by the Funds are recorded as an investment and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option purchased. If an option expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Funds enter into a closing sale transaction, a gain or loss is realized. If a call option is exercised, the cost of the security acquired is increased by the premium paid for the call. If a put option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from such sale are decreased by the premium originally paid. Purchased options are non-income producing securities.

 

Written Options: When the Funds write an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Funds are recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Funds on the expiration date as realized gain from written options. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Funds have realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the securities purchased by the Funds. The Funds, as writers of an option, bear the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 27

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The average option contract notional amount during the period ended March 31, 2019, is noted below for each of the Funds.

 

Derivative Type  Unit of Measurement  Monthly Average 
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund        
Purchased Option Contracts  Notional value of contracts outstanding  $239,635,782 
Written Option Contracts  Notional value of contracts outstanding  $239,635,782 

 

Derivative Type  Unit of Measurement  Monthly Average 
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund        
Purchased Option Contracts  Notional value of contracts outstanding  $1,029,720,585 
Written Option Contracts  Notional value of contracts outstanding  $1,029,720,585 

 

Derivative Instruments: The following tables disclose the amounts related to the Funds’ use of Derivative instruments.

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2019:

 

Risk Exposure  Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location  Fair Value of Asset Derivatives   Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location  Fair Value of Liability Derivatives 
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund             
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options/ Written Options)  Investments, at value  $121,664,694   Written Options, at value  $3,415,080 
      $121,664,694      $3,415,080 
                 
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund             
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options/ Written Options)  Investments, at value  $321,765,782   Written Options, at value  $24,081,543 
      $321,765,782      $24,081,543 

 

 

28 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations for the period ended March 31, 2019:

 

Risk Exposure  Statements of Operations Location  Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income   Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income 
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund       
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options)  Net realized gain/(loss) on investments/Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on investments  $(1,301,450)  $(12,601,695)
Equity Contracts (Written Options)  Net realized gain/(loss) on written option contracts/Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on written option contracts   3,373,829    6,653,352 
Total     $2,072,379   $(5,948,343)
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund       
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options)  Net realized gain/(loss) on investments/Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on investments  $(2,189,068)  $(40,000,574)
Equity Contracts (Written Options)  Net realized gain/(loss) on written option contracts/Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on written option contracts   13,141,533    33,382,547 
Total     $10,952,465   $(6,618,027)

 

4. TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for Federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Funds. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 29

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments and Derivative Instruments: As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation of instruments and derivative instruments for Federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

   Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund   Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $7,879,263   $31,285,127 
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (2,348,266)   (18,042,514)
Net unrealized appreciation  $5,530,997   $13,242,613 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $119,210,704   $323,905,322 

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal period ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gains 
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund  $101,843   $768,401 
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund       1,129,696 

 

5. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

   Purchases of Securities   Proceeds from Sales of Securities 
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund  $   $ 
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund        

 

6. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Funds have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Funds nor any of their creditors have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

Shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase may incur a 2.00% short-term redemption fee deducted from the redemption amount. For the period ended March 31, 2019, the redemption fees charged by the Funds, if any, are presented in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

 

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Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Transactions in common shares were as follows:

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Period Ended September 30, 2018 
         
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund          
Class A(a)          
Shares sold       927 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   158     
Shares redeemed        
Net increase in shares outstanding   158    927 
Institutional Class(b)          
Shares sold   1,973,094    15,086,370 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   2,098,463    14,805 
Shares redeemed   (5,208,234)   (1,431,816)
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding   (1,136,677)   13,669,359 
           
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund          
Class A(a)          
Shares sold       957 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   83     
Shares redeemed        
Net increase in shares outstanding   83    957 
Institutional Class(b)          
Shares sold   2,074,775    37,004,843 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   2,368,366    28,840 
Shares redeemed   (6,940,052)   (4,268,797)
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding   (2,496,911)   32,764,886 

 

(a)Commenced operations June 11, 2018.
(b)Commenced operations October 2, 2017.

 

Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 96% of the outstanding shares of the Beacon Accelerated Return Fund are held by one omnibus account. Approximately 85% of the outstanding shares of the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund are owned by one omnibus account. Share transaction activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Funds.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 31

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

7. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Investment Advisory: Beacon Investment Advisory Services, Inc. (the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the management of the Funds’ portfolios. The Adviser manages the investments of the Funds in accordance with the Funds’ investment objectives, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee that is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The contractual management fee rate is 1.00% for the Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund and Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement is two years. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and shareholders of a Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ notice.

 

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of each Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of Rule 12b-1 Fees, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses to an annual rate of 1.40% of the Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund’s average daily net assets for each of the Class A shares and the Institutional Class shares and 1.40% of the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund’s average daily net assets for the Class A shares and the Institutional Class shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2020. The Adviser may not terminate the Fee Waiver Agreement without the approval of the Trust’s Board. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that the Fund’s expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Funds will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis. There were no fees waived or reimbursed for the period ended March 31, 2019.

 

Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to each Fund. The Funds have agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Funds including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration and generally assist in each Fund’s operations. Each Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers and an Interested Trustee of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Funds for the period ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Funds for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for each Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

 

32 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Compliance Services: ALPS provides services as each Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of each Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of each Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of each Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Funds. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Funds’ principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

Each Fund has adopted a Distribution and Services Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for their Class A shares. The Plan allows the Funds to use Class A assets to pay fees in connection with the distribution and marketing of Class A shares and/or the provision of shareholder services to Class A shareholders. The Plan permits payment for services in connection with the administration of plans or programs that use Class A shares of the Funds, if any, as their funding medium and for related expenses. The Plan permits the Funds to make total payments at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Class A shares. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s Class A assets, if any, on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in the Class A shares, if any, and Class A Plan fees may cost an investor more than other types of sales charges. Plan fees are shown as distribution and service fees on the Statements of Operations.

 

Each Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan (“Shareholder Services Plan”) for its Class A shares and Institutional Class. Under the Shareholder Services Plan each Fund is authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and other institutions, including broker-dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.15% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s Class A shares and Institutional Class shares, respectively, to Participating Organizations as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization.

 

8. TRUSTEES

 

 

As of March 31, 2019, there were four Trustees, three of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 33

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

9. INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

 

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

 

10. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Funds have elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.

 

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

 

34 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Trust Funds Additional Information

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD

 

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-844-894-9222 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-844-894-9222 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 35

 

 

 

This material must be preceded by a prospectus.

The Beacon Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Shareholder Letter 2
Portfolio Update  
Clarkston Partners Fund 6
Clarkston Fund 9
Clarkston Founders Fund 12
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 15
Portfolios of Investments  
Clarkston Partners Fund 17
Clarkston Fund 19
Clarkston Founders Fund 21
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 23
Statements of Operations 24
Statements of Changes in Net Assets  
Clarkston Partners Fund 25
Clarkston Fund 26
Clarkston Founders Fund 27
Financial Highlights 28
Notes to Financial Statements 41
Additional Information 52

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website at www.clarkstonfunds.com and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 1-844-680-6562 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.clarkstonfunds.com.

 

 

Clarkston Funds Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

The Investment Principles of Clarkston Capital

 

We are proud to say that our investment principles have remained constant since we first developed them in 2005. There are four principles or requirements for inclusion of a business in a Clarkston Fund’s portfolio. The first three are quality principles; requirements for inclusion on the Clarkston Bench. The fourth principle is valuation; the driver for movement from the Bench to purchase in a Fund. The principles that govern our philosophy are:

 

1.Financial: We would rather a business put cash in the bank at the end of the year than into depreciating fixed assets that sit on the shop floor, and therefore, we look for businesses that generate lots of free cash flow. We identify these types of businesses utilizing Cash Returns on Net Operating Assets (CRONOA), which tells us how much cash a business generates per dollar of net operating assets deployed into the business. We want to own businesses that generate consistently high CRONOA over extended periods of time.

 

2.Business: We want an “understandable” business and one with a stable-to-rising CRONOA. All else equal, a company with a stable or rising CRONOA will generate more cash in the future than a company with a declining CRONOA. We focus our time evaluating competitive advantages, or barriers that prevent other firms from competing away attractive CRONOA, and the sustainability of those competitive advantages.

 

3.Management: The first two principles help us identify businesses that we believe can generate attractive and protected streams of future cash flows. When we find these businesses, we prefer to own them for long periods of time. Mismanagement is a big risk for these businesses. We look for management teams who are candid, who understand their businesses, and who allocate capital for the benefit of owners of their businesses.

 

4.Valuation: We conduct our valuation analysis only after we have agreed that a business meets the first three “quality” principles. No business, even a “Clarkston Quality” business, is worth an infinite amount. Once we find a business that meets principles 1 through 3, we wait patiently to invest when the price is at a level that we consider to be comfortably lower than our estimate of intrinsic value.

 

Two Types of Businesses: Re-Investors and Capital Returners

 

The Management principle, because of its subjectivity, has been difficult to execute, but it’s also the one where we have learned the most. An important observation we have made, as it relates to capital allocation, has been our tendency to invest in one of two types of businesses: Re-Investors and Capital Returners. Re-Investors typically operate in larger addressable markets and possess limited market share. They have ample opportunities to reinvest capital back into their core operations and therefore grow more rapidly. Capital Returners typically operate in smaller mature “niche” markets and possess a large share of the end market. They have fewer growth opportunities and therefore, we believe returning capital to shareholders should be a vital component of their strategy. Note that many organizations operate as both Re-Investors and Capital Returners in separate business units.

 

Given the same financial attributes and business economics, we would rather invest in a company with greater investment opportunities and a more rapid growth profile. The business that invests a greater amount of capital at the same attractive CRONOA rate will generate more free cash flow than one that invests less. We seek to invest in Re-Investors when valuations are attractive, but this is not always the case.

 

 

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Clarkston Funds Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The challenges with Re-Investors are threefold: First, few businesses can deploy all their cash earnings back into the business for growth. Those that do today will not grow at above-average rates forever. Eventually, the growth rate of all good businesses approaches the growth rate of GDP. Second, Re-Investors attract competition due to the attractiveness of high CRONOA and high growth rates, which drives down the CRONOA overtime. This phenomenon has been magnified in an environment where there is too much capital (i.e., venture capital and large corporate-disruptive enterprises like Amazon) chasing too few Re-Investors. The third challenge is that Re-Investors are rarely cheap. Businesses that possess superior economics attract investors, who typically drive prices upward toward the value of the business. When growth slows, the shares revalue at lower valuations and investors that bought based on rapid growth get burned. We work very hard to avoid these situations.

 

After ten years of robust market returns, there are fewer and fewer opportunities to find Re-Investors at attractive prices. Over the past several years, we have had better luck finding mispriced Capital Returners. Capital Returners have the potential to become good performing investments and may offer less risk when acquired at attractive valuations.

 

Capital Returners and Micro-Niche Businesses

 

Ironically, most Capital Returners were once Re-Investors. They are “retired” Re-Investors whose end market growth slowed, leaving the business with attractive CRONOA but little need for reinvestment. We refer to these as “micro-niche businesses.”

 

Typically, micro-niche businesses operate in an industry characterized by maturing end markets with low single-digit to slightly negative unit growth. This limited end-market growth serves as a natural barrier to entrants because most organizations would rather chase fast-growing end markets. If a business dares to enter, it is forced to grow by stealing costly share from incumbents, as the market offers no organic growth. The total addressable market is relatively small, which serves as a built-in entry barrier for larger, financially strong competitors who are reluctant to invest in a market that could not have a meaningful effect on their existing profit pool. The industry has become an oligopoly; a hint that incumbents likely possess a form of competitive advantage. Often, this advantage is economies of scale; a product of a mature industry with limited growth and few experienced competitors. Ideally, the incumbent firms compete rationally, resulting in pricing actions at or above the level of inflation. Because growth and competition are muted, there is limited need for reinvestment back into the business. Therefore, incumbents generate lots of capital that in most cases should be returned to shareholders.

 

Capital Returners include uniform rental companies, medical waste companies, long-term care pharmacies, consumer products firms, and tool manufacturers.

 

Understanding the Capital Allocation Strategy of Capital Returners

 

We have found that the transition from Re-Investor to Capital Returner can be challenging. In very few cases does management get it right the first time. Most firms take longer than anticipated to transition. Some firms are forced to replace management. There is also a small group that never successfully transitions. Following is a list of some things we have learned about Capital Returners over the years:

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 3

 

 

Clarkston Funds Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1.Management (and eventually all stakeholders) must accept that the business is no longer a growth company; a difficult task given the negative bias against slow-growth businesses. Additionally, executives are programmed early in their MBA studies to develop strategy and grow businesses. Management must be willing to set aside these strategic growth skills and transition to an investor mindset with strict attention to capital allocation.

 

2.Focus should transition from demand to supply: Rapidly growing businesses focus on forecasting demand and designing strategies to capture growth. Less attention is paid to the costs of acquiring customers, integration, and capacity required to meet growth needs. As demand levels off, businesses must refocus their attention to the supply side of the equation. Excess capacity can lead to lower industry-wide pricing, which wreaks havoc on margins when coupled with reduced volumes. Lastly, management should focus on efficient operations, the cash cycle (the time it takes to turn raw materials into cash), constant cost improvement, and integrating past acquisitions.

 

3.Reinvestment should focus on strengthening the core competitive advantages: Management should allocate capital to strengthening the competitive advantages, and thwarting off competition, new entrants, or disruptive technologies.

 

4.Mergers and acquisitions should be limited to smaller businesses or parts of businesses that can be tucked-in to the company’s existing business or emerging technologies that can improve efficiency. We have seen some successful mergers and acquisitions of businesses that are adjacent to a company’s existing business, but the risks are higher. New platforms rarely work.

 

5.Shareholders benefit from a transition in the capital allocation strategy from reinvestment to capital returns: Slow growth mature businesses that force investment for growth typically destroy shareholder value by growing with incrementally poor CRONOA. Once basic reinvestment needs are met, shareholders benefit more if excess free cash flow is returned via dividends and/or share repurchases. There is no shame in returning capital to shareholders for reallocation elsewhere. We believe that the optimal allocation to dividends versus share repurchases is a function of the company and the allocation skills of the management team.

 

6.The Board of Directors must be independent and engaged: Board tenure requires a delicate mix of both experience and fresh ideas. Too much company experience may stifle progress and change. Management incentives need to be long-term focused and aligned with a capital return strategy. The Board needs to hold management accountable and make changes to the Chief Executive Officer role if necessary.

 

7.Portfolio Optimization: Business segments that do not fit within the current capital allocation strategy of the parent (different customers, suppliers, or culture) should be pruned. Oftentimes, these types of businesses are starved for capital and perform much better under the umbrella of another parent or as a stand-alone business.

 

Investing Successfully in Capital Returners

 

After leaving one’s ego at the door, as one will not be bragging about owning Capital Returners at cocktail parties, there are two additional requirements involved with investing in these businesses. If one possesses the diligence to gather the appropriate information and the patience to wait out the transition, Capital Returners can be rewarding long-term investments.

 

 

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Clarkston Funds Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The information gathering process with Capital Returners is arduous and requires diligence; one must be willing to do the work to earn an informational edge. It requires several calls with management and as many visits as necessary to begin to understand what drives management. It can take several meetings to really understand their motivations and the culture of the business as well as understand whether that fits with the optimal capital allocation strategy. One hard-learned lesson for us: management can say one thing, but it does not mean they will follow through on that.

 

The transition from Re-Investor to Capital Returner is challenging for any organization and typically takes longer than most shareholders are willing to wait. The shareholder base will likely turn over. Growth investors will become frustrated with slowing growth and dump shares. It will take time for value investors to get comfortable with the business and valuation before they begin to accumulate shares. Therefore, there may be a “transitional” period when few investors want to own shares. It is during this period that we might get to buy shares at attractive prices.

 

When an investor has done the necessary due diligence on a business, including understanding management and their goals for allocating capital, practiced discipline in purchasing at an attractive valuation with a margin of safety, and demonstrated patience through the life of the investment, the investor has the potential to be rewarded by owning a business that was once a Re-Investor then became a Capital Returner.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeffrey A. Hakala, CFA, CPA Jerry W. Hakala, CFA
   

 

The Clarkston Bench is the list of businesses that we have determined meet our quality standards and are eligible for portfolio inclusion when the price of the stock meets our valuation standards.

 

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period.

 

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree earned at a university that provides theoretical and practical training to help graduates gain a better understanding of general business management functions.

 

Margin of safety is a principle of investing in which an investor only purchases securities when their market price is significantly below their intrinsic value.

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views and information discussed in this letter are as of the date of publication, are subject to change, and may not reflect the writer’s current views. The views expressed are those of Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC, the investment adviser to the Clarkston Funds, and represent an assessment of market conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular investment or markets in general. The information provided does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or investment vehicles. It should not be assumed that any investment will be profitable or will equal the performance of any securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter. The subject matter contained in this letter has been derived from several sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation. Neither the Clarkston Funds nor Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC accepts any liability for losses, either direct or consequential, caused by the use of this information.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 5

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Stericycle, Inc.   7.90%
Willis Towers Watson PLC   6.07%
The Western Union Co.   6.06%
Brown & Brown, Inc.   5.33%
Legg Mason, Inc.   4.52%
Nielsen Holdings PLC   4.36%
LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.   4.01%
CDK Global, Inc.   3.32%
Actuant Corp.   3.06%
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.   2.70%
Top Ten Holdings   47.33%

 

Sector Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Financial Services   33.78%
Producer Durables   21.00%
Consumer Discretionary   9.80%
Consumer Staples   6.75%
Technology   5.19%
Materials & Processing   1.92%
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets   21.56%
Total   100.00%

 

*Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio.

 

 

6 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Performance of a Hypothetical $25,000 Initial Investment (at Inception* through March 31, 2019)

 

 

The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $25,000 in the Institutional Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of the Founders Class will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Average Annual Total Returns (as of March 31, 2019)

 

  3 Month 6 Month 1 Year 3 Year Since Inception*
Clarkston Partners Fund – Founders Class 10.78% -1.20% 2.18% 8.99% 8.81%
Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class 10.72% -1.17% 2.06% 8.88% 8.67%
Russell 2500TM Index TR 15.82% -5.59% 4.48% 12.56% 10.06%

 

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month end is available by calling (844) 680-6562 or by visiting www.clarkstonfunds.com.

 

*Fund’s inception date is September 15, 2015.

 

The Russell 2500TM Index TR measures the performance of the small- to mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, commonly referred to as “smid” cap. The Russell 2500TM Index TR is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. It includes approximately 2,500 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2500TM Index TR is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small- to mid-cap segment. The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 7

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication.

 

Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.

 

Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect a deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.

 

The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Founders Class and Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus), are 0.94% and 0.85% and 1.10% and 1.00%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.

 

 

8 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

General Electric Co.   7.14%
The Procter & Gamble Co.   6.52%
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV   5.44%
The Western Union Co.   4.77%
PepsiCo, Inc.   4.61%
Cisco Systems, Inc.   4.46%
Microsoft Corp.   4.44%
Diageo PLC   4.00%
International Business Machines Corp.   3.98%
Johnson & Johnson   3.94%
Top Ten Holdings   49.30%

 

Sector Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Consumer Staples   29.25%
Financial Services   23.25%
Producer Durables   13.31%
Technology   12.87%
Health Care   7.78%
Consumer Discretionary   4.55%
Materials & Processing   0.99%
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets   8.00%
Total   100.00%

 

*Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 9

 

 

Clarkston Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment (at Inception* through March 31, 2019)

 

 

The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Institutional Class. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Average Annual Total Returns (as of March 31, 2019)

 

  3 Month 6 Month 1 Year 3 Year Since Inception*
Clarkston Fund – Institutional Class 13.88% 3.11% 7.97% 8.19% 8.19%
Russell 1000® Index TR 14.00% -1.75% 9.30% 13.30% 13.30%

 

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (844) 680-6562 or by visiting www.clarkstonfunds.com.

 

*Fund’s inception date is April 1, 2016.

 

The Russell 1000® Index TR measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. It is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index and includes approximately 1,000 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 1000® Index TR represents approximately 92% of the U.S. market. The Russell 1000® Index TR is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the large-cap segment and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are reflected.

 

Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication.

 

 

10 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.

 

Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect a deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.

 

The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus), are 0.98% and 0.70%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 11

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Stericycle, Inc.   8.03%
The Western Union Co.   6.11%
Willis Towers Watson PLC   5.82%
Brown & Brown, Inc.   4.88%
Nielsen Holdings PLC   4.18%
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.   3.99%
Legg Mason, Inc.   3.81%
Sysco Corp.   3.50%
CDK Global, Inc.   3.03%
McKesson Corp.   2.91%
Top Ten Holdings   46.26%

 

Sector Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Financial Services   31.26%
Producer Durables   17.85%
Consumer Staples   8.58%
Consumer Discretionary   5.82%
Technology   4.91%
Health Care   3.89%
Materials & Processing   2.13%
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets   25.56%
Total   100.00%

 

*Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio.

 

 

12 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment (at Inception* through March 31, 2019)

 

 

The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Institutional Class. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Average Annual Total Returns (as of March 31, 2019)

 

  3 Month 6 Month 1 Year Since Inception*
Clarkston Founders Fund – Institutional Class 10.82% -0.19% 2.52% 6.09%
Russell Midcap® Index TR 16.54% -1.38% 6.47% 9.90%

 

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month end is available by calling (844) 680-6562 or by visiting www.clarkstonfunds.com.

 

*Fund’s inception date is January 31, 2017.

 

The Russell Midcap® Index is a market capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the mid-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market and includes approximately 800 of the smallest issuers in the Russell 1000® Index. The Russell 1000® Index includes the 1,000 largest stocks in the Russell 3000® Index, which consists of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies.

 

Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 13

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.

 

Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect a deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.

 

The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus), are 1.26% and 0.95%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.

 

 

14 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Example. As a shareholder of the Clarkston Partners Fund, Clarkston Fund, or Clarkston Founders Fund (the “Funds”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.

 

Actual Expenses. The first line under each class in the following table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 15

 

 

Clarkston Funds Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

  Beginning
Account Value
October 1, 2018
Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2019

Expense

Ratio(a)  

Expenses Paid
During Period
October 1, 2018 -
March 31, 2019(b)
Clarkston Partners Fund        
Founders Class        
Actual $1,000.00 $ 988.00 0.85% $ 4.21
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,020.69 0.85% $ 4.28
Institutional Class        
Actual $1,000.00 $ 988.30 0.97% $ 4.81
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,020.09 0.97% $ 4.89
Clarkston Fund        
Institutional Class        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,031.10 0.67% $ 3.39
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.59 0.67% $ 3.38
Clarkston Founders Fund        
Institutional Class        
Actual $1,000.00 $ 998.10 0.90% $ 4.48
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,020.44 0.90% $ 4.53

 

(a)  Each Fund's expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses.
(b)  Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio shown above for the applicable class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

 

 

16 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
COMMON STOCK (78.44%)        
Consumer Discretionary (9.80%)        
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Class A   433,307   $19,160,836 
KAR Auction Services, Inc.   180,000    9,235,800 
Matthews International Corp., Class A   510,000    18,844,500 
Nielsen Holdings PLC   1,600,000    37,872,000 
Total Consumer Discretionary        85,113,136 
           
Consumer Staples (6.75%)          
McCormick & Co., Inc.   100,000    15,063,000 
Molson Coors Brewing Co., Class B   382,000    22,786,300 
Post Holdings, Inc.(a)     190,000    20,786,000 
Total Consumer Staples        58,635,300 
           
Financial Services (33.78%)          
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.   166,000    17,780,260 
Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A   685,000    17,241,450 
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.   200,000    20,738,000 
Brown & Brown, Inc.   1,570,000    46,330,700 
Legg Mason, Inc.   1,435,000    39,275,950 
LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.   500,000    34,825,000 
Markel Corp.(a)     12,000    11,954,880 
The Western Union Co.   2,850,000    52,639,500 
Willis Towers Watson PLC   300,000    52,695,000 
Total Financial Services        293,480,740 
           
Materials & Processing (1.92%)          
Fastenal Co.   260,000    16,720,600 
           
Producer Durables (21.00%)          
Actuant Corp., Class A   1,090,000    26,563,300 
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.   270,000    23,487,300 
Graco, Inc.   165,000    8,170,800 
Hillenbrand, Inc.   330,000    13,704,900 
Landstar System, Inc.   205,000    22,424,950 
Stericycle, Inc.(a)     1,262,000    68,678,040 
Waters Corp.(a)     77,000    19,381,670 
Total Producer Durables        182,410,960 
           
Technology (5.19%)          
CDK Global, Inc.   490,000    28,821,800 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 17

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
Technology (continued)        
IHS Markit, Ltd.(a)     300,000   $16,314,000 
Total Technology        45,135,800 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $575,249,337)        681,496,536 
           
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (78.44%) (Cost $575,249,337)       $681,496,536 
           
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (21.56%)        187,327,651 
           
NET ASSETS (100.00%)       $868,824,187 

 

(a)  Non-income producing security.

