N-CSR 1 fp0018329_ncsr.htm fp0017135

 

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- 07584
 
Rydex Series Funds
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
805 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 600
Rockville, Maryland 20850
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
 
Amy J. Lee
Rydex Series Funds
805 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 600
Rockville, Maryland 20850
(Name and address of agent for service)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 1-301-296-5100
 
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
 
Date of reporting period: December 31, 2015
 
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
 
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
 
The registrant’s annual report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), is as follows:

 

 

 

12.31.15

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

Guggenheim Alternative Fund

Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Rydex Commodities Fund

Rydex Commodities Strategy Fund

 

RDXSGIALT-ANN-1215x1216

guggenheiminvestments.com

 


 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

7

ALTERNATIVE FUND

 

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

10

COMMODITIES FUND

 

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

49

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

61

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

88

OTHER INFORMATION

89

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

90

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES

95

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 


 

December 31, 2015

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the annual shareholder report for one alternative strategy fund and one commodities fund (the “Funds”) that are part of the Rydex Series Funds. This report covers performance of the Funds for the annual period ended December 31, 2015.

 

The Investment Adviser is a part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Performance Report and Fund profile for each Fund.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Donald C. Cacciapaglia
President
January 31, 2016

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

The Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund is subject to a number of risks and may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s use of derivatives such as futures, options and swap agreements may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund’s use of short selling involves increased risks and costs. The Fund risks paying more for a security than it received from its sale. ● The Fund’s investments in high yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


 

December 31, 2015

 

(“junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit and liquidity risk than funds that do not invest in such securities. ● The Fund’s fixed income investments will change in value in response to interest rate changes and other factors. ● The fund’s exposure to the commodity and currency markets may subject the fund to greater volatility as commodity- and currency-linked derivative investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry, commodity or currency—such as droughts, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The fund may also incur transaction costs with the conversion between various currencies. ● The Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies subjects the fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. ● These risks may cause the Fund to experience higher losses and/or volatility than a fund that does not invest in derivatives, use leverage or short sales or have exposure to high yield/fixed income securities, foreign currencies and/or securities. ● This Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a more diversified Fund. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

The Commodities Strategy Fund is subject may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s exposure to the commodity markets may subject the fund to greater volatility as commodity-linked investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity—such as droughts, floods, weather, embargos, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. ● To the extent that the fund’s investments are concentrated in energy-related commodities, the fund is subject to the risk that this sector will underperform the market as a whole. ● The fund’s use of derivatives, such as futures, options, structured notes and swap agreements, may expose the fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or investments underlying those derivatives. ● The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The fund is subject to tracking error risks, which may cause the fund’s performance not to match that of or be lower than the fund’s underlying benchmark. ● The fund’s investments in other investment companies subjects the fund to those risks affecting the investment company, including the possibility that the value of the underlying securities held by the investment company could decrease. Moreover, the fund will incur its pro rata share of the expenses of the underlying investment companies’ expenses. ●This fund is considered non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of fund shares than would occur in a more diversified fund. ● See the prospectus for more information on these and additional risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 


ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

December 31, 2015

 

As of December 16, 2015, the meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee of the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) resulted in the Fed raising its target Federal Funds Rate by 25 basis points, its first hike in seven years. This decision to tighten monetary policy was in recognition that growth in the U.S. economy is sufficient to meet expectations in the current recovery. Historically, the period when the Fed begins to tighten leads to an initial sell-off in the bond market, as investors brace themselves for the ill-effects of restrictive monetary policy on the economy. Then, as investors realize the Fed is raising rates because the economy is strong, the fear of defaults diminishes and credit spreads tighten again.

 

The good news is that, while the U.S. economy may not be fast moving, it certainly has a lot of torque. This is creating strong tailwinds as we move into 2016. MasterCard Advisors’ data on holiday spending indicates that sales were up nearly 8% year over year. All told, the risk to fourth-quarter gross domestic product (“GDP”) is probably to the upside, even as most tracking estimates have been trimmed to around 1%. In addition, the El Niño weather pattern is moving into its most impactful period. Our research indicates that a strong El Niño can add 1% or more to GDP in the first quarter of the year.

 

A factor after the end of the period was market volatility, spurred by concerns over the price of oil and increasing anxiety over global growth. It was marked by turmoil across asset classes, with heavy drawdowns in a variety of indexes and geographies in the first half of January. The sell-off was brutal and unexpected, but initially there was not a corresponding spike in the key measure of equity market volatility, the VIX. However, the sell-off occurred in what is historically a seasonally strong time for equities, and the VIX did start to rise in January.

 

In China, the likely catalyst for the volatile start to the equity market in 2016 was the pending expiration of an insider selling ban. The ban was extended in response to the sell-off, but as expiring restrictions enable market participants to finally escape unwanted positions, a sell-off is inevitable. China’s problems extend beyond political interference in the markets and, despite attempts by policy-makers to quiet the turmoil, we expect to see more volatility. Chinese policymakers have also been struggling to protect the renminbi. Allowing it to depreciate in the short run could be negative for markets—particularly Chinese risk assets, and by extension, U.S. risk assets, as well as falling dollar prices for commodities, given China is a main consumer of commodities. In the long run, a depreciation would be positive for the Chinese manufacturing sector and European producers, who have significant exports to China.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2015

 

Meanwhile, the persistent weakness in oil continues to exert its negative influence on all markets, especially corporate credit. Oil prices likely have further to fall: not until it reaches approximately $25 per barrel will we begin to see oil production shuttered, which should then set the stage to stabilize the energy sector.

 

The next few months are likely to be extremely volatile as markets continue to digest the sell-off that began 2016. However, monetary conditions remain highly supportive for global economic growth, despite the Federal Reserve’s recent actions. The index of leading economic indicators, comprised of 10 components whose changes typically precede changes in the U.S. economy, remains in positive territory and shows no warning signs of recession.

 

Additionally, if market turmoil continues, and lower oil prices dampen headline inflation, the Fed may delay further rate increases. Given strong employment growth and continued wage growth, along with a stimulative fiscal policy now in place, the U.S. economy is likely to thrive in 2016.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 1.38%. The Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -0.81%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -14.92%.

 

In the bond market, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 0.55% return for the period, while the Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -4.47%. The return of the Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.05% for the 12-month period.

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

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 U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS.

 

Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the market of U.S. dollar-denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bonds. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.

 

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 


ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

December 31, 2015

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

S&P 500®Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure the performance of the broad economy, representing all major industries and is considered a representation of the U.S. stock market.

 

S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (“GSCI”), a benchmark for investment performance in the commodity markets, measures investable commodity price movements and inflation in the world economy. The index is calculated primarily on a world production weighted basis and is comprised of the principal physical commodities that are the subject of active, liquid futures markets.

 

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index is designed to be representative of the overall composition of the hedge fund universe. It is comprised of all eligible hedge fund strategies, including, but not limited to, convertible arbitrage, distressed securities, equity hedge, equity market neutral, event driven, macro, merger arbitrage and relative-value arbitrage. The strategies are asset weighted based on the distribution of assets in the hedge fund industry.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a Fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; and exchange fees; and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the 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 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning June 30, 2015 and ending December 31, 2015.

 

The following tables illustrate a Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return. This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fourth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s 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 provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return. This section is intended to help investors compare a Fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 


ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about a Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for the past five years, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the appropriate Fund prospectus.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
June 30,
2015

Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2015

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

         

A-Class

2.58%

1.04%

$1,000.00

$1,010.40

$13.07

C-Class

3.31%

0.67%

1,000.00

1,006.70

16.74

P-Class

2.57%

1.08%

1,000.00

1,010.80

13.03

Institutional Class

2.32%

1.15%

1,000.00

1,011.50

11.76

Commodities Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.66%

(33.88%)

1,000.00

661.20

6.95

C-Class

2.30%

(34.04%)

1,000.00

659.60

9.62

H-Class

1.64%

(33.84%)

1,000.00

661.60

6.87

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

         

A-Class

2.58%

5.00%

$1,000.00

$1,012.20

$13.09

C-Class

3.31%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,008.52

16.76

P-Class

2.57%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.25

13.03

Institutional Class

2.32%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.51

11.77

Commodities Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.66%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.84

8.44

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.61

11.67

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.94

8.34

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest. This ratio represents net expenses, which include interest and dividend expenses related to securities sold short. Excluding short interest and dividend expenses, the operating expense ratio of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund would be 1.45%, 2.20%, 1.45% and 1.20% for the A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class, respectively.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period June 30, 2015 to December 31, 2015.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

December 31, 2015

 

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation with less risk than traditional equity funds.

 

2015 was the sixth full fiscal year of performance since the Fund’s objective was changed from hedge fund replication to capital appreciation. The Fund seeks capital appreciation with low correlation to equity and fixed income markets, while doing so with low risk–typically in the 5.0% to 8.0% range. For the year, the Institutional Class of the Fund produced a return of 1.44% with annualized risk of 3.3%, which resulted in a Sharpe Ratio* greater than 0.50. Importantly, the Fund achieved this return with correlation** of 55% to the S&P 500 Index and 12% to the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index over the course of the year.

 

The S&P 500 had six negative-return calendar months in 2015, and in four of these months the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund produced positive returns; the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index had seven negative-return calendar months, and in four of these months the Fund produced a positive return. The S&P 500 beta-adjusted performance (i.e., alpha) of Multi-Hedge Strategies for the year was 1.58%, as the Fund had a realized beta of 12%. These results further demonstrate the Fund’s diversification benefits. Diversification neither assures a profit nor eliminates the risk of experiencing investment losses.

 

While no longer a hedge fund replication product, the Fund still maintains the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index as one of its benchmarks. This benchmark returned -3.64% for the year. In contrast to the diversification benefits provided by the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund, the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index had a correlation of 78% to the S&P 500 in 2015. Since the Fund changed its investment objective (starting 8/1/2009), it has outperformed the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index by more than 13% (almost 2.0% annualized), net of fees, while doing so with much lower correlation to equity markets.

 

All five of the hedge fund styles used within the Fund contributed positively to gross Fund returns in 2015.

 

The Fund’s Merger Arbitrage strategy contributed the most to gross Fund returns in 2015 with 1.52%; this strategy typically invests in definitive merger deals and makes allocations based upon the expected return and risk parameters of each merger deal.

 

The Global Macro strategies contributed 0.81%. Within Global Macro, the Managed Futures models contributed 0.91%. The Managed Futures models seek to profit from global trends and reversions by trading commodity, currency, equity, and fixed income futures. The Volatility Arbitrage model contributed -0.10%; this strategy seeks to profit from relative value trades across the VIX futures curve.

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2015

 

The Equity Market Neutral strategies contributed 0.64% to gross Fund returns. The Quantitative Market Neutral model contributed 0.42%; this model allocates to stocks resulting in a portfolio with tilts toward value and momentum characteristics while seeking equity beta neutrality. The Closed-end Arbitrage model contributed 0.23%; this strategy purchases closed-end funds trading at discounts while hedging the market related risks associated with each fund.

 

The Long/Short Equity strategies contributed 0.28% to gross Fund returns. The Industry and Factor Rotation model was the sole contributor, as the Size model remained un-invested throughout 2015. The Industry and Factor Rotation model allocates to industries and risk factors based upon recent trends while maintaining a positive equity market beta, generally in the 30%-60% range. The Size model tactically trades the relative performance of large-capitalization equities versus small-capitalization equities.

 

The Treasury Flattener model was the only Fixed Income strategy used during the year, and it contributed 0.04% to gross Fund returns. The Treasury Flattener model purchases ten-year Treasury futures and hedges with two-year Treasury futures on a duration-neutral basis when the yield spread between the two representative cash bonds is attractive.

 

In June we introduced a 3% equity market hedge as the combination of the Fund’s strategies was resulting in a forecast equity market correlation reasonably higher than our long-term, upper-bound target of 60%. The hedge was used explicitly to bring the Fund’s risk characteristics in-line with its objectives, which resulted in a 0.05% contribution to gross Fund returns.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

*

Sharpe Ratio: a risk-adjusted measure calculated using standard deviation and excess return to determine reward per unit of risk. The higher the Sharpe ratio, the better the fund’s historical risk-adjusted performance.

**

Correlation is a measurement between -1 and 1, which indicates the linear relationship between two variables. If there is no relationship between two variables, the correlation coefficient is 0. If there is a perfect relationship, the correlation is 1. And if there is a perfect inverse relationship, the correlation is -1.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2015

 

Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments or investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds. Investments in those Funds do not provide “market exposure” to meet the Fund’s investment objective, but will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs and similar investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 19, 2005

C-Class

September 19, 2005

P-Class*

September 19, 2005

Institutional Class

May 3, 2010

 

*

H-Class shares redesignated as P-Class shares effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015 — See Note 14.

 

Ten Largest Long Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Cleco Corp.

2.4%

Precision Castparts Corp.

2.0%

PartnerRe Ltd.

1.5%

Broadcom Corp. — Class A

1.5%

Symetra Financial Corp.

1.3%

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

1.2%

Airgas, Inc.

1.2%

BioMed Realty Trust, Inc.

1.1%

King Digital Entertainment plc

1.1%

StanCorp Financial Group, Inc.