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may use a different classification system or may combine industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are shown as a percent of the Fund's net assets. (Unaudited)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

 

18 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
COMMON STOCK (92.00%)        
Consumer Discretionary (4.55%)        
Nielsen Holdings PLC   75,500   $1,787,085 
The Walt Disney Co.   3,500    388,605 
Total Consumer Discretionary        2,175,690 
           
Consumer Staples (29.25%)          
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, Sponsored ADR   31,000    2,603,070 
Diageo PLC, Sponsored ADR   11,700    1,914,237 
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A   15,000    748,800 
Nestle SA, Sponsored, ADR   17,500    1,668,100 
PepsiCo, Inc.   18,000    2,205,900 
Sysco Corp.   26,000    1,735,760 
The Procter & Gamble Co.   30,000    3,121,500 
Total Consumer Staples        13,997,367 
           
Financial Services (23.25%)          
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.   9,700    1,038,967 
American Express Co.   17,000    1,858,100 
Capital One Financial Corp.   12,800    1,045,632 
Markel Corp.(a)     275    273,966 
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   3,500    824,075 
T Rowe Price Group, Inc.   3,000    300,360 
The Charles Schwab Corp.   18,000    769,680 
The Western Union Co.   123,500    2,281,045 
US Bancorp   18,500    891,515 
Willis Towers Watson PLC   10,500    1,844,325 
Total Financial Services        11,127,665 
           
Health Care (7.78%)          
AmerisourceBergen Corp.   7,550    600,376 
Johnson & Johnson   13,500    1,887,165 
McKesson Corp.   5,100    597,006 
Medtronic PLC   7,000    637,560 
Total Health Care        3,722,107 
           
Materials & Processing (0.99%)          
Fastenal Co.   7,400    475,894 
           
Producer Durables (13.31%)          
3M Co.   500    103,890 
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.   9,500    826,405 
General Electric Co.   342,000    3,416,580 
Paychex, Inc.   8,500    681,700 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 19

 

 

Clarkston Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
Producer Durables (continued)        
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   12,000   $1,340,881 
Total Producer Durables        6,369,456 
           
Technology (12.87%)          
Cisco Systems, Inc.   39,500    2,132,605 
International Business Machines Corp.   13,500    1,904,850 
Microsoft Corp.   18,000    2,122,920 
Total Technology        6,160,375 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $39,601,586)        44,028,554 
           
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (92.00%) (Cost $39,601,586)       $44,028,554 
           
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (8.00%)        3,827,498 
           
NET ASSETS (100.00%)       $47,856,052 

 

(a)  Non-income producing security.

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may use a different classification system or may combine industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are shown as a percent of the Fund's net assets. (Unaudited)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
COMMON STOCK (74.44%)        
Consumer Discretionary (5.82%)        
LKQ Corp.(a)     21,000   $595,980 
Nielsen Holdings PLC   64,000    1,514,880 
Total Consumer Discretionary        2,110,860 
           
Consumer Staples (8.58%)          
McCormick & Co., Inc.   5,300    798,339 
Molson Coors Brewing Co., Class B   17,500    1,043,875 
Sysco Corp.   19,000    1,268,440 
Total Consumer Staples        3,110,654 
           
Financial Services (31.26%)          
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.   13,500    1,445,985 
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.   7,800    808,782 
Brown & Brown, Inc.   60,000    1,770,600 
FactSet Research Systems, Inc.   1,500    372,405 
Legg Mason, Inc.   50,500    1,382,185 
Markel Corp.(a)     500    498,120 
The Charles Schwab Corp.   17,000    726,920 
The Western Union Co.   120,000    2,216,400 
Willis Towers Watson PLC   12,000    2,107,800 
Total Financial Services        11,329,197 
           
Health Care (3.89%)          
AmerisourceBergen Corp.   4,500    357,840 
McKesson Corp.   9,000    1,053,540 
Total Health Care        1,411,380 
           
Materials & Processing (2.13%)          
Fastenal Co.   12,000    771,720 
           
Producer Durables (17.85%)          
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.   10,000    869,900 
Cintas Corp.   3,000    606,330 
Paychex, Inc.   11,000    882,200 
Roper Technologies, Inc.   1,300    444,561 
Stericycle, Inc.(a)     53,500    2,911,470 
Waters Corp.(a)     3,000    755,130 
Total Producer Durables        6,469,591 
           
Technology (4.91%)          
CDK Global, Inc.   18,700    1,099,934 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 21

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
Technology (continued)        
IHS Markit, Ltd.(a)     12,500   $679,750 
Total Technology        1,779,684 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $24,590,891)        26,983,086 
           
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (74.44%) (Cost $24,590,891)       $26,983,086 
           
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (25.56%)        9,262,774 
           
NET ASSETS (100.00%)       $36,245,860 

 

(a)  Non-income producing security.

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may use a different classification system or may combine industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are shown as a percent of the Fund's net assets. (Unaudited)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

22 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Clarkston Partners Fund   Clarkston Fund   Clarkston Founders Fund 
             
ASSETS:            
Investments, at value (Cost $575,249,337, $39,601,586 and $24,590,891)  $681,496,536   $44,028,554   $26,983,086 
Cash and cash equivalents   186,206,074    3,754,781    9,265,706 
Receivable for shares sold   1,413,720    52,190    24,990 
Dividends and interest receivable   1,052,976    46,886    42,645 
Other assets   46,482    30,741    13,899 
Total Assets   870,215,788    47,913,152    36,330,326 
                
LIABILITIES:               
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees   113,308    13,402    8,423 
Payable for shares redeemed   505,784        40,538 
Payable to adviser   533,881    10,077    15,012 
Payable for distribution and service fees   152,656    18,149    9,737 
Payable for printing   5,026    43    121 
Payable for professional fees   35,158    12,360    8,526 
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses   16,926    929    676 
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees   7,805    352    293 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   21,057    1,788    1,140 
Total Liabilities   1,391,601    57,100    84,466 
NET ASSETS  $868,824,187   $47,856,052   $36,245,860 
                
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:               
Paid-in capital (Note 5)  $757,608,849   $43,960,457   $33,942,976 
Total distributable earnings   111,215,338    3,895,595    2,302,884 
NET ASSETS  $868,824,187   $47,856,052   $36,245,860 
                
PRICING OF SHARES               
Founders Class:               
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $12.23    N/A    N/A 
Net Assets  $420,067,577    N/A    N/A 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   34,341,914    N/A    N/A 
Institutional Class:               
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $12.19   $11.62   $11.06 
Net Assets  $448,756,610   $47,856,052   $36,245,860 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   36,818,197    4,116,703    3,277,144 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 23

 

 

Clarkston Funds Statements of Operations

 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Clarkston Partners Fund   Clarkston Fund   Clarkston Founders Fund 
INVESTMENT INCOME:            
Dividends  $9,594,362   $454,822   $336,662 
Foreign taxes withheld       (7,269)    
Total Investment Income   9,594,362    447,553    336,662 
                
EXPENSES:               
Investment advisory fees (Note 6)   3,271,062    81,469    123,659 
Administration fees   250,768    10,695    10,801 
Shareholder service fees               
Institutional Class   254,109    20,003    16,959 
Custody fees   38,245    3,097    2,501 
Legal fees   33,235    1,223    1,271 
Audit and tax fees   7,796    4,115    7,476 
Transfer agent fees   75,727    13,117    13,061 
Trustees fees and expenses   36,584    1,408    1,416 
Registration and filing fees   34,961    8,902    11,276 
Printing fees   16,213    2,242    563 
Chief Compliance Officer fees   23,558    860    922 
Insurance fees   8,673    333    415 
Other expenses   7,024    3,067    2,121 
Total Expenses   4,057,955    150,531    192,441 
Less fees waived by investment adviser (Note 6)               
Founders Class   (164,997)   N/A    N/A 
Institutional Class   (163,421)   (40,607)   (43,527)
Total fees waived by investment adviser (Note 6)   (328,418)   (40,607)   (43,527)
Net Expenses   3,729,537    109,924    148,914 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   5,864,825    337,629    187,748 
                
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:               
Net realized gain/(loss) on:               
Investments   1,926,464    339,461    (178,021)
Net realized gain/(loss)   1,926,464    339,461    (178,021)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:               
Investments   (21,988,904)   454,490    (63,935)
Net change   (21,988,904)   454,490    (63,935)
                
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS   (20,062,440)   793,951    (241,956)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(14,197,615)  $1,131,580   $(54,208)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

24 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $5,864,825   $4,408,691 
Net realized gain on investments   1,926,464    45,315,879 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   (21,988,904)   12,796,620 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (14,197,615)   62,521,190 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS          
Founders Class   (26,457,456)   (5,470,612)
Institutional Class   (24,254,843)   (4,232,656)
Total distributions   (50,712,299)   (9,703,268)
           
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):          
Founders Class          
Shares sold   25,702,414    45,054,690 
Dividends reinvested   831,516    187,284 
Shares redeemed   (17,238,596)   (26,289,800)
Net increase from beneficial share transactions   9,295,334    18,952,174 
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   94,332,646    168,049,486 
Dividends reinvested   23,711,613    3,956,110 
Shares redeemed   (68,743,902)   (133,503,789)
Net increase from beneficial share transactions   49,300,357    38,501,807 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (6,314,223)   110,271,903 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   875,138,410    764,886,507 
End of period  $868,824,187   $875,138,410 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 25

 

 

Clarkston Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $337,629   $488,069 
Net realized gain on investments   339,461    818,342 
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   454,490    542,726 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   1,131,580    1,849,137 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS          
Institutional Class   (1,800,994)   (400,570)
Total distributions   (1,800,994)   (400,570)
           
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):          
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   4,583,749    8,817,309 
Dividends reinvested   1,794,252    398,503 
Shares redeemed   (3,323,351)   (8,398,319)
Acquisition (Note 9)   13,797,848     
Net increase from beneficial share transactions   16,852,498    817,493 
Net increase in net assets   16,183,084    2,266,060 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   31,672,968    29,406,908 
End of period  $47,856,052   $31,672,968 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

26 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $187,748   $179,693 
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments   (178,021)   477,317 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   (63,935)   1,228,620 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (54,208)   1,885,630 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS          
Institutional Class   (685,991)   (111,451)
Total distributions   (685,991)   (111,451)
           
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):          
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   4,637,693    11,412,364 
Dividends reinvested   685,991    111,451 
Shares redeemed   (2,538,205)   (3,244,063)
Net increase from beneficial share transactions   2,785,479    8,279,752 
Net increase in net assets   2,045,280    10,053,931 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   34,200,580    24,146,649 
End of period  $36,245,860   $34,200,580 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 27

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund – Founders Class Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

     
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD    
     
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:    
Net investment income(b)       
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     
Total from investment operations     
      
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:     
From net investment income     
From net realized gains on investments     
Total Distributions     
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE     
      
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD     
      
TOTAL RETURN(d)       
      
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:     
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)     
      
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS     
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver     
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver     
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver     
      
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(g)       

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

28 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund – Founders Class Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018   For the Year Ended September 30, 2017   For the Year Ended September 30, 2016   For the Period Ended September 30, 2015(a)   
$13.29   $12.39   $11.11   $9.70   $10.00 
                       
 0.09    0.08    0.05    0.06    0.00(c)  
 (0.36)   0.99    1.37    1.37    (0.30)
 (0.27)   1.07    1.42    1.43    (0.30)
                       
 (0.09)   (0.04)   (0.06)   (0.02)    
 (0.70)   (0.13)   (0.08)        
 (0.79)   (0.17)   (0.14)   (0.02)    
 (1.06)   0.90    1.28    1.41    (0.30)
$12.23   $13.29   $12.39   $11.11   $9.70 
                       
 (1.20%)   8.70%   12.86%   14.73%(e)     (3.00%)
                       
$420,068   $445,516   $397,474   $308,607   $126,281 
                       
 0.93%(f)     0.94%   0.96%   1.02%   1.81%(f)  
 0.85%(f)     0.85%   0.85%   0.85%   0.85%(f)  
 1.49%(f)     0.60%   0.40%   0.62%   0.05%(f)  
                       
 1%   23%   13%   16%   0%

 

(a)  Commenced operations on September 16, 2015.
(b)  Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)  Less than $0.005 per share.
(d)  Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e)  In 2016, the Fund's total return consists of a voluntary/unvoluntary reimbursement by the adviser for a realized investment loss. Excluding this item, total return would not change as the impact is less than 0.005%.
(f)  Annualized.
(g)  Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 29

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(b)  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(d)  
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(h)  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

30 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

For the Six Months
Ended March 31, 2019
(Unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   For the Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   For the Year Ended
September 30, 2016
   For the Period Ended
September 30, 2015
(a) 
 
$13.24   $12.36   $11.09   $9.70   $10.00 
                       
 0.08    0.06    0.03    0.05    (0.00)(c)  
 (0.34)   0.99    1.37    1.35    (0.30)
 (0.26)   1.05    1.40    1.40    (0.30)
                       
 (0.09)   (0.04)   (0.05)   (0.01)    
 (0.70)   (0.13)   (0.08)        
 (0.79)   (0.17)   (0.13)   (0.01)    
 (1.05)   0.88    1.27    1.39    (0.30)
$12.19   $13.24   $12.36   $11.09   $9.70 
                       
 (1.17%)   8.52%   12.75%   14.47%(e)     (3.00%)
                       
$448,757   $429,622   $367,393   $242,295   $24 
                       
 1.05%(f)     1.08%   1.09%   1.16%   1.96%(f)  
 0.97%(f)(g)     0.98%(g)     0.98%(g)     1.00%   1.00%(f)  
 1.38%(f)     0.47%   0.27%   0.46%   (0.10%)(f)  
                       
 1%   23%   13%   16%   0%

 

(a)Commenced operations on September 16, 2015.
(b)Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)Less than $0.005 per share.
(d)Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e)In 2016, the Fund's total return consists of a voluntary/unvoluntary reimbursement by the adviser for a realized investment loss. Excluding this item, total return would not change as the impact is less than 0.005%.
(f)Annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 31

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

(g)According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Institutional shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during period ended March 31, 2019 and the years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively, in the amount of 0.03% (annualized), 0.02% and 0.02% of average net assets of Institutional shares.
(h)Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

32 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

 

 

 

Page Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

 

 

 

Clarkston Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(b)  
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(d)  
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(g)  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

34 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

For the Six Months
Ended March 31, 2019
(Unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   For the Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   For the Period Ended
September 30, 2016
(a)  
 
$11.99   $11.46   $10.52   $10.00 
                  
 0.12    0.19    0.16    0.08 
 0.16    0.49    0.90    0.44 
 0.28    0.68    1.06    0.52 
                  
 (0.26)   (0.15)   (0.10)    
 (0.39)   (0.00)(c)     (0.02)    
 (0.65)   (0.15)   (0.12)    
 (0.37)   0.53    0.94    0.52 
$11.62   $11.99   $11.46   $10.52 
                  
 3.11%   5.99%   10.13%   5.20%
                  
$47,856   $31,673   $29,407   $20,173 
                  
 0.95%(e)     0.93%   1.04%   1.48%(e)  
 0.67%(e)(f)     0.65%(f)     0.65%(f)     0.70%(e)  
 2.07%(e)     1.60%   1.41%   1.36%(e)  
                  
 5%   11%   5%   0%

 

(a)  Commenced operations on April 4, 2016.
(b)  Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)  Less than $0.005 per share.
(d)  Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e)  Annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 35

 

 

Clarkston Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

(f)  According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Institutional shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund for the period ended March 31, 2019 and the years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively, in the amount of 0.03% (annualized), 0.05% and 0.05% of average net assets of Institutional shares.
(g)  Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

36 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

 

 

 

Page Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

 

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(b)  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(c)  
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

38 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

For the Six Months
Ended March 31, 2019
(Unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
September 30, 2018
   For the Period Ended
September 30, 2017
(a)  
 
$11.34   $10.64   $10.00 
             
 0.06    0.07    0.02 
 (0.11)   0.67    0.62 
 (0.05)   0.74    0.64 
             
 (0.08)   (0.04)    
 (0.15)        
 (0.23)   (0.04)    
 (0.28)   0.70    0.64 
$11.06   $11.34   $10.64 
             
 (0.19%)   7.01%   6.40%
             
$36,246   $34,201   $24,147 
             
 1.17%(d)     1.22%   1.46%(d)  
 0.90%(d)     0.91%(e)     0.92%(d)(e)  
 1.14%(d)     0.59%   0.29%(d)  
             
 2%   9%   4%

 

(a)Commenced operations on February 1, 2017.
(b)Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d)Annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 39

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

(e)According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Institutional shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the amount of 0.05% (annualized), 0.03% and 0.04% of average net assets of Institutional shares.
(f)Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

40 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the Clarkston Partners Fund, the Clarkston Fund and the Clarkston Founders Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are non-diversified and the primary investment objectives are to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Clarkston Partners Fund currently offers Founders Class shares and Institutional Class shares, and the Clarkston Fund and the Clarkston Founders Fund currently offer Institutional Class shares. Each share class of the Clarkston Partners Fund has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class-specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

Investment Valuation: The Funds generally value their securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

Securities traded on a registered U.S. securities exchange (including exchange-traded derivatives other than futures and futures options) are valued based on the last sale price of the security reported on the principal exchange on which it is traded, prior to the time when the Funds’ assets are valued. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.

 

Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value (“NAV”), with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities.

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 41

 

 

Clarkston Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2019:

 

Clarkston Partners Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks                
Consumer Discretionary  $85,113,136   $   $   $85,113,136 
Consumer Staples   58,635,300            58,635,300 
Financial Services   293,480,740            293,480,740 
Materials & Processing   16,720,600            16,720,600 
Producer Durables   182,410,960            182,410,960 
Technology   45,135,800            45,135,800 
Total  $681,496,536   $   $   $681,496,536 

 

 

42 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Clarkston Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks                
Consumer Discretionary  $2,175,690   $   $   $2,175,690 
Consumer Staples   13,997,367            13,997,367 
Financial Services   11,127,665            11,127,665 
Health Care   3,722,107            3,722,107 
Materials & Processing   475,894            475,894 
Producer Durables   6,369,456            6,369,456 
Technology   6,160,375            6,160,375 
Total  $44,028,554   $   $   $44,028,554 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks                
Consumer Discretionary  $2,110,860   $   $   $2,110,860 
Consumer Staples   3,110,654            3,110,654 
Financial Services   11,329,197            11,329,197 
Health Care   1,411,380            1,411,380 
Materials & Processing   771,720            771,720 
Producer Durables   6,469,591            6,469,591 
Technology   1,779,684            1,779,684 
Total  $26,983,086   $   $   $26,983,086 

 

There were no Level 3 securities held during the year.

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Funds consider their investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Funds maintain cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Funds maintain these balances with a high quality financial institution.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 43

 

 

Clarkston Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: Each Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the period, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Fund to a credit risk. The Funds do not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund.

 

Fund Expenses: Some expenses can be directly attributed to a Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.

 

Class Expenses: Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the shareholder service plan for a particular class of a Fund are charged to the operations of such class.

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Funds comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intend to distribute substantially all of their net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that they will not be subject to federal income or excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Funds are not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

As of and during the six months ended March 31, 2019, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds file U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Funds’ administrator has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements related to these tax positions.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis) for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to a Fund. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.

 

 

44 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Distributions to Shareholders: The Funds normally pay dividends, if any, and distribute capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest, dividends and other income the Funds receive from their investments, including short-term capital gains. Long-term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when a Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. A Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

3. TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for Federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Funds. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gains 
Clarkston Partners Fund  $2,206,133   $7,497,135 
Clarkston Fund   400,570     
Clarkston Founders Fund   111,451     

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 45

 

 

Clarkston Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments: As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation for Federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

   Clarkston Partners Fund   Clarkston Fund   Clarkston Founders Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $149,007,206   $8,327,653   $3,997,595 
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (43,006,336)   (3,900,685)   (1,605,400)
Net unrealized appreciation  $106,000,870   $4,426,968   $2,392,195 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $575,495,666   $39,601,586   $24,590,891 

 

4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

   Purchases of Securities   Proceeds from Sales of Securities 
Clarkston Partners Fund  $99,144,131   $4,651,590 
Clarkston Fund   15,710,579    1,605,513 
Clarkston Founders Fund   4,464,412    397,480 

 

5. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Funds have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Funds nor any of their creditors have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

 

46 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Transactions in common shares were as follows:

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 
Clarkston Partners Fund          
Founders Class          
Shares sold   2,163,355    3,460,916 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   77,350    14,712 
Shares redeemed   (1,431,641)   (2,019,083)
Net increase in shares outstanding   809,064    1,456,545 
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   7,922,143    13,016,378 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   2,211,904    311,259 
Shares redeemed   (5,754,811)   (10,603,468)
Net increase in shares outstanding   4,379,236    2,724,169 
           
Clarkston Fund          
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   294,119    754,271 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   171,825    33,601 
Shares redeemed   (292,255)   (712,502)
Acquisition (Note 9)   1,301,165     
Net increase in shares outstanding   1,474,854    75,370 
           
Clarkston Founders Fund          
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   430,338    1,025,855 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   70,430    10,050 
Shares redeemed   (240,122)   (288,005)
Net increase in shares outstanding   260,646    747,900 

 

Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 46% of the outstanding shares of the Clarkston Partners Fund are held by one record shareholder that owns shares on behalf of its underlying beneficial owners. Approximately 79% of the outstanding shares of the Clarkston Fund are owned by one omnibus account. Approximately 96% of the outstanding shares of the Clarkston Founders Fund are owned by two omnibus accounts. Share transaction activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Funds.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 47

 

 

Clarkston Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

6. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Investment Advisory: Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC (“Clarkston” or the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the management of the Funds’ portfolios. The Adviser manages the investments of the Funds in accordance with the Funds’ investment objectives, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee that is based on each Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The contractual management fee rates are 0.80%, 0.50% and 0.75% for the Clarkston Partners Fund, the Clarkston Fund and the Clarkston Founders Fund, respectively. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement is two years. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and shareholders of a Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ notice.

 

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of each Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of shareholder servicing fees, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses to an annual rate of 0.85% of the Clarkston Partners Fund’s average daily net assets for each of the Founders Class shares and the Institutional Class shares, 0.55% of the Clarkston Fund’s average daily net assets for the Institutional Class shares and 0.80% of the Clarkston Founders Fund’s average daily net assets for the Institutional Class shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2020. The Adviser may not terminate the Fee Waiver Agreement without the approval of the Trust’s Board. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that the Fund’s expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Funds will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis.

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the fee waivers and/or reimbursements were $164,997, $163,421, $40,607, and $43,527 for the Clarkston Partners Fund Founders Class, Clarkston Partners Fund Institutional Class, Clarkston Fund Institutional Class, and Clarkston Founders Fund Institutional Class, respectively.

 

 

48 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

As of March 31, 2019, the balances of recoupable expenses for each Fund were as follows:

 

   Expiring in 2019   Expiring in 2020   Expiring in 2021   Expiring in 2022 
Clarkston Partners Fund                
Founders  $232,225   $389,579   $399,992   $164,997 
Institutional   197,417    349,038    361,957    163,421 
Clarkston Fund                    
Institutional   64,723    101,949    84,677    40,607 
Clarkston Founders Fund                    
Institutional       73,077    95,166    43,527 

 

Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (ALPS) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to each Fund. The Funds have agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with their administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS provides operational services to the Funds including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration and generally assists in each Fund’s operations. Each Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers and an Interested Trustee of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Funds for the six months ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Funds for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for each Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Compliance Services: ALPS provides services as each Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of each Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of each Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of each Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Funds. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Funds’ principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

Each Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan (“Shareholder Services Plan”) for its Institutional Class. Under the Shareholder Services Plan each Fund is authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and other institutions, including broker-dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.15% of the average daily net asset value of each Fund’s Institutional Class shares to Participating Organizations as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 49

 

 

Clarkston Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

7. TRUSTEES

 

 

Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

8. INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

 

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

 

9. FUND REORGANIZATION

 

 

At a special meeting of shareholders held on March 13, 2019, the shareholders of Clarkston Select Fund (the “Acquired Fund”), a former series of the Trust, approved the reorganization, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”), of the Acquired Fund into the Clarkston Fund (“Acquiring Fund”). For accounting and financial reporting purposes, the Acquiring Fund is the accounting survivor. The Board of Trustees of the Trust had previously approved the Plan providing for the reorganization.

 

The purpose of the Reorganization was to combine two funds with substantially identical investment objectives and similar principal investment strategies and policies.

 

Following the completion of the reorganization on March 15, 2019, and pursuant to the terms of the Plan, Institutional Class shareholders of the Acquired Fund became shareholders of the Clarkston Fund and received Institutional Class shares, respectively, of the Clarkston Fund. The reorganization qualified as a tax-free “reorganization” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

 

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Clarkston Funds Notes to Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

As of the close of business on March 15, 2019, assets of the Acquired Fund were acquired by the Acquiring Fund in exchange for shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund. On the Reorganization date, the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund reported the following financial information:

 

Acquiring Fund  Shares Outstanding of Acquiring Fund   Net Assets of Acquiring Fund   Acquired Fund  Acquired Fund Shares Exchanged   Net Assets of Acquired Fund Exchanged 
Clarkston Fund   2,899,370    33,634,424   Select Fund   1,301,165    13,797,848 

 

The investment portfolio value and unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) as of the Reorganization Date of the Acquired Fund was as follows:

 

Acquired Fund  Portfolio Value   Unrealized Appreciation of Acquired Fund 
Select Fund  $12,640,986   $621,303 

 

Immediately following the Reorganization the net assets of the combined Acquiring Fund were $47,432,272.

 

As a result of the Reorganization, 1,189,405 Shares were issued in the Acquiring Fund.

 

Assuming the acquisition had been completed on October 1, 2018, the beginning of the annual reporting period of the Acquiring Fund, the Acquiring Fund’s pro forma results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2019, are as follows:

 

Pro Forma (unaudited)    
Net Investment Income  $516,263 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments   2,241,727 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations  $2,757,990 

 

10. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Funds have elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.

 

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 51

 

 

Clarkston Funds Additional Information

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD

 

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-844-680-6562 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-844-680-6562 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

3. SHAREHOLDER PROXY RESULTS

 

 

At a Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Predecessor Fund, held at the offices of ALPS Fund Services, Inc., at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203 on March 13, 2019, shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 21, 2018 voted to approve the following proposals:

 

Proposal 1: To approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization for the Predecessor Clarkston Select Fund.

 

    Shares Voted In Favor     Shares Voted Against or Abstentions  
    1,192,146     0  

 

Proposal 2: To approve a new Investment Advisory Agreement for the Predecessor Clarkston Select Fund.

 

    Shares Voted In Favor     Shares Voted Against or Abstentions  
    1,192,146     0  

 

4. DISCLOSURE REGARDING RENEWAL AND APPROVAL OF FUND ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

 

The Board of Trustees (“Board” or “Trustees”) of the Trust met in person on November 29, 2018 to evaluate, among other things, whether approving the new investment advisory agreement and interim advisory agreement (the “New Advisory Agreements”) by and between the Trust and Clarkston Capital, with respect to the Clarkston Funds, was in the best interests of the Funds’ shareholders. At this Board meeting and throughout the consideration process, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, was advised by independent counsel.

 

 

52 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Additional Information

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Clarkston Capital served as the investment adviser to the Funds and was responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s assets; Clarkson Capital proposed a transaction (“Transaction”) deemed to result in a “change in control” of Clarkson Capital for the purpose of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”) and under the terms of the 1940 Act and resulted in the automatic termination of the then current investment advisory agreement with Clarkson Capital (“Terminated Agreement”).

 

In voting to approve the New Advisory Agreements, the Board did not identify any single factor as all-important or controlling. The following summary does not identify all the matters considered by the Board but provides a summary of the principal matters the Board considered.

 

Investment Advisory Fee Rate: The Trustees reviewed and considered the proposed annual advisory fee to be paid by the Trust on behalf of each Clarkston Fund to Clarkston Capital, noting that the fees would not change as a result of the transaction.

 

The Trustees considered the information they received when the current investment advisory agreement was recently renewed, comparing each Clarkston Fund’s contractual annual advisory fees and overall expenses with those of funds in the expense group and universe of funds provided by FUSE, an independent provider of investment company data, which screened retail and institutional funds with similar strategies and comparable fee structures as the Clarkston Funds, and excluded all others. Each FUSE peer group consisted of the applicable Clarkston Fund and several other funds identified by FUSE using similar strategies with comparable fee structures.

 

The Trustees also noted that Clarkston Capital managed other institutional and strategic accounts, and model delivery service clients, using investment strategies similar to the strategies of the Clarkston Funds, and reviewed the fee structures for, and services rendered to, such clients. Bearing in mind the limitations of comparing different types of accounts and the different levels of service typically associated with such accounts, the Trustees noted that the fee structures applicable to Clarkston Capital’s other clients employing a comparable strategy to any Clarkston Fund were not indicative of any unreasonableness with respect to the advisory fee payable by such Clarkston Fund.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services under the Investment Advisory Agreement: The Trustees recalled their recent renewal of the current investment advisory agreement during which they evaluated the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Clarkston Funds. The Trustees reviewed and considered Clarkston Capital’s personnel, its history as an asset manager and its performance. The Trustees also discussed the research and decision-making processes utilized by Clarkston Capital, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Clarkston Funds.

 

The Trustees reviewed the background and experience of Clarkston Capital’s management relating to the Clarkston Funds, including the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, and noted that the Transaction would not result in a change in portfolio managers. They also discussed the resources of Clarkston Capital devoted to research and analysis of actual and potential investments. They considered the Trust’s experience with Clarkston Capital, including Clarkston Capital’s responsiveness and compliance record.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 53

 

 

Clarkston Funds Additional Information

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Performance: The Trustees recalled their discussion of performance of each Clarkston Fund when the current investment advisory agreement was recently renewed. They reviewed performance information for each Clarkston Fund through September 30, 2018 provided by Clarkston Capital, including sector allocations and attribution results. They noted that the performance of each Fund trailed the relevant benchmark index since inception and further noted the relatively short performance period for all the Clarkston Funds, especially the Clarkston Founders Fund and the Clarkston Select Fund. They discussed information provided related to the upside and downside capture ratio of the Partners Fund, as well as recent cash position of the strategy, and how that information reflects the risk of investing in the Funds. They considered the adviser’s confidence that the valuations of the companies in the portfolios would be realized over the long term.

 

The Adviser’s Profitability: The Trustees received and considered actual and estimated profitability analyses provided by Clarkston Capital when the current investment advisory agreement was recently renewed, as well as Clarkston Capital’s confirmation that profitability has not materially changed since the last renewal. The Trustees considered the profits, if any, realized and anticipated to be realized by Clarkston Capital relating to the operation of each Clarkston Fund. The Trustees then considered the financial condition of Clarkston Capital. They concluded that any profits would remain reasonable after the Transaction.

 

Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to each Clarkston Fund would be passed along to the shareholders under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees concluded that the expense limitation agreement provided by Clarkston Capital was a benefit to shareholders and, based on current asset levels, adequately addressed the issue.

 

Other Benefits to the Adviser: The Trustees reviewed and considered any other incidental benefits derived or to be derived by Clarkston Capital from its relationship with each Clarkston Fund, including research services.

 

The Board summarized its deliberations with respect to the Investment Advisory Agreement with Clarkston Capital. In evaluating Clarkston Capital and the fees to be charged under the proposed Investment Advisory Agreement, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement. Further, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Trustees, including all the Independent Trustees, concluded that:

 

each Clarkston Fund’s contractual advisory fee was not unreasonable;

 

the nature, extent and quality of services to be rendered by Clarkston Capital under the proposed Investment Advisory Agreement were adequate;

 

bearing in mind the relatively short performance history of the Clarkston Funds, the performance of each Clarkston Fund was acceptable;

 

the estimated profitability of Clarkston Capital relating to the management of each Clarkston Fund was not unreasonable; and

 

 

54 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Additional Information

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

there were no material economies of scale or other material incidental benefits accruing to Clarkston Capital because of its relationship with each Clarkston Fund.

 

Based on the Trustees’ deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, the Trustees, including all the Independent Trustees, concluded that Clarkston Capital’s compensation for investment advisory services is consistent with the best interests of each Clarkston Fund and its shareholders.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 55

 

 

 

 

 

 

This material must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

The Clarkston Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Shareholder Letter 1
Portfolio Update 3
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 5
Portfolio of Investments 6
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 10
Statement of Operations 11
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 12
Statement of Cash Flows 13
Financial Highlights 14
Notes to Financial Statements 17
Additional Information 25

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website at www.ddjfunds.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1-844-363-4898 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.ddjfunds.com.

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Shareholder Letter
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Message from the President: 6-Month Review as of 3/31/19

The past six months has been a relatively volatile period for the leveraged credit market. While high yield bonds experienced their best performance to start a year since 2003, this strong performance came on the heels of a considerable market sell-off to end 2018. This steep decline in markets was attributed to investor concerns about slowing global growth, brewing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, and a hawkish Federal Reserve.

 

However, in today’s environment, China and the U.S. appear to be moving closer to an agreement, helping to ease global economic growth concerns, while the Fed has turned dovish, providing markets with the fuel to extend this historically long market cycle a bit further. Over the past six months, the high yield bond market produced a modest gain, lagging investment grade credit and U.S. Treasuries, but outperforming bank loans and most equity indices.

 

Our base case scenario assumes that market volatility will continue, as investors digest the latest data and accordingly reset expectations regarding global economic growth, the future path of Fed rate hikes, and developments on trade negotiations, amongst other factors. An additional disruptive factor could be Britain’s ability to exit the European Union in an orderly fashion with any disorderly exit potentially straining global economic growth. Depending on whether events meet or miss investors’ expectations, the leveraged credit market has the potential to experience large in/outflows, further exacerbating periods of volatility.

 

From our perspective, increasing trade tensions and monetary policy mishaps present the greatest risks to the overall health of the leveraged credit market going forward. Tension between the U.S. and its primary trading partners was one of the biggest risks in 2018, and DDJ expects that the same will hold true for the remainder of 2019, with a particular focus on trade negotiations between the U.S. and China. In addition, the risk of a Fed mistake is higher than it has been for some time, and we believe that the Fed’s recent emphasis on a data-dependent approach to future monetary policy is appropriate in the current environment.

 

Turning our attention to the Fund’s performance, during the six-months ending March 31, 2019, the Fund lagged the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Non-Financials Index. The benchmark fluctuated considerably during the period and while the Fund exhibited strong relative performance in the fourth quarter of 2018 as a result of its off-benchmark bank loan and off-the-run the high yield bond holdings, those same characteristics caused the Fund to lag the benchmark considerably to start 2019.

 

In addition, the weakest performing sector in the fourth quarter of 2018, Energy, was also the strongest performing sector in Q1 2019. However, in the aggregate, Energy sector high yield bonds lagged the benchmark. As result, the Fund’s relative performance was enhanced by its underweight to the Energy sector.

 

That being said, security selection drove Fund performance during the period. As such, certain of the Fund’s positions lagged the market during the past six-months and accordingly detracted from absolute and relative performance. These positions were primarily CCC rated high yield bonds and bank loans in the Technology & Electronics, Automotive, Basic Industry and Healthcare sectors.

 

Short-term performance is what often makes headlines; however, long-term alpha generation takes patience and strict adherence to a time-tested investment philosophy and process. We at DDJ Capital Management do not let market “noise” influence our performance objectives. As such, we will continue to invest the Fund in leveraged credit instruments that offer a yield premium and that our research has shown provide a better fundamental risk profile than that of the overall high yield benchmark. It is our belief that this combination of targeting excess yield together with intensive due diligence undertaken to minimize downside risk will result in long-term outperformance by the Fund both on an absolute and risk-adjusted basis.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David J. Breazzano

President, Chief Investment Officer and Co-Portfolio Manager

DDJ Capital Management, LLC

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 1

 

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Shareholder Letter
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index is maintained by ICE BofA Merrill Lynch and comprises U.S. dollar denominated below investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market.

 

Alpha: the excess return of an individual investment or the Fund in aggregate relative to the return on the specified benchmark.

 

Coupon: The stated interest rate paid on a bond. Coupon payments for high yield bonds are typically made semi-annually.

 

Leveraged Loan: A commercial loan provided to a borrower by a group of lenders that has an investment grade rating.

 

Spread: The yield of a bond minus the yield of the government bond that matches the maturity (or appropriate call date) of the bond.

 

Yield: The yield is the income return on an investment, such as interest or dividends received from holding a particular security.

 

Yield Premium: As referenced in this letter, refers to the yield of individual investments in the Fund, or the yield of the Fund in aggregate, being higher than the yield of the Fund’s benchmark.

 

The views and information discussed in this commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change, and may not reflect the writer’s current views. The views expressed are those of the Adviser only, and represent an assessment of market conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular investment or markets in general. Such information does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or investment vehicles. It should not be assumed that any investment will be profitable or will equal the performance of the fund(s) or any securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter. The subject matter contained in this letter has been derived from several sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser accepts any liability for losses either direct or consequential caused by the use of this information.

 

Credit ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All Fund securities except for those labeled “Not Rated” and “Other” have been rated by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, which are each a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). All Index securities except for those labeled “Not Rated” have been rated by Moody’s or S&P. Credit ratings are subject to change. One cannot invest directly into an index.

 

Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with DDJ Capital Management, LLC, the investment adviser to the Fund.

 

 
2 www.ddjcap.com

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Portfolio Update
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns (as of March 31, 2019)

 

  3 Month 6 Month 1 Year 3 Year Since Inception*
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund – Institutional Class 4.50% 1.21% 1.83% 8.85% 6.58%
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund – Class I 4.51% 1.20% 2.09% 8.89% 6.61%
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund – Class II 4.28% 0.93% 1.42% 8.48% 6.23%
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index(a)   7.40% 2.39% 5.94% 8.69% 5.76%
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Non-Financial Index(b)   7.37% 2.30% 5.96% 8.80% 5.71%

 

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (844) 363-4898 or by visiting www.ddjfunds.com.

 

* Fund’s inception date is July 16, 2015.
(a)   Effective April 2, 2019, the benchmark of the Fund is the ICE BofAML US High Yield Index, maintained by ICE BofA Merrill Lynch and comprised of U.S. dollar denominated below investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market. DDJ Capital Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) believes that the new benchmark is a more appropriate benchmark for the Fund as it is more representative of the broad high yield market against which potential investors in the Fund typically measure high yield mutual funds, including the Fund.
(b)   The ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Non-Financial Index is a subset of The BofA Merrill Lynch US High Yield Index but that excludes all securities of financial issuers.

 

Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.

 

Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.

 

The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class, Class I and Class II shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 3.81% and 0.79%, 3.14% and 0.89% and 3.89% and 1.14% respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.

 

Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of March 31, 2019)

 

 

The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 3

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Portfolio Update
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets)*    
     
Asurion LLC   4.37%
Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC / Alliant Holdings Co.-Issuer   3.46%
GTT Communications, Inc.   2.63%
One Call Corp.   2.58%
Carlson Travel, Inc.   2.42%
MH Sub I LLC   2.23%
Century Aluminum Co.   2.21%
Vizient, Inc.   2.16%
U.S. Renal Care, Inc.   2.14%
Northwest Acquisitions ULC / Dominion Finco, Inc.   1.99%
Top Ten Holdings   26.19%

 

*Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio. Tables present indicative values only.

 

Portfolio Composition (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

 

 
4 www.ddjcap.com

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Disclosure of Fund Expenses
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Examples. As a shareholder of the DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund (the “Fund”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including applicable redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.

 

Actual Expenses. The first line under each class in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

  Beginning
Account Value
October 1, 2018
Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2019
Expense
Ratio
(a)  
Expense Paid
During Period
October 1, 2018 -
March 31, 2019
(b)  
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund        
Institutional Class        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,012.10 0.79% $3.96
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,020.99 0.79% $3.98
Class I        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,012.00 0.75% $3.76
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.19 0.75% $3.78
Class II        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,010.40 1.14% $5.71
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,019.25 1.14% $5.74

 

(a)   Each Fund's expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses.
(b)   Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio shown above for the applicable class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 5

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Portfolio of Investments
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value (Note 2) 
COMMON STOCKS (1.93%)        
Consumer Discretionary (0.38%)        
American Tire Distributor(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)     2,940   $62,887 
           
Materials (1.55%)          
Real Alloy Holding, Inc.(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)     3    112,496 
Specialty Steel Holdco, Inc.(a)(c)(d)(e)     1    141,569 
Total Materials        254,065 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $299,737)        316,952 

 

   Rate  Maturity Date  Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
BANK LOANS (33.47%)              
Communications (3.33%)              
MH Sub I LLC, Series Amendment No. 2 Initial(f)(g)    1M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor  9/15/2025  $370,000   $365,375 
Ten-X LLC, Series Senior Secured(a)(d)(e)(f)    1M US L + 8.00%, 1.00% Floor  9/29/2025   180,000    180,000 
Total Communications              545,375 
                 
Consumer Discretionary (0.25%)                
American Tire Distributors, Inc., Series Initial(a)(f)(h)    Cash L + 6.50 + PIK 1.50%, 1.00% Floor  9/2/2024   17,094    15,338 
American Tire Distributors, Inc., Series Initial (DIP)(a)(f)(h)    Cash L + 6.00 + PIK 1.0%, 1.00% Floor  9/1/2023   25,705    25,351 
Total Consumer Discretionary              40,689 
                 
Consumer, Cyclical (4.63%)                
DexKo Global, Inc., Series B(e)(f)    3M US L + 8.25%  7/24/2025   190,000    189,050 
KUEHG Corp, Series Tranche B(f)    3M US L + 8.25%, 1.00% Floor  8/22/2025   70,000    70,000 
Parq Holdings LP, Series Closing Date(f)    3M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor  12/17/2020   227,584    227,299 
Truck Hero, Inc., Series Initial(f)    1M US L + 3.75%  4/22/2024   49,873    48,206 
Truck Hero, Inc., Series Initial(f)    1M US L + 8.25%, 1.00% Floor  4/21/2025   230,000    224,250 
Total Consumer, Cyclical              758,805 
                 
Consumer, Non-cyclical (9.21%)                
Aveanna Healthcare LLC, Series Initial(f)    1M US L + 8.00%, 1.00% Floor  3/17/2025   120,000    114,900 
Aveanna Healthcare LLC, Series Initial New(e)(f)    1M US L + 5.50%, 1.00% Floor  3/18/2024   129,439    126,527 
Dentalcorp Health Services ULC, Series Delayed Draw(e)(f)    1M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor  6/8/2026   14,840    14,691 
Dentalcorp Perfect Smile ULC(e)(f)    L +7.5%  6/8/2026   130,000    128,700 
Lanai Holdings III, Inc., Series Initial(a)(e)(f)    3M US L + 8.50%, 1.00% Floor  8/28/2023   160,000    144,000 
Learning Care Group No. 2, Inc., Series Initial(a)(e)(f)    2M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor  3/13/2026   110,000    109,450 
One Call Corp., Series Extended(a)(f)    1M US L + 5.25%, 1.00% Floor  11/27/2022   129,632    110,620 
Packaging Coordinators Midco, Inc., Series Initial(e)(f)    3M US L + 8.75%, 1.00% Floor  7/1/2024   160,000    159,600 
Parfums Holding Co., Inc., Series Initial(f)    3M US L + 8.75%, 1.00% Floor  6/30/2025   130,000    130,650 
U.S. Renal Care, Inc., Series Initial(f)    3M US L + 4.25%, 1.00% Floor  12/30/2022   119,357    119,320 
U.S. Renal Care, Inc., Series Senior Secured(f)    3M US L + 8.00%, 1.00% Floor  12/29/2023   350,000    351,533 
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical              1,509,991 
                 
Financials (4.88%)                
Asurion LLC, Series Replacement B-2(f)(g)    1M US L + 6.50%  8/4/2025   705,000    716,382 
Zest Acquisition Corp., Series Initial(e)(f)    3M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor  3/13/2026   90,000    84,375 
Total Financials              800,757 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
6 www.ddjcap.com

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Portfolio of Investments
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Rate  Maturity Date  Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
Health Care (1.54%)              
Dentalcorp Health Services ULC, Series Initial(e)(f)(i)    1M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor  6/8/2026  $85,160   $84,309 
National Mentor Holdings, Inc., Series Initial(e)(f)    1M US L + 8.50%, 1.00% Floor  3/8/2027   90,000    88,650 
Regionalcare Hospital Partners Holdings, Inc., Series B(f)    1M US L + 4.50%  11/16/2025   79,800    79,089 
Total Health Care              252,048 
                 
Industrials (3.84%)                
Deliver Buyer, Inc., Series Senior Secured(f)    3M US L + 5.00%, 1.00% Floor  5/1/2024   139,242    138,198 
Engineered Machinery Holdings, Inc., Series Initial(f)    3M US L + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor  7/18/2025   165,812    163,187 
Utex Industries, Inc., Series Initial(f)(g)    1M US L + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor  5/20/2022   290,000    270,184 
Utex Industries, Inc. - Initial Loan (First Lien), Series Initial(f)(g)    1M US L + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor  5/21/2021   59,843    57,655 
Total Industrials              629,224 
                 
Materials (0.04%)                
Miami Valley Steel Service, Inc., Series Senior Secured(a)(d)(e)(f)    3M US L + 9.00%, 1.00% Floor  1/20/2023   6,990    6,990 
                 
Technology (5.75%)                
Dun & Bradstreet Corp., Series Initial Borrowing(f)    1M US L + 5.00%  2/6/2026   150,000    148,594 
Evergreen Skills Lux S.A R.L., Series Initial(f)    1M US L + 4.75%, 1.00% Floor  4/28/2021   370,285    312,520 
Evergreen Skills Lux S.A R.L., Series Initial(f)    1M US L + 8.25%, 1.00% Floor  4/28/2022   59,990    24,896 
Masergy Holdings, Inc., Series Initial(f)    3M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor  12/16/2024   125,585    123,388 
Optiv, Inc., Series Initial(e)(f)    1M US L + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor  1/31/2025   50,000    47,375 
Peak 10 Holding Corp., Series Initial(f)    3M US L + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor  8/1/2025   140,000    123,900 
TierPoint LLC, Series Initial(f)    1M US L + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor  5/5/2025   170,000    161,712 
Total Technology              942,385 
                 
TOTAL BANK LOANS (Cost $5,559,730)              5,486,264 
                 
HIGH YIELD BONDS AND NOTES (62.88%)                
Basic Materials (4.67%)                
Big River Steel LLC / BRS Finance Corp.(j)    7.250%  9/1/2025   130,000    136,214 
Cornerstone Chemical Co.(j)    6.750%  8/15/2024   320,000    302,400 
Northwest Acquisitions ULC / Dominion Finco, Inc.(g)(j)    7.125%  11/1/2022   370,000    326,525 
Total Basic Materials              765,139 
                 
Communications (6.41%)                
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.(j)    5.000%  2/1/2028   70,000    69,387 
CenturyLink, Inc., Series G  6.875%  1/15/2028   250,000    238,125 
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., Series A  6.500%  11/15/2022   70,000    72,013 
GTT Communications, Inc.(g)(j)    7.875%  12/31/2024   490,000    431,049 
Townsquare Media, Inc.(j)    6.500%  4/1/2023   120,000    115,350 
ViaSat, Inc.(j)    5.625%  9/15/2025   130,000    125,125 
Total Communications              1,051,049 
                 
Consumer, Cyclical (6.64%)                
Avantor, Inc.(j)    9.000%  10/1/2025   210,000    228,112 
BCD Acquisition, Inc.(j)    9.625%  9/15/2023   150,000    159,750 
Carlson Travel, Inc.(j)    9.500%  12/15/2024   410,000    396,675 
Jack Ohio Finance LLC / Jack Ohio Finance 1 Corp.(j)    10.250%  11/15/2022   185,000    199,338 
Sportsnet(a)(c)(d)(e)    10.250%  1/15/2025   100,000    105,000 
Total Consumer, Cyclical              1,088,875 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 7

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Portfolio of Investments
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Rate  Maturity Date  Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
Consumer, Non-cyclical (15.64%)                
Eagle Holding Co. II LLC(h)(j)    Cash 7.625% + PIK 8.375%  5/15/2022  $300,000   $303,375 
High Ridge Brands Co.(j)    8.875%  3/15/2025   125,000    50,625 
Midas Intermediate Holdco II LLC / Midas Intermediate Holdco II                
Finance, Inc.(j)    7.875%  10/1/2022   85,000    80,537 
MPH Acquisition Holdings, LLC(j)    7.125%  6/1/2024   280,000    280,000 
NVA Holdings, Inc.(j)    6.875%  4/1/2026   290,000    288,187 
One Call Corp., Series AI(a)(d)(e)(h)    7.500%  7/1/2024   501,912    422,861 
Polaris Intermediate Corp.(h)(j)    8.500%  12/1/2022   250,000    247,563 
Simmons Foods, Inc.(j)    5.750%  11/1/2024   60,000    52,950 
Surgery Center Holdings, Inc.(j)    6.750%  7/1/2025   325,000    295,750 
Team Health Holdings, Inc.(j)    6.375%  2/1/2025   230,000    187,738 
Vizient, Inc.(j)    10.375%  3/1/2024   325,000    353,616 
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical              2,563,202 
                 
Energy (5.93%)                
Foresight Energy LLC / Foresight Energy(j)    11.500%  4/1/2023   380,000    309,700 
MEG Energy Corp.(j)    6.375%  1/30/2023   120,000    111,450 
MEG Energy Corp.(j)    7.000%  3/31/2024   310,000    290,625 
Resolute Energy Corp.  8.500%  5/1/2020   260,000    260,000 
Total Energy              971,775 
                 
Financials (8.87%)                
Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC / Alliant Holdings Co.-Issuer(g)(j)    8.250%  8/1/2023   550,000    566,500 
AssuredPartners, Inc.(j)    7.000%  8/15/2025   320,000    297,600 
NFP Corp.(j)    6.875%  7/15/2025   210,000    201,600 
Uniti Group LP / Uniti Fiber Holdings, Inc. / CSL Capital LLC(j)    7.125%  12/15/2024   155,000    134,075 
Uniti Group LP / Uniti Group Finance, Inc. / CSL Capital LLC  8.250%  10/15/2023   280,000    254,100 
Total Financials              1,453,875 
                 
Industrials (9.67%)                
Apex Tool Group LLC / BC Mountain Finance, Inc.(j)    9.000%  2/15/2023   170,000    164,050 
JPW Industries Holding Corp.(j)    9.000%  10/1/2024   160,000    156,800 
Material Sciences Corp.(a)(c)(d)(e)(f)(h)    L + 8.25 or PIK 2.00%  1/9/2024   107,945    107,945 
Optimas OE Solutions Holding LLC / Optimas OE Solutions, Inc.(j)    8.625%  6/1/2021   180,000    167,400 
Plastipak Holdings, Inc.(j)    6.250%  10/15/2025   280,000    263,200 
Titan Acquisition, Ltd. / Titan Co.-Borrower LLC(g)(j)    7.750%  4/15/2026   280,000    242,200 
TransDigm, Inc.  6.375%  6/15/2026   270,000    268,272 
Trident Merger Sub, Inc.(j)    6.625%  11/1/2025   230,000    216,200 
Total Industrials              1,586,067 
                 
Materials (4.21%)                
Century Aluminum Co.(j)    7.500%  6/1/2021   360,000    362,700 
Real Alloy Holding, Inc.(a)(c)(d)(e)(f)(h)    3M US L +10.00% or PIK L+12.00%, 1.00% Floor  11/28/2023   118,182    118,182 
Specialty Steel Holdco, Inc.(a)(c)(d)(e)    11.620%  11/15/2022   210,000    210,000 
Total Materials              690,882 
                 
Technology (0.84%)                
West Corp.(j)    8.500%  10/15/2025   160,000    138,400 
                 
TOTAL HIGH YIELD BONDS AND NOTES (Cost $10,434,823)           10,309,264 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
8 www.ddjcap.com

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Portfolio of Investments
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Rate  Maturity Date  Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
Warrant (0.22%)              
Materials (0.22%)              
Material Sciences Corp., Strike Price: $0.01, Expires 12/22/2036(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)           3,369    35,473 
Total Materials              35,473 
                 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (98.50%) (Cost $16,300,278)          $16,147,953 
                 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (1.50%)          246,579 
                 
NET ASSETS (100.00%)          $16,394,532 

 

(a) Security deemed to be illiquid under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of illiquid securities in the aggregate was $1,908,162, representing 11.64% of the Fund’s net assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Security deemed to be restricted as of March 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of restricted securities in the aggregate was $893,552, representing 5.45% of the Fund’s net assets. Additional information on restricted securities can be found in the Notes to Quarterly Portfolio of Investments.
(d) Fair valued security under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
(e) As a result of the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value, these investments have been classified as Level 3 assets. See also note 2 to the financial statements for additional information.
(f)   Floating or variable rate security. The reference rate is described below. The rate in effect as of March 31, 2019 is based on the reference rate plus the displayed spread as of the securities last reset date.
(g) All or a portion of this position has not settled as of March 31, 2019. The interest rate shown represents the stated spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR" or "L") or the applicable LIBOR floor; the Fund will not accrue interest until the settlement date, at which point LIBOR will be established.
(h) Payment in-kind.
(i) A portion of this position was not funded at March 31, 2019. The Fund had approximately $5,100 in unfunded commitment pursuant to Delayed Draw Term Loan facility. The Portfolio of Investments records this investment as fully funded and accordingly, a corresponding payable for investments purchased has also been recorded which represents the actual unfunded amount on the balance sheet date.
(j) Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $8,252,766, representing 50.34% of net assets.