1.1%

Top Ten Total

14.4%

   

“Ten Largest Long Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2015

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

December 31, 2015

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended December 31, 2015

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

1.21%

2.57%

0.54%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

-3.58%

1.58%

0.05%

C-Class Shares

0.45%

1.80%

-0.22%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

-0.55%

1.80%

-0.22%

P-Class Shares

1.21%

2.58%

0.54%

S&P 500 Index

1.38%

12.57%

7.31%

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index

-3.64%

-0.72%

0.05%

       
 

1 Year

5 Year

Since Inception
(05/03/10)

Institutional Class Shares

1.44%

2.82%

3.43%

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index

-3.64%

-0.72%

-0.16%

S&P 500 Index

1.38%

12.57%

12.18%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index and the S&P 500 Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and P-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

  

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

COMMON STOCKS - 56.8%

 
             

Financial - 13.5%

 

PartnerRe Ltd.1

   

13,590

   

$

1,899,066

 

Symetra Financial Corp.1

   

52,073

     

1,654,358

 

BioMed Realty Trust, Inc.1

   

59,583

     

1,411,521

 

StanCorp Financial Group, Inc.1

   

11,920

     

1,357,450

 

Chubb Corp.1

   

7,434

     

986,045

 

Royal Bank of Canada

   

16,338

     

875,390

 

First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.1

   

50,653

     

549,585

 

Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc.1

   

8,108

     

386,914

 

PacWest Bancorp

   

7,522

     

324,198

 

Avolon Holdings Ltd.*,1

   

9,467

     

293,099

 

Nasdaq, Inc.1

   

3,165

     

184,108

 

Air Lease Corp. — Class A1

   

5,455

     

182,633

 

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. — Class A1

   

4,175

     

182,030

 

Lamar Advertising Co. — Class A1

   

2,997

     

179,760

 

Synovus Financial Corp.1

   

5,522

     

178,803

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.1

   

2,694

     

177,885

 

E*TRADE Financial Corp.*,1

   

5,993

     

177,632

 

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.1

   

1,953

     

177,352

 

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.1

   

1,852

     

176,514

 

Old Republic International Corp.1

   

9,461

     

176,258

 

Chimera Investment Corp.1

   

12,922

     

176,256

 

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.1

   

4,275

     

176,215

 

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.1

   

976

     

175,904

 

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.1

   

15,892

     

175,766

 

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*,1

   

1,313

     

173,368

 

Everest Re Group Ltd.1

   

943

     

172,654

 

Citigroup, Inc.1

   

3,334

     

172,535

 

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.1

   

2,121

     

172,522

 

American Financial Group, Inc.1

   

2,390

     

172,271

 

Voya Financial, Inc.1

   

4,646

     

171,484

 

Arch Capital Group Ltd.*,1

   

2,458

     

171,446

 

Macerich Co.1

   

2,121

     

171,144

 

MFA Financial, Inc.1

   

25,858

     

170,663

 

Capital One Financial Corp.1

   

2,323

     

167,674

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.1

   

6,330

     

167,302

 

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.1

   

8,114

     

166,824

 

CoreLogic, Inc.*,1

   

4,815

     

163,036

 

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.1

   

3,669

     

159,455

 

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A1

   

1,852

     

158,439

 

American Capital Agency Corp. REIT1

   

8,821

     

152,956

 

Popular, Inc.1

   

5,319

     

150,740

 

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.1

   

10,673

     

132,025

 

Santander Consumer USA Holdings, Inc.*,1

   

8,181

     

129,669

 

Cincinnati Financial Corp.1

   

2,188

     

129,464

 

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.1

   

1,178

     

125,363

 

Lincoln National Corp.1

   

2,424

     

121,830

 

Travelers Companies, Inc.1

   

1,078

     

121,663

 

Synchrony Financial*,1

   

3,940

     

119,815

 

East West Bancorp, Inc.1

   

2,794

     

116,119

 

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.1

   

1,650

     

101,607

 

National Penn Bancshares, Inc.1

   

8,088

     

99,725

 

Fidelity & Guaranty Life1

   

3,754

     

95,239

 

Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd.1

   

1,112

     

71,157

 

CME Group, Inc. — Class A1

   

775

     

70,215

 

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.1

   

337

     

53,873

 

Associated Banc-Corp.1

   

2,390

     

44,813

 

FNF Group1

   

1,246

     

43,199

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Raymond James Financial, Inc.1

   

572

   

$

33,159

 

Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.1

   

572

     

27,628

 

CIT Group, Inc.1

   

640

     

25,408

 

Two Harbors Investment Corp.1

   

3,132

     

25,369

 

Taubman Centers, Inc.1

   

269

     

20,638

 

Allstate Corp.1

   

303

     

18,813

 

Hospitality Properties Trust1

   

404

     

10,565

 

RMR Group, Inc. — Class A*,1

   

7

     

97

 

Total Financial

           

16,806,708

 
                 

Consumer, Non-Cyclical – 8.3%

 

Jarden Corp.*,1

   

12,534

     

715,942

 

Health Net, Inc.*,1

   

7,702

     

527,279

 

Humana, Inc.1

   

2,810

     

501,613

 

Allergan plc*,1

   

1,601

     

500,312

 

Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.1

   

5,452

     

490,571

 

Heartland Payment Systems, Inc.

   

4,080

     

386,866

 

Diamond Foods, Inc.*,1

   

8,793

     

338,969

 

Mindray Medical International Ltd. ADR1

   

10,912

     

295,933

 

Boulder Brands, Inc.*,1

   

26,521

     

291,201

 

Cigna Corp.1

   

1,719

     

251,541

 

Sirona Dental Systems, Inc.*,1

   

1,792

     

196,349

 

Dyax Corp.*,1

   

5,080

     

191,110

 

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A1

   

4,040

     

181,154

 

Amgen, Inc.1

   

1,099

     

178,400

 

Ingredion, Inc.1

   

1,852

     

177,496

 

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A1

   

1,246

     

177,480

 

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*,1

   

1,279

     

177,346

 

Kroger Co.1

   

4,209

     

176,063

 

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A1

   

3,300

     

175,989

 

ManpowerGroup, Inc.1

   

2,087

     

175,913

 

Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.1

   

1,885

     

175,682

 

ADT Corp.1

   

5,252

     

173,211

 

Eli Lilly & Co.1

   

2,053

     

172,986

 

United Therapeutics Corp.*,1

   

1,078

     

168,826

 

Reynolds American, Inc.1

   

3,637

     

167,847

 

Pinnacle Foods, Inc.1

   

3,940

     

167,292

 

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*,1

   

2,021

     

162,468

 

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.1

   

1,347

     

158,461

 

Flowers Foods, Inc.1

   

7,222

     

155,201

 

Coty, Inc. — Class A

   

6,027

     

154,473

 

Western Union Co.1

   

8,586

     

153,775

 

Herbalife Ltd.*

   

2,761

     

148,045

 

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.1

   

3,064

     

147,256

 

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B1

   

303

     

146,946

 

Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.1

   

1,953

     

141,787

 

Teleflex, Inc.1

   

1,078

     

141,703

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.1

   

3,669

     

134,579

 

KAR Auction Services, Inc.1

   

3,603

     

133,419

 

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc.*,1

   

1,818

     

126,733

 

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.1

   

1,481

     

125,707

 

Cooper Companies, Inc.1

   

909

     

121,988

 

Wausau Paper Corp.1

   

9,433

     

96,500

 

Ocata Therapeutics, Inc.*

   

11,302

     

95,163

 

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B1

   

775

     

92,605

 

Aaron’s, Inc.1

   

3,940

     

88,217

 

Gilead Sciences, Inc.1

   

707

     

71,541

 

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*,1

   

875

     

69,108

 

VCA, Inc.*,1

   

1,112

     

61,160

 

OPKO Health, Inc.*,1

   

5,522

     

55,496

 

Hologic, Inc.*,1

   

1,347

     

52,115

 

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings*,1

   

404

   

$

49,951

 

Cintas Corp.1

   

505

     

45,980

 

Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B1

   

404

     

37,944

 

RR Donnelley & Sons Co.1

   

2,155

     

31,722

 

MEDNAX, Inc.*,1

   

404

     

28,951

 

Vantiv, Inc. — Class A*,1

   

572

     

27,124

 

Bluebird Bio, Inc.*,1

   

337

     

21,642

 

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.1

   

303

     

21,555

 

Intrexon Corp.*,1

   

707

     

21,316

 

Total System Services, Inc.1

   

337

     

16,783

 

Quanta Services, Inc.*,1

   

303

     

6,136

 

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.*,1

   

54

     

3,373

 

Total Consumer, Non-Cyclical

     

10,280,294

 
                 

Technology - 8.2%

 

Broadcom Corp. — Class A1

   

31,360

     

1,813,236

 

King Digital Entertainment plc1

   

78,843

     

1,409,713

 

EMC Corp.1

   

46,802

     

1,201,876

 

NXP Semiconductor N.V.*

   

9,680

     

815,510

 

SanDisk Corp.1

   

7,142

     

542,721

 

Constant Contact, Inc.*,1

   

15,354

     

448,951

 

KLA-Tencor Corp.1

   

5,004

     

347,028

 

RealD, Inc.*,1

   

28,069

     

296,128

 

Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc. — Class A*,1

   

9,247

     

191,505

 

CA, Inc.1

   

6,363

     

181,727

 

Activision Blizzard, Inc.1

   

4,646

     

179,846

 

NVIDIA Corp.1

   

5,319

     

175,314

 

Synopsys, Inc.*,1

   

3,838

     

175,051

 

Intel Corp.1

   

5,050

     

173,973

 

DST Systems, Inc.1

   

1,515

     

172,800

 

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*,1

   

8,215

     

170,954

 

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.*,1

   

10,740

     

165,181

 

Oracle Corp.1

   

4,512

     

164,823

 

ON Semiconductor Corp.*,1

   

16,599

     

162,670

 

Amdocs Ltd.1

   

2,896

     

158,035

 

Apple, Inc.1

   

1,481

     

155,890

 

Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.1

   

16,262

     

149,285

 

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.1

   

2,390

     

144,834

 

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.1

   

2,021

     

137,974

 

Electronic Arts, Inc.*,1

   

1,987

     

136,547

 

OmniVision Technologies, Inc.*,1

   

3,403

     

98,755

 

Mattson Technology, Inc.*,1

   

27,786

     

98,085

 

Xerox Corp.1

   

7,542

     

80,171

 

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.1

   

1,481

     

79,574

 

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*,1

   

943

     

49,630

 

Nuance Communications, Inc.*,1

   

2,021

     

40,198

 

Genpact Ltd.*,1

   

1,212

     

30,276

 

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.1

   

371

     

28,504

 

Citrix Systems, Inc.*,1

   

303

     

22,922

 

HP, Inc.1

   

674

     

7,980

 

Teradyne, Inc.1

   

235

     

4,857

 

Total Technology

           

10,212,524

 
                 

Utilities – 7.1%

 

Cleco Corp.1

   

56,098

     

2,928,876

 

Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc.1

   

22,851

     

1,302,964

 

AGL Resources, Inc.1

   

12,331

     

786,841

 

TECO Energy, Inc.1

   

29,089

     

775,221

 

Pepco Holdings, Inc.1

   

18,472

     

480,457

 

American Electric Power Company, Inc.1

   

3,165

     

184,425

 

Great Plains Energy, Inc.1

   

6,666

     

182,048

 

Consolidated Edison, Inc.1

   

2,828

     

181,756

 

SCANA Corp.1

   

2,997

     

181,289

 

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.1

   

4,680

     

181,069

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

NiSource, Inc.1

   

9,259

   

$

180,643

 

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.1

   

2,794

     

180,157

 

Westar Energy, Inc.1

   

4,243

     

179,946

 

Ameren Corp.1

   

4,141

     

179,015

 

Xcel Energy, Inc.1

   

4,949

     

177,719

 

Atmos Energy Corp.1

   

2,727

     

171,910

 

Edison International1

   

2,896

     

171,472

 

PG&E Corp.1

   

3,199

     

170,155

 

UGI Corp.1

   

4,243

     

143,244

 

DTE Energy Co.1

   

370

     

29,670

 

FirstEnergy Corp.1

   

135

     

4,284

 

Total Utilities

           

8,773,161

 
                 

Industrial - 5.5%

 

Precision Castparts Corp.1

   

10,449

     

2,424,271

 

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. — Class A*,1

   

3,569

     

178,700

 

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A1

   

4,006

     

176,224

 

Owens Corning1

   

3,703

     

174,151

 

Eaton Corporation plc1

   

3,334

     

173,501

 

L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.1

   

1,447

     

172,931

 

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.1

   

1,616

     

172,475

 

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.1

   

1,347

     

170,867

 

AMERCO1

   

438

     

170,601

 

Sonoco Products Co.1

   

4,141

     

169,242

 

Masco Corp.1

   

5,959

     

168,640

 

Deere & Co.1

   

2,188

     

166,878

 

AGCO Corp.1

   

3,535

     

160,454

 

Corning, Inc.1

   

8,518

     

155,709

 

CSX Corp.1

   

5,893

     

152,923

 

Northrop Grumman Corp.1

   

809

     

152,747

 

GATX Corp.1

   

3,502

     

149,010

 

Jabil Circuit, Inc.1

   

6,296

     

146,634

 

Blount International, Inc.*

   

14,540

     

142,638

 

WestRock Co.1

   

3,064

     

139,780

 

Ryder System, Inc.1

   

2,458

     

139,687

 

Cummins, Inc.1

   

1,549

     

136,327

 

FedEx Corp.1

   

708

     

105,485

 

Carlisle Companies, Inc.1

   

1,178

     

104,477

 

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*,1

   

1,919

     

103,972

 

Orbital ATK, Inc.1

   

1,144

     

102,205

 

UTI Worldwide, Inc.*,1

   

13,973

     

98,230

 

Trinity Industries, Inc.1

   

3,906

     

93,822

 

Avnet, Inc.1

   

2,087

     

89,407

 

Waste Management, Inc.1

   

1,178

     

62,870

 

Snap-on, Inc.1

   

269

     

46,115

 

Teekay Corp.1

   

4,411

     

43,537

 

Crown Holdings, Inc.*,1

   

841

     

42,639

 

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.*,1

   

1,010

     

42,370

 

Bemis Company, Inc.1

   

943

     

42,143

 

Caterpillar, Inc.1

   

538

     

36,562

 

Boeing Co.1

   

101

     

14,604

 

PerkinElmer, Inc.1

   

235

     

12,589

 

Textron, Inc.1

   

68

     

2,857

 

Total Industrial

           

6,838,274

 
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 4.5%

 

Office Depot, Inc.*

   

111,994

     

631,646

 

Rite Aid Corp.*,1

   

61,927

     

485,508

 

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.1

   

1,885

     

190,782

 

Carnival Corp.1

   

3,400

     

185,232

 

Liberty Interactive Corporation QVC Group — Class A*,1

   

6,465

     

176,624

 

Best Buy Company, Inc.1

   

5,791

     

176,336

 

Lear Corp.1

   

1,415

     

173,805

 

DR Horton, Inc.1

   

5,421

     

173,635

 

Target Corp.1

   

2,390

     

173,537

 

Alaska Air Group, Inc.1

   

2,087

     

168,025

 

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.1

   

3,906

     

165,380

 

GameStop Corp. — Class A

   

5,758

     

161,454

 

CVS Health Corp.1

   

1,650

     

161,321

 

Whirlpool Corp.1

   

1,078

     

158,326

 

Foot Locker, Inc.1

   

2,424

     

157,778

 

Darden Restaurants, Inc.1

   

2,390

     

152,101

 

PACCAR, Inc.1

   

3,165

     

150,021

 

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.1

   

4,175

   

$

136,397

 

Kohl’s Corp.1

   

2,862

     

136,317

 

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*,1

   

2,323

     

136,128

 

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.1

   

1,549

     

131,905

 

Lennar Corp. — Class B1

   

2,963

     

119,053

 

Wyndham Worldwide Corp.1

   

1,616

     

117,403

 

Extended Stay America, Inc.1

   

7,340

     

116,706

 

Lennar Corp. — Class A1

   

1,987

     

97,184

 

Homeinns Hotel Group ADR*

   

2,784

     

95,101

 

WESCO International, Inc.*,1

   

2,087

     

91,160

 

Southwest Airlines Co.1

   

2,087

     

89,866

 

Ingram Micro, Inc. — Class A1

   

2,828

     

85,915

 

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

   

2,087

     

79,076

 

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.1

   

1,415

     

77,740

 

World Fuel Services Corp.1

   

1,953

     

75,112

 

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.1

   

1,750

     

61,862

 

Pep Boys-Manny Moe & Jack*,1

   

2,646

     

48,713

 

AutoNation, Inc.*,1

   

741

     

44,208

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.*,1

   

674

     

38,620

 

Ford Motor Co.1

   

2,323

     

32,731

 

General Motors Co.1

   

875

     

29,759

 

Dillard’s, Inc. — Class A1

   

404

     

26,547

 

Hasbro, Inc.1

   

235

     

15,830

 

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*,1

   

674

     

15,334

 

CST Brands, Inc.1

   

303

     

11,859

 

Skechers U.S.A., Inc. — Class A*,1

   

337

     

10,181

 

PVH Corp.1

   

68

     

5,008

 

Total Consumer, Cyclical

           

5,567,226

 
                 

Communications - 4.3%

 

Time Warner Cable, Inc.1

   

8,284

     

1,537,428

 

Cablevision Systems Corp. — Class A1

   

16,130

     

514,547

 

Youku Tudou, Inc. ADR*,1

   

16,178

     

438,909

 

Expedia, Inc. 1

   

2,243

     

278,831

 

Comcast Corp. — Class A1

   

4,439

     

250,493

 

EZchip Semiconductor Ltd.*,1

   

8,008

     

197,957

 

Qihoo 360 Technology Company Ltd. ADR*

   

2,606

     

189,743

 

Cisco Systems, Inc.1

   

6,599

     

179,196

 

TEGNA, Inc.1

   

6,802

     

173,587

 

Thomson Reuters Corp.1

   

4,512

     

170,780

 

eBay, Inc.*,1

   

6,196

     

170,266

 

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.1

   

6,465

     

167,378

 

VeriSign, Inc.*,1

   

1,750

     

152,880

 

Walt Disney Co.1

   

1,381

     

145,115

 

Liberty Media Corp. — Class A*,1

   

3,400

     

133,450

 

United States Cellular Corp.*,1

   

2,694

     

109,942

 

Symantec Corp.1

   

4,175

     

87,675

 

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*,1

   

101

     

78,579

 

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*,1

   

101

     

76,647

 

IAC/InterActiveCorp1

   

1,178

     

70,739

 

CenturyLink, Inc.1

   

2,087

     

52,509

 

Liberty Media Corp. — Class C*,1

   

775

     

29,512

 

AT&T, Inc.1

   

807

     

27,769

 

Amazon.com, Inc.*,1

   

34

     

22,980

 

T-Mobile US, Inc.*,1

   

538

     

21,047

 

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A1

   

438

     

19,723

 

Netflix, Inc.*,1

   

135

     

15,441

 

Total Communications

           

5,313,123

 
                 

Energy - 3.1%

 

Baker Hughes, Inc.

   

21,661

     

999,655

 

Cameron International Corp.*,1

   

7,657

     

483,922

 

Northern Tier Energy, LP

   

9,285

     

240,110

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Marathon Petroleum Corp.1

   

3,502

   

$

181,544

 

Tesoro Corp.1

   

1,718

     

181,026

 

Valero Energy Corp.1

   

2,559

     

180,947

 

Chevron Corp.1

   

1,919

     

172,633

 

Williams Partners, LP1

   

6,189

     

172,364

 

Phillips 661

   

2,087

     

170,717

 

Rowan Companies plc — Class A1

   

9,899

     

167,788

 

Frank’s International N.V.1

   

9,024

     

150,611

 

CVR Energy, Inc.

   

3,737

     

147,051

 

Noble Corporation plc1

   

11,784

     

124,321

 

HollyFrontier Corp.1

   

2,828

     

112,809

 

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.1

   

1,750

     

93,713

 

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.

   

3,972

     

83,809

 

SM Energy Co.1

   

3,232

     

63,541

 

Rice Energy, Inc.*,1

   

3,603

     

39,273

 

WPX Energy, Inc.*,1

   

5,656

     

32,465

 

First Solar, Inc.*,1

   

404

     

26,660

 

ConocoPhillips1

   

303

     

14,147

 

EP Energy Corp. — Class A*,1

   

3,027

     

13,258

 

Hess Corp.1

   

235

     

11,393

 

Murphy Oil Corp.1

   

505

     

11,337

 

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A1

   

303

     

11,153

 

Total Energy

           

3,886,247

 
                 

Basic Materials - 2.3%

 

Airgas, Inc.

   

10,656

     

1,473,938

 

Celanese Corp. — Class A1

   

2,660

     

179,098

 

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A1

   

2,021

     

175,625

 

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.1

   

4,209

     

171,769

 

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.1

   

2,896

     

167,707

 

Newmont Mining Corp.1

   

9,058

     

162,954

 

Domtar Corp.1

   

4,141

     

153,010

 

Mosaic Co.1

   

5,084

     

140,268

 

Eastman Chemical Co.1

   

1,987

     

134,142

 

Steel Dynamics, Inc.1

   

6,296

     

112,510

 

Westlake Chemical Corp.1

   

1,010

     

54,863

 

Total Basic Materials

           

2,925,884

 
                 

Total Common Stocks

               

(Cost $69,212,295)

           

70,603,441

 
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS†,2 - 0.0%

 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

   

796

     

19,796

 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

   

238

     

5,903

 

Total Mutual Funds

               

(Cost $25,761)

           

25,699

 
                 

CLOSED-END FUNDS - 12.8%

 

Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Income Fund1

   

30,475

     

441,277

 

Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund1

   

33,440

     

424,353

 

Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund1,2

   

39,617

     

407,659

 

Cohen & Steers REIT and Preferred Income Fund, Inc.1

   

21,892

     

403,688

 

Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund, Inc.1

   

80,515

     

403,380

 

BlackRock Enhanced Equity Dividend Trust1

   

51,794

     

394,152

 

Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc.1

   

30,540

     

391,828

 

Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund1

   

50,698

     

389,361

 

Tri-Continental Corp.1

   

19,426

     

388,909

 

BlackRock Core Bond Trust1

   

30,578

     

386,506

 

AllianzGI Equity & Convertible Income Fund1

   

21,455

     

385,332

 

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc.1

   

31,375

   

$

382,148

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.1

   

44,174

     

378,571

 

Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Securities & Income Fund1,2

   

34,885

     

368,734

 

GDL Fund1

   

32,668

     

327,007

 

BlackRock Resources & Commodities Strategy Trust1

   

43,855

     

311,809

 

Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund1

   

39,606

     

310,511

 

General American Investors Company, Inc.1

   

9,649

     

308,189

 

First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund1

   

21,657

     

304,931

 

BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust1

   

24,525

     

302,639

 

Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.1

   

36,573

     

283,075

 

Zweig Fund, Inc.1

   

18,841

     

247,571

 

Clough Global Allocation Fund1

   

16,933

     

228,088

 

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc.1

   

15,526

     

216,743

 

Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust1

   

20,744

     

212,626

 

Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.1

   

19,057

     

201,242

 

Advent Claymore Convertible Securities and Income Fund II1,2

   

34,495

     

191,447

 

Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund, Inc.1

   

16,899

     

164,427

 

Western Asset Worldwide Income Fund, Inc.1

   

16,294

     

164,244

 

Madison Covered Call & Equity Strategy Fund1

   

21,874

     

161,430

 

Cohen & Steers Quality Income Realty Fund, Inc.1

   

11,105

     

135,703

 

Nuveen New Jersey Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund1

   

9,626

     

129,951

 

China Fund, Inc.1

   

7,683

     

119,240

 

Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd.1

   

14,937

     

115,911

 

New Ireland Fund, Inc.1

   

8,068

     

112,387

 

Morgan Stanley Income Securities, Inc.1

   

6,318

     

106,585

 

Bancroft Fund Ltd.1

   

5,859

     

106,458

 

Putnam High Income Securities Fund1

   

14,298

     

104,518

 

Nuveen Build America Bond Fund1

   

4,563

     

91,671

 

RMR Real Estate Income Fund1

   

4,625

     

89,124

 

Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund, Inc.1

   

6,043

     

89,013

 

Royce Value Trust, Inc.1

   

7,546

     

88,816

 

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund1

   

6,467

     

88,663

 

BlackRock Multi-Sector Income Trust1

   

5,608

     

88,662

 

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust1

   

6,070

     

88,501

 

BlackRock Debt Strategies Fund, Inc.1

   

26,245

     

88,446

 

CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund1

   

11,551

     

88,250

 

Liberty All Star Equity Fund1

   

16,492

     

88,232

 

Western Asset High Yield Defined Opportunity Fund, Inc.1

   

6,228

     

87,815

 

BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc.1

   

8,968

     

87,707

 

Nuveen Diversified Dividend & Income Fund1

   

8,088

     

87,593

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

  

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Wells Fargo Multi-Sector Income Fund1

   

7,722

   

$

87,413

 

Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund1

   

6,833

     

87,189

 

Cohen & Steers Closed-End Opportunity Fund, Inc.1

   

7,941

     

87,033

 

Ivy High Income Opportunities Fund1

   

7,026

     

86,982

 

Delaware Enhanced Global Dividend & Income Fund1

   

9,289

     

86,852

 

Franklin Limited Duration Income Trust1

   

8,062

     

86,425

 

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund1

   

4,462

     

86,295

 

Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation Fund, Inc.1

   

6,443

     

86,078

 

First Trust Enhanced Equity Income Fund1

   

6,513

     

85,972

 

Central Securities Corp.1

   

4,503

     

85,647

 

MFS Multimarket Income Trust1

   

15,540

     

85,625

 

Templeton Emerging Markets Income Fund1

   

8,557

     

85,313

 

First Trust Aberdeen Global Opportunity Income Fund1

   

8,339

     

84,474

 

Duff & Phelps Utility and Corporate Bond Trust, Inc.1

   

9,138

     

83,978

 

MFS Charter Income Trust1

   

11,000

     

83,820

 

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.1

   

6,068

     

83,314

 

Lazard Global Total Return and Income Fund, Inc.1

   

6,255

     

81,815

 

Korea Equity Fund, Inc.1

   

11,328

     

78,956

 

Advent/Claymore Enhanced Growth & Income Fund1,2

   

7,312

     

60,470

 

Delaware Investments National Municipal Income Fund1

   

4,284

     

55,649

 

First Trust Dividend and Income Fund1

   

6,125

     

51,818

 

Madison Strategic Sector Premium Fund1

   

4,473

     

48,174

 

Deutsche Global High Income Fund, Inc.1

   

6,257

     

47,240

 

Asia Tigers Fund, Inc.1

   

5,039

     

45,653

 

Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 31

   

3,197

     

27,143

 

Aberdeen Singapore Fund, Inc.1

   

2,955

     

25,295

 

Western Asset Managed High Income Fund, Inc.1

   

5,448

     

24,625

 

Nuveen S&P 500 Dynamic Overwrite Fund1

   

1,696

     

22,845

 

First Trust Strategic High Income Fund II1

   

1,981

     

22,049

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II, Inc.1

   

3,481

     

21,965

 

Nuveen Multi-Market Income Fund, Inc.1

   

3,055

     

21,691

 

John Hancock Income Securities Trust1

   

1,613

     

21,663

 

European Equity Fund, Inc.1

   

1,889

     

15,225

 

MFS Intermediate High Income Fund1

   

6,051

     

14,038

 

Deutsche Multi-Market Income Trust1

   

1,836

     

14,027

 

Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust1

   

838

     

13,995

 

Prudential Global Short Duration High Yield Fund, Inc.1

   

987

     

13,966

 

Macquarie Global Infrastructure Total Return Fund, Inc.1

   

732

     

13,945

 

Prudential Short Duration High Yield Fund, Inc.1

   

953

     

13,914

 

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

  

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund, Inc.1

   

729

   

$

13,909

 

LMP Capital and Income Fund, Inc.1

   

1,119

     

13,842

 

Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund1

   

994

     

13,767

 

BlackRock New York Municipal Income Quality Trust1

   

1,002

     

13,737

 

Royce Micro-Capital Trust, Inc.1

   

1,886

     

13,692

 

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust1

   

1,068

     

13,692

 

Delaware Investments Dividend & Income Fund, Inc.1

   

1,552

     

13,689

 

Tortoise Pipeline & Energy Fund, Inc.1

   

943

     

13,683

 

Nuveen Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.1

   

1,002

     

13,667

 

Eaton Vance Municipal Income 2028 Term Trust1

   

739

     

13,664

 

BlackRock Municipal Income Investment Quality Trust1

   

924

     

13,657

 

Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund1

   

946

     

13,651

 

Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund1

   

966

     

13,650

 

Nuveen New York Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund1

   

959

     

13,647

 

Nuveen Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund1

   

996

     

13,635

 

BlackRock Global Opportunities Equity Trust1

   

1,068

     

13,628

 

Nuveen Municipal Advantage Fund, Inc.1

   

983

     

13,615

 

Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 31

   

948

     

13,613

 

Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc.1

   

960

     

13,613

 

Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc.1

   

941

     

13,607

 

Sprott Focus Trust, Inc.1

   