 

Investment Abbreviations:

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate

PIK - Payment in-kind

 

Libor Rates:

1M US L - 1 Month LIBOR as of March 31, 2019 was 2.49%

3M US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of March 31, 2019 was 2.60%

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices, and/or as defined by Fund's management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are shown as a percentage of the Fund's net assets. (Unaudited)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 9

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Statement of Assets and Liabilities
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value (Cost $16,300,278)  $16,147,953 
Cash and cash equivalents   542,571 
Receivable for investments sold   17,771 
Receivable for shares sold   193,742 
Dividends and interest receivable   261,321 
Receivable due from adviser   18,736 
Prepaid expenses   12,449 
Total Assets   17,194,543 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees   41,364 
Payable for investments purchased   736,967 
Payable for shareholder services     
Class I   358 
Payable for distribution fees     
Class II   1,816 
Payable for printing   92 
Payable for professional fees   12,389 
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses   355 
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees   4,959 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   1,711 
Total Liabilities   800,011 
NET ASSETS  $16,394,532 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital (Note 5)  $17,229,424 
Total distributable earnings   (834,892)
NET ASSETS  $16,394,532 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Institutional Class :     
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $9.19 
Net Assets  $10,157,222 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   1,105,718 
Class I :     
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $9.20 
Net Assets  $731,191 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   79,504 
Class II :     
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $9.22 
Net Assets  $5,506,119 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   597,497 
      

 Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
10 www.ddjcap.com

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Statement of Operations
 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Dividends  $154,085 
Interest   564,076 
Total Investment Income   718,161 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment advisory fees (Note 6)   46,070 
Administration fees   87,696 
Shareholder service fees     
Class II   1,748 
Distribution fees     
Class II   4,370 
Custody fees   2,456 
Legal fees   3,233 
Audit and tax fees   9,965 
Transfer agent fees   25,244 
Trustees fees and expenses   597 
State registration fees   22,179 
Printing fees   2,174 
Chief Compliance Officer fees   14,959 
Insurance fees   151 
Other expenses   5,132 
Total Expenses   225,974 
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser     
Institutional Class (Note 6)   (115,552)
Class I   (9,274)
Class II   (43,024)
Net Expenses   58,124 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   660,037 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:     
Net realized gain/(loss) on:     
Investments   (415,907)
Net realized loss   (415,907)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:     
Investments   (25,026)
Net change   (25,026)
      
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS   (440,933)
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $219,104 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 11

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $660,037   $930,299 
Net realized loss on investments   (415,907)   (302,081)
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments   (25,026)   (347,937)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   219,104    280,281 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS          
Institutional Class   (432,343)   (720,503)
Class I   (34,192)   (210,379)
Class II   (173,066)   (67,029)
Total distributions   (639,601)   (997,911)
           
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):          
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   1,443,964    1,590,038 
Dividends reinvested   233,435    664,896 
Shares redeemed   (4,985)   (158,328)
Net increase from beneficial share transactions   1,672,414    2,096,606 
           
Class I          
Shares sold       7,730,002 
Dividends reinvested   34,192    210,379 
Shares redeemed       (7,688,156)
Redemption fees       20 
Net increase from beneficial share transactions   34,192    252,245 
           
Class II          
Shares sold   4,916,566    2,121,691 
Dividends reinvested   154,142    67,028 
Shares redeemed   (780,033)   (1,038,479)
Redemption fees   1,185    156 
Net increase from beneficial share transactions   4,291,860    1,150,396 
Net increase in net assets   5,577,969    2,781,617 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   10,816,563    8,034,946 
End of period  $16,394,532   $10,816,563 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
12 www.ddjcap.com

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Statements of Cash Flows
 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:    
Net increase in net assets from operations  $219,104 
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net cash used in operating activities:     
Purchases of investment securities   (7,896,415)
Proceeds from disposition of investment securities   2,336,373 
Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on investments   (8,739)
Net realized loss on investments   415,907 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments   25,026 
(Increase)/Decrease in assets:     
Interest receivable   (86,593)
Receivable due from adviser   5,336 
Prepaid expenses   7,358 
Increase/(Decrease) in liabilities:     
Payable for 12b-1 fees     
Class I   (147)
Class II   1,566 
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees   14,040 
Payable to trustees' fees and expenses   350 
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees   2,459 
Payable for professional fees   (7,744)
Other accrued expenses and other liabilities   (2,337)
Net cash used in operating activities   (4,974,456)
      
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES:     
Proceeds from sale of shares   6,177,288 
Payment on shares redeemed   (783,833)
Cash distributions paid   (217,832)
Net cash provided by financing activities   5,175,623 
      
Net change in cash & cash equivalents   201,167 
Cash & cash equivalents, beginning of period  $341,404 
Cash & cash equivalents, end of period  $542,571 
      
Non-cash financing activities not included herein consist of reinvestment of distributions of:  $421,769 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 13

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Financial Highlights
 
Institutional Class For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018   For the Year Ended September 30, 2017   For the Year Ended September 30, 2016   For the Period Ended September 30, 2015(a)   
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $9.53   $10.04   $9.84   $9.76   $10.00 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(b)     0.46    0.84    0.87    0.72    0.08 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   (0.36)   (0.43)   0.33    0.06    (0.26)
Total from investment operations   0.10    0.41    1.20    0.78    (0.18)
                          
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (0.44)   (0.82)   (0.89)   (0.70)   (0.06)
From net realized gains on investments       (0.10)   (0.11)        
Total Distributions   (0.44)   (0.92)   (1.00)   (0.70)   (0.06)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (0.34)   (0.51)   0.20    0.08    (0.24)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $9.19   $9.53   $10.04   $9.84   $9.76 
                          
TOTAL RETURN(c)     1.21%   4.26%   12.73%   8.41%   (1.77%)
                          
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $10,157   $8,801   $7,101   $7,916   $2,968 
                          
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                         
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver   3.37%(d)     3.81%   4.61%   5.19%   14.66%(d)  
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver   0.79%(d)     0.79%   0.79%   0.79%   0.79%(d)  
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver   10.05%(d)     8.56%   8.67%   7.55%   3.71%(d)  
                          
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(e)     18%   147%   86%   72%   4%

 

(a) Commenced operations on July 17, 2015.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
14 www.ddjcap.com

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Financial Highlights
 
Class I For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018   For the Year Ended September 30, 2017   For the Year Ended September 30, 2016   For the Period Ended September 30, 2015(a)   
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $9.54   $10.04   $9.84   $9.76   $10.00 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(b)     0.47    0.81    0.86    0.73    0.07 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   (0.37)   (0.39)   0.33    0.05    (0.24)
Total from investment operations   0.10    0.42    1.19    0.78    (0.17)
                          
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (0.44)   (0.82)   (0.88)   (0.70)   (0.07)
From net realized gains on investments       (0.10)   (0.11)        
Total Distributions   (0.44)   (0.92)   (0.99)   (0.70)   (0.07)
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAID-IN-CAPITAL (Note 5)       0.00(c)              
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (0.34)   (0.50)   0.20    0.08    (0.24)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $9.20   $9.54   $10.04   $9.84   $9.76 
                          
TOTAL RETURN(d)     1.20%   4.42%   12.63%   8.43%   (1.76%)
                          
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $731   $723   $732   $650   $98 
                          
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                         
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver   3.34%(e)     3.04%   4.63%   5.10%   14.74%(e)  
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver   0.75%(e)(f)     0.79%(f)     0.80%(f)     0.89%   0.89%(e)  
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver   10.06%(e)     8.29%   8.66%   7.55%   3.47%(e)  
                          
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(g)     18%   147%   86%   72%   4%

 

(a) Commenced operations on July 17, 2015.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Less than $0.005 per share.
(d) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e) Annualized.
(f) According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Class I shares, any amount of such payment not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such services activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical after the end of the fiscal year. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and the years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, in the
  amounts of 0.14%, 0.10% and 0.09% of average net assets of Class I shares.
(g) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 15

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Financial Highlights
 
Class II For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018   For the Year Ended September 30, 2017   For the Year Ended September 30, 2016   For the Period Ended September 30, 2015(a)   
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $9.55   $10.04   $9.83   $9.76   $10.00 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(b)     0.45    0.79    0.84    0.68    0.07 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   (0.36)   (0.41)   0.32    0.06    (0.25)
Total from investment operations   0.09    0.38    1.16    0.74    (0.18)
                          
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (0.42)   (0.77)   (0.84)   (0.67)   (0.06)
From net realized gains on investments       (0.10)   (0.11)        
Total Distributions   (0.42)   (0.87)   (0.95)   (0.67)   (0.06)
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAID-IN-CAPITAL (Note 5)   0.00(c)     0.00(c)              
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (0.33)   (0.49)   0.21    0.07    (0.24)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $9.22   $9.55   $10.04   $9.83   $9.76 
                          
TOTAL RETURN(d)     1.04%   3.97%   12.38%   8.06%   (1.80%)
                          
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $5,506   $1,292   $201   $106   $98 
                          
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                         
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver   3.59%(e)     3.83%   4.86%   6.18%   14.99%(e)  
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver   1.14%(e)(f)     1.08%(f)     1.05%(f)     1.14%   1.14%(e)  
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver   9.87%(e)     8.16%   8.41%   7.15%   3.22%(e)  
                          
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(g)     18%   147%   86%   72%   4%

 

(a) Commenced operations on July 17, 2015.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Less than $0.005 per share.
(d) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e) Annualized.
(f) According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Class II shares, any amount of such payment not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such services activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical after the end of the fiscal year. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and the years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, in the amounts of 0.00%, 0.06% and 0.09% of average net assets of Class II shares.
(g) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
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DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund is diversified, and its primary investment objective is overall total return consisting of a high level of current income together with long-term capital appreciation. The Fund currently offers Class I shares, Class II shares and Institutional Class shares. Each share class has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

Investment Valuation: The Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

For equity securities and mutual funds that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.

 

The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third-party pricing service approved by the Board, which may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable investments, market indices and yield curves. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed to be unreliable, the market price may be determined using quotations received from one or more broker-dealers that make a market in the security.

 

Loans are primarily valued by using a composite loan price from a nationally recognized loan pricing service. The methodology used by the Fund’s nationally recognized loan pricing provider for composite loan prices is to value loans at the mean of the bid and ask prices from one or more third party pricing services or dealers.

 

Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable NAV, with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities.

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

 

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

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 17

 

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of March 31, 2019:

 

DDJ OPPORTUNISTIC HIGH YIELD FUND

 

Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks                             
Consumer Discretionary  $   $   $62,887   $62,887 
Materials           254,065    254,065 
Bank Loans                    
Communications       365,375    180,000    545,375 
Consumer Discretionary       40,689        40,689 
Consumer, Cyclical       569,755    189,050    758,805 
Consumer, Non-cyclical       827,023    682,968    1,509,991 
Financials       716,382    84,375    800,757 
Health Care       79,089    172,959    252,048 
Industrials       629,224        629,224 
Materials           6,990    6,990 
Technology       895,010    47,375    942,385 
High Yield Bonds and Notes                    
Basic Materials       765,139        765,139 
Communications       1,051,049        1,051,049 
Consumer, Cyclical       983,875    105,000    1,088,875 
Consumer, Non-cyclical       2,140,341    422,861    2,563,202 
Energy       971,775        971,775 
Financial       499,200        499,200 
Financials       954,675        954,675 
Industrial       885,650        885,650 
Industrials       592,472    107,945    700,417 
Materials       362,700    328,182    690,882 
Technology       138,400        138,400 
Warrant                    
Materials           35,473    35,473 
Total  $   $13,467,823   $2,680,130   $16,147,953 

 

 
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DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund recognizes transfers between levels as of the end of the period. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities. The following is a reconciliation of assets in which Level 3 inputs were used in determining value:

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund  Common Stocks   Bank Loans   High Yield Bonds And Notes   Warrant   Total 
Balance as of September 30, 2018  $376,551   $1,751,283   $550,445   $19,532   $2,697,811 
Accrued discount/ premium       1,723    1,115        2,838 
Realized Gain/(Loss)       3        22,288    22,291 
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)   (122,133)   (12,444)   (1,292)   19,816    (116,053)
Purchases   62,534    482,363    425,538        970,435 
Sales Proceeds       (2,979)   (11,818)   (26,163)   (40,960)
Transfer into Level 3       131,750            131,750 
Transfer out of Level 3       (987,982)           (987,982)
Balance as of March 31, 2019  $316,952   $1,363,717   $963,988   $35,473   $2,680,130 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in the Statement of Operations attributable to Level 3 investments held at March 31, 2019  $(122,133)  $(22,754)  $(1,292)  $19,816   $(126,363)

 

Information about Level 3 measurements as of March 31, 2019:

 

Asset Class  Market Value   Valuation Technique(s)  Unobservable Input(s)(a)    Value/Range
Common Stock  $316,952   Market Analysis, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis  Discount Rate, EBITDA Multiple  13.4%-15.8%/4.75x-7.5x
Bank Loans  $1,176,727   Third-Party Vendor Pricing Service  Vendor Quotes  N/A
Bank Loans  $186,990   Market Analysis  Market Data of Similar Companies  N/A
High Yield Bonds  $963,988   Market Analysis  Market Data of Similar Companies  N/A
Warrants  $35,473   Market Analysis, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis  Discount Rate, EBITDA Multiple  12.4%/6.87x

 

(a)         A change to the unobservable input may result in a significant change to the value of the investment as follows:

 

Unobservable Input Impact to Value if Input Increases Impact to Value if Input Decreases
Market Data of Similar Companies Increase Decrease
Vendor Quotes Increase Decrease
Discount Rate Decrease Increase
EBITDA Multiple Increase Decrease
Intrinsic Value Increase Decrease

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Fund considers its investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Fund maintains cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Fund maintains these balances with a high quality financial institution.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: The Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Fund to a credit risk. The Fund does not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to the Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to the Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees’ fees and expenses.

 

Fund Expenses: Some expenses can be directly attributed to the Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.

 

Class Expenses: Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the distribution (Rule 12b-1) and/or shareholder service plans for a particular class of the Fund are charged to the operations of such class.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 19

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

As of and during the six months ended March 31, 2019, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Fund’s administrator has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements related to these tax positions.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis) for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned using the effective yield method. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to the Fund. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.

 

Distributions to Shareholders: The Fund normally pays dividends, if any, monthly, and distributes capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest and other income the Fund receives from its investments, including short term capital gains. Long term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when the Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. The Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its investment advisor has determined that doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

Loan Assignments: The Fund acquires loans via loan assignments. The Fund considers loans acquired via assignment to be investments in debt instruments. When the Fund purchases loans from lenders via assignment, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan except that under certain circumstances such rights may be more limited than those held by the assigning lender.

 

Loans and debt instruments are subject to credit risk. Credit risk relates to the ability of the borrower under such fixed income instruments to make interest and principal payments as they become due.

 

As of March 31, 2019, the Fund held $5,486,264, or 33.47% of the Fund’s net assets, in loans acquired via assignment.

 

Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. The Fund may not be able to sell these investments at the best prices or at the value the Fund places on them. In such a market, the value of such investments, and as a result the Fund’s share price, may fall dramatically, even during periods of declining interest rates. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The market for high yield securities in particular may be less liquid than higher quality fixed income securities, and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

 

Restricted securities: Restricted securities are securities that may only be resold upon registration under federal securities laws or in transactions exempt from such registration. In some cases, the issuer of restricted securities has agreed to register such securities for resale, at the issuer’s expense, either upon demand by a fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Many restricted securities may be resold in the secondary market in transactions exempt from registration. Such restricted securities may be determined to be liquid. The Fund will not incur any registration costs upon such resale. The Fund’s restricted securities are valued at the price provided by pricing services or dealers in the secondary market or, if no market prices are available, at the fair value price as determined by the Fund’s Adviser or pursuant to the Fund’s fair value policy, subject to oversight by the Board. The Fund has acquired certain securities, the sale of which is restricted under applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933. It is possible that the fair value price may differ significantly from the amount that may ultimately be realized in the near term, and the difference could be material.

 

 
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DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The below securities restricted from resale as of March 31, 2019:

 

   Acquisition Date  Shares or Principal Amount   Amortized Cost   Fair Value 
American Tire Distributor (Common Stock)  12/21/18   2,940   $62,534   $62,887 
Material Sciences Corp. FLT% or PIK 2.00% 01/09/2024  7/9/18   107,945   $107,945   $107,945 
Material Sciences Corp., Strike Price: $0.01, Expires 12/22/2036 (Warrants)  12/22/16   3,369   $5,988   $35,473 
Real Alloy Holding, Inc. (Common Stock)  5/31/18   3   $103,329   $112,496 
Real Alloy Holding, Inc. 3M US L + 10.00% or PIK L + 12.00%, 1.00% Floor 11/28/2023  5/31/18   118,182   $118,182   $118,182 
Sportnet 10.250% 01/15/2025  12/27/17   100,000   $98,694   $105,000 
Specialty Steel Holdco, Inc. (Common Stock)  11/15/17   1   $133,875   $141,569 
Specialty Steel Holdco, Inc. 11.620% 11/15/2022  11/15/17   210,000   $210,000   $210,000 

 

Restricted securities under Rule 144A, including the aggregate value and percentage of net assets of the Fund, have been identified in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

3. TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Fund. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions are estimated at the time of distribution and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.

 

The tax character of distributions paid by the Fund for the fiscal years ended September 30 were as follows:

 

Distributions Paid From:  2018   2017 
Ordinary Income  $982,156   $762,130 
Capital Gains   15,755     
Total  $997,911   $762,130 

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments: As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation for Federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $197,245 
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (370,719)
Net unrealized appreciation   (173,474)
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $16,321,427 

 

4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

   Purchases of Securities   Proceeds from Sales of Securities 
   $8,569,477   $2,336,554 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 21

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

5. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Fund have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Fund nor any of its creditors has the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

Shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase may incur a 1.00% short-term redemption fee deducted from the redemption amount. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the redemption fees charged by the Fund, if any, are presented in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

Transactions in common shares were as follows:        
         
   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   157,579    164,309 
Dividends reinvested   25,550    68,135 
Shares redeemed   (544)   (16,270)
Net increase in shares outstanding   182,585    216,174 
Class I          
Shares sold       779,553 
Dividends reinvested   3,739    21,650 
Shares redeemed       (798,363)
Net increase in shares outstanding   3,739    2,840 
Class II          
Shares sold   530,691    216,025 
Dividends reinvested   16,873    6,921 
Shares redeemed   (85,368)   (107,689)
Net increase in shares outstanding   462,196    115,257 

 

Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 59% of the shares outstanding are held by one omnibus account of shareholders of record. Share transaction activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund.

 

6. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Investment Advisory: DDJ Capital Management, LLC (“DDJ” or the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Fund’s business affairs. The Adviser manages the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.70% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and the shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ written notice.

 

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees, Shareholder Servicing expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses, to 0.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets of each of the Institutional Class, Class I and Class II shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2020. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that the Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis. The Adviser may not discontinue this waiver without the approval by the Trust's Board. Fees waived or reimbursed for the six months ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

 
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DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

As of March 31, 2019, the balance of recoupable expenses was as follows:

 

   Expiring in 2019   Expiring in 2020   Expiring in 2021   Expiring in 2022 
Institutional Class  $156,461   $267,174   $234,535   $115,552 
Class I   11,885    26,613    54,953    9,274 
Class II   1,942    4,896    21,371    43,024 

 

Such amounts include waived advisory fees (with respect to each of the aforementioned three Classes of the Fund's shares) of $50,807, $2,595 and $694, respectively expiring in 2019; $48,952, $4,857 and $899, respectively expiring in 2020; and $54,305, $17,070 and $5,464, respectively expiring in 2021. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the fee waivers and/or reimbursements were $115,552, $9,274 and $43,024 for the Institutional Class, Class I shares and Class II shares, respectively. This includes waived advisory fees of $31,281, $2,498 and $12,291, respectively.

 

Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to the Fund. The Fund has agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Fund including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration, and will generally assist in the Fund’s operations. The Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers and an Interested Trustee of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Fund for the six months ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

ALPS is reimbursed by the Fund for certain out of pocket expenses.

 

Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for the Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Compliance Services: ALPS provides services as the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of the Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Services Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for its Class II shares. The Plan allows the Fund to use Class II assets to pay fees in connection with the distribution and marketing of Class II shares and/or the provision of shareholder services to Class II shareholders. The Plan permits payment for services in connection with the administration of plans or programs that use Class II shares of the Fund, if any, as their funding medium and for related expenses. The Plan permits the Fund to make total payments at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Class II shares. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s Class II assets, if any, on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in the Class II shares, if any, and Class II Plan fees may cost an investor more than other types of sales charges. Plan fees are shown as distribution and service fees on the Statement of Operations.

 

The Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan (“Shareholder Services Plan”) with respect to the Fund’s Class I and Class II shares. Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and other institutions, including broker-dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.15% of the average daily net asset value of the Class I shares and Class II shares, respectively, attributable to or held in the name of a Participating Organization for its clients as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization. Shareholder Services Plan fees are included with distribution and service fees on the Statement of Operations. The Fund's Class I and Class II Shareholder Services Plan fees are currently accruing at 0.10% of the average daily net asset value of each share class, respectively, on an annual basis.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 23

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

7. TRUSTEES

 

 

As of March 31, 2019, there were four Trustees, three of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

The Fund may make commitments pursuant to bridge loan facilities. In this case, such commitments typically remain off balance sheet as it is more likely than not, based on the good faith judgement of the Adviser, that such bridge facility will not ever fund. At March 31, 2019, the Fund has $320,000 in bridge facility commitments.

 

9. INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

 

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

 

10. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Fund has elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.

 

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which provides guidance related to the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities purchased at a premium. Specifically, it requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Fund has adopted and applied ASU 2017-08 on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the period of adoption. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-08, as of January 1, 2019, the amortized cost basis of investments was reduced by $7,933 and unrealized appreciation of investments was increased by $7,933. The adoption of ASU 2017-08 has no impact on beginning net assets, the current period results from operations, or any prior period information presented in the financial statements. Management has evaluated the impact of this ASU and has adopted the changes into these financial statements.

 

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

 
24 www.ddjcap.com

 

 

DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund Additional Information
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD

 

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Fund (toll-free) at 1-844-363-4898 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund (toll-free) at 1-844-363-4898 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Shareholder Letter 1
Portfolio Update 6
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 8
Consolidated Portfolio of Investments 9
Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities 18
Consolidated Statement of Operations 19
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets 20
Consolidated Financial Highlights 22
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 29
Additional Information 43

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), paper copies of the Insignia Macro Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website at www.insigniafunds.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 1-855-674-4642 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.insigniafunds.com.

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Market Summary

For the six month period-ended March 31, 2019, global capital markets generally moved higher. Investors have been heavily focused on implications of monetary policy from global central banks. The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) made a large shift to monetary policy in January as they noted slower than anticipated growth. Inflation data also weakened in January and fell further from the Fed’s 2% target. As a result of the slower growth and inflation, the Fed expressed that they would likely be patient with further interest rate hikes. In addition, the Fed indicated they expect to finish the balance sheet unwind in either the third or fourth quarter of 2019. Other central banks including the European Central Bank (“ECB”) and the Bank of Japan (“BOJ”) continue to have accommodative monetary policies.

 

Commodities have performed better in the first quarter of 2019 as risk assets have rebounded. WTI crude oil has been one of the better performing commodities as OPEC compliance has remained strong and oil inventories have drifted lower. U.S. equities have outperformed thus far in 2019 as the U.S. economy has been viewed as more stable than many European and Asia economies. Emerging markets equities have lagged U.S. equities as economic data out of Asia has been softer than many investors had expected. In fixed income, bond indices in the U.S. have moved higher as the Fed has turned more dovish. Bond indices in the U.K. and Europe have performed generally in-line with U.S bonds. To the surprise of many investors, emerging markets currencies have outperformed developed market currencies thus far in 2019.