2,346

     

13,607

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.1

   

1,061

     

13,602

 

Nuveen Ohio Quality Income Municipal Fund1

   

891

     

13,597

 

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.1

   

942

     

13,593

 

Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc.1

   

964

     

13,592

 

Deutsche Strategic Income Trust1

   

1,293

     

13,589

 

Morgan Stanley Asia-Pacific Fund, Inc.1

   

982

     

13,581

 

Nuveen New York AMT-Free Municipal Income Fund1

   

1,034

     

13,576

 

Nuveen Select Quality Municipal Fund, Inc.1

   

966

     

13,572

 

Nuveen Municipal Market Opportunity Fund, Inc.1

   

984

     

13,569

 

Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 21

   

958

     

13,565

 

Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund1

   

1,033

     

13,563

 

PIMCO Dynamic Credit Income Fund1

   

752

     

13,559

 

Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund1

   

1,532

     

13,558

 

Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund1

   

1,480

     

13,557

 

BlackRock Muni Intermediate Duration Fund, Inc.1

   

956

     

13,547

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund1

   

931

   

$

13,537

 

BlackRock Long-Term Municipal Advantage Trust1

   

1,177

     

13,536

 

Nuveen Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund1

   

930

     

13,532

 

Aberdeen Japan Equity Fund, Inc.1

   

1,755

     

13,531

 

Nuveen Pennsylvania Investment Quality Municipal Fund1

   

987

     

13,522

 

New America High Income Fund, Inc.1

   

1,765

     

13,520

 

Deutsche High Income Trust1

   

1,700

     

13,515

 

Pioneer Diversified High Income Trust1

   

926

     

13,510

 

Blackstone / GSO Strategic Credit Fund1

   

1,010

     

13,504

 

Nuveen Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund1

   

1,058

     

13,500

 

Putnam Managed Municipal Income Trust1

   

1,834

     

13,498

 

Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust1

   

1,063

     

13,489

 

BlackRock MuniYield Investment Quality Fund1

   

956

     

13,480

 

Nuveen Performance Plus Municipal Fund, Inc.1

   

901

     

13,479

 

JPMorgan China Region Fund, Inc.1

   

879

     

13,466

 

Putnam Municipal Opportunities Trust1

   

1,096

     

13,459

 

Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund1

   

1,324

     

13,452

 

Nuveen Premier Municipal Income Fund, Inc.1

   

984

     

13,441

 

Nuveen North Carolina Premium Income Municipal Fund1

   

1,026

     

13,441

 

Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund1

   

1,034

     

13,421

 

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc.1

   

1,244

     

13,410

 

Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals1

   

1,005

     

13,397

 

Nuveen Senior Income Fund1

   

2,319

     

13,381

 

Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund, Inc.*,1

   

525

     

13,372

 

Invesco Municipal Trust1

   

1,047

     

13,370

 

Reaves Utility Income Fund1

   

514

     

13,348

 

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund, Inc.1

   

2,846

     

13,348

 

Clough Global Opportunities Fund1

   

1,278

     

13,342

 

Delaware Investments Minnesota Municipal Income Fund II, Inc.1

   

996

     

13,326

 

MFS Intermediate Income Trust1

   

2,912

     

13,308

 

Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund1

   

1,253

     

13,307

 

BlackRock Income Trust, Inc.1

   

2,085

     

13,302

 

Dreyfus Municipal Bond Infrastructure Fund, Inc.1

   

1,074

     

13,296

 

Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc.1

   

1,055

     

13,293

 

Western Asset Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund, Inc.1

   

841

     

13,288

 

Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund1,2

   

1,730

     

13,286

 

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund, Inc.1

   

1,314

   

$

13,258

 

Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund1

   

1,352

     

13,250

 

John Hancock Investors Trust1

   

918

     

13,201

 

Brookfield Global Listed Infrastructure Income Fund, Inc.1

   

1,123

     

13,195

 

First Trust Aberdeen Emerging Opportunity Fund1

   

1,010

     

13,191

 

BlackRock Utility and Infrastructure Trust1

   

786

     

13,189

 

Nuveen Flexible Investment Income Fund1

   

899

     

13,188

 

Wells Fargo Global Dividend Opportunity Fund1

   

2,227

     

13,184

 

Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund1

   

758

     

13,182

 

Wells Fargo Income Opportunities Fund1

   

1,769

     

13,179

 

Nuveen Global High Income Fund1

   

959

     

13,177

 

Principal Real Estate Income Fund1

   

787

     

13,159

 

Nuveen Global Equity Income Fund1

   

1,205

     

13,159

 

Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund1

   

5,769

     

13,153

 

Nuveen Short Duration Credit Opportunities Fund1

   

886

     

13,139

 

New Germany Fund, Inc.1

   

893

     

13,127

 

Invesco High Income Trust II1

   

1,021

     

13,120

 

Source Capital, Inc.1

   

198

     

13,119

 

Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund1

   

1,325

     

13,118

 

Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund1

   

1,123

     

13,105

 

AllianzGI NFJ Dividend Interest & Premium Strategy Fund1

   

1,057

     

13,096

 

AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund II1

   

2,592

     

13,090

 

Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Strategy Fund1,2

   

827

     

13,042

 

Lazard World Dividend & Income Fund, Inc.1

   

1,430

     

13,027

 

Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc.1

   

4,686

     

13,027

 

Nuveen Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc.1

   

909

     

13,026

 

Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.1

   

2,390

     

13,026

 

Brookfield High Income Fund, Inc.1

   

1,893

     

13,024

 

Aberdeen Greater China Fund, Inc.1

   

1,521

     

13,020

 

Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund1

   

1,238

     

13,011

 

Avenue Income Credit Strategies Fund1

   

1,146

     

13,007

 

Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund1

   

935

     

13,006

 

Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund1,2

   

944

     

12,989

 

BlackRock Municipal Target Term Trust1

   

602

     

12,985

 

Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust1

   

702

     

12,959

 

Western Asset Global High Income Fund, Inc.1

   

1,486

     

12,958

 

BlackRock International Growth and Income Trust1

   

2,073

     

12,936

 

Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc.

   

729

     

12,932

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Eaton Vance New Jersey Municipal Income Trust

   

1,019

   

$

12,931

 

Calamos Global Total Return Fund1

   

1,132

     

12,927

 

GAMCO Natural Resources Gold & Income Trust1

   

2,256

     

12,927

 

KKR Income Opportunities Fund1

   

931

     

12,913

 

Legg Mason BW Global Income Opportunities Fund, Inc.1

   

1,115

     

12,912

 

Franklin Universal Trust1

   

2,252

     

12,904

 

Cushing Renaissance Fund1

   

904

     

12,900

 

Dividend and Income Fund1

   

1,170

     

12,882

 

Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund1

   

1,799

     

12,881

 

DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund1

   

794

     

12,878

 

Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund1

   

1,108

     

12,875

 

Cohen & Steers Limited Duration Preferred and Income Fund, Inc.1

   

571

     

12,859

 

Clough Global Equity Fund1

   

1,026

     

12,856

 

John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund1

   

889

     

12,855

 

Voya Asia Pacific High Dividend Equity Income Fund1

   

1,423

     

12,850

 

AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund, Inc.1

   

930

     

12,843

 

MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust1

   

1,301

     

12,841

 

Voya International High Dividend Equity Income Fund1

   

2,018

     

12,834

 

Voya Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund1

   

1,833

     

12,831

 

India Fund, Inc.1

   

564

     

12,825

 

Gabelli Multimedia Trust, Inc.1

   

1,710

     

12,825

 

Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund1

   

1,449

     

12,824

 

Voya Infrastructure Industrials and Materials Fund1

   

1,045

     

12,812

 

Alliance California Municipal Income Fund, Inc.1

   

909

     

12,808

 

Mexico Fund, Inc.1

   

770

     

12,797

 

Central Europe Russia and Turkey Fund, Inc.1

   

767

     

12,755

 

Voya Emerging Markets High Income Dividend Equity Fund1

   

1,723

     

12,750

 

Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund1

   

1,285

     

12,734

 

MFS Municipal Income Trust1

   

1,872

     

12,730

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.1

   

1,171

     

12,705

 

Taiwan Fund, Inc.*,1

   

866

     

12,670

 

Cutwater Select Income Fund1

   

693

     

12,654

 

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc.1

   

1,236

     

12,644

 

Pacholder High Yield Fund, Inc.1

   

2,074

     

12,589

 

Diversified Real Asset Income Fund1

   

811

     

12,579

 

AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund1

   

2,270

     

12,576

 

Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.1

   

1,245

     

12,537

 

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Western Asset Global Partners Income Fund, Inc.1

   

1,621

   

$

12,530

 

ASA Gold and Precious Metals Ltd.1

   

1,746

     

12,519

 

Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund1

   

1,087

     

12,359

 

GAMCO Global Gold Natural Resources & Income Trust1

   

2,600

     

12,350

 

Templeton Dragon Fund, Inc.1

   

692

     

12,325

 

Mexico Equity & Income Fund, Inc.1

   

1,144

     

12,309

 

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.1

   

931

     

12,289

 

Voya Natural Resources Equity Income Fund1

   

2,250

     

12,285

 

Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc.1

   

787

     

12,002

 

Templeton Emerging Markets Fund/United States1

   

1,165

     

11,615

 

Korea Fund, Inc.*,1

   

361

     

11,498

 

DTF Tax-Free Income, Inc.1

   

698

     

10,547

 

Advent Claymore Convertible Securities and Income Fund1,2

   

715

     

9,667

 

BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc.1

   

625

     

8,581

 

Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust1

   

647

     

8,521

 

Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II1

   

722

     

8,505

 

Nuveen Build America Bond Opportunity Fund1

   

418

     

8,481

 

BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund II, Inc.1

   

623

     

8,479

 

Aberdeen Chile Fund, Inc.1

   

1,519

     

8,476

 

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc.1

   

567

     

8,420

 

Guggenheim Equal Weight Enhanced Equity Income Fund1,2

   

500

     

8,170

 

Nuveen Massachusetts Premium Income Municipal Fund1

   

567

     

7,785

 

Liberty All Star Growth Fund, Inc.1

   

1,566

     

7,172

 

Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund, Inc.1

   

826

     

3,948

 

Latin American Discovery Fund, Inc.1

   

507

     

3,767

 

First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund1

   

86

     

1,829

 

Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund1

   

96

     

1,075

 

Total Closed-End Funds

               

(Cost $16,238,895)

           

15,886,357

 
                 
   

Face
Amount

         
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 15.7%

 

Royal Bank of Canada
issued 12/31/15 at 0.24%
due 01/04/16

 

$

9,120,895

     

9,120,895

 

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/15 at 0.18%
due 01/04/16

   

5,467,262

     

5,467,262

 

HSBC Group
issued 12/31/15 at 0.18%
due 01/04/16

   

4,922,041

     

4,922,041

 

Total Repurchase Agreements

         

(Cost $19,510,198)

           

19,510,198

 

Total Investments – 85.3%

         

(Cost $104,987,149)

         

$

106,025,695

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

COMMON STOCKS SOLD SHORT - (33.7)%

 
   

Diversified - (0.1)%

 

Leucadia National Corp.

   

8,500

   

$

(147,815

)

                 

Basic Materials - (1.1)%

 

NewMarket Corp.

   

34

     

(12,945

)

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

   

3,204

     

(21,691

)

PPG Industries, Inc.

   

539

     

(53,264

)

Allegheny Technologies, Inc.

   

5,970

     

(67,163

)

Platform Specialty Products Corp.*

   

6,511

     

(83,536

)

Praxair, Inc.

   

1,080

     

(110,592

)

Monsanto Co.

   

1,146

     

(112,904

)

RPM International, Inc.

   

2,630

     

(115,878

)

Ecolab, Inc.

   

1,114

     

(127,419

)

WR Grace & Co.*

   

1,349

     

(134,347

)

Royal Gold, Inc.

   

3,710

     

(135,304

)

Tahoe Resources, Inc.

   

15,786

     

(136,865

)

FMC Corp.

   

3,609

     

(141,220

)

Albemarle Corp.

   

2,698

     

(151,115

)

Total Basic Materials

           

(1,404,243

)

                 

Utilities - (2.0)%

 

American Water Works Company, Inc.

   

270

     

(16,133

)

Duke Energy Corp.

   

438

     

(31,269

)

NRG Energy, Inc.

   

3,440

     

(40,489

)

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

   

3,227

     

(59,119

)

Calpine Corp.*

   

4,790

     

(69,311

)

Entergy Corp.

   

1,383

     

(94,542

)

OGE Energy Corp.

   

4,621

     

(121,486

)

PPL Corp.

   

3,643

     

(124,336

)

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.

   

4,554

     

(131,838

)

NextEra Energy, Inc.

   

1,281

     

(133,083

)

Sempra Energy

   

1,518

     

(142,707

)

Southern Co.

   

3,070

     

(143,645

)

Dominion Resources, Inc.

   

2,147

     

(145,223

)

Aqua America, Inc.

   

4,882

     

(145,483

)

ITC Holdings Corp.

   

3,744

     

(146,952

)

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

   

2,867

     

(147,106

)

Vectren Corp.

   

3,474

     

(147,367

)

Alliant Energy Corp.

   

2,361

     

(147,444

)

Questar Corp.

   

7,623

     

(148,496

)

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

   

8,467

     

(155,454

)

National Fuel Gas Co.

   

3,710

     

(158,603

)

Total Utilities

           

(2,450,086

)

                 

Energy - (2.7)%

 

QEP Resources, Inc.

   

472

     

(6,325

)

Southwestern Energy Co.*

   

3,029

     

(21,536

)

Superior Energy Services, Inc.

   

1,823

     

(24,556

)

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

   

3,406

     

(26,907

)

Concho Resources, Inc.*

   

372

     

(34,544

)

Whiting Petroleum Corp.*

   

4,250

     

(40,120

)

Kosmos Energy Ltd.*

   

7,792

     

(40,518

)

RPC, Inc.

   

4,116

     

(49,186

)

Apache Corp.

   

1,180

     

(52,475

)

Oceaneering International, Inc.

   

1,450

     

(54,404

)

Continental Resources, Inc.*

   

2,463

     

(56,600

)

TerraForm Power, Inc. — Class A

   

4,655

     

(58,560

)

ONEOK, Inc.