 

Fund Overview

The Insignia Macro Fund (the “Fund”) allocates to managers across a broad spectrum of global macro/managed futures strategies. These managers include traders who employ a quantitative approach, discretionary macro managers whose top-down global economic analysis drives their trading themes and momentum-based trend followers. The Fund’s primary underlying exposures are in very liquid markets including commodities, currencies, equities and fixed income. The Fund’s objective is long-term risk-adjusted total return. As such, the Fund is designed to complement investors’ existing investment portfolios.

 

The Fund provides global macro/managed futures exposure through investments in Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs). As mentioned, we generally invest in three sub-strategies of managers: quantitative, discretionary macro and trend followers. As of March 31, 2019, the quantitative, factor-based managers made up 68.60% of the Fund. These managers take positions that are not solely based on price. They may look at economic data and other factors in determining which markets and direction in which they trade. As of March 31, 2019, the discretionary macro managers made up 35.67% of the Fund. The managers take positions based on their current views of global economic activity. As of March 31, 2019, the Fund does not have an allocation to trend following managers. Trend following managers tend to be price-based and take positions as their trading models identify trends over various time periods. We view the current macroeconomic environment to be challenging for trend following managers. We will continue to evaluate the current environment and will look to allocate to trend following managers when we believe the environment becomes more favorable.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 1

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Global Macro/Managed Futures Strategy Exposure

 

 

The global macro/managed futures managers are selected by Meritage Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”) to gain exposure to the global macro/managed futures managers, sub strategies and programs are subject to change at any time, and any such change may alter the Fund’s access and percentage exposures to each such manager, sub-strategy and program. Although the Fund intends to pursue its global macro/managed futures strategy by investing up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary, the Fund may also make global macro/managed futures investments directly, outside of such subsidiary.

 

Performance Review

For the six month period-ended March 31, 2019, the Insignia Macro Fund (I Shares) return was -0.79% while the HFRI Macro (Total) Index returned -0.70%. Across the Fund, three of the four managers reported positive performance for the six month period-ended March 31, 2019. The primary detractor to the Fund’s performance was Quantitative Investment Management (QIM), down -9.83%. The largest contributor to the Fund’s positive performance was Millburn Commodity Program, earning +6.50%. Also noteworthy, H2O Asset Management returned +4.44%.

 

Our managers have done a good job navigating the macroeconomic environment over the last 6 months as volatility returned to the global markets late in 2018. The volatility in the fourth quarter of 2018 provided an opportunity for our managers to take advantage of the dislocation and outperform the S&P 500 Index which finished the fourth quarter down -13.52%. Three out of four of our managers posted positive performance in the fourth quarter of 2018. This performance was consistent with our expectations that global macro managers should provide diversification during times of broader market volatility.

 

Market Outlook

We have seen volatility return to global markets over the last 6 months which has increased investor appetite for global macro exposure. We believe the combination of dispersion in economic data across geographies and geopolitical risk in global markets has created a more favorable environment for macro strategies. Looking ahead, we anticipate that there will be more volatility across markets, which should bode well for both systematic and discretionary strategies within the Fund.

 

 

2 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

As of March 31, 2019, the Fund’s composition remains diversified primarily across a complementary roster of quantitative and discretionary macro managers. We have conviction in our current manager roster, and are continuing to monitor our investable universe and look for interesting opportunities across both discretionary and quantitative strategies.

 

We believe the Insignia Macro Fund is well-positioned as we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead across the investment landscape. We remain focused on our mission of compounding wealth through delivering superior, risk-adjusted returns. Thank you for your continuing support and for investing in the Insignia Macro Fund.

 

Sincerely,  
   
 

 

Joe Wade

Chief Investment Officer

Portfolio Manager

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 3

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Advice, articles and commentary included herein do not constitute an opinion and are not intended or written to be used, and they cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.

 

Performance may vary based on fees specific to the share class in which you are invested, timing of your investment and high-water marks. More information is available upon request.

 

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) was developed by and is the exclusive property of MSCI and Standard & Poor’s. “Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS), “GICS” and “GICS Direct” are service marks of Standard & Poor’s and MSCI . “GICS” is a trademark of MSCI and Standard & Poor’s.

 

BLOOMBERG is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P.

 

Definitions of statistics and indices used are below. An investor cannot invest directly into an index.

 

A Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) is a US financial regulatory term for an individual or organization who is retained by a fund or individual client to provide advice and services related to trading in futures contracts, commodity options and/or swaps.

 

Deleveraging is when a company or individual attempts to decrease its total financial leverage. The most direct way for an entity to deleverage is to immediately pay off any existing debt on its balance sheet. If unable to do this, the company or individual may be in a position that increases its risk of default.

 

Discretionary Macro Strategy deploys directional positions at the asset class level to express a positive or negative top-down view on a market, using a methodology that applies priced-based trend-following algorithms to the trading of futures contracts. Of all of the strategies, discretionary macro provides the most flexibility, including the ability to express either long or short views, across any asset class, and in any region.

 

Quantitative Strategy uses computer-based models to inform investor decisions on whether to buy or sell securities. This strategy offers de-correlation benefits in that managers are not stock picking and instead relying on a computer's dispassionate assessment of price and value criteria.

 

Standard Deviation is the measure of dispersion of a set of data from its mean. It measures the absolute variability of a distribution; the higher the dispersion or variability, the greater is the standard deviation and greater will be the magnitude of the deviation of the value from their mean.

 

Trend-Following Strategy seeks to capitalize on momentum or price trends across global asset classes by taking either long or short positions as a trend is underway. Price trends are created when investors are slow to act on new information or sell prematurely and hold on to losing investments to long. Price trends continue when investors continue to buy an investment that is going up in price or sell an investment that is going down in price.

 

Volatility is a statistical measure of the dispersion of returns for a given security or market index. Volatility can either be measured by using the standard deviation or variance between returns from that same security or market index. Commonly, the higher the volatility, the riskier the security.

 

Diversification does not eliminate the risk of experiencing investment losses.

 

The views and information discussed in this commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change, and may not reflect the writer’s current views. The views expressed are those of the Fund’s adviser only, and represent an assessment of market conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular investment or markets in general. Such information does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or investment vehicles. It should not be assumed that any investment will be profitable or will equal the performance of the fund(s) or any securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter. The subject matter contained in this letter has been derived from several sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser accepts any liability for losses either direct or consequential caused by the use of this information.

 

 

4 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Meritage Capital, LLC or Sage Advisory Services, Ltd.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 5

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns (as of March 31, 2019)

 

  3 Month 6 Month 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year Since Inception*
Insignia Macro Fund - Class A - NAV -2.14% -0.56% 0.79% -1.39% 0.65% 0.50%
Insignia Macro Fund - Class A - LOAD -7.52% -6.02% -4.71% -3.24% -0.49% -0.57%
Insignia Macro Fund - Class I - NAV -2.14% -0.49% 0.87% -1.32% 0.71% 0.56%
HFRI Macro (Total) Index(a) 2.90% 0.52% 0.28% 0.11% 1.28% 1.16%
S&P 500® Total Return Index(b) 13.65% -1.72% 9.50% 13.51% 10.91% 10.75%

 

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (855) 674-4642 or by visiting www.insigniafunds.com.

 

*Fund's inception date is December 31, 2013.
(a)The HFRI Macro (Total) Index is an equally weighted performance index. It uses the HFR database and consists only of macro funds with a minimum of US$50 million AUM or a 12-month track record and that report assets in USD. It is calculated and rebalanced monthly and shown net of all fees and expenses. It is an index comprising investment managers that trade a broad range of strategies in which the investment process is predicated on movements in underlying economic variables and the impact these have on equity, fixed income, hard currency and commodity markets. Managers employ a variety of techniques, both discretionary and systematic analysis, combinations of top down and bottom up theses, quantitative and fundamental approaches and long and short term holding periods. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.
(b)S&P 500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor's composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.

 

Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.

 

Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.

 

Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%. Performance shown at NAV does not include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account. If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or through the Fund's accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (Load); however, a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC") of 1.00% may apply to Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million. The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Class A and Class I shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 2.87% and 2.56% and 2.00% and 1.75%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.

 

 

6 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of March 31, 2019)

 

 

The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Asset Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Corporate Bond 51.03%
Asset-Backed Securities 11.33%
Government Bond 10.25%
Collateralized Loan Obligations 2.57%
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities 0.18%
Short Term Security and Other Net Assets 24.64%
Total 100.00%

 

*Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio. Tables present indicative values only.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 7

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Examples. As a shareholder of the Insignia Macro Fund (the “Fund”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including applicable redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.

 

Actual Expenses. The first line under each class in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

  Beginning
Account Value
October 1, 2018
Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2019
Expense
Ratio(a)(b)
Expenses Paid,
and During
Period
October 1, 2018 -
March 31, 2019(c)
Class A        
Actual $1,000.00 $994.40 2.00% $9.94
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,014.71 2.00% $10.05
Class I        
Actual $1,000.00 $995.10 1.75% $8.70
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,016.11 1.75% $8.80

 

(a)The Fund's expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses.
(b)Includes expenses of the Insignia Macro Cayman Fund (wholly-owned subsidiary).
(c)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

 

 

8 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (11.33%)        
Automobile (6.74%)        
CarMax Auto Owner Trust        
Series 2016-2, 1.520%, 10/15/2019  $39,628   $39,474 
Series 2015-4, 1.560%, 05/15/2019   48,442    48,359 
Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust          
Series 2016-A, 1.390%, 07/15/2020   11,949    11,938 
Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust          
Series 2016-5, 1M US L + 0.46%, 11/15/2019(a)   170,000    170,273 
Honda Auto Receivables Trust          
Series 2016-4, 1.210%, 12/18/2019   195,179    193,967 
Hyundai Auto Receivables Trust          
Series 2016-A, 1.560%, 09/15/2020   79,353    79,202 
Series 2017-B, 1.570%, 08/17/2020   18,164    18,139 
Mercedes-Benz Auto Receivables Trust          
Series 2016-1, 1.260%, 11/15/2019   62,092    61,786 
Nissan Auto Receivables Owner Trust          
Series 2016-C, 1.180%, 11/15/2019   71,849    71,419 
Series 2016-A, 1.340%, 10/15/2020   65,212    65,039 
Series 2016-A, 1M US L + 0.64%, 06/15/2019(a)   125,000    125,105 
Toyota Auto Receivables Owner Trust          
Series 2016-D, 1.230%, 10/15/2020   191,193    190,294 
World Omni Auto Receivables Trust          
Series 2015-B, 1.490%, 12/15/2020   9,313    9,307 
Total Automobile        1,084,302 
           
Credit Card (4.59%)          
Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust          
Series 2016-A3, 1.340%, 06/15/2019   320,000    319,122 
Chase Issuance Trust          
Series 2016-A2, 1.370%, 06/15/2019   420,000    418,905 
Total Credit Card        738,027 
           
TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Cost $1,822,813)        1,822,329 
           
CORPORATE BONDS (51.03%)          
Communications (4.09%)          
AT&T, Inc., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.93%, 06/30/2020(a)   455,000    458,345 
Warner Media LLC, Senior Unsecured          
2.100%, 06/01/2019   200,000    199,732 
Total Communications        658,077 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 9

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
Consumer Discretionary (0.65%)        
General Motors Co., Senior Unsecured        
3M US L + 0.80%, 08/07/2020(a)  $105,000   $104,887 
           
Consumer Staples (5.93%)          
Constellation Brands, Inc., Senior Unsecured          
2.000%, 11/07/2019   173,000    172,079 
Dollar Tree, Inc., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.70%, 04/17/2020(a)   105,000    105,024 
JM Smucker Co., Senior Unsecured          
2.500%, 03/15/2020   115,000    114,715 
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.42%, 08/09/2019(a)   200,000    200,089 
Tyson Foods, Inc., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.55%, 06/02/2020(a)   285,000    284,822 
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., Senior Unsecured          
2.700%, 11/18/2019   78,000    77,948 
Total Consumer Staples        954,677 
           
Energy (2.58%)          
Enbridge Energy Partners LP, Senior Unsecured          
5.200%, 03/15/2020   76,000    77,667 
EnLink Midstream Partners LP, Senior Unsecured          
2.700%, 04/01/2019   130,000    130,000 
Phillips 66, Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.60%, 02/26/2021(a)   75,000    75,002 
Williams Cos., Inc., Senior Unsecured          
5.250%, 03/15/2020   130,000    132,798 
Total Energy        415,467 
           
Financials (25.14%)          
Air Lease Corp., Senior Unsecured          
2.125%, 01/15/2020   210,000    208,909 
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., Senior Unsecured          
2.750%, 01/15/2020   100,000    99,847 
American Express Credit Corp., Senior Unsecured          
Series F, 3M US L + 1.05%, 09/14/2020(a)   195,000    197,039 
Bank of America Corp., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 1.00%, 04/24/2023(a)   290,000    292,405 
Barclays Bank PLC, Senior Unsecured          
Series GMTN, 3M US L + 0.55%, 08/07/2019(a)   180,000    180,188 
Branch Banking & Trust Co., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.45%, 01/15/2020(a)   250,000    250,675 
Charles Schwab Corp., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.32%, 05/21/2021(a)   115,000    114,996 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

10 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
Financials (continued)        
Citigroup, Inc., Senior Unsecured        
3M US L + 1.07%, 12/08/2021(a)  $290,000   $293,376 
Credit Suisse AG, Unsecured          
5.400%, 01/14/2020   260,000    264,745 
Digital Realty Trust LP, Senior Unsecured          
3.400%, 10/01/2020   15,000    15,113 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Senior Unsecured          
Series FRN, 3M US L + 1.77%, 02/25/2021(a)   340,000    348,369 
International Lease Finance Corp., Senior Unsecured          
5.875%, 04/01/2019   145,000    145,000 
Jefferies Group LLC, Senior Unsecured          
8.500%, 07/15/2019   130,000    132,050 
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 1.48%, 03/01/2021(a)   120,000    122,272 
Morgan Stanley, Senior Unsecured          
2.800%, 06/16/2020   140,000    140,149 
Nasdaq, Inc., Senior Unsecured          
5.550%, 01/15/2020   135,000    137,822 
Senior Housing Properties Trust, Senior Unsecured          
3.250%, 05/01/2019   195,000    195,026 
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 1.68%, 03/09/2021(a)   285,000    291,169 
Synchrony Financial, Senior Unsecured          
2.700%, 02/03/2020   40,000    39,955 
Toronto-Dominion Bank, Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.15%, 10/24/2019(a)   245,000    245,123 
Ventas Realty LP / Ventas Capital Corp., Senior Unsecured          
2.700%, 04/01/2020   135,000    134,734 
Wells Fargo & Co., Senior Unsecured          
2.125%, 04/22/2019   195,000    194,943 
Total Financials        4,043,905 
           
Health Care (4.32%)          
Allergan Funding SCS, Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 1.225%, 03/12/2020(a)   395,000    398,490 
Becton Dickinson and Co., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.875%, 12/29/2020(a)   98,000    98,011 
Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland DAC, Senior Unsecured          
1.900%, 09/23/2019   80,000    79,663 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.75%, 03/19/2021(a)   120,000    119,638 
Total Health Care        695,802 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 11

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
Industrials (3.79%)        
Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., Senior Unsecured        
3M US L + 0.80%, 06/15/2021(a)  $200,000   $198,866 
United Technologies Corp., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.35%, 11/01/2019(a)   410,000    410,589 
Total Industrials        609,455 
           
Materials (2.72%)          
Eastman Chemical Co., Senior Unsecured          
2.700%, 01/15/2020   43,000    42,977 
Monsanto Co., Senior Unsecured          
2.125%, 07/15/2019   80,000    79,639 
Vulcan Materials Co., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.60%, 06/15/2020(a)   210,000    209,741 
3M US L + 0.65%, 03/01/2021(a)   105,000    104,933 
Total Materials        437,290 
           
Technology (1.81%)          
Equifax, Inc., Senior Unsecured          
3M US L + 0.87%, 08/15/2021(a)   214,000    212,744 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Senior Unsecured          
3.600%, 10/15/2020   78,000    78,755 
Total Technology        291,499 
           
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $8,197,119)        8,211,059 
           
MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES (2.75%)          
Commercial (0.18%)          
COMM Mortgage Trust          
Series 2014-CR18, 2.924%, 06/15/2019   29,352    29,309 
           
U.S. Government Agency (2.57%)          
Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities          
Series 2017-C05, 1M US L + 0.55%, 01/25/2030(a)   145,758    145,696 
Series 2018-C05, 1M US L + 0.72%, 01/25/2031(a)   84,303    84,312 
Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes          
Series 2018-HQA1, 1M US L + 0.70%, 09/25/2030(a)   182,426    182,374 
Total U.S. Government Agency        412,382 
           
TOTAL MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES (Cost $441,795)        441,691 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

12 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal Amount   Value (Note 2) 
U.S. TREASURY NOTES & BONDS (10.25%)        
U.S. Treasury Note        
0.875%, 06/15/2019  $285,000   $284,070 
0.875%, 09/15/2019   1,155,000    1,147,015 
1.375%, 12/15/2019   220,000    218,414 
           
TOTAL U.S. TREASURY NOTES & BONDS (Cost $1,648,539)        1,649,499 
           
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (75.36%) (Cost $12,110,266)       $12,124,578 
           
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (24.64%)        3,965,138(b) 
NET ASSETS (100.00%)       $16,089,716 

 

(a)Floating or variable rate security. The reference rate is described below. The rate in effect as of March 31, 2019 is based on the reference rate plus the displayed spread as of the securities last reset date.
(b)Includes cash which is being held as collateral for swap contracts.

 

Investment Abbreviations:

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate

 

Libor Rates:

1M US L - 1 Month LIBOR as of March 31, 2019 was 2.49%

3M US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of March 31, 2019 was 2.60%

 

Common Abbreviations:

GMTN - Global Medium Term Notes.

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are shown as a percentage of the Fund's net assets. (Unaudited)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 13

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS

Total return swap with Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch. The swap provides exposure to the total returns on a basket of independent managers that is calculated on a daily basis with reference to a customized index that is also proprietary to Deutsche Bank. The basket is comprised of a diversified collection of global macroeconomic and managed futures trading strategies including discretionary and systematic trading programs. Under the terms of the swap, the Adviser has the ability to periodically adjust the notional level of the swap, the allocation to each manager and the mix of trading programs. The swap was effective on March 5, 2014 and has a term of five years unless earlier terminated. As of April 23, 2019 the swap term was renewed for five years through April 30, 2024 unless early terminated. Early termination may be triggered by either party without penalty. In addition, the swap provides for a 0.50% fee paid to Deutsche Bank in exchange for the return on the custom basket. (Net Asset Value $16,835,918) (Total Investment $13,874,865)

 

Exposure by Manager Underlying Manager Exposure Strategy Description
H2O Asset Management 35.67% Discretionary Macro | Fundamental
QMS Capital Management 29.50% Quantitative | Fundamental & Technical Models
Quantitative Investment Mgmt. 20.78% Quantitative | Technical Models
Millburn Ridgefield Corporation 18.32% Quantitative | Technical Models

 

The following positions in the Index are not owned directly by the Fund, but rather, the positions in the Index are owned by an affiliated entity of the counterparty, Deutsche Bank.

 

Custom Index Exposure by Type               
   Number of Contracts   Notional Value   Percentage Value   Expiration Date
                
Agricultural Futures               
Long                  
Live Cattle Future   3.98    189,532    0.15%  6/28/19
    3.98    189,532    0.15%   
Short                  
Corn Future   47.48    862,002    0.69%  5/14/19
Soybeans Future   11.17    495,947    0.40%  5/14/19
Wheat Future   13.92    324,349    0.26%  7/12/19
    72.57    1,682,298    1.35%   
                   
Base Metal Futures                  
Long                  
Copper Future   6.20    455,504    0.37%  7/29/19
    6.20    455,504    0.37%   
Short                  
Copper Future   2.90    212,868    0.17%  5/29/19
    2.90    212,868    0.17%   

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

14 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Number of Contracts   Notional Value   Percentage Value   Expiration Date
                
Bond Futures               
Long                  
10 year Italian Bond Future   22.61    3,283,979    2.65%  6/6/19
10 year US Treasury Notes Future   23.77    2,952,699    2.38%  6/19/19
2 year US Treasury Notes Future   23.34    4,973,375    4.01%  6/28/19
3 year Australian Treasury Bond Future   10.84    2,402,916    1.94%  6/17/19
Euro-BOBL Future   10.87    1,624,117    1.31%  6/6/19
Euro-BUXL Future   0.88    188,326    0.15%  6/6/19
Ultra Long-Term T Bond Future   3.15    528,421    0.43%  6/19/19
    95.46    15,953,833    12.87%   
Short                  
10 year Australian Treasury Bond Future   4.17    3,216,157    2.59%  6/17/19
10 year Canadian Govt Bond Future   24.59    2,559,896    2.06%  6/19/19
2 year Euro-Schatz Future    99.16    12,463,149    10.04%  6/6/19
30 year US Treasury Bonds Future   14.01    2,095,288    1.69%  6/19/19
5 year US Treasury Notes Future   41.01    4,750,855    3.83%  6/28/19
Euro-BUND Future   16.42    3,065,417    2.47%  6/6/19
Long Gilt Future   7.65    1,288,524    1.04%  6/26/19
    207.01    29,439,286    23.72%   
                   
Energy Futures                  
Long                  
Brent Crude Monthly Future   79.44    5,361,623    4.32%  4/30/19
Gasoil Monthly Future   3.09    187,000    0.15%  5/10/19
Gasoline RBOB Future   12.93    1,010,591    0.81%  5/31/19
Light Sweet Crude Oil (WTI) Future   14.46    868,877    0.70%  5/21/19
NY Harbour ULSD Future   3.30    273,281    0.22%  4/30/19
    113.22    7,701,372    6.20%   

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 15

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Number of Contracts   Notional Value   Percentage Value   Expiration Date
                
Short               
Brent Crude Monthly Future   58.22    3,907,040    3.15%  5/31/19
Brent Crude Monthly Future   9.07    606,307    0.49%  6/28/19
Brent Crude Monthly Future   3.89    258,932    0.21%  7/31/19
Gasoline RBOB Future   11.54    908,900    0.73%  4/30/19
Light Sweet Crude Oil (WTI) Future   20.37    1,221,704    0.98%  4/22/19
    103.09    6,902,883    5.56%   
                   
Equity Futures                  
Long                  
DAX Index Future   3.31    1,070,384    0.86%  6/21/19
DJ EURO STOXX Banks Future   295.79    1,479,105    1.19%  6/21/19
DJ STOXX 600 Automobiles & Parts Future   7.58    198,245    0.16%  6/21/19
EURO STOXX 50 Index Future   14.90    546,182    0.44%  6/21/19
Hang Seng Index   2.36    437,572    0.35%  4/29/19
S&P Canada 60 Index Future   2.50    358,265    0.29%  6/20/19
SPI 200 Index   4.17    456,605    0.37%  6/20/19
TOPIX Future   5.65    815,021    0.66%  6/13/19
    336.26    5,361,379    4.32%   
Short                  
CME E-Mini Russell 2000 Index   22.87    1,757,667    1.42%  6/21/19
E-Mini Nasdaq-100   12.50    1,842,901    1.49%  6/21/19
E-Mini S&P 500   34.57    4,886,487    3.94%  6/21/19
    69.94    8,487,055    6.85%   
                   
FX Futures                  
Short                  
EUR/USD   7.76    1,095,234    0.88%  6/17/19
GBP/USD   3.83    312,903    0.25%  6/17/19
JPY/USD   4.99    565,980    0.46%  6/17/19
    16.58    1,974,117    1.59%   

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

16 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Number of Contracts   Notional Value   Percentage Value   Expiration Date
                
Interest Rate Futures               
Long                  
3 month Sterling   18.34    2,962,216    2.39%  3/18/20
    18.34    2,962,216    2.39%   
Short                  
3 month Euro (EURIBOR)   15.84    4,457,244    3.59%  3/16/20
90 Day Bank Accepted Bill Future   11.25    1,924,993    1.55%  9/12/19
Eurodollar   22.09    5,394,356    4.35%  3/16/20
    49.18    11,776,593    9.49%   
                   
Precious Metal Futures                  
Long                  
Gold   1.54    200,207    0.16%  6/26/19
    1.54    200,207    0.16%   
Short                  
Silver   4.00    302,928    0.24%  5/29/19
    4.00    302,928    0.24%   

 

   Unrealized Appreciation 
   $20,789 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 17

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value (Cost $12,110,266)  $12,124,578 
Cash and cash equivalents   524,375 
Unrealized appreciation on swap contracts   20,789 
Deposit with broker for swap contracts (Note 3)   3,491,163 
Advance receipt on swap contract   3,050,000 
Receivable for investments sold   346,435 
Dividends and interest receivable   51,878 
Receivable due from adviser   10,733 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   16,410 
Total Assets   19,636,361 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees   42,729 
Payable for advance payment on swap contract   3,050,000 
Payable for swap contract payments   318,667 
Payable for shares redeemed   110,288 
Payable for distribution and service fees   68 
Payable for printing   611 
Payable for professional fees   14,611 
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses   514 
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees   5,873 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   3,284 
Total Liabilities   3,546,645 
NET ASSETS  $16,089,716 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital (Note 7)  $16,523,946 
Total distributable earnings   (434,230)
NET ASSETS  $16,089,716 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Class A :     
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $9.59 
Net Assets  $301,533 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   31,437 
Maximum offering price per share (NAV/0.945, based on maximum sales charge of 5.50% of the offering price)  $10.15 
Class I :     
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $9.59 
Net Assets  $15,788,183 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   1,645,731 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

18 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

For the Six Months ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Interest  $205,857 
Total Investment Income   205,857 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment advisory fees (Note 8)   118,335 
Administration fees   95,483 
Distribution fees     
Class A   382 
Custody fees   7,452 
Legal fees   5,039 
Audit and tax fees   11,477 
Transfer agent fees   23,642 
Trustees fees and expenses   977 
Registration and filing fees   19,139 
Chief Compliance Officer fees   17,539 
Insurance fees   175 
Other expenses   4,732 
Total Expenses   304,372 
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser     
Class A   (2,184)
Class I   (135,577)
Total fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser (Note 8)   (137,761)
Net Expenses   166,611 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   39,246 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:     
Net realized gain/(loss) on:     
Investments   12,666 
Swap contracts   (212,433)
Net realized loss   (199,767)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:     
Investments   (22,319)
Swap contracts   104,623 
Net change   82,304 
      
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS   (117,463)
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(78,217)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 19

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income/(loss)  $39,246   $(65,412)
Net realized loss on investments   (199,767)   (3,542,966)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   82,304    4,077,312 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (78,217)   468,934 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS          
Class A   (179)   (1,449)
Class I   (25,849)   (175,482)
Total distributions   (26,028)   (176,931)
           
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 7):          
Class A          
Shares sold   295    95,078 
Dividends reinvested   124    1,033 
Shares redeemed   (23,216)   (180,091)
Redemption fees       952 
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions   (22,797)   (83,028)
Class I          
Shares sold   27,513    204,522 
Dividends reinvested   18,238    160,222 
Shares redeemed   (4,596,013)   (27,180,015)
Redemption fees       114 
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions   (4,550,262)   (26,815,157)
Net decrease in net assets   (4,677,304)   (26,606,182)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   20,767,020    47,373,202 
End of period  $16,089,716   $20,767,020 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Insignia Macro Fund - Class A Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

For a share outstanding through the periods presented.