   

2,901

     

(71,539

)

Gulfport Energy Corp.*

   

2,934

     

(72,088

)

Range Resources Corp.

   

3,508

     

(86,332

)

Weatherford International plc*

   

10,895

     

(91,409

)

Dril-Quip, Inc.*

   

1,619

     

(95,893

)

Western Refining, Inc.

   

2,772

     

(98,739

)

Cobalt International Energy, Inc.*

   

22,094

     

(119,308

)

Cimarex Energy Co.

   

1,383

     

(123,613

)

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

   

1,012

     

(126,885

)

Cheniere Energy, Inc.*

   

3,440

     

(128,140

)

EOG Resources, Inc.

   

1,888

     

(133,652

)

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

   

2,833

     

(137,627

)

FMC Technologies, Inc.*

   

4,890

     

(141,859

)

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

   

8,803

     

(155,724

)

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

  

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Memorial Resource Development Corp.*

   

9,917

   

$

(160,159

)

Schlumberger Ltd.

   

5,482

     

(382,370

)

Halliburton Co.

   

24,260

     

(825,810

)

Total Energy

           

(3,416,878

)

                 

Communications - (3.1)%

 

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. — Class A

   

271

     

(7,360

)

Level 3 Communications, Inc.*

   

236

     

(12,829

)

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

   

101

     

(17,790

)

Liberty Ventures*

   

1,012

     

(45,651

)

Verizon Communications, Inc.

   

1,146

     

(52,968

)

Nielsen Holdings plc

   

1,653

     

(77,030

)

Groupon, Inc. — Class A*

   

26,310

     

(80,772

)

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

   

19,536

     

(109,206

)

CBS Corp. — Class B

   

2,630

     

(123,952

)

Discovery Communications, Inc. — Class C*

   

4,924

     

(124,183

)

Priceline Group, Inc.*

   

101

     

(128,770

)

Twitter, Inc.*

   

5,700

     

(131,898

)

LinkedIn Corp. — Class A*

   

607

     

(136,624

)

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

   

2,395

     

(136,946

)

Discovery Communications, Inc. — Class A*

   

5,161

     

(137,696

)

Yelp, Inc. — Class A*

   

4,790

     

(137,952

)

FireEye, Inc.*

   

6,746

     

(139,912

)

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

   

2,057

     

(140,802

)

Yahoo!, Inc.*

   

4,283

     

(142,453

)

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.*

   

5,397

     

(143,506

)

TripAdvisor, Inc.*

   

1,721

     

(146,715

)

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

   

24,320

     

(148,109

)

Pandora Media, Inc.*

   

11,266

     

(151,077

)

Splunk, Inc.*

   

2,664

     

(156,670

)

Arista Networks, Inc.*

   

2,091

     

(162,763

)

Expedia, Inc.

   

2,247

     

(279,301

)

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

   

4,481

     

(820,471

)

Total Communications

           

(3,893,406

)

                 

Industrial - (3.7)%

 

Flowserve Corp.

   

68

     

(2,861

)

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

   

304

     

(13,710

)

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

   

270

     

(14,985

)

BWX Technologies, Inc.

   

472

     

(14,995

)

Honeywell International, Inc.

   

169

     

(17,503

)

FLIR Systems, Inc.

   

674

     

(18,919

)

Acuity Brands, Inc.

   

101

     

(23,614

)

Wabtec Corp.

   

338

     

(24,039

)

Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V.

   

708

     

(27,605

)

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

   

708

     

(36,738

)

SPX Corp.

   

4,048

     

(37,768

)

Hexcel Corp.

   

877

     

(40,737

)

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

   

472

     

(43,566

)

Middleby Corp.*

   

404

     

(43,579

)

Emerson Electric Co.

   

1,046

     

(50,030

)

AptarGroup, Inc.

   

911

     

(66,184

)

Kennametal, Inc.

   

4,148

     

(79,642

)

Cognex Corp.

   

2,429

     

(82,027

)

Kansas City Southern

   

1,114

     

(83,182

)

Ball Corp.

   

1,146

     

(83,349

)

Nordson Corp.

   

1,585

     

(101,678

)

Triumph Group, Inc.

   

2,664

     

(105,894

)

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

   

1,450

     

(106,372

)

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.*

   

2,395

     

(109,523

)

Stericycle, Inc.*

   

911

     

(109,867

)

Graco, Inc.

   

1,552

     

(111,853

)

Trimble Navigation Ltd.*

   

5,228

     

(112,141

)

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

   

1,856

     

(115,109

)

Timken Co.

   

4,116

     

(117,676

)

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

  

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

   

1,315

   

$

(126,542

)

Allegion plc

   

1,922

     

(126,698

)

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

   

1,956

     

(136,235

)

IDEX Corp.

   

1,788

     

(136,979

)

Tyco International plc

   

4,317

     

(137,669

)

TransDigm Group, Inc.*

   

607

     

(138,669

)

Lockheed Martin Corp.

   

641

     

(139,193

)

National Instruments Corp.

   

4,858

     

(139,376

)

KBR, Inc.

   

8,264

     

(139,827

)

Owens-Illinois, Inc.*

   

8,061

     

(140,423

)

Garmin Ltd.

   

3,778

     

(140,428

)

Eagle Materials, Inc.

   

2,361

     

(142,675

)

B/E Aerospace, Inc.

   

3,374

     

(142,956

)

SBA Communications Corp. — Class A*

   

1,383

     

(145,312

)

Landstar System, Inc.

   

2,485

     

(145,745

)

Manitowoc Company, Inc.

   

9,613

     

(147,560

)

Donaldson Company, Inc.

   

5,161

     

(147,914

)

USG Corp.*

   

6,105

     

(148,290

)

Covanta Holding Corp.

   

9,951

     

(154,141

)

SunPower Corp. — Class A*

   

6,577

     

(197,376

)

Total Industrial

           

(4,669,154

)

                 

Technology - (3.9)%

 

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

   

101

     

(7,285

)

Western Digital Corp.

   

125

     

(7,506

)

QUALCOMM, Inc.

   

203

     

(10,147

)

Tableau Software, Inc. — Class A*

   

236

     

(22,236

)

Linear Technology Corp.

   

810

     

(34,401

)

International Business Machines Corp.

   

304

     

(41,836

)

Lexmark International, Inc. — Class A

   

1,653

     

(53,640

)

Salesforce.com, Inc.*

   

1,080

     

(84,672

)

IHS, Inc. — Class A*

   

911

     

(107,890

)

Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

   

12,547

     

(110,665

)

Cree, Inc.*

   

4,655

     

(124,149

)

Solera Holdings, Inc.

   

2,395

     

(131,318

)

Autodesk, Inc.*

   

2,260

     

(137,702

)

Teradata Corp.*

   

5,228

     

(138,124

)

Cypress Semiconductor Corp.*

   

14,133

     

(138,644

)

Cerner Corp.*

   

2,361

     

(142,061

)

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

   

1,788

     

(142,468

)

Paychex, Inc.

   

2,698

     

(142,697

)

PTC, Inc.*

   

4,148

     

(143,645

)

ServiceNow, Inc.*

   

1,687

     

(146,027

)

VeriFone Systems, Inc.*

   

5,363

     

(150,271

)

NetSuite, Inc.*

   

1,788

     

(151,301

)

Zynga, Inc. — Class A*

   

57,747

     

(154,762

)

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A*

   

5,397

     

(155,703

)

Lam Research Corp.

   

2,502

     

(198,709

)

VMware, Inc. — Class A*

   

5,195

     

(293,881

)

NXP Semiconductor N.V.*

   

9,679

     

(815,456

)

Avago Technologies Ltd.

   

6,865

     

(996,455

)

Total Technology

           

(4,783,651

)

                 

Consumer, Cyclical - (4.0)%

 

American Airlines Group, Inc.

   

68

     

(2,880

)

Ross Stores, Inc.

   

101

     

(5,435

)

VF Corp.

   

101

     

(6,287

)

Michael Kors Holdings Ltd.*

   

336

     

(13,460

)

Genuine Parts Co.

   

304

     

(26,111

)

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

   

472

     

(27,570

)

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

   

438

     

(28,255

)

Dollar General Corp.

   

506

     

(36,366

)

Cabela’s, Inc.*

   

877

     

(40,982

)

Johnson Controls, Inc.

   

1,046

     

(41,307

)

Mattel, Inc.

   

1,856

     

(50,428

)

Polaris Industries, Inc.

   

607

     

(52,172

)

Costco Wholesale Corp.

   

438

     

(70,737

)

LKQ Corp.*

   

2,766

     

(81,957

)

WW Grainger, Inc.

   

483

     

(97,851

)

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

   

3,541

     

(98,440

)

HD Supply Holdings, Inc.*

   

3,374

     

(101,321

)

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.*

   

1,552

   

$

(109,354

)

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

   

1,956

     

(110,064

)

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.*

   

607

     

(112,295

)

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.

   

3,474

     

(112,523

)

Copart, Inc.*

   

2,966

     

(112,738

)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*

   

236

     

(113,245

)

BorgWarner, Inc.

   

2,698

     

(116,635

)

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

   

978

     

(120,969

)

Panera Bread Co. — Class A*

   

641

     

(124,854

)

Tractor Supply Co.

   

1,484

     

(126,882

)

McDonald’s Corp.

   

1,114

     

(131,608

)

CarMax, Inc.*

   

2,463

     

(132,928

)

Toro Co.

   

1,822

     

(133,134

)

Spirit Airlines, Inc.*

   

3,406

     

(135,729

)

Kate Spade & Co.*

   

7,826

     

(139,068

)

MGM Resorts International*

   

6,240

     

(141,773

)

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

   

3,340

     

(142,251

)

Tupperware Brands Corp.

   

2,564

     

(142,687

)

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

   

1,856

     

(143,320

)

Tiffany & Co.

   

1,888

     

(144,035

)

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

   

2,867

     

(144,525

)

Yum! Brands, Inc.

   

1,990

     

(145,369

)

Fastenal Co.

   

3,575

     

(145,931

)

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*

   

5,262

     

(146,757

)

Tesla Motors, Inc.*

   

641

     

(153,847

)

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

   

2,226

     

(154,017

)

Staples, Inc.

   

24,504

     

(232,053

)

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.

   

10,804

     

(476,240

)

Total Consumer, Cyclical

           

(4,926,390

)

                 

Consumer, Non-Cyclical - (6.0)%

 

HCA Holdings, Inc.*

   

135

     

(9,130

)

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

   

68

     

(9,719

)

Clorox Co.

   

101

     

(12,810

)

Community Health Systems, Inc.*

   

573

     

(15,202

)

Moody’s Corp.

   

169

     

(16,957

)

Akorn, Inc.*

   

472

     

(17,610

)

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

   

135

     

(20,162

)

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

   

607

     

(20,335

)

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

   

135

     

(25,751

)

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

   

304

     

(26,770

)

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

   

708

     

(29,849

)

Rollins, Inc.

   

1,484

     

(38,436

)

Avis Budget Group, Inc.*

   

1,180

     

(42,822

)

Bruker Corp.*

   

1,888

     

(45,822

)

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

   

338

     

(47,509

)

Tenet Healthcare Corp.*

   

1,619

     

(49,056

)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

   

742

     

(51,042

)

Envision Healthcare Holdings, Inc.*

   

2,091

     

(54,304

)

Monster Beverage Corp.*

   

372

     

(55,413

)

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

   

675

     

(57,186

)

PepsiCo, Inc.

   

675

     

(67,446

)

Stryker Corp.

   

843

     

(78,348

)

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

   

169

     

(92,301

)

CR Bard, Inc.

   

506

     

(95,857

)

Medivation, Inc.*

   

2,159

     

(104,366

)

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

   

1,470

     

(107,192

)

Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*

   

2,698

     

(108,972

)

McCormick & Company, Inc.

   

1,315

     

(112,511

)

Endo International plc*

   

1,922

     

(117,665

)

Anthem, Inc.

   

887

     

(123,683

)

Premier, Inc. — Class A*

   

3,508

     

(123,727

)

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class A

   

1,146

     

(126,186

)

Morningstar, Inc.

   

1,585

     

(127,450

)

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

   

1,946

   

$

(129,643

)

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A*

   

1,721

     

(132,310

)

Seattle Genetics, Inc.*

   

3,070

     

(137,782

)

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. — Class A*

   

7,488

     

(138,228

)

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

   

1,400

     

(138,992

)

Align Technology, Inc.*

   

2,125

     

(139,931

)

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.*

   

9,883

     

(140,636

)

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*

   

5,734

     

(140,884

)

Sysco Corp.

   

3,440

     

(141,040

)

Hershey Co.

   

1,585

     

(141,493

)

Coca-Cola Co.

   

3,306

     

(142,026

)

Philip Morris International, Inc.

   

1,619

     

(142,326

)

Edgewell Personal Care Co.

   

1,822

     

(142,790

)

Avon Products, Inc.

   

35,451

     

(143,577

)

Gartner, Inc.*

   

1,585

     

(143,760

)

Kellogg Co.

   

1,990

     

(143,817

)

Mead Johnson Nutrition Co. — Class A

   

1,822

     

(143,847

)

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

   

1,146

     

(145,886

)

McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.

   

1,484

     

(146,293

)

WhiteWave Foods Co. — Class A*

   

3,778

     

(147,002

)

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

   

5,566

     

(148,000

)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

   

1,180

     

(148,479

)

Illumina, Inc.*

   

810

     

(155,475

)

Puma Biotechnology, Inc.*

   

2,091

     

(163,934

)

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

   

2,630

     

(170,740

)

Global Payments, Inc.

   

2,728

     

(175,983

)

DENTSPLY International, Inc.

   

3,251

     

(197,824

)

Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.

   

6,815

     

(233,755

)

Aetna, Inc.

   

2,353

     

(254,406

)

Centene Corp.*

   

4,791

     

(315,296

)

Pfizer, Inc.

   

18,091

     

(583,978

)

Total Consumer, Non-Cyclical

     

(7,401,722

)

                 

Financial - (7.1)%

 

RMR Group, Inc. — Class A*

   

70

     

(1,009

)

Progressive Corp.

   

68

     

(2,162

)

Prologis, Inc.

   

135

     

(5,794

)

Liberty Property Trust

   

202

     

(6,272

)

Realty Income Corp.

   

135

     

(6,970

)

Forest City Enterprises, Inc. — Class A*

   

336

     

(7,368

)

Invesco Ltd.

   

236

     

(7,901

)

Torchmark Corp.

   

169

     

(9,660

)

Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A

   

304

     

(12,169

)

DDR Corp.

   

1,112

     

(18,726

)

WP Carey, Inc.

   

372

     

(21,948

)

MetLife, Inc.

   

539

     

(25,985

)

Vornado Realty Trust

   

404

     

(40,384

)

Unum Group

   

1,214

     

(40,414

)

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

   

1,315

     

(41,002

)

Outfront Media, Inc.

   

2,192

     

(47,851

)

Kilroy Realty Corp.

   

776

     

(49,105

)

Zions Bancorporation

   

1,956

     

(53,399

)

Bank of America Corp.

   

3,272

     

(55,068

)

HCP, Inc.

   

1,721

     

(65,811

)

BB&T Corp.

   

1,815

     

(68,625

)

American National Insurance Co.

   

675

     

(69,032

)

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. — Class A

   

2,698

     

(77,325

)

Franklin Resources, Inc.

   

2,260

     

(83,213

)

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

   

1,856

     

(83,483

)

Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. — Class A

   

3,205

     

(86,439

)

Senior Housing Properties Trust

   

6,308

     

(93,611

)

Simon Property Group, Inc.

   

506

     

(98,387

)

SVB Financial Group*

   

877

     

(104,275

)

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

State Street Corp.

   

1,653

   

$

(109,693

)

Aflac, Inc.

   

1,922

     

(115,128

)

Markel Corp.*

   

135

     

(119,252

)

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

   

3,474

     

(120,583

)

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

   

1,687

     

(120,604

)

Alliance Data Systems Corp.*

   

438

     

(121,138

)

White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.

   

169

     

(122,831

)

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

   

2,957

     

(125,793

)

American Express Co.

   

1,822

     

(126,720

)

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

   

4,014

     

(131,258

)

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

   

2,192

     

(131,520

)

ProAssurance Corp.

   

2,732

     

(132,584

)

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

   

3,272

     

(133,956

)

Crown Castle International Corp.

   

1,552

     

(134,170

)

BankUnited, Inc.

   

3,744

     

(135,009

)

BOK Financial Corp.

   

2,260

     

(135,126

)

Mercury General Corp.

   

2,934

     

(136,636

)

Rayonier, Inc.

   

6,207

     

(137,795

)

CBOE Holdings, Inc.

   

2,125

     

(137,913

)

MasterCard, Inc. — Class A

   

1,417

     

(137,959

)

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

   

539

     

(138,124

)

Assurant, Inc.

   

1,721

     

(138,609

)

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A*

   

37,239

     

(138,901

)

Signature Bank*

   

911

     

(139,720

)

Aon plc

   

1,518

     

(139,975

)

Eaton Vance Corp.

   

4,317

     

(140,000

)

Howard Hughes Corp.*

   

1,248

     

(141,224

)

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

   

2,564

     

(142,174

)

Brown & Brown, Inc.

   

4,430

     

(142,202

)

U.S. Bancorp

   

3,340

     

(142,518

)

SLM Corp.*

   

21,925

     

(142,951

)

Iron Mountain, Inc.

   

5,296

     

(143,045

)

American Tower Corp. — Class A

   

1,484

     

(143,874

)

TFS Financial Corp.

   

7,657

     

(144,181

)

Charles Schwab Corp.

   

4,452

     

(146,604

)

Loews Corp.

   

3,845

     

(147,648

)

NorthStar Asset Management Group, Inc.

   

12,278

     

(149,055

)

PacWest Bancorp

   

7,522

     

(324,198

)

Weyerhaeuser Co.

   

12,973

     

(388,932

)

KeyCorp

   

34,444

     

(454,316

)

ACE Ltd.

   

4,475

     

(522,904

)

Royal Bank of Canada

   

16,338

     

(875,390

)

Total Financial

           

(8,835,601

)

                 

Total Common Stocks Sold Short

         

(Proceeds $44,849,389)

           

(41,928,946

)

                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS SOLD SHORT - (10.6)%

 

iShares MSCI Australia ETF

   

1,445

     

(27,397

)

Market Vectors Russia ETF

   

1,930

     

(28,275

)

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

   

2,803

     

(90,229

)

iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF

   

8,209

     

(104,829

)

Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF

   

8,115

     

(111,338

)

iShares MSCI Japan ETF

   

9,555

     

(115,807

)

PowerShares QQQ Trust Series 1

   

1,135

     

(126,961

)

iShares MSCI Mexico Capped ETF

   

3,134

     

(156,167

)

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

   

1,700

     

(183,617

)

iShares MSCI South Korea Capped ETF

   

3,733

     

(185,418

)

iShares China Large-Capital ETF

   

6,859

     

(242,054

)

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF

   

18,877

     

(304,675

)

iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF

   

3,261

     

(371,787

)

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF

   

3,903

   

$

(412,118

)

iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF

   

3,578

     

(431,578

)

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

   

9,186

     

(539,678

)

iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF

   

5,254

     

(591,128

)

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF

   

9,636

     

(942,979

)

iShares TIPS Bond ETF

   

9,085

     

(996,443

)

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF

   

14,214

     

(1,067,613

)

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

   

14,590

     

(2,974,754

)

SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF

   

92,921

     

(3,150,950

)

Total Exchange-Traded Funds Sold Short

 

(Proceeds $13,220,791)

           

(13,155,795

)

                 

Total Securities Sold Short- (44.3)%

         

(Proceeds $58,070,180)

         

$

(55,084,741

)

                 
   

Contracts

         
                 

OPTIONS WRITTEN - 0.0%

 

Call options on:

               

Airgas, Inc.
Expiring January 2016 with strike price of $145.00

   

30

     

(450

)

Total Options Written

               

(Premiums received $1,349)

     

(450

)

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 59.0%

     

73,302,741

 

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

   

$

124,243,245

 

 

   

 

Contracts

   

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
             

INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED

 

March 2016 Japanese Government 10 Year Bond
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $43,397,672)

   

35

   

$

60,523

 

March 2016 Canadian Government 10 Year Bond
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $7,025,678)

   

69

     

31,144

 

March 2016 Euro - Schatz
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $6,303,852)

   

52

     

7,439

 

March 2016 Euro - Bobl
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,280,782)

   

9

     

5,487

 

March 2016 U.S. Treasury 10 Year Note
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $629,453)

   

5

     

1,039

 

March 2016 U.S. Treasury Long Bond
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $767,188)

   

5

     

(6,625

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $59,404,625)

   

$

99,007

 
                 

COMMODITY FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED

 

February 2016 LME Lead
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $359,500)

   

8

   

$

19,886

 

March 2016 Sugar #11
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $442,915)

   

26

     

11,876

 

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

 

Contracts

   

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
             

February 2016
Gasoline RBOB
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $266,889)

   

5

   

$

6,536

 

March 2016 Silver
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $483,525)

   

7

     

(5,008

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $1,552,829)

         

$

33,290

 
                 

EQUITY FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED

 

March 2016 CBOE
Volatility Index
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $3,495,299)

   

183

   

$

53,001

 

March 2016 Topix Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $635,903)

   

5

     

864

 

January 2016 CAC 40 10 Euro Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $200,732)

   

4

     

831

 

March 2016 SPI 200 Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $96,120)

   

1

     

(322

)

March 2016 Dow Jones Industrial Average Index
Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $866,500)

   

10

     

(398

)

March 2016 Nikkei 225
(OSE) Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $156,284)

   

1

     

(548

)

January 2016
Amsterdam Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $570,993)

   

6

     

(1,480

)

March 2016
NASDAQ-100 Index
Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,834,500)

   

20

     

(5,604

)

March 2016 FTSE 100 Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $727,107)

   

8

     

(5,775

)

January 2016 IBEX 35 Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $205,123)

   

2

     

(6,177

)

March 2016
Russell 2000 Index
Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,129,700)

   

10

     

(10,525

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $9,918,261)

         

$

23,867

 
                 

CURRENCY FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED

 

March 2016 Australian Dollar
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,016,540)

   

14

   

$

3,972

 

March 2016 Euro FX
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,088,500)

   

8

     

(3,022

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $2,105,040)

         

$

950

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

  

 

Contracts

   

Unrealized
Gain

 
             

EQUITY FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT

 

April 2016 CBOE
Volatility Index
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,649,850)

   

85

   

$

57,196

 

January 2016 CBOE
Volatility Index
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $224,400)

   

12

     

47,427

 

January 2016 H-Shares Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $562,660)

   

9

     

17,023

 

January 2016 MSCI
Taiwan Stock Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $817,317)

   

27

     

11,805

 

March 2016 S&P 500 Index
Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $2,543,126)

   

25

     

2,665

 

January 2016
Hang Seng Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $141,140)

   

1

     

2,106

 

March 2016 S&P MidCap 400 Index
Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $139,230)

   

1

     

1,588

 

March 2016 DAX Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $287,818)

   

1

     

351

 

February 2016 CBOE Volatility Index
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,516,000)

   

80

     

(16,273

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $7,881,541)

         

$

123,888

 
                 

COMMODITY FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT

 

February 2016 Low
Sulphur Gas Oil
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,231,200)

   

36

   

$

77,874

 

February 2016 New York Harbor Ultra-Low
Sulfur Diesel
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,042,549)

   

22

     

37,839

 

March 2016 Hard Red
Winter Wheat
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,489,599)

   

64

     

28,665

 

February 2016 Gold 100 oz.
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,271,760)

   

12

     

26,857

 

March 2016 Copper
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $533,625)

   

10

     

13,610

 

March 2016 Brent Crude
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,025,730)

   

27

     

10,246

 

February 2016 WTI Crude
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $406,670)

   

11

     

9,650

 

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

   

Contracts

   

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
             

March 2016 Corn
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $805,500)

   

45

   

$

6,875

 

March 2016 Soybean
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $475,063)

   

11

     

4,341

 

March 2016 Wheat
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $258,225)

   

11

     

401

 

March 2016 Cotton #2
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $126,640)

   

4

     

(86

)

February 2016 Live Cattle
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $54,500)

   

1

     

(576

)

February 2016 LME
Primary Aluminum
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $980,688)

   

26

     

(889

)

February 2016 LME Nickel
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $369,663)

   

7

     

(4,030

)

February 2016 Lean Hogs
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $646,650)

   

27

     

(6,362

)

March 2016 Coffee ‘C’
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $330,750)

   

7

     

(18,207

)

February 2016 LME Zinc
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $922,444)

   

23

     

(30,017

)

February 2016 Natural Gas
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $559,440)

   

24

     

(42,079

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $12,530,696)

   

$

114,112

 
                 

CURRENCY FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT

 

March 2016 British Pound
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $2,119,163)

   

23

   

$

23,272

 

March 2016 Canadian Dollar
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $3,035,340)

   

42

     

13,586

 

March 2016 Swiss Franc
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $751,050)

   

6

     

11,607

 

March 2016 Japanese Yen
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,666,400)

   

16

     

(1,010

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $7,571,953)

         

$

47,455

 
                 

INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT

 

March 2016 Long Gilt
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $2,581,190)

   

15

   

$

21,196

 

March 2016 U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $474,563)

   

3

     

5,850

 

March 2016 U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $3,313,844)

   

28

     

4,630

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

  

 

Contracts

   

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
             

March 2016 Australian Government 3 Year Bond
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $162,638)

   

2

   

$

(704

)

March 2016 Australian Government 10 Year Bond
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,302,110)

   

14

     

(3,405

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $7,834,345)

         

$

27,567

 

 

   

Units

   

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
             

OTC EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENTS ††

 

Goldman Sachs International
March 2016
Goldman Sachs
Multi-Hedge Strategies
Short Index Swap,
Terminating 03/09/164
(Notional Value $7,798,256)

   

75,312

   

$

341,822

 

Goldman Sachs International
March 2016
Goldman Sachs
Multi-Hedge Strategies
Long Index Swap,
Terminating 03/09/165
(Notional Value $16,000,308)

   

126,703

   

$

(444,693

)

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION

 

Goldman Sachs Multi-Hedge Strategies Short Index Swap4

 

Sector

% of Index

Industrials

24.0%

Consumer Discretionary

14.1%

Materials

12.4%

Energy

12.0%

Financials

10.3%

Health Care

7.5%

Communications

6.0%

Technology

5.8%

Utilities

4.5%

Consumer Staples

3.4%

Total

100.0%

 

Goldman Sachs Multi-Hedge Strategies Long Index Swap5

 

Sector

% of Index

Financials

20.5%

Technology

20.2%

Consumer Discretionary

15.7%

Industrials

10.8%

Consumer Staples

9.6%

Communications

7.6%

Energy

4.5%

Health Care

4.1%

Utilities

3.5%

Materials

3.5%

Total

100.0%

 

*

Non-income producing security.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

All or a portion of this security is pledged as short security collateral and/or options written at December 31, 2015.

2

Affiliated issuers — See Note 10.

3

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.

4

Customized basket of 199 exchange-traded equity securities. Total Return based on Goldman Sachs Multi-Hedge Strategies Short Index +/- financing at a variable rate.

5

Customized basket of 208 exchange-traded equity securities. Total Return based on Goldman Sachs Multi-Hedge Strategies Long Index +/- financing at a variable rate.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

December 31, 2015

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at December 31, 2015 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1

   

Level 1 - Other*

   

Level 2

   

Level 2 - Other*

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

 

$

70,603,441

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

70,603,441

 

Closed-End Funds

   

15,886,357

     

     

     

     

     

15,886,357

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements

   

     

     

     

341,822

     

     

341,822

 

Futures Contracts

   

     

480,489

     

     

158,769

     

     

639,258

 

Mutual Funds

   

25,699

     

     

     

     

     

25,699

 

Repurchase Agreements

   

     

     

19,510,198

     

     

     

19,510,198

 

Total

 

$

86,515,497

   

$

480,489

   

$

19,510,198

   

$

500,591

   

$

   

$

107,006,775

 

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1

   

Level 1 - Other*

   

Level 2

   

Level 2 - Other*

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

 

$

41,928,946

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

41,928,946

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements

   

     

     

     

444,693

     

     

444,693

 

Exchange-Traded Funds

   

13,155,795

     

     

     

     

     

13,155,795

 

Futures Contracts

   

     

150,711

     

     

18,411

     

     

169,122

 

Options Written

   

450

     

     

     

     

     

450

 

Total

 

$

55,085,191

   

$

150,711

   

$

   

$

463,104

   

$

   

$

55,699,006

 

 

*

Other financial instruments may include futures contracts and/or swaps, which are reported as unrealized gain/loss at period end.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, there were no transfers between levels.