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments and swap contracts
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
REDEMPTION FEES (Note 7)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(c)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(h)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Insignia Macro Fund - Class A Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

For a share outstanding through the periods presented.

 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018   For the Year Ended September 30, 2017   For the Year Ended September 30, 2016   For the Year Ended September 30, 2015   For the Period Ended September 30, 2014 (a) 
$9.65   $9.57   $9.90   $10.82   $10.42   $10.00 
                            
                            
 0.01    (0.04)   (0.09)   (0.13)   (0.16)   (0.08)
 (0.06)   0.13    (0.23)   (0.21)   0.61    0.50 
 (0.05)   0.09    (0.32)   (0.34)   0.45    0.42 
                            
                            
 (0.01)   (0.04)   (0.01)   (0.60)   (0.04)    
                 (0.01)    
 (0.01)   (0.04)   (0.01)   (0.60)   (0.05)    
     0.03        0.02         
 (0.06)   0.08    (0.33)   (0.92)   0.40    0.42 
$9.59   $9.65   $9.57   $9.90   $10.82   $10.42 
                            
 (0.56%)   1.29%(d)   (3.25%)   (3.12%)(e)   4.34%   4.20%
                            
                            
$302   $326   $407   $319   $274   $85 
                            
                            
 3.49%(f)   2.87%   2.20%   2.20%   2.40%   80.48%(f)
 2.00%(f)   2.00%   2.00%   2.00%   1.96%(g)   1.75%(f)
 0.15%(f)   (0.42%)   (0.95%)   (1.26%)   (1.44%)   (1.03%)(f)
                            
 34%   70%   129%   132%   119%   43%

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 23

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund - Class A Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

For a share outstanding through the periods presented.

 

(a)Commenced operations on January 2, 2014.
(b)Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d)0.21% of the Fund's total return consists of a reimbursement by related parties for a valuation correction. Excluding this item, total return would have been 1.08%.
(e)In 2016, the Fund's total return consists of a voluntary reimbursement by the adviser for a realized investment loss. Excluding this item, total return would not change as the impact is less than 0.005%.
(f)Annualized.
(g)Contractual expense limitations changed from 1.75% to 2.00% effective February 1, 2015.
(h)Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Insignia Macro Fund - Class I Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

For a share outstanding through the periods presented.

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments and swap contracts
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
REDEMPTION FEES (Note 7)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(d)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(i)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Insignia Macro Fund - Class I Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

For a share outstanding through the periods presented.

 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018   For the Year Ended September 30, 2017   For the Year Ended September 30, 2016   For the Year Ended September 30, 2015   For the Period Ended September 30, 2014 (a) 
$9.65   $9.58   $9.90   $10.82   $10.42   $10.00 
                            
                            
 0.02    (0.02)   (0.07)   (0.10)   (0.13)   (0.06)
 (0.07)   0.14    (0.24)   (0.21)   0.59    0.48 
 (0.05)   0.12    (0.31)   (0.31)   0.46    0.42 
                            
                            
 (0.01)   (0.05)   (0.01)   (0.61)   (0.05)    
                 (0.01)    
 (0.01)   (0.05)   (0.01)   (0.61)   (0.06)    
     0.00(c)    0.00(c)    0.00(c)    0.00(c)    0.00(c) 
 (0.06)   0.07    (0.32)   (0.92)   0.40    0.42 
$9.59   $9.65   $9.58   $9.90   $10.82   $10.42 
                            
 (0.49%)   1.26%(e)   (3.09%)   (3.06%)(f)   4.39%   4.20%
                            
                            
$15,788   $20,441   $46,966   $58,178   $64,252   $24,017 
                            
                            
 3.24%(g)   2.56%   1.95%   1.94%   2.17%   3.62%(g)
 1.75%(g)   1.75%   1.75%   1.75%   1.69%(h)   1.50%(g)
 0.42%(g)   (0.22%)   (0.72%)   (1.01%)   (1.18%)   (0.85%)(g)
                            
 34%   70%   129%   132%   119%   43%

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 27

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund - Class I Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

For a share outstanding through the periods presented.

 

(a)Commenced operations on January 2, 2014.
(b)Calculated using the average shares method.
(c)Less than $0.005 per share.
(d)Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e)0.31% of the Fund's total return consists of a reimbursement by related parties for a valuation correction. Excluding this item, total return would have been 0.95%.
(f)In 2016, the Fund's total return consists of a voluntary reimbursement by the adviser for a realized investment loss. Excluding this item, total return would not change as the impact is less than 0.005%.
(g)Annualized.
(h)Contractual expense limitations changed from 1.50% to 1.75% effective February 1, 2015.
(i)Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the Insignia Macro Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek long-term risk-adjusted total return and is classified as diversified under the 1940 Act. The Fund currently offers Class A shares and Class I shares. Each share class has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

Basis of Consolidation: Insignia Global Macro Offshore Ltd. (the “Subsidiary”), a Cayman Islands exempted company, was incorporated on September 27, 2013 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fund. The Subsidiary acts as an investment vehicle for the Fund in order to affect certain commodity-related investments on behalf of the Fund. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is intended that the Fund will remain the sole shareholder and will continue to wholly own and control the Subsidiary. Under the Articles of Association of the Subsidiary, shares issued by the Subsidiary confer upon a shareholder the right to vote at general meetings of the Subsidiary and certain rights in connection with any winding-up or repayment of capital, as well as the right to participate in the profits or assets of the Subsidiary. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in shares of the Subsidiary. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fund, the investments of the Subsidiary are included in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments, Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Highlights of the Fund. All investments held by the Subsidiary are disclosed in the accounts of the Fund. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund when viewed on a consolidation basis. As of March 31, 2019, net assets of the Fund were $16,089,716, of which $3,231,183, or 20.08%, represented the Fund’s ownership of all issued shares and voting rights of the Subsidiary. The Fund and the Subsidiary are "commodity pools" under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, and Meritage Capital, LLC ("Meritage Capital" or the "Adviser") is a "commodity pool operator" registered with and regulated by the CFTC.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

Investment Valuation: The Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 29

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Over-the-counter swap contracts for which market quotations are readily available are valued based on quotes received from independent pricing services or dealers that make markets in such securities. Total return swap contracts are stated at fair value daily based on the underlying futures, foreign currency, forward currency and options contracts constituting the contracts' stated index, taking into account fees and expenses associated with the swap agreement.

 

Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities.

 

The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third-party pricing service approved by the Board, which may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable investments, market indices and yield curves. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed to be unreliable, the market price may be determined using quotations received from one or more broker dealers that make a market in the security.

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of March 31, 2019:

 

Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Asset-Backed Securities  $   $1,822,329   $   $1,822,329 
Corporate Bonds       8,211,059        8,211,059 
Mortgage Backed Securities       441,691        441,691 
U.S. Treasury Notes & Bonds       1,649,499        1,649,499 
Total  $   $12,124,578   $   $12,124,578 

 

   Valuation Inputs     
Other Financial Instruments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Assets                
Total Return Swap                
Contracts  $   $20,789   $   $20,789 
TOTAL  $   $20,789   $   $20,789 

 

There were no Level 3 securities held during the period.

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Fund considers its investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Fund maintains cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Fund maintains these balances with a high quality financial institution.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: The Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Fund to a credit risk. The Fund does not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to the Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to the Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund.

 

Fund Expenses: Some expenses can be directly attributed to the Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.

 

Class Expenses: Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the distribution (Rule 12b-1) and/or shareholder service plans for a particular class of the Fund are charged to the operations of such class.

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 31

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

As of and during the six months ended March 31, 2019, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Fund files U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Fund’s administrator has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s consolidated financial statements related to these tax positions. For tax purposes, the Subsidiary is an exempt Cayman Islands investment company and has received an undertaking from the Government of the Cayman Islands exempting it from all local income, profits, and capital gains taxes. No such taxes are levied in the Cayman Islands at the present time. For U.S. income tax purposes, the Subsidiary is a controlled foreign corporation ("CFC") and as such is not subject to U.S. income tax. However, as a wholly-owned CFC, the net income and capital gain of the CFC, to the extent of its earnings and profits, will be included each year in the Fund's taxable income.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis) for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned using the effective yield method. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to the Fund. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Fund's understanding of the applicable country's tax rules and rates. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its daily net assets.

 

Foreign Securities: The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible re-evaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate foreign currency, less complete financial information about companies and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of securities of comparable U.S. issuers.

 

Foreign Currency: Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions.

 

The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.

 

 

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Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund's books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period-end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

Foreign Exchange Transactions: The Fund may enter into foreign currency spot contracts to facilitate transactions in foreign securities or to convert foreign currency receipts into U.S. dollars. A foreign currency spot contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell currencies at the current market rate, for settlement generally within two business days. The U.S. dollar value of the contracts is determined using current currency exchange rates supplied by a pricing service. The contract is marked-to-market daily for settlements beyond one day and any change in market value is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value on the open and close date. Losses may arise from changes in the value of the foreign currency, or if the counterparties do not perform under the contract’s terms. The maximum potential loss from such contracts is the aggregate face value in U.S. dollars at the time the contract was opened.

 

Distributions to Shareholders: The Fund normally pays dividends, if any, and distributes capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest and other income the Fund receives from its investments, including short term capital gains. Long term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when the Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. The Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

3. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

 

 

The Fund’s investment objectives permit the Fund to enter into various types of derivatives contracts, including, but not limited to, total return swaps and structured notes. In doing so, the Fund will employ strategies in differing combinations to permit it to increase, decrease, or change the level or types of exposure to market factors. Central to those strategies are features inherent in derivatives that make them more attractive for this purpose than equity or debt securities; they require little or no initial cash investment, they can focus exposure on only certain selected risk factors, and they may not require the ultimate receipt or delivery of the underlying security (or securities) to the contract. This may allow the Fund to pursue its objectives more quickly and efficiently than if it were to make direct purchases or sales of securities capable of affecting a similar response to market factors.

 

Risk of Investing in Derivatives: The Fund’s use of derivatives can result in losses due to unanticipated changes in the market risk factors and the overall market. In instances where the Fund is using derivatives to decrease, or hedge, exposures to market risk factors for securities held by the Fund, there are also risks that those derivatives may not perform as expected resulting in losses for the combined or hedged positions.

 

Derivatives may have little or no initial cash investment relative to their market value exposure and therefore can produce significant gains or losses in excess of their cost. This use of embedded leverage allows the Fund to increase its market value exposure relative to its net assets and can substantially increase the volatility of the Fund’s performance.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 33

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Additional associated risks from investing in derivatives also exist and potentially could have significant effects on the valuation of the derivative and the Fund. Typically, the associated risks are not the risks that the Fund is attempting to increase or decrease exposure to, per its investment objective, but are the additional risks from investing in derivatives.

 

Examples of these associated risks are liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund will not be able to sell or close out the derivative in a timely manner, and counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. In addition, use of derivatives may increase or decrease exposure to the following risk factors:

 

Equity Risk: Equity risk relates to the change in value of equity securities as they relate to increases or decreases in the general market. Associated risks can be different for each type of derivative and are discussed by each derivative type in the notes that follow.

 

Commodity Risk: Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Prices of various commodities may also be affected by factors, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and other regulatory developments, which are unpredictable. The prices of commodities can also fluctuate widely due to supply and demand disruptions in major producing or consuming regions.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Currency trading involves significant risks, including market risk, interest rate risk, country risk, counterparty credit risk and short sale risk. Market risk results from the price movement of foreign currency values in response to shifting market supply and demand.

 

Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates. As nominal interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund are likely to decrease. Securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, and are usually more volatile than equity securities.

 

Swap Contracts: The Fund enters into swap transactions to seek to increase total return. A total return swap entered into by the Fund is a derivative contract that transfers the market risk of underlying portfolios of futures, foreign currency, forward currency and options contracts (considered the "index" within each total return swap contract) between counterparties. The "notional amount" of each total return swap agreement is the agreed upon amount or value of the index used for calculating the returns that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap contract to comply with the terms of the swap contract. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net payment to be received by the Fund and/or the termination value at the end of the contract.

 

The Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a contract in evaluating potential credit risk. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying reference asset or index. Entering into these agreements involves, to varying degrees, market risk, liquidity risk and elements of credit, legal and documentation risk that are not directly reflected in the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

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Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund may pay or receive cash as collateral on these contracts which may be recorded as an asset and/or liability. The Fund must set aside liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures, to cover its obligations under these contracts. Swaps are marked-to-market daily and changes in value, including the accrual of periodic amounts of interest, are recorded daily based on the value of the index on which the total return swap is referenced, as defined within the total return swap agreement between the counterparties. The composition of the index may vary based on how the underlying portfolio of futures, foreign currency, forward currency and options contracts is traded. OTC swap payments received or paid at the beginning of the measurement period represent premiums paid or received upon entering into the swap agreement to compensate for differences between the stated terms of the swap agreement and prevailing market conditions (credit spreads, interest rates, and other relevant factors).

 

Generally, the basis of the OTC swaps is the unamortized premium received or paid. The periodic swap payments received or made by the Fund are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as realized gains or losses, respectively. Cash settlement transfers are recorded as prepaid swap premiums on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities and are recognized as realized gains and losses at the termination of the swap. Any upfront fees paid are recorded as assets and any upfront fees received are recorded as liabilities. When the swap is terminated, the Fund will record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transaction and the Fund’s basis in the contract, if any. In addition, changes in notional value and any cash holding adjustments, which represent voluntary realizations by a Fund of swap value at any point in time, are also presented as net realized gain or loss on swap contracts on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. A corresponding asset or liability for "advance receipt on swap contracts" or "advance payment on swap contracts", respectively, is recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the gain or loss realized on changes in notional value. Total return swaps outstanding at year- end, if any, are listed after the Fund's Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

The Fund invests in total return swaps to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning such security or investing directly in that market. Total return swaps are agreements in which there is an exchange of cash flows whereby one party commits to make payments based on the total return (coupons plus capital gains/losses) of an underlying instrument in exchange for fixed or floating rate interest payments. To the extent the total return of the instrument or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest rate obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty. Swap agreements held at March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

The average notional value of the Fund’s swap positions for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 was $18,768,871.

 

Derivative Instruments: The following tables disclose the amounts related to the Fund’s use of derivative instruments.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 35

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2019:

 

Derivatives Not
Accounted for As
Hedging Instruments
  Consolidated
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
Location
  Asset Derivatives Gross Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)   Liability Derivatives Gross Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) 
Commodity Contracts (total return swap contracts)  Unrealized appreciation on swap contracts  $20,789   $ 
Total     $20,789   $ 

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the six months ended March 31, 2019:

 

Derivatives Not
Accounted for As
Hedging Instruments
  Consolidated Statement
of Operations Location
  Realized Loss on Derivatives Recognized   Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Derivatives Recognized 
Commodity Contracts (total return swap contracts)  Net realized gain/(loss) on Swap contracts/ Change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on Swap contracts  $(212,433)  $104,623 
Total     $(212,433)  $104,623 

 

4. OFFSETTING AGREEMENTS

 

 

Certain derivative contracts are executed under standardized netting agreements. A derivative netting arrangement creates an enforceable right of set-off that becomes effective, and affects the realization of settlement on individual assets, liabilities and collateral amounts, only following a specified event of default or early termination. Default events may include the failure to make payments or deliver securities timely, material adverse changes in financial condition or insolvency, the breach of minimum regulatory capital requirements, or loss of license, charter or other legal authorization necessary to perform under the contract. The Fund may manage counterparty risk by entering into enforceable collateral arrangements with counterparties. These agreements mitigate counterparty credit risk by providing for a single net settlement with a counterparty of all financial transactions covered by the agreement in an event of default as defined under such agreement.

 

 

36 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, collateral arrangements or other similar agreements as of March 31, 2019.

 

               Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities 
   Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets   Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities   Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities   Financial Instruments (a)   Cash Collateral Received(a)   Net Amount Receivable 
Assets                        
Total Return Swap Contracts  $20,789   $   $20,789   $   $   $20,789 
Total  $20,789   $   $20,789   $   $   $20,789 

 

(a)These amounts are limited to the derivative liability balance and, accordingly, do not include excess collateral pledged.

 

5. TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Fund. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions are estimated at the time of distribution and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.

 

The tax characters of distributions paid by the Fund for the fiscal years ended September 30 were as follows:

 

Distributions Paid From:  2018   2017 
Ordinary Income  $176,931   $86,591 
Total  $176,931   $86,591 

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 37

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments and Derivative Instruments: As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of investments, gross unrealized appreciation / (deprecation) and net unrealized depreciation of investments and derivative instruments for Federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)(a)  $16,489,568 
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)(a)   (16,454,467)
Net unrealized appreciation  $35,101 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $12,110,266 

 

(a)Includes appreciation/(depreciation) on Total Return Swap Contracts.

 

6. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

    Purchases of Securities   Proceeds From Sales of Securities 
    $2,328,013   $6,487,268 

 

Purchases and sales of U.S. Government Obligations during the six months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

    Purchases of Securities   Proceeds From Sales of Securities 
    $2,422,856   $1,253,378 

 

7. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Fund have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Fund nor any of its creditors has the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

Shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase may incur a 1.00% short-term redemption fee deducted from the redemption amount. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the redemption fees charged by the Fund are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

 

38 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Transactions in common shares were as follows:

 

   Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 
Class A:        
Shares sold   31    9,914 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   13    108 
Shares redeemed   (2,369)   (18,787)
Net decrease from share transactions   (2,325)   (8,765)
           
Class I:          
Shares sold   2,856    21,584 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   1,886    16,795 
Shares redeemed   (476,984)   (2,825,188)
Net decrease from share transactions   (472,242)   (2,786,809)

 

Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. The Fund has two unaffiliated shareholder representing approximately 89% of total Fund Class I shares and three unaffiliated shareholders representing approximately 99% of total Fund Class A shares. Share transaction activities of this shareholder could have a material impact on the Fund.

 

8. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Investment Advisory: Meritage Capital, LLC (“Meritage Capital” or the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, has served as the Fund’s investment adviser since Fund inception and is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Fund’s business affairs. The Adviser has delegated a portion of the daily management of the Fund to Sage Advisory Services, Ltd. Co. (“Sage” or the “Sub-Adviser”). Effective May 3, 2018, the Adviser was acquired by an affiliated holding company of Brown Advisory, LLC, a SEC-registered investment adviser. At the Board Meeting, the Board also approved interim investment advisory agreements between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and interim investment sub-advisory agreement among the Advisor, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Adviser (the “Interim Advisory Agreements”). The Interim Advisory Agreements were effective for the earlier of 150 days from the close of the Transaction on May 3, 2018 or the date of shareholder approval of the New Advisory Agreements. The Interim Advisory Agreements were similar in all material respects to the prior advisory agreements. Any shareholder who owned shares of the Fund as of the close of business on May 7, 2018 received notice of the meeting and was entitled to vote to approve new investment advisory and investment sub-advisory agreements at the meeting. Under the new agreements, the Adviser continues to provide investment advisory services to the Fund and the Sub-Adviser will continue to provide sub-advisory services for the Fund's fixed income strategy, both subject to the oversight of the Board, under terms that are similar in all material respects to the prior investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements and for the same fees that are currently in effect. The Fund Shareholder Meeting occurred on July 6, 2018 and all measures passed. The Adviser and the Sub-Adviser continue to manage the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 39

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 1.25% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets during the month. Pursuant to an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser an annual sub-advisory management fee of 0.10% for the first $25 million, 0.18% for the subsequent $25 million and 0.10% once assets have reached over $50 million, with a minimum annual fee of $25,000. These management fees are based on the assets they manage and are paid on a quarterly basis. The Adviser is required to pay all fees due to the Sub-Adviser out of the management fee the Adviser receives from the Fund. The initial term for both the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement was two years. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement and/or the Sub-Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board, shareholders of the Fund or the Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement or the Sub-Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ notice.

 

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of Distribution and Service (12b-1) fees, Shareholder Service Fees, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses, to 1.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for Class A and Class I shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2020. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that the Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis. The Adviser may not discontinue the Fee Waiver Agreement without the approval by the Fund’s Board.

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the fee waivers and/or reimbursements were $2,184 and $135,577 for the Class A and Class I, respectively.

 

As of March 31, 2019, the balances of recoupable expenses for each class were as follows:

 

   Expiring in 2019   Expiring in 2020   Expiring in 2021   Expiring 2022 
Class A  $352   $791   $2,922   $2,184 
Class I   68,648    108,036    235,081    135,577 

 

Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to the Fund. The Fund has agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Fund including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration and generally assist in the Fund’s operations. The Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers of the Trust and an Interested Trustee are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Fund for the six months ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Fund for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

 

40 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for the Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Compliance Services: ALPS provides services as the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of the Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

The Fund has adopted a separate plan of distribution for Class A shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”). The Plan allows the Fund to use Class A assets to pay fees in connection with the distribution and marketing of Class A shares and/or the provision of shareholder services to Class A shareholders. The Plan permits payment for services in connection with the administration of plans or programs that use Class A shares of the Fund as their funding medium and for related expenses. The Plan permits the Fund to make total payments at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of a Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Class A shares. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s Class A assets on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in Class A shares, and Plan fees may cost an investor more than other types of sales charges. Plan fees are shown as distribution and service fees on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

9. TRUSTEES

 

 

As of March 31, 2019, there were four Trustees, three of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”).Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 41

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

10. INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

 

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

 

11. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Fund has elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.

 

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date of the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

 

42 www.insigniafunds.com

 

 

Insignia Macro Fund Additional Information

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD

 

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Fund (toll-free) at 1-855-674-4642 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund (toll-free) at 1-855-674-4642 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 43

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

Shareholder Letter 1
Portfolio Update  
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund 5
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund 7
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 9
Portfolios of Investments  
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund 11
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund 18
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 24
Statements of Operations 26
Statements of Changes in Net Assets  
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund 28
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund 29
Financial Highlights 30
Notes to Financial Statements 38
Additional Information 51

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website at www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 1-833-7-CANYON to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com. 

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

 

Despite the frightful headlines (trade war with China, failure of N. Korean treaty), I expect the economy to continue its slow growth of the past decade. While the market has been much more volatile than the economy, moving forward in fits and starts, it too has continued to move up and to the right over the past decade. My mantra is that the economy drives the market. As long as the economy keeps giving positive cues to the market, I expect the market to continue to be healthy. There are, however, two possible disruptions to this otherwise sunny scenario.

 

The first has to do with the rise of automated trading, including the growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). According to one estimate, 25% of all trading is driven by algorithms, and an additional 50% is driven by “automatic” ETF transactions. This means that instead of market prices being determined by the interaction of human buyers and sellers, they are increasingly determined by the interaction of computers. Many have debated the significance of this shift in how market prices are determined. No conclusive answer has been reached. However, there are numerous examples of the short term impact that such robotic trading can have on the market. The first episode was the 20% one-day market tumble in 1987 driven by automated program trading. Prior to the decline, the economy was displaying some warning signs, but on balance it was fine. Despite the mid-year market hiccup, Gross National Product (GNP) grew and the market returned over 5% for the year.

 

A more recent example was the “flash crash” of 2011. Within a few minutes, the market fell by 5%, only to recover minutes later. It was far worse for some individual stocks, which plunged 20% and then bounced back moments later. Both the program trading-induced decline of 1987 and the flash crash are examples of clear air turbulence. Some of you may have experienced clear air turbulence in an airplane flying smoothly in calm air then suddenly dropping hundreds of feet. The experience is disturbing, but only lasts for a few moments. Soon the plane is again flying smoothly thru calm air. Similarly these disconcerting market panics last only a short time before the market reverts to normal.

 

My concern is that the increasing automation of the market’s price-setting function will lead to further instances of clear air turbulence. Last year, for example, we had two. In both episodes, the backdrop was a reasonably well behaved economy. First, near the end of January the market started to drop. Within a few days it had fallen 10%, and most FANG stocks had fallen 20%. Later in the year they fully recovered. While this episode hasn’t been officially linked to automated trading, the swiftness and severity of the decline were unusual and likely reflective of automated trading. Similarly, in December the market plunged 15% before it reversed, fully recovering its loss in the early months of this year. Again, there has been no official linkage to automated trading, but I strongly believe that clear air turbulence was at play.