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

December 31, 2015

 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $84,189,180)

 

$

85,404,334

 

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,287,771)

   

1,111,163

 

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $19,510,198)

   

19,510,198

 

Total investments (cost $104,987,149)

   

106,025,695

 

Foreign currency, at value (cost $52,883)

   

52,915

 

Segregated cash with broker

   

72,715,584

 

Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements

   

341,822

 

Receivables:

 

Securities sold

   

869,339

 

Dividends

   

164,424

 

Fund shares sold

   

153,689

 

Interest

   

650

 

Total assets

   

180,324,118

 
         

Liabilities:

 

Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $58,070,180)

   

55,084,741

 

Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements

   

444,693

 

Overdraft due to custodian bank

   

49,582

 

Due to broker

   

33,684

 

Options written, at value (premiums received $1,349)

   

450

 

Payable for:

 

Management fees

   

119,421

 

Variation margin

   

116,840

 

Fund shares redeemed

   

91,293

 

Distribution and service fees

   

21,294

 

Miscellaneous

   

118,875

 

Total liabilities

   

56,080,873

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 13)

   

 

Net assets

 

$

124,243,245

 
         

Net assets consist of:

 

Paid in capital

 

$

166,075,994

 

Accumulated net investment loss

   

(3,677,930

)

Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency

   

(42,547,021

)

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency

   

4,392,202

 

Net assets

 

$

124,243,245

 
         

A-Class:

 

Net assets

 

$

15,620,273

 

Capital shares outstanding

   

644,899

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

24.22

 

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

 

$

25.43

 
         

C-Class:

 

Net assets

 

$

9,342,364

 

Capital shares outstanding

   

417,374

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

22.38

 
         

P-Class:*

 

Net assets

 

$

49,539,103

 

Capital shares outstanding

   

2,043,808

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

24.24

 
         

Institutional Class:

 

Net assets

 

$

49,741,505

 

Capital shares outstanding

   

2,023,276

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

24.58

 

 

*

H-Class shares redesignated as P-Class shares effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015 — See Note 14.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

Investment Income:

 

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $3,966)

 

$

1,825,426

 

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

   

22,867

 

Interest

   

7,826

 

Income from securities lending, net

   

4,058

 

Other income

   

537

 

Total investment income

   

1,860,714

 
         

Expenses:

 

Management fees

   

1,339,597

 

Distribution and service fees:

 

A-Class

   

34,584

 

C-Class

   

91,286

 

P-Class**

   

109,228

 

Short sales dividend expense

   

1,032,982

 

Prime broker interest expense

   

293,342

 

Trustees’ fees*

   

7,117

 

Custodian fees

   

323

 

Tax expense

   

170

 

Miscellaneous

   

43,669

 

Total expenses

   

2,952,298

 

Less:

 

Expenses waived by Adviser

   

(75,364

)

Net expenses

   

2,876,934

 

Net investment loss

   

(1,016,220

)

         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

 

$

4,092,143

 

Investments in affiliated issuers

   

(3,499

)

Swap agreements

   

790,302

 

Futures contracts

   

1,404,361

 

Foreign currency

   

6,234

 

Securities sold short

   

(2,928,774

)

Options purchased

   

(1,121

)

Options written

   

9,223

 

Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency

   

3,368,869

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

   

(4,845,582

)

Investments in affiliated issuers

   

(176,608

)

Securities sold short

   

5,481,056

 

Swap agreements

   

(400,875

)

Futures contracts

   

(1,151,076

)

Options written

   

899

 

Foreign currency

   

229

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency

   

(1,091,957

)

Net realized and unrealized gain

   

2,276,912

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

$

1,260,692

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

**

H-Class shares redesignated as P-Class shares effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015 — See Note 14.

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

  

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2014

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

           

Net investment loss

 

$

(1,016,220

)

 

$

(1,167,230

)

Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency

   

3,368,869

     

4,004,144

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency

   

(1,091,957

)

   

2,150,638

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   

1,260,692

     

4,987,552

 
                 

Distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

               

A-Class

   

     

(88,690

)

C-Class

   

     

(79,610

)

P-Class*

   

     

(298,563

)

Institutional Class

   

     

(333,912

)

Total distributions to shareholders

   

     

(800,775

)

                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

   

12,859,054

     

3,310,696

 

C-Class

   

2,154,033

     

593,454

 

P-Class*

   

43,746,255

     

10,267,963

 

Institutional Class

   

18,843,539

     

30,581,943

 

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

   

     

83,254

 

C-Class

   

     

66,457

 

P-Class*

   

     

276,480

 

Institutional Class

   

     

333,762

 

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

   

(8,996,021

)

   

(10,563,094

)

C-Class

   

(2,484,058

)

   

(4,016,782

)

P-Class*

   

(31,075,932

)

   

(26,531,348

)

Institutional Class

   

(11,927,077

)

   

(16,163,978

)

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

   

23,119,793

     

(11,761,193

)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

   

24,380,485

     

(7,574,416

)

                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

   

99,862,760

     

107,437,176

 

End of year

 

$

124,243,245

   

$

99,862,760

 

Accumulated net investment loss at end of year

 

$

(3,677,930

)

 

$

(2,997,600

)

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS(concluded)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

  

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2014

 

Capital share activity:

           

Shares sold

           

A-Class

   

530,162

     

142,495

 

C-Class

   

96,154

     

27,363

 

P-Class*

   

1,805,460

     

445,101

 

Institutional Class

   

767,679

     

1,321,595

 

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

   

     

3,522

 

C-Class

   

     

3,018

 

P-Class*

   

     

11,691

 

Institutional Class

   

     

13,947

 

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

   

(370,661

)

   

(455,620

)

C-Class

   

(110,700

)

   

(186,245

)

P-Class*

   

(1,281,530

)

   

(1,149,657

)

Institutional Class

   

(485,631

)

   

(688,008

)

Net increase (decrease) in shares

   

950,933

     

(510,798

)

 

*

H-Class shares redesignated as P-Class shares effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015 — See Note 14.

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2012

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2011

 

Per Share Data

                             

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

23.94

   

$

23.03

   

$

22.68

   

$

22.21

   

$

21.66

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)a

   

(.23

)

   

(.26

)

   

(.18

)

   

(.35

)

   

(.27

)

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

   

.51

     

1.36

     

.53

     

.82

     

.98

 

Total from investment operations

   

.28

     

1.10

     

.35

     

.47

     

.71

 

Less distributions from:

 

Net investment income

   

     

(.19

)

   

     

     

(.16

)

Total distributions

   

     

(.19

)

   

     

     

(.16

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

24.22

   

$

23.94

   

$

23.03

   

$

22.68

   

$

22.21

 

 

 

Total Returnb

   

1.21

%

   

4.73

%

   

1.54

%

   

2.02

%

   

3.39

%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

15,620

   

$

11,620

   

$

18,307

   

$

27,700

   

$

24,832

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

(0.96

%)

   

(1.13

%)

   

(0.79

%)

   

(1.54

%)

   

(1.23

%)

Total expensesc

   

2.72

%

   

2.86

%

   

2.74

%

   

3.09

%

   

2.77

%

Net expensesd,e

   

2.65

%

   

2.81

%

   

2.69

%

   

3.05

%

   

2.65

%

Portfolio turnover rate

   

163

%

   

304

%

   

302

%

   

465

%

   

433

%

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2012

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2011

 

Per Share Data

                             

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

22.29

   

$

21.62

   

$

21.45

   

$

21.17

   

$

20.80

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)a

   

(.39

)

   

(.40

)

   

(.35

)

   

(.50

)

   

(.42

)

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

   

.48

     

1.26

     

.52

     

.78

     

.95

 

Total from investment operations

   

.09

     

.86

     

.17

     

.28

     

.53

 

Less distributions from:

 

Net investment income

   

     

(.19

)

   

     

     

(.16

)

Total distributions

   

     

(.19

)

   

     

     

(.16

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

22.38

   

$

22.29

   

$

21.62

   

$

21.45

   

$

21.17

 
   

Total Returnb

   

0.45

%

   

3.97

%

   

0.79

%

   

1.23

%

   

2.62

%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

9,342

   

$

9,627

   

$

12,705

   

$

16,780

   

$

13,322

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

(1.73

%)

   

(1.84

%)

   

(1.60

%)

   

(2.33

%)

   

(1.99

%)

Total expensesc

   

3.47

%

   

3.62

%

   

3.50

%

   

3.85

%

   

3.52

%

Net expensesd,e

   

3.40

%

   

3.57

%

   

3.45

%

   

3.81

%

   

3.39

%

Portfolio turnover rate

   

163

%

   

304

%

   

302

%

   

465

%

   

432

%

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class*

 

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2012

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2011

 

Per Share Data

                             

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

23.96

   

$

23.04

   

$

22.69

   

$

22.23

   

$

21.67

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)a

   

(.23

)

   

(.25

)

   

(.19

)

   

(.36

)

   

(.27

)

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

   

.51

     

1.36

     

.54

     

.82

     

.99

 

Total from investment operations

   

.28

     

1.11

     

.35

     

.46

     

.72

 

Less distributions from:

 

Net investment income

   

     

(.19

)

   

     

     

(.16

)

Total distributions

   

     

(.19

)

   

     

     

(.16

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

24.24

   

$

23.96

   

$

23.04

   

$

22.69

   

$

22.23

 
   

Total Returnb

   

1.21

%

   

4.77

%

   

1.54

%

   

2.02

%

   

3.39

%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

49,539

   

$

36,411

   

$

50,990

   

$

66,818

   

$

66,161

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

(0.95

%)

   

(1.09

%)

   

(0.82

%)

   

(1.59

%)

   

(1.25

%)

Total expensesc

   

2.72

%

   

2.87

%

   

2.75

%

   

3.07

%

   

2.78

%

Net expensesd,e

   

2.65

%

   

2.82

%

   

2.71

%

   

3.03

%

   

2.65

%

Portfolio turnover rate

   

163

%

   

304

%

   

302

%

   

465

%

   

433

%

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2012

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2011

 

Per Share Data

                             

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

24.24

   

$

23.26

   

$

22.84

   

$

22.32

   

$

21.71

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)a

   

(.18

)

   

(.18

)

   

(.13

)

   

(.33

)

   

(.22

)

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

   

.52

     

1.35

     

.55

     

.85

     

.99

 

Total from investment operations

   

.34

     

1.17

     

.42

     

.52

     

.77

 

Less distributions from:

 

Net investment income

   

     

(.19

)

   

     

     

(.16

)

Total distributions

   

     

(.19

)

   

     

     

(.16

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

24.58

   

$

24.24

   

$

23.26

   

$

22.84

   

$

22.32

 
   

Total Returnb

   

1.44

%

   

4.98

%

   

1.84

%

   

2.28

%

   

3.61

%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

49,742

   

$

42,204

   

$

25,435

   

$

14,130

   

$

807

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

(0.71

%)

   

(0.79

%)

   

(0.54

%)

   

(1.46

%)

   

(0.99

%)

Total expensesc

   

2.47

%

   

2.67

%

   

2.56

%

   

3.05

%

   

2.52

%

Net expensesd,e

   

2.40

%

   

2.62

%

   

2.51

%

   

3.01

%

   

2.40

%

Portfolio turnover rate

   

163

%

   

304

%

   

302

%

   

465

%

   

433

%

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers.

e

Excluding interest and dividend expense related to short sales, the operating expense ratios for the years or periods presented would be:

 

12/31/15

12/31/14

12/31/13

12/31/12

12/31/11

A-Class

1.44%

1.42%

1.40%

1.40%

1.41%

C-Class

2.19%

2.17%

2.15%

2.15%

2.15%

P-Class*

1.45%

1.42%

1.40%

1.40%

1.41%

Institutional Class

1.19%

1.17%

1.15%

1.15%

1.16%

 

*

H-Class shares redesignated as P-Class shares effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015 — See Note 14.

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

December 31, 2015

 

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of a benchmark for commodities. The Fund’s current benchmark is the S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (“GSCI”) (the “underlying index”).

 

For the one-year period ended December 31, 2015, the Fund’s H-Class returned -34.58%, compared with a return of -32.86% for its benchmark, the S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (S&P GSCI).

 

Cocoa and Cotton were the only components that had positive returns during the year.

 

Brent Crude, WTI Crude, Nickel, Heating Oil and Gas Oil were all down more than 40% during the year.

 

Commodities were down again in 2015 due to lower global growth in Europe and China. The dramatic growth in domestic U.S. oil and natural gas production led to excess supply concerns, which hurt oil and natural gas prices. OPEC surprised markets by not cutting production in light of lower prices and actually increased production throughout the year. The potential for sanctions being lifted for Iran weighed on oil prices as well. Industrial metals were primarily hurt by reduced demand from China.

 

All of the GSCI sectors were down more than 10% for the year. The energy sector was the worst-performing sector, down more than 40% during the year. Industrial metals, livestock and agriculture were also down more than 15% each during the year.

 

Derivatives in the Fund are used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner, as well as to provide liquidity.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2015

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments or investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds. Investments in those Funds do not provide “market exposure” to meet the Fund’s investment objective, but will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs and similar investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

May 25, 2005

C-Class

May 25, 2005

H-Class

May 25, 2005

 

The Fund invests principally in derivative investments such as commodity-linked futures contracts.

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

32.4%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

10.2%

Total

42.6%

   

“Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2015

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

December 31, 2015

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended December 31, 2015

 

  

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

-34.55%

-16.94%

-12.57%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

-37.64%

-17.74%

-12.99%

C-Class Shares

-34.97%

-17.52%

-13.20%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

-35.62%

-17.52%

-13.20%

H-Class Shares

-34.58%

-16.92%

-12.56%

S&P 500 Index

1.38%

12.57%

7.31%

S&P GSCI

-32.86%

-15.18%

-10.56%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P GSCI and the S&P 500 Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2015

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

  

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

MUTUAL FUNDS†,1 - 42.7%

 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

   

126,253

   

$

3,139,901

 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

   

40,036

     

992,902

 

Total Mutual Funds

               

(Cost $4,132,861)

           

4,132,803

 
                 
   

Face
Amount

         
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 43.1%

 

HSBC Group
issued 12/31/15 at 0.18%
due 01/04/16

 

$

3,753,814

     

3,753,814

 

Royal Bank of Canada
issued 12/31/15 at 0.24%
due 01/04/16

   

259,500

     

259,500

 

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/15 at 0.18%
due 01/04/16

   

155,550

     

155,550

 

Total Repurchase Agreements

         

(Cost $4,168,864)

           

4,168,864

 
                 

Total Investments - 85.8%

         

(Cost $8,301,725)

         

$

8,301,667

 

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 14.2%

     

1,375,942

 

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

   

$

9,677,609

 

 

   

Contracts

   

Unrealized
Loss

 
             

COMMODITY FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED

 

January 2016 Goldman Sachs Commodity Index
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $9,748,438)

   

125

   

$

(58,237

)

 

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Affiliated issuer — See Note 10.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

December 31, 2015

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at December 31, 2015 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1

   

Level 1 -
Other*

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Mutual Funds

 

$

4,132,803

   

$

   

$

   

$

   

$

4,132,803

 

Repurchase Agreements

   

     

     

4,168,864

     

     

4,168,864

 

Total

 

$

4,132,803

   

$

   

$

4,168,864

   

$

   

$

8,301,667

 

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1

   

Level 1 -
Other*

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Futures Contracts

 

$

   

$

58,237

   

$

   

$

   

$

58,237

 

 

*

Other financial instruments include futures contracts which are reported as unrealized gain/loss at period end.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, there were no transfers between levels.

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

December 31, 2015

 

Assets:

 

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $4,132,861)

 

$

4,132,803

 

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $4,168,864)

   

4,168,864

 

Total investments (cost $8,301,725)

   

8,301,667

 

Segregated cash with broker

   

1,312,500

 

Cash

   

6

 

Receivables:

 

Variation margin

   

85,938

 

Fund shares sold

   

6,019

 

Dividends

   

3,602

 

Interest

   

21

 

Total assets

   

9,709,753

 
         

Liabilities:

 

Payable for:

 

Fund shares redeemed

   

9,678

 

Management fees

   

8,343

 

Securities purchased

   

3,673

 

Distribution and service fees

   

3,129

 

Transfer agent and administrative fees

   

2,781

 

Portfolio accounting fees

   

1,112

 

Miscellaneous

   

3,428

 

Total liabilities

   

32,144

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 13)

   

 

Net assets

 

$

9,677,609

 
         

Net assets consist of:

 

Paid in capital

 

$

32,400,530

 

Accumulated net investment loss

   

(2,770,217

)

Accumulated net realized loss on investments

   

(19,894,409

)

Net unrealized depreciation on investments

   

(58,295

)

Net assets

 

$

9,677,609

 
         

A-Class:

 

Net assets

 

$

620,644

 

Capital shares outstanding

   

96,005

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

6.46

 

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

 

$

6.78

 
         

C-Class:

 

Net assets

 

$

502,436

 

Capital shares outstanding

   

84,468

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

5.95

 
         

H-Class:

 

Net assets

 

$

8,554,529

 

Capital shares outstanding

   

1,321,249

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

6.47

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

Investment Income:

 

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

 

$

22,432

 

Interest

   

1,913

 

Total investment income

   

24,345

 
         

Expenses:

 

Management fees

   

68,499

 

Transfer agent and administrative fees

   

19,487

 

Distribution and service fees:

 

A-Class

   

2,603

 

C-Class

   

8,512

 

H-Class

   

14,756

 

Portfolio accounting fees

   

7,795

 

Legal fees

   

9,691

 

Registration fees

   

7,388

 

Custodian fees

   

1,033

 

Trustees’ fees*

   

693

 

Miscellaneous

   

2,081

 

Total expenses

   

142,538

 

Less:

 

Expenses waived by Adviser

   

(9,718

)

Net expenses

   

132,820

 

Net investment loss

   

(108,475

)

         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

Investments in affiliated issuers

 

 

10,183

 

Futures contracts

   

(4,947,756

)

Net realized loss

   

(4,937,573

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

   

3,305

 

Investments in affiliated issuers

   

(58

)

Futures contracts

   

494,172

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

   

497,419

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

   

(4,440,154

)

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

 

$

(4,548,629

)

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

  

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2014

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

           

Net investment loss

 

$

(108,475

)

 

$

(220,015

)

Net realized loss on investments

   

(4,937,573

)

   

(6,379,296

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

   

497,419

     

(635,572

)

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

   

(4,548,629

)

   

(7,234,883

)

                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

   

14,899,309

     

22,549,472

 

C-Class

   

200,478

     

260,844

 

H-Class

   

148,883,679

     

85,991,591

 

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

   

(17,157,407

)

   

(19,190,403

)

C-Class

   

(514,210

)

   

(444,139

)

H-Class

   

(144,799,682

)

   

(85,196,491

)

Net increase from capital share transactions

   

1,512,167

     

3,970,874

 

Net decrease in net assets

   

(3,036,462

)

   

(3,264,009

)

                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

   

12,714,071

     

15,978,080

 

End of year

 

$

9,677,609

   

$

12,714,071

 

Accumulated net investment loss at end of year

 

$

(2,770,217

)

 

$

(2,770,217

)

                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

   

1,690,984

     

1,645,908

 

C-Class

   

24,552

     

19,526

 

H-Class

   

17,705,540

     

6,272,794

 

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

   

(1,941,322

)

   

(1,432,812

)

C-Class

   

(64,185

)

   

(35,150

)

H-Class

   

(17,209,355

)

   

(6,253,169

)

Net increase in shares

   

206,214

     

217,097

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2012

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2011

 

Per Share Data

                             

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

9.87

   

$

14.93

   

$

15.49

   

$

16.18

   

$

17.33

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)a

   

(.11

)

   

(.15

)

   

(.23

)

   

(.23

)

   

(.26

)

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

   

(3.30

)

   

(4.91

)

   

(.33

)

   

(.05

)

   

(.36

)

Total from investment operations

   

(3.41

)

   

(5.06

)

   

(.56

)

   

(.28

)

   

(.62

)

Less distributions from:

 

Net investment income

   

     

     

     

(.41

)

   

(.53

)

Total distributions

   

     

     

     

(.41

)

   

(.53

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

6.46

   

$

9.87

   

$

14.93

   

$

15.49

   

$

16.18

 
   

Total Returnb

   

(34.55

%)

   

(33.89

%)

   

(3.62

%)

   

(1.63

%)

   

(3.61

%)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

621

   

$

3,419

   

$

1,990

   

$

5,840

   

$

5,223

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

(1.26

%)

   

(1.03

%)

   

(1.50

%)

   

(1.40

%)

   

(1.47

%)

Total expensesc

   

1.75

%

   

1.64

%

   

1.63

%

   

1.59

%

   

1.66

%

Net expensesd

   

1.62

%

   

1.56

%

   

1.53

%

   

1.49

%

   

1.55

%

Portfolio turnover rate

   

486

%

   

238

%

   

     

     

 

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2012

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2011

 

Per Share Data

                             

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

9.15

   

$

13.93

   

$

14.56

   

$

15.34

   

$

16.58

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)a

   

(.16

)

   

(.23

)

   

(.32

)

   

(.33

)

   

(.37

)

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

   

(3.04

)

   

(4.55

)

   

(.31

)

   

(.04

)

   

(.34

)

Total from investment operations

   

(3.20

)

   

(4.78

)

   

(.63

)

   

(.37

)

   

(.71

)

Less distributions from:

 

Net investment income

   

     

     

     

(.41

)

   

(.53

)

Total distributions

   

     

     

     

(.41

)

   

(.53

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

5.95

   

$

9.15

   

$

13.93

   

$

14.56

   

$

15.34

 
   

Total Returnb

   

(34.97

%)

   

(34.31

%)

   

(4.33

%)

   

(2.38

%)

   

(4.32

%)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

502

   

$

1,135

   

$

1,947

   

$

2,575

   

$

3,558

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

(1.95

%)

   

(1.77

%)

   

(2.25

%)

   

(2.15

%)

   

(2.22

%)

Total expensesc

   

2.49

%

   

2.39

%

   

2.39

%

   

2.34

%

   

2.41

%

Net expensesd

   

2.35

%

   

2.32

%

   

2.28

%

   

2.24

%

   

2.30

%

Portfolio turnover rate

   

486

%

   

238

%

   

     

     

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2012

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2011

 

Per Share Data

                             

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

9.89

   

$

14.95

   

$

15.50

   

$

16.18

   

$

17.33

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)a

   

(.11

)

   

(.15

)

   

(.23

)

   

(.23

)

   

(.27

)

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

   

(3.31

)

   

(4.91

)

   

(.32

)

   

(.04

)

   

(.35

)

Total from investment operations

   

(3.42

)

   

(5.06

)

   

(.55

)

   

(.27

)

   

(.62

)

Less distributions from:

 

Net investment income

   

     

     

     

(.41

)

   

(.53

)

Total distributions

   

     

     

     

(.41

)

   

(.53

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

6.47

   

$

9.89

   

$

14.95

   

$

15.50

   

$

16.18

 
   

Total Returnb

   

(34.58

%)

   

(33.85

%)

   

(3.55

%)

   

(1.57

%)

   

(3.67

%)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

8,555

   

$

8,160

   

$

12,042

   

$

23,671

   

$

14,982

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

(1.33

%)

   

(1.05

%)

   

(1.50

%)

   

(1.40

%)

   

(1.47

%)

Total expensesc

   

1.75

%

   

1.65

%

   

1.63

%

   

1.60

%

   

1.66

%

Net expensesd

   

1.63

%

   

1.57

%

   

1.53

%

   

1.49

%

   

1.56

%

Portfolio turnover rate

   

486

%

   

238

%

   

     

     

 

 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers.

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Organization, Consolidation of Subsidiary and Significant
Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (”1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate Fund. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of no par value shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of eight separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, Advisor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares have a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At December 31, 2015, the Trust consisted of fifty-three funds.

 

This report covers the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Commodities Strategy Fund (the “Funds”), each a non-diversified investment company. Only A-Class, C-Class, H-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class had been issued by the Funds.

 

Guggenheim Investments (“GI”) provides advisory services, and Rydex Fund Services, LLC (“RFS”) provides transfer agent, administrative and accounting services to the Trust. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI, RFS and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Consolidation of Subsidiary

 

Each of the consolidated financial statements of the Funds includes the accounts of a wholly-owned and controlled Cayman Islands subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation for the Funds.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Each Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in its Subsidiary which acts as an investment vehicle in order to effect certain investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies.

 

A summary of each Fund’s investment in its respective Subsidiary is as follows:

 

Fund

Inception
Date of
Subsidiary

 

Subsidiary
Net Assets at
December 31,
2015

   

% of Net Assets
of the Fund at
December 31,
2015

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

09/18/09

 

$

6,789,575

     

5.5

%

Commodities Stragegy Fund

09/08/09

   

1,952,125

     

20.2

%

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Funds operate as investment companies and accordingly follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

 

The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each Class of the Funds is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.

 

A. The Board of Trustees of the Funds (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Funds’ securities or other assets.

 

Valuations of the Funds’ securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed and will review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness.

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The Funds’ officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used by, and valuations provided by, the pricing services.

 

If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.

 

Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sales price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on a given day, the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day.

 

Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currency are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of business. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Valuation Committee will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include those discussed above, as well as the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, ADR trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities such as World Equity Benchmark Securities. In addition, the Board of Trustees has authorized the Valuation Committee and GI to use prices and other information supplied by a third party pricing vendor in valuing foreign securities.

 

Open-end investment companies (“Mutual Funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end investment companies (“CEFs”) are valued at the last quoted sales price.

 

Repurchase agreements are valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

Listed options are valued at the Official Settlement Price listed by the exchange, usually as of 4:00 p.m. Long options are valued using the bid price and short options are valued using the ask price. In the event that a settlement price is not

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

available, fair valuation is enacted. Over-the-counter options are valued using the average bid price (for long options), or average ask price (for short options) obtained from one or more security dealers.

 

The value of futures contracts is accounted for using the unrealized gain or loss on the contracts that is determined by marking the contracts to their current realized settlement prices. Financial futures contracts are valued at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the Official Settlement Price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

The value of OTC swap agreements and credit default swap agreements entered into by a Fund is accounted for using the unrealized gain or loss on the agreements that is determined by marking the agreements to the last quoted value of the index that the swap pertains to at the close of the NYSE. The swap’s value is then adjusted to include dividends accrued, and financing charges and/or interest associated with the swap agreements.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by GI under the direction of the Board of Trustees using methods established or ratified by the Board of Trustees. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s) “fair value.” Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to: (i) the type of security, (ii) the initial cost of the security, (iii) the existence of any contractual restrictions on the security’s disposition, (iv) the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies, (v) quotations or evaluated prices from broker-dealers and/or pricing services, (vi) information obtained from the issuer, analysts, and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities), (vii) an analysis of the company’s financial statements, and (viii) an evaluation of the forces that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold (e.g. the existence of pending merger activity, public offerings or tender offers that might affect the value of the security). In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

B. When a Fund engages in a short sale of a security, an amount equal to the proceeds is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the market value of the short sale. The Fund maintains a segregated account of cash and/or securities as collateral for short sales.

 

Fees, if any, paid to brokers to borrow securities in connection with short sales are recorded as interest expense. In addition, the Fund must pay out the dividend rate of the equity or coupon rate of the obligation to the lender and record this as an expense. Short dividend or interest expense is a cost associated with the investment objective of short sales transactions, rather than an operational cost associated with the day-to-day management of any mutual fund. The Funds may also receive rebate income from the broker resulting from the investment of the proceeds from securities sold short.

 

C. Upon the purchase of an option, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. If a purchased