 

Why is this a concern? Take the market crash of ‘08 as an example. Arguably, clear air turbulence played a role. But woe to those investors (like myself) who treated the initial decline as an opportunity to buy the dip, which proved to be but a preview of the real deal. The early drop led to a full scale market rout and global financial crisis (GFC) due to serious economic problems emanating from the financial sector.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 1

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The second potential disruption stems from the unanticipated consequences of the never-before-tried monetary policy implemented post the GFC. For years, economists have offered the same prescription for treating an economic decline severe enough to induce panic in the markets: Quickly use monetary policy to quell the panic, and then implement fiscal policy to salve the economic wounds. Post the GFC, the first leg of the prescription was implemented, and monetary policy curbed the panic. But when fiscal policy proved restricted in scale, authorities chose to continue their easy money policy well after panic had subsided.

 

While the Federal Reserve (the "Fed") is solely responsible for monetary policy, fiscal policy is a group project involving the president and both houses of congress. Fiscal policy in the fall of ‘08 was especially complicated as we were in the midst of an election while the markets were coming apart. Ultimately some fiscal actions were implemented, but they were limited in scope. Impatient policy makers continued to rely on monetary policy rather than roll up their sleeves for the hard task of enacting appropriate fiscal policies such as tax cuts. Only when President Trump was elected and the economy had fully recovered were tax cuts carried out. Many believe that these cuts came so late in the economic cycle that they were inappropriate.

 

As the Fed tries to unwind the enormous amount of easy money, the nature of its dilemma is becoming clear. The Fed was able to implement several rate hikes with the goal of forcing rates to a level reflective of the state of the economy. Before the Fed was able to accomplish this goal, market weakness led them to back down. The goal of the monetary policy post the GFC was explicitly stated as forcing money into risky assets to stimulate investment. While this generally worked to a degree, the dominant effect was to increase the price of risky assets such as stocks. Now fear of falling asset prices may hinder effective monetary policy. We are in no man’s land. Nobody really knows the ultimate impact of normalizing our monetary policy.

 

Putting this all together, we have a sunny scenario with two potential disruptions. How significant are potential disruptions? No one knows. But investors whose optimism stems from a strong economy should be aware of disruptions which could lead to market weakness in spite of the steady economy.

 

As a summary of activity in the Seven Canyons World Innovators and Seven Canyons Strategic Income Funds, let me provide excerpts from the Fund commentaries we post on the website every quarter.

 

World Innovators Fund (excerpt from quarterly commentary):

 

It seems noteworthy that, unlike the last quarter of 2018, it was mostly companies from developed markets (DM) that made our top 10 contributions list this quarter. We think this says more about the sharp sell off in DM in the December quarter than it does about emerging market (EM) assets. After the sharp rebound in DM stocks, we believe the more attractive valuations remain in EM countries. Since moving the Fund to our new home at SCA, we have swung from being under to overweight EM versus the benchmark. So far so good. The change of direction with emerging markets is in part a reaction to great businesses being sold at very attractive prices after the 2018 EM fire sale, but equal credit goes to our better resources here at SCA. We have a small tight-knit team that has been ferociously vetting old and new ideas, and Spencer Stewart’s extensive experience investing in small-cap emerging market companies helped us get up the curve fast. We can’t count on such positive contributions from our EM investments every quarter, but we are confident that we are buying great business at historically great prices -- a strategy that reliably pays off in the long run.

 

 

2 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Strategic Income Fund (excerpt from quarterly commentary):

 

You’ve often heard me say that I’m looking for companies who have the ability and the willingness to pay a growing stream of dividends. Over the past year, the median dividend growth rate for the stocks we hold in our portfolio was 12%. While this far exceeded the growth rate of WASIX, it reflects the fact that the companies we own did better over the past 12 months than their stock market performance suggests.

 

In closing, I want to tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to invest alongside us in our Seven Canyons World Innovators (WAGTX/WIGTX) and Seven Canyons Strategic Income (WASIX) funds. I look forward to a profitable future together.

 

 

Sam Stewart

Partner

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 3

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Shareholder Letter

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

DEFINITIONS

 

FANG Stocks - Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google (now Alphabet, Inc.) stocks

 

DISCLOSURES

 

This letter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. The expressed views and opinions presented are for informational purposes only, are based on current market conditions, and are subject to change without notice. Although information and statistics contained herein have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable and are accurate to the best of our knowledge, Seven Canyons Advisors cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness, or completeness of such information and statistics made available to you for any particular purpose. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

 

All investing involves risk. Investments in securities of foreign companies involve additional risks, including less liquidity, currency-rate fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in financial reporting standards and securities market regulation. Investing in small and micro-cap funds will be more volatile and loss of principal could be greater than investing in large cap or more diversified funds.

 

An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a Prospectus, which contains this and other information, visit our website at www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com or call us at 1-801-349-2718. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

© 2019 Seven Canyons. All rights reserved. Seven Canyons Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc. (ADI).

 

ADI SCE000132

 

 

4 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment (March 31, 2009 through March 31, 2019)

 

 

The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Investor Class. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of fees or taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Average Annual Total Returns (as of March 31, 2019)

 

  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception*
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund - Investor 3.86% 4.00% 13.09% 6.48%
S&P 500 Total Return Index(a) 9.50% 10.91% 15.92% 8.48%
Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index(b) 4.48% 2.74% 3.77% 4.14%

 

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (801) 349-2718 or by visiting www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com.

 

*The Fund commenced operations on February 1, 2006. The Predecessor Fund, Wasatch Strategic Income Fund, managed by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., was reorganized into the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund on September 10, 2018. Seven Canyons Advisors, LLC has been the Fund’s investment adviser since September 10, 2018. Fund performance prior to September 10, 2018 is reflective of the past performance of the Predecessor Fund.
(a)The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor's composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
(b)The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS (agency and non-agency). The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 5

 

 

Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.

 

Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.

 

The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Investor Class (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 1.77% and 1.43%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.

 

Top Ten Equity Holdings (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Mastercard, Inc. 4.58%
Visa, Inc. 4.56%
Comcast Corp. 4.09%
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. 3.92%
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. 3.88%
Canadian National Railway Co. 3.23%
Magellan Midstream Partners LP 2.97%
Suncor Energy, Inc. 2.87%
Star Asia Capital Corp. 2.19%
Home Depot, Inc. 2.11%
Top Ten Holdings 34.40%

 

Sector Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Financials 25.75%
Information Technology 18.75%
Industrials 11.11%
Consumer Discretionary 10.80%
Energy 7.27%
Health Care 7.20%
Communication Services 5.62%
Consumer Staples 4.57%
Real Estate 3.08%
Materials 2.21%
Cash 3.64%
Total 100.00%

 

*Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio.

 

 

6 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment (March 31, 2009 through March 31, 2019)

 

 

 

The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Investor Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of the Institutional Class will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Returns do not reflect the deduction of fees, sales charges, or taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Average Annual Total Returns (as of March 31, 2019)

 

  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception*
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund - Investor -2.82% 6.48% 16.40% 7.96%
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund - Institutional -2.56% 6.66% 16.50% 8.01%
MSCI All Country World Index IMI(a) 1.97% 6.33% 12.27% 5.66%

 

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (801) 349-2718 or by visiting www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com.

 

*Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund – Investor Class has an inception date of December 19, 2000. Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund – Institutional Class has an inception date of February 1, 2016. Performance for the Institutional Class prior to 2/1/2016 is based on the performance of the Investor Class. Performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class prior to 2/1/2016 uses the actual expenses of the Fund’s Investor Class without any adjustments. For any such period of time, the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class would have been substantially similar to, yet higher than, the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class, because the shares of both classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes bear different expenses. The Predecessor Fund, Wasatch World Innovators Fund, managed by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., was reorganized into the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund on September 10, 2018. Seven Canyons Advisors, LLC has been the Fund’s investment adviser since September 10, 2018. Fund performance prior to September 10, 2018 is reflective of the past performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 7

 

 

Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund Portfolio Update

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

(a)The MSCI ACWI (All Country World Index) IMI (Investable Market Index) is designed to measure the equity market performance of large, mid, and small cap securities across developed and emerging markets throughout the world.

 

Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.

 

Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.

 

The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 1.95% and 1.75% and 1.95% and 1.55%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.

 

Top Ten Equity Holdings (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Nintendo Co., Ltd. 3.70%
Abcam PLC 3.60%
DiaSorin SpA 3.23%
Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. 2.98%
Electronic Arts, Inc. 2.95%
Sarana Menara Nusantara Tbk PT 2.86%
Japan Animal Referral Medical Center Co., Ltd. 2.51%
Tecan Group AG 2.35%
Gamma Communications PLC 2.34%
BioMerieux 2.34%
Top Ten Holdings 28.86%

 

Sector Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)*

 

Health Care 29.29%
Communication Services 21.38%
Information Technology 7.80%
Consumer Discretionary 7.14%
Industrials 4.37%
Consumer Staples 3.78%
Financials 1.52%
Cash 24.72%
Total 100.00%

 

*Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio.

 

 

8 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Example. As a shareholder of the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund or Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund (the “Funds”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.

 

Actual Expenses. The first line under each class in the following table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 9

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

  Beginning
Account Value
October 1, 2018
Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2019
Expense
Ratio(a)
Expenses Paid
During Period
October 1, 2018 -
March 31, 2019(b)
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund        
Investor Class        
Actual $1,000.00 $953.10 0.95% $4.63
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,020.19 0.95% $4.78
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund        
Investor Class        
Actual $1,000.00 $935.60 1.75% $8.45
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,016.21 1.75% $8.80
Institutional Class        
Actual $1,000.00 $936.80 1.55% $7.48
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,017.20 1.55% $7.80

 

(a)Each Fund's expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses.
(b)Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio shown above for the applicable class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365.

 

 

10 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value
(Note 2)
 
COMMON STOCKS (96.26%)          
Air Freight & Logistics (0.92%)          
FedEx Corp.   1,800   $326,538 
           
Airport Services (1.80%)          
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV, Class B   39,000    345,751 
TAV Havalimanlari Holding AS   70,000    293,032 
Total Airport Services        638,783 
           
Apparel Retail (1.00%)          
Ross Stores, Inc.   3,800    353,780 
           
Asset Management & Custody Banks (8.90%)          
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.   3,650    467,565 
Apollo Investment Corp.   17,000    257,380 
Ares Capital Corp.   41,724    715,150 
Fondul Proprietatea SA, GDR(a)   20,000    216,000 
FS KKR Capital Corp.   44,000    266,200 
KKR & Co., Inc., Class A   10,094    237,108 
Solar Capital, Ltd.   32,817    683,906 
Solar Senior Capital, Ltd.   18,000    308,880 
Total Asset Management & Custody Banks        3,152,189 
           
Auto Parts & Equipment (2.01%)          
Aptiv PLC   4,800    381,552 
Selamat Sempurna Tbk PT   2,900,000    329,916 
Total Auto Parts & Equipment        711,468 
           
Broadcasting (0.93%)          
CBS Corp., Class B   6,900    327,957 
Fox Corp., Class B(b)   33    1,196 
Total Broadcasting        329,153 
           
Cable & Satellite (4.09%)          
Comcast Corp., Class A   36,200    1,447,276 
           
Coal & Consumable Fuels (0.51%)          
NAC Kazatomprom JSC, GDR(a)(b)   13,000    182,000 
           
Construction Materials (1.13%)          
Tecnoglass, Inc.   55,000    400,400 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 11

 

 

Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value
(Note 2)
 
Consumer Finance (2.70%)          
SLM Corp.   26,600   $263,606 
Transaction Capital, Ltd.   282,940    349,048 
Unifin Financiera SAB de CV SOFOM ENR   160,000    344,808 
Total Consumer Finance        957,462 
           
Data Processing & Outsourced Services (9.13%)          
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   6,885    1,621,073 
Visa, Inc.   10,325    1,612,662 
Total Data Processing & Outsourced Services        3,233,735 
           
Department Stores (0.97%)          
Matahari Department Store Tbk PT   641,700    184,309 
Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk PT   2,332,000    158,851 
Total Department Stores        343,160 
           
Diversified Banks (7.59%)          
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT   1,303,000    376,991 
Grupo Financiero Galicia SA, ADR   10,400    265,408 
Halyk Savings Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, GDR(a)   16,251    188,512 
HDFC Bank, Ltd., ADR   3,100    359,321 
Sberbank of Russia PJSC, Sponsored ADR   29,000    384,540 
Secure Trust Bank PLC   21,621    390,724 
Security Bank Corp.   105,000    345,934 
TBC Bank Group PLC   18,610    374,244 
Total Diversified Banks        2,685,674 
           
Diversified REITs (3.32%)          
Colony Capital, Inc.   75,000    399,000 
Star Asia Capital Corp.(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)   355,714    775,457 
Total Diversified REITs        1,174,457 
           
Diversified Support Services (0.49%)          
Clipper Logistics PLC   50,000    173,226 
           
Drug Retail (1.41%)          
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.   7,900    499,833 
           
Financial Exchanges & Data (1.00%)          
MSCI, Inc.   91    18,094 
OTC Markets Group, Inc., Class A   10,000    337,000 
Total Financial Exchanges & Data        355,094 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

12 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value
(Note 2)
 
Health Care Services (1.36%)          
CVS Health Corp.   8,900   $479,977 
           
Home Improvement Retail (2.11%)          
Home Depot, Inc.   3,900    748,371 
           
Homebuilding (0.78%)          
Dom Development SA   13,000    274,262 
           
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines (0.86%)          
Extended Stay America, Inc.   17,000    305,150 
           
Hypermarkets & Super Centers (1.19%)          
Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc.   6,689,000    422,919 
           
Industrial Gases (1.07%)          
Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corp.   25,000    380,312 
           
Industrial Machinery (2.36%)          
Skellerup Holdings, Ltd.   254,000    364,975 
Snap-on, Inc.   3,000    469,560 
Total Industrial Machinery        834,535 
           
Integrated Oil & Gas (2.87%)          
Suncor Energy, Inc.   31,300    1,014,407 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail (1.04%)          
Naspers, Ltd., Class N   1,600    369,500 
           
IT Consulting & Other Services (3.92%)          
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A   19,150    1,387,418 
           
Leisure Products (0.98%)          
Photo-Me International PLC   334,000    347,145 
           
Managed Health Care (3.88%)          
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   5,550    1,372,293 
           
Mortgage REITs (3.36%)          
Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.   91    1,180 
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc., Class A   150    5,184 
Great Ajax Corp.   53,600    736,464 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 13

 

 

Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value
(Note 2)
 
Mortgage REITs (continued)          
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.   20,000   $447,000 
Total Mortgage REITs        1,189,828 
           
Movies & Entertainment (0.00%)          
Walt Disney Co.   1    65 
           
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation (3.89%)          
Golar LNG Partners LP   25,000    322,750 
Magellan Midstream Partners LP   17,371    1,053,204 
Total Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation        1,375,954 
           
Packaged Foods & Meats (1.00%)          
Grupo Herdez SAB de CV   159,000    354,121 
           
Personal Products (0.87%)          
Herbalife Nutrition, Ltd.(b)   5,800    307,342 
           
Pharmaceuticals (1.97%)          
CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, Ltd.   218,000    405,455 
Hypera SA   44,000    291,059 
Total Pharmaceuticals        696,514 
           
Railroads (3.23%)          
Canadian National Railway Co.   12,767    1,142,901 
           
Retail REITs (1.96%)          
Simon Property Group, Inc.   3,800    692,398 
           
Semiconductor Equipment (1.59%)          
BE Semiconductor Industries NV   13,855    368,653 
Micro-Mechanics Holdings, Ltd.   155,000    194,429 
Total Semiconductor Equipment        563,082 
           
Semiconductors (4.11%)          
Microchip Technology, Inc.   8,300    688,568 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   3,500    199,605 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Sponsored ADR   13,815    565,862 
Total Semiconductors        1,454,035 
           
Specialty Stores (1.05%)          
Tractor Supply Co.   3,800    371,488 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

       Value 
   Shares   (Note 2) 
Trading Companies & Distributors (1.41%)          
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A   6,000   $496,260 
Triton International, Ltd.   100    3,110 
Total Trading Companies & Distributors        499,370 
           
Transport-Services (0.90%)          
Jetpak Top Holding AB(b)   68,000    317,608 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services (0.60%)          
Safaricom PLC   782,800    213,950 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $29,629,253)        34,079,173 
           
MUTUAL FUND (1.00%)          
Invesco Dynamic Pharmaceuticals ETF   5,400    351,918 
           
TOTAL MUTUAL FUND (Cost $353,644)        351,918 
           
RIGHTS (0.10%)          
Personal Products (0.10%)          
Herbalife Nutrition, Ltd.(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)   14,761    34,393 
           
TOTAL RIGHTS (Cost $–)        34,393 

 

           Value 
   7 Day Yield   Shares   (Note 2) 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (2.45%)               
State Street Institutional US Government Money Market Fund   2.293%   867,935    867,935 
              867,935 
                
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (Cost $867,935)             867,935 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.81%) (Cost $30,850,832)            $35,333,419 
                
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.19%)             68,406 
                
NET ASSETS (100.00%)            $35,401,825 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 15

 

 

Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

(a)Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of those securities was $586,512 representing 1.66% of net assets.
(b)Non-income producing security.
(c)Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $809,850, representing 2.29% of net assets.
(d)Fair valued security under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
(e)As a result of the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value, these investments have been classified as Level 3 assets. See also note 2 to the financial statements for additional information.
(f)Security deemed to be restricted as of March 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of restricted securities in the aggregate was $809,850, representing 2.29% of the Fund’s net assets. Additional information on restricted securities can be found in the Notes to Quarterly Portfolio of Investments.
(g)Security deemed to be illiquid under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of illiquid securities in the aggregate was $809,850, representing 2.29% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

At March 31, 2019, Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund's investments, excluding short-term investments, were in the following countries:

 

Country % of Net Assets
Argentina 0.8
Bermuda 0.0(a)
Brazil 0.8
Canada 6.3
China 1.2
Colombia 1.2
Georgia 1.1
Great Britain 4.1
India 1.0
Indonesia 3.0
Ireland 1.1
Japan 1.1
Kazakhstan 0.5
Kenya 0.6
Mexico 3.0
Netherlands 1.1
New Zealand 1.1
Philippines 2.2
Poland 0.8
Romania 0.6
Russia 1.1
Singapore 0.6
South Africa 2.1
Sweden 0.9
Taiwan 1.6
Turkey 0.9
United States 61.2
  100.0

 

(a)Less than .005%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 17

 

 

Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value
(Note 2)
 
COMMON STOCKS (75.12%)          
Aerospace & Defense (2.19%)          
Avon Rubber PLC   169,189   $2,864,684 
           
Agricultural Products (0.44%)          
BISI International Tbk PT   5,700,000    574,403 
           
Airport Services (0.00%)          
AGP Corp.   300    1,962 
           
Alternative Carriers (2.34%)          
Gamma Communications PLC   240,710    3,066,156 
           
Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods (1.61%)          
Levi Strauss & Co.(a)   60,000    1,413,000 
Mavi Giyim Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS(b)(c)   100,000    691,597 
Total Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods        2,104,597 
           
Application Software (3.77%)          
eGain Corp.(a)   159,281    1,664,487 
Miroku Jyoho Service Co., Ltd.   55,000    1,409,862 
PCA Corp.   20,000    529,820 
Silverlake Axis, Ltd.   1,650,000    657,443 
Tracsis PLC   80,000    666,855 
Total Application Software        4,928,467 
           
Biotechnology (3.98%)          
Abcam PLC   319,000    4,715,718 
Bioventix PLC   10,000    494,931 
Total Biotechnology        5,210,649 
           
Broadcasting (0.66%)          
Surya Citra Media Tbk PT   7,395,500    859,519 
           
Computer & Electronics Retail (1.89%)          
GAME Digital PLC(a)(d)   7,200,000    2,480,387 
           
Construction Machinery & Heavy Trucks (0.50%)          
Morita Holdings Corp.   40,000    656,862 
           
Consumer Electronics (0.49%)          
Roku, Inc.(a)   10,000    645,100 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

 

Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value
(Note 2)
 
Data Processing & Outsourced Services (2.05%)          
My EG Services Bhd   4,068,500   $1,405,165 
Pagseguro Digital, Ltd., Class A(a)   43,000    1,283,550 
Total Data Processing & Outsourced Services        2,688,715 
           
Distillers & Vintners (0.59%)          
Becle SAB de CV   500,000    767,378 
           
Electrical Components & Equipment (0.16%)          
FineTek Co., Ltd.   75,000    210,250 
           
Electronic Equipment & Instruments (1.49%)          
Catapult Group International, Ltd.(a)   1,941,126    1,295,599 
Eroad, Ltd.(a)   360,152    657,306 
Total Electronic Equipment & Instruments        1,952,905 
           
Financial Exchanges & Data (1.39%)          
Infront ASA   684,658    1,825,765 
           
Food Retail (0.68%)          
BIM Birlesik Magazalar AS   65,000    888,351 
           
Health Care Equipment (6.41%)          
Ambu A/S, Class B   25,000    661,493 
BioMerieux   37,000    3,058,901 
DiaSorin SpA   42,000    4,226,082 
Mizuho Medy Co., Ltd.   8,000    197,780 
Surgical Innovations Group PLC(a)   5,400,000    249,680 
Total Health Care Equipment        8,393,936 
           
Health Care Facilities (3.70%)          
Japan Animal Referral Medical Center Co., Ltd.(a)   130,000    3,284,310 
Medikaloka Hermina Tbk PT(a)(c)   2,800,000    666,573 
Mitra Keluarga Karyasehat Tbk PT(a)(c)   6,499,700    890,057 
Total Health Care Facilities        4,840,940 
           
Health Care Services (1.03%)          
Integrated Diagnostics Holdings PLC(b)(c)   291,891    1,342,699 
           
Health Care Supplies (4.03%)          
Advanced Medical Solutions Group PLC   700,000    2,885,579 
Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.   2,100    49,379 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 19

 

 

Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value
(Note 2)
 
Health Care Supplies (continued)          
Ypsomed Holding AG   18,245   $2,336,166 
Total Health Care Supplies        5,271,124 
           
Health Care Technology (2.98%)          
Computer Programs & Systems, Inc.   131,500    3,904,235 
           
Home Improvement Retail (0.46%)          
Italtile, Ltd.   643,393    601,979 
           
Industrial Machinery (1.51%)          
Grupo Rotoplas SAB de CV   520,000    543,837 
Skellerup Holdings, Ltd.   1,000,000    1,436,910 
Total Industrial Machinery        1,980,747 
           
Interactive Home Entertainment (7.66%)          
Electronic Arts, Inc.(a)   38,000    3,861,940 
Nintendo Co., Ltd.   17,000    4,840,928 
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)   14,000    1,321,180 
Total Interactive Home Entertainment        10,024,048 
           
IT Consulting & Other Services (0.49%)          
TechMatrix Corp.   38,700    646,338 
           
Leisure Facilities (0.40%)          
Goals Soccer Centres PLC(a)   1,492,500    528,743 
           
Leisure Products (2.28%)          
Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.   32,000    1,498,511 
Photo-Me International PLC   1,427,659    1,483,845 
Total Leisure Products        2,982,356 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services (4.39%)          
BBI Life Sciences Corp.(c)   2,185,500    687,671 
Horizon Discovery Group PLC(a)   1,019,600    1,978,688 
Tecan Group AG   13,035    3,073,681 
Total Life Sciences Tools & Services        5,740,040 
           
Movies & Entertainment (5.19%)          
AFC Ajax NV(a)   100,000    1,906,976 
Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA   300,000    2,756,140 
OL Groupe SA(a)   269,465    885,658 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Value
(Note 2)
 
Movies & Entertainment (continued)          
Spotify Technology SA(a)   9,000   $1,249,200 
Total Movies & Entertainment        6,797,974 
           
Packaged Foods & Meats (2.04%)          
Grupo Herdez SAB de CV   1,200,000    2,672,608 
           
Pharmaceuticals (2.79%)          
Benchmark Holdings PLC(a)   272,500    181,008 
Merck KGaA   25,000    2,850,648 
Ouro Fino Saude Animal Participacoes SA   77,000    614,568 
Total Pharmaceuticals        3,646,224 
           
Publishing (2.01%)          
New York Times Co.   80,000    2,628,000 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services (3.52%)          
Safaricom PLC   3,135,000    856,838 
Sarana Menara Nusantara Tbk PT   68,000,000    3,748,595 
Total Wireless Telecommunication Services        4,605,433 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $91,028,866)        98,333,574 
           
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTEREST (0.13%)          
Greenspring Global Partners II LP(a)(b)(e)(f)(g)   1    167,281 
          
TOTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTEREST (Cost $211,184)        167,281 
           
RIGHTS (0.03%)          
Personal Products (0.03%)          
Herbalife Nutrition, Ltd.(a)(b)(e)(f)(g)(h)   19,023    44,324 
          
TOTAL RIGHTS (Cost $–)        44,324 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 21

 

 

Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value
(Note 2)
 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (22.28%)               
State Street Institutional US Government Money Market Fund   2.293%   29,162,210    29,162,210 
              29,162,210 
                
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (Cost $29,162,210)             29,162,210 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (97.56%) (Cost $120,402,260)            $127,707,389 
                
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (2.44%)             3,197,517 
                
NET ASSETS (100.00%)            $130,904,906 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.
(b)Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $2,245,901, representing 1.72% of net assets.
(c)Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of those securities was $4,278,597 representing 3.27% of net assets.
(d)Affiliated Company. See Note 9 in Notes to Financial Statements.
(e)Fair valued security under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
(f)Security deemed to be restricted as of March 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of restricted securities in the aggregate was $211,605, representing 0.16% of the Fund’s net assets. Additional information on restricted securities can be found in the Notes to Quarterly Portfolio of Investments.
(g)Security deemed to be illiquid under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of illiquid securities in the aggregate was $211,605, representing 0.16% of the Fund’s net assets.
(h)As a result of the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value, these investments have been classified as Level 3 assets. See also note 2 to the financial statements for additional information.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

22 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund Portfolio of Investments
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

At March 31, 2019, Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund’s investments, excluding short-term investments, were in the following countries:

 

Country % of Net Assets
Australia 1.3
Brazil 1.9
China 0.7
Denmark 0.7
Egypt 1.4
France 4.0
Germany 5.7
Great Britain 21.9
Indonesia 6.8
Italy 4.3
Japan 13.3
Kenya 0.9
Malaysia 1.4
Mexico 4.0
Netherlands 1.9
New Zealand 2.1
Norway 1.9
Singapore 0.7
South Africa 0.6
Sweden 1.3
Switzerland 5.5
Taiwan 0.2
Turkey 1.6
United States 15.9
  100.0

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 23

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Statements of Assets and Liabilities
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   SEVEN CANYONS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND   SEVEN CANYONS WORLD INNOVATORS FUND 
ASSETS:          
Investments, at value (Cost $30,850,832 and $117,394,554)  $35,333,419   $125,227,002 
Investments in affiliates, at value (Cost $– and $3,007,706)       2,480,387 
Cash and cash equivalents       55,783 
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $12,711 and $70,777, respectively)   12,732    70,771 
Receivable for investments sold   157,227    4,777,139 
Receivable for shares sold   141,955    62,283 
Dividends and interest receivable   47,517    222,062 
Other assets   21,113    26,069 
Total Assets   35,713,963    132,921,496 
           
LIABILITIES:          
Payable to custodian   65,080     
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees   27,758    92,519 
Payable for investments purchased   69,529    1,611,564 
Payable for shares redeemed   121,062    113,552 
Payable to adviser   15,526    164,312 
Payable for printing   517    4,637 
Payable for professional fees   11,661    16,829 
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees   507    2,771 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   498    10,406 
Total Liabilities   312,138    2,016,590 
NET ASSETS  $35,401,825   $130,904,906 
           
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:          
Paid-in capital (Note 5)  $32,086,725   $124,596,417 
Total distributable earnings   3,315,100    6,308,489 
NET ASSETS  $35,401,825   $130,904,906 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
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Seven Canyons Advisors Statements of Assets and Liabilities
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   SEVEN CANYONS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND   SEVEN CANYONS WORLD INNOVATORS FUND 
PRICING OF SHARES        
Investor Class:        
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $12.03   $16.09 
Net Assets  $35,401,825   $124,615,758 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   2,943,996    7,743,344 
Institutional Class:          
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   N/A   $16.29 
Net Assets   N/A   $6,289,148 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding   N/A    386,116 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 25

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Statements of Operations
 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   SEVEN CANYONS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND   SEVEN CANYONS WORLD INNOVATORS FUND 
INVESTMENT INCOME:        
Dividends from unaffiliated issuers  $574,497   $982,013 
Foreign taxes withheld   (15,521)   (64,701)
Total Investment Income   558,976    917,312 
           
EXPENSES:          
Investment advisory fees (Note 6)   125,171    1,016,520 
Administration fees   23,089    83,903 
Custody fees   8,303    31,524 
Legal fees   1,254    4,927 
Audit and tax fees   9,972    9,972 
Transfer agent fees   40,862    126,113 
Trustees fees and expenses   1,610    6,319 
Registration and filing fees   4,004    10,668 
Printing fees   1,067    7,787 
Chief Compliance Officer fees   4,054    15,892 
Insurance fees   24    90 
Repayment of previously waived fees          
Institutional Class       2,250 
Other expenses   2,402    3,986 
Total Expenses   221,812    1,319,951 
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser (Note 6)          
Investor Class   (52,040)   (128,801)
Institutional Class       (13,103)
Total fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser (Note 6)   (52,040)   (141,904)
Net Expenses   169,772    1,178,047 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME/(LOSS)   389,204    (260,735)
           
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY:          
Net realized gain/(loss) on:          
Affiliated Investments       (846,957)
Unaffiliated Investments   93,485    3,824,001 
Foreign currency transactions   (14,194)   (137,312)
Net realized gain   79,291    2,839,732 
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:          
Unaffiliated Investments   (2,399,949)   (14,344,343)
Affiliated Investments       111,781 
Translation of asset and liabilities denominated in foreign currency   (373)   341 
Net change   (2,400,322)   (14,232,221)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
26 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Statements of Operations
 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

   SEVEN CANYONS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND   SEVEN CANYONS WORLD INNOVATORS FUND 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY   (2,321,031)   (11,392,489)
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(1,931,827)  $(11,653,224)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 27

 

 

Seven Canyons  
Strategic Income Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 (a) 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $389,204   $862,493 
Net realized gain on investments   79,291    4,715,250 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments   (2,400,322)   (318,885)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (1,931,827)   5,258,858 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS          
Investor Class   (310,595)   (1,098,927)
Total distributions   (310,595)   (1,098,927)
           
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):          
Investor Class          
Shares sold   1,135,185    16,148,550 
Dividends reinvested   304,352    1,082,568 
Shares redeemed   (3,413,550)   (26,818,552)
Redemption fees   366    695 
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions   (1,973,647)   (9,586,739)
Net decrease in net assets   (4,216,069)   (5,426,808)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   39,617,894    45,044,702 
End of period  $35,401,825   $39,617,894 

 

(a) Effective September 10, 2018, the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund merged into the ALPS Series Trust. The Fund was previously advised by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., and was recognized as the Wasatch Strategic Income Fund.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
28 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons  
World Innovators Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 (a) 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment loss  $(260,735)  $(1,317,710)
Net realized gain on investments   2,839,732    40,070,906 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments   (14,232,221)   (13,956,881)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (11,653,224)   24,796,315 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS          
Investor Class   (29,476,916)   (27,785,763)
Institutional Class   (1,390,437)   (635,561)
Total distributions   (30,867,353)   (28,421,324)
           
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):          
Investor Class          
Shares sold   3,619,080    41,810,867 
Dividends reinvested   28,546,551    27,070,171 
Shares redeemed   (20,290,288)   (102,936,752)
Redemption fees   279    12,022 
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions   11,875,622    (34,043,692)
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   1,896,389    4,386,142 
Dividends reinvested   1,301,695    621,806 
Shares redeemed   (2,996,476)   (848,095)
Redemption fees   547     
Net increase from beneficial share transactions   202,155    4,159,853 
Net decrease in net assets   (30,442,800)   (33,508,848)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   161,347,706    194,856,554 
End of period  $130,904,906   $161,347,706 

 

(a) Effective September 10, 2018, the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund merged into the ALPS Series Trust. The Fund was previously advised by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., and was recognized as the Wasatch Strategic Income Fund.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 29

 

 

Seven Canyons  
Strategic Income Fund – Investor Class Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Tax return of capital
Total Distributions
REDEMPTION FEES
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(d)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
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Seven Canyons
Strategic Income Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018(a)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2017   For the Year Ended September 30, 2016   For the Year Ended September 30, 2015   For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 
$12.74   $11.78   $10.62   $10.49   $12.63   $11.08 
                            
                            
 0.13    0.21    0.16    0.26    0.30    0.32 
 (0.74)   1.04    1.12    0.49    (1.38)   1.74 
 (0.61)   1.25    1.28    0.75    (1.08)   2.06 
                            
                            
 (0.10)   (0.29)   (0.12)   (0.23)   (0.44)   (0.35)
             (0.35)   (0.62)   (0.16)
             (0.04)        
 (0.10)   (0.29)   (0.12)   (0.62)   (1.06)   (0.51)
 0.00(c)    0.00(c)                 
 (0.71)   0.96    1.16    0.13    (2.14)   1.55 
$12.03   $12.74   $11.78   $10.62   $10.49   $12.63 
                            
 (4.69%)   10.71%   12.09%   7.38%   (9.54%)   18.94%
                            
                            
$35,402   $39,618   $45,045   $55,112   $88,661   $94,958 
                            
 1.24%(e)   1.08%   1.10%   1.04%   0.95%   0.96%
 0.95%(e)   0.95%   0.95%   0.95%   0.95%   0.95%
 2.18%(e)   1.71%   1.12%   2.50%   2.51%   2.59%
                            
 34%   72%   34%   45%   78%   69%

 

(a) Effective September 10, 2018, the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund merged into the ALPS Series Trust. The Fund was previously advised by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., and was recognized as the Wasatch Strategic Income Fund.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Less than $0.005 per share.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 31

 

 

Seven Canyons  
Strategic Income Fund – Investor Class Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

(d) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
32 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

 

 

 

Page Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

Seven Canyons  
World Innovators Fund – Investor Class Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment loss(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
REDEMPTION FEES
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(d)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
34 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons  
World Innovators Fund – Investor Class Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018(a)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2017   For the Year Ended September 30, 2016   For the Year Ended September 30, 2015   For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 
$22.59   $22.75   $19.32   $20.17   $22.62   $23.15 
                            
                            
 (0.04)   (0.14)   (0.13)   (0.12)   (0.21)   (0.24)
 (1.93)   3.30    4.26    1.90    0.30    0.91 
 (1.97)   3.16    4.13    1.78    0.09    0.67 
                            
                            
 (4.53)   (3.32)   (0.70)   (2.63)   (2.54)   (1.20)
 (4.53)   (3.32)   (0.70)   (2.63)   (2.54)   (1.20)
 0.00(c)    0.00(c)                 
 (6.50)   (0.16)   3.43    (0.85)   (2.45)   (0.53)
$16.09   $22.59   $22.75   $19.32   $20.17   $22.62 
                            
 (6.44%)   14.77%   22.23%   8.97%   0.32%   2.69%
                            
                            
$124,616   $153,187   $191,021   $193,826   $186,272   $253,311 
                            
                            
 1.95%(e)   1.82%   1.83%   1.78%   1.76%   1.73%
 1.75%(e)   1.81%   1.83%   1.78%   1.76%   1.73%
 (0.43%)(e)   (0.65%)   (0.57%)   (0.66%)   (0.76%)   (0.89%)
                            
 71%   159%   91%   112%   100%   111%

 

(a) Effective September 10, 2018, the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund merged into the ALPS Series Trust. The Fund was previously advised by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., and was recognized as the Wasatch Strategic Income Fund.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Less than $0.005 per share.
(d) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 35

 

 

Seven Canyons

World Innovators Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
REDEMPTION FEES
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(d)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
36 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons

World Innovators Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights
 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

For the Six Months
Ended March 31, 2019
(Unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
September 30, 2018
(a)
   For the Year Ended
September 30, 2017
   For the Period Ended
September 30, 2016
 
$22.78   $22.87   $19.36   $17.54 
                  
                  
 (0.02)   (0.05)   (0.09)   0.00(c) 
 (1.94)   3.28    4.30    1.82 
 (1.96)   3.23    4.21    1.82 
                  
                  
 (4.53)   (3.32)   (0.70)    
 (4.53)   (3.32)   (0.70)    
 0.00(c)             
 (6.49)   (0.09)   3.51    1.82 
$16.29   $22.78   $22.87   $19.36 
                  
 (6.32%)   15.03%   22.55%   10.38%
                  
                  
$6,289   $8,160   $3,836   $5,977 
                  
                  
 1.96%(e)   2.05%   2.22%   3.69%(e)
 1.55%(e)   1.55%   1.55%   1.55%(e)
 (0.22%)(e)   (0.23%)   (0.29%)   0.01%(e)
                  
 71%   159%   91%   112%

 

(a) Effective September 10, 2018, the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund merged into the ALPS Series Trust. The Fund was previously advised by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., and was recognized as the Wasatch Strategic Income Fund.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Less than $0.005 per share.
(d) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 37

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund and Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund (each individually the “Fund” or collectively the “Funds”). The Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund’s primary investment objective is to capture current income and the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund’s primary investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Funds are each classified as diversified under the 1940 Act. The Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund currently offers Investor Class shares and the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund currently offers Investor Class and Institutional Class shares. Each share class has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

Investment Valuation: Each Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

For equity securities and mutual funds that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.

 

Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value, with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities.

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

 

 
38 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2019:

 

SEVEN CANYONS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND

 

Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks                
Diversified REITs  $399,000       $775,457   $1,174,457 
Other   32,904,716            32,904,716 
Mutual Fund   351,918            351,918 
Rights           34,393    34,393 
Short Term Investment   867,935            867,935 
Total  $34,523,569   $   $809,850   $35,333,419 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 39

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

SEVEN CANYONS WORLD INNOVATORS FUND

 

Investments in Securities at Value*  Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks   97,804,831    528,743        98,333,574 
Limited Partnership Interest(a)               167,281 
Rights           44,324    44,324 
Short Term Investment   29,162,210            29,162,210 
Total  $126,967,041   $528,743   $44,324   $127,707,389 

 

* For a detailed Industry breakdown, see the accompanying Portfolio of Investments.
(a) Certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value levels. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

Fund  Fair Value at 3/31/2019   Unfunded Commitments   Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible)   Redemption Notice Period 
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund           
Limited Partnership Interest(a)  $167,281   $        –           –          – 

 

(a) The fair value of this limited partnership interest has been estimated using the net asset value of the Fund’s Limited Partner Capital Account. This limited partnership interest can never be redeemed. Distributions from the limited partnership will be received as the underlying investments are liquidated. It is estimated that the underlying assets of the limited partnership will be liquidated over the next one to five years. The final purchase commitment was made on March 31, 2017 for Greenspring Global Partners II-B, L.P.

 

 
40 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a reconciliation of assets in which Level 3 inputs were used in determining value:

 

Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund  Common Stocks   Rights   Total 
Balance as of September 30, 2018  $775,456   $50,926   $826,382 
Change in Unrealized               
Appreciation/(Depreciation)   1    (16,533)   (16,532)
Purchases            
Transfer into Level 3            
Transfer out of Level 3            
Balance as of March 31, 2019  $775,457   $34,393   $809,850 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in the Statements of Operations attributable to Level 3 investments held at March 31, 2019  $1   $(16,533)  $(16,532)

 

Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund  Rights   Total 
Balance as of September 30, 2018  $65,629   $65,629 
Change in Unrealized          
Appreciation/(Depreciation)   (21,305)   (21,305)
Purchases        
Transfer into Level 3        
Transfer out of Level 3        
Balance as of March 31, 2019  $44,324   $44,324 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in the Statements of Operations attributable to Level 3 investments held at March 31, 2019  $(21,305)  $(21,305)

 

Quantitative information about Level 3 measurements as of March 31, 2019:

 

Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund

 

Asset Class  Market Value  Valuation Technique(s)  Unobservable Input(s)(a)  Value/Range 
Common Stock  $775,457  Last Trade  Last Trade   100% 
Rights  $34,393  Probability of take out  Probability of take out   8% 
       Premium of take out  Premium of take out   20% 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 41

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors   Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund

 

Asset Class  Market Value  Valuation Technique(s)  Unobservable Input(s)(a)  Value/Range 
Rights  $44,324  Probability of take out  Probability of take out   8% 
       Premium of take out  Premium of take out   20% 

 

(a)A change to the unobservable input may result in a significant change to the value of the investment as follows: A change to a multiple may affect the fair value of an investment. Generally, a decrease in this multiple will result in a decrease in the fair value of the investment.

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Funds consider their investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year or period, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Funds to a credit risk. The Funds do not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees’ fees and expenses.

 

Fund Expenses: Some expenses can be directly attributed to a Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.

 

Class Expenses: Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class.

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Funds comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intend to distribute substantially all of their net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Funds are not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

As of and during the six month period ended March 31, 2019, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds file U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Funds’ administrator has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements related to these tax positions.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis for financial reporting purposes). Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to the Fund. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.

 

 
42 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Foreign Securities: The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible re-evaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate foreign currency, less complete financial information about companies and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of securities of comparable U.S. issuers.

 

Foreign Currency Translation: Values of investments denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rates each business day (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Purchases and sales of investments and dividend income are translated into U.S. dollars using the current prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date. The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on realized and unrealized gains or losses on securities is reflected as a component of such gains or losses. Transactions in foreign denominated assets may involve greater risks than domestic transactions.

 

Foreign Exchange Transactions: The Funds may enter into foreign currency spot contracts to facilitate transactions in foreign securities or to convert foreign currency receipts into U.S. dollars. A foreign currency spot contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell currencies at the current market rate, for settlement generally within two business days. The U.S. dollar value of the contracts is determined using current currency exchange rates supplied by a pricing service. The contract is marked-to-market daily for settlements beyond one day and any change in market value is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value on the open and close date. Losses may arise from changes in the value of the foreign currency, or if the counterparties do not perform under the contract’s terms. The maximum potential loss from such contracts is the aggregate face value in U.S. dollars at the time the contract was opened.

 

Distributions to Shareholders: The Funds normally pay dividends, if any, quarterly, and distribute capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest and other income a Fund receives from its investments, including short term capital gains. Long term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when a Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. The Funds may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its investment advisor has determined that doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

Restricted Securities: Restricted securities are securities that may only be resold upon registration under federal securities laws or in transactions exempt from such registration. In some cases, the issuer of restricted securities has agreed to register such securities for resale, at the issuer’s expense, either upon demand by a fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Many restricted securities may be resold in the secondary market in transactions exempt from registration. Such restricted securities may be determined to be liquid. The Funds will not incur any registration costs upon such resale. The Funds’ restricted securities are valued at the price provided by pricing services or dealers in the secondary market or, if no market prices are available, at the fair value price as determined by the Fund’s Adviser or pursuant to the Fund’s fair value policy, subject to oversight by the Board. The Funds have acquired certain securities, the sale of which is restricted under applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). It is possible that the fair value price may differ significantly from the amount that may ultimately be realized in the near term, and the difference could be material. Refer to Note 8 (Restricted Securities) for more information regarding Rule 144A of the Securities Act.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 43

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Repurchase Agreements: The Funds may engage in repurchase transactions. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, a fund takes possession of an underlying debt obligation subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase and the fund to resell the obligation at an agreed upon price and time. The market value of the collateral must be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including interest. Generally, in the event of counterparty default, the fund has the right to use the collateral to offset losses incurred.

 

3. TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Funds. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions are estimated at the time of distribution and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.

 

The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gains 
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund  $1,098,927   $ 
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund   2,887,529    25,533,795 

 

 
44 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments: As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation for Federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

   Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund   Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $4,769,670   $8,323,633 
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (3,282,137)   (15,965,724)
Net appreciation on foreign currency and derivatives        
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)  $1,487,533   $(7,642,091)
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $31,960,756   $131,348,901 

 

4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six month period ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

   Purchases of Securities   Proceeds from Sales of Securities 
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund  $11,676,752   $12,370,480 
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund   80,566,512    118,745,290 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 45

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

5. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Funds have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Funds nor any of their creditors have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

Shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase may incur a 2.00% redemption fee deducted from the redemption amount. For the six month period ended March 31, 2019, the redemption fees charged by the Fund, if any, are presented in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

Transactions in common shares were as follows:

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 
         
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund        
Investor Class        
Shares sold   96,823    1,342,592 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   27,464    88,658 
Shares redeemed   (290,620)   (2,144,223)
Net decrease in shares outstanding   (166,333)   (712,973)
           
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund          
Investor Class          
Shares sold   213,837    1,881,378 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   1,978,278    1,271,497 
Shares redeemed   (1,230,797)   (4,766,873)
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding   961,318    (1,613,998)
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   111,653    200,017 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders   89,157    29,016 
Shares redeemed   (172,998)   (38,497)
Net increase in shares outstanding   27,812    190,536 

 

 
46 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

6. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Investment Advisory: Seven Canyons Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Funds’ business affairs. The Adviser manages the investments of the Funds in accordance with each Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board. Effective September 10, 2018, Seven Canyons became the Adviser to both Funds. Although the new Funds have different investment advisors, the portfolio manager(s) for the Funds and investment objectives are the same. The Funds also have substantially similar principal investment strategies and principal risks. Any shareholders that owned shares of the funds as of the close of business on June 29, 2018, voted to approve the new Seven Canyons Investment Advisory Agreements at the meeting. Under the new Agreements, the Advisor will provide advisory services to the Funds, subject to the oversight of the Board. The Funds’ Shareholder Meeting occurred on August 30, 2018 and all measures past.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.70% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, and the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 1.50% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fees are paid on a monthly basis. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreements for additional one-year term. The Board and shareholders of the Funds may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 day written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ written notice.

 

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of interest, dividend expense on short sales/interest expense, taxes, brokerage commissions, other investment related costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business, for the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund Investor Class shares and Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares, to 0.95%, 1.75% and 1.55%, respectively, of each Funds’ average daily net assets of each class of shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2020. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that each Fund’s expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis. The Adviser may not discontinue this waiver without the approval by the Trust’s Board. Fees waived or reimbursed for the six month period ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statements of Operations.

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 47

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

As of March 31, 2019, the balance of recoupable expenses was as follows:

 

   Expiring in 2021   Expiring in 2022 
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund   8,181    52,040 
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund   23,137    141,482 

 

Prior to September 10, 2018, Wasatch Advisors, Inc. (“Wasatch”) served as the investment adviser to the Predecessor Funds pursuant to a prior investment advisory agreement between the Wasatch Funds Trust and Wasatch, under which Wasatch was entitled to receive an annual fee of 0.70% and 1.50% for Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund and Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund, respectively, computed daily and paid monthly. Wasatch had contractually agreed to waive Its fees and/or reimburse certain Funds should a Fund’s operating expenses (exclusive of interest, dividend expense on short sales/interest expense, taxes, brokerage commissions, other investment related costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business), exceed an annual limitation of 0.95 % for Investor Class of the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund, and 1.95% and 1.55% for Investor Class and Institutional Class of the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund, respectively. Wasatch was able to recover previously waived expenses through September 10, 2018.

 

Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to each Fund. The Funds have agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to each Fund including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration, and will generally assist in the Funds’ operations. The Funds’ administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers and an Interested Trustee of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by each Fund for the six month period ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Funds for certain out of pocket expenses.

 

Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for each Fund under a Transfer Agency Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Compliance Services: Effective September 10, 2018, ALPS provides services as each Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of the Funds’ in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of the Funds are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Funds. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Funds’ principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

 
48 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

7. TRUSTEES

 

 

As of March 31, 2019, there were four Trustees, three of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

8. RESTRICTED SECURITIES

 

 

The Funds may own investments that were purchased through private placement transactions or under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and cannot be sold without prior registration under the Securities Act or may be limited due to certain restrictions. These securities are generally deemed to be illiquid and are valued at fair value as determined by a designated Pricing Committee of the Advisor (“Pricing Committee”), comprised of personnel of the Adviser, with oversight by the Board and in accordance with Board-approved Pricing Policies and Procedures. If and when such securities are registered, the costs of registering such securities are paid by the issuer. At March 31, 2019, the Funds held the following restricted securities:

 

Fund  Security Type  Acquisition Date  Cost   Fair Value   % of Net Assets 
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund            
Herbalife Nutrition, Ltd.  Rights  10/13/17  $   $34,393    0.10%
Star Asia Capital Corp.  Common Stocks  2/22/07-5/11/15   572,597    775,457    2.19%
         $572,597   $809,850    2.29%
                      
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund               
Greenspring Global Partners II LP  Limited Partnership Interest  10/10/13- 3/31/17  $211,184   $167,281    0.13%
Herbalife Nutrition, Ltd.  Rights  10/13/17       44,324    0.03%
         $211,184   $211,605    0.16%

 

 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 49

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Notes to Financial Statements
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

Restricted securities under Rule 144a, including the aggregate value and percentage of net assets of each Fund, have been identified in the Portfolios of Investments.

 

9. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

 

If a Fund’s holding represents ownership of 5% or more of the voting securities of a company, the company is deemed to be an affiliate as defined by the 1940 Act. The following Funds conducted transactions during the six month period ended March 31, 2019 with an “affiliated company” as so defined:

 

World Innovators Fund

 

Security Name  Share Balance as of September 30, 2018   Purchases   Sales   Share Balance as of March 31, 2019   Market Value as of March 31, 2019   Dividends   Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)   Realized Gain/Loss 
GAME Digital PLC   11,300,000        (4,100,000)   7,200,000   $2,480,387   $        –   $111,781   $(846,957)
                       $2,480,387   $   $111,781   $(846,957)

 

10. INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

 

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

 

11. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Funds have elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.

 

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

 
50 www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com

 

 

Seven Canyons Advisors Additional Information
 

March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD

 

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-833-722-6966 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-833-722-6966 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 51

 

 

 

Must be accompanied or preceded by a prospectus.

ALPS Distributors, Inc. is the Distributor of the Funds.

 

 

 

Item 2.Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable to this report.

 

Item 3.Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable to this report.

 

Item 4.Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable to this report.

 

Item 5.Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable to the registrant.

 

Item 6.Investments.

 

(a)Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Reports to Stockholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 7.Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to the registrant.

 

Item 8.Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to the registrant.

 

Item 9.Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable to the registrant.

 

Item 10.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Trustees, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K, or this Item.

 

 

Item 11.Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) within 90 days of this report and have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.

 

(b)There was no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-end Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)Not applicable to this report.

 

(a)(2)The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.Cert.

 

(a)(3)None.

 

(a)(4)Not applicable to this report.

 

(b)The certifications by the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906Cert.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

ALPS SERIES TRUST

 

By: /s/ Jeremy O. May  
  Jeremy O. May  
  President (Principal Executive Officer)  
     
Date: May 30, 2019  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By: /s/ Jeremy O. May  
  Jeremy O. May  
  President (Principal Executive Officer)  
     
Date: May 30, 2019  
     
By: /s/ Kimberly R. Storms  
  Kimberly R. Storms  
  Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)  
     
Date: May 30, 2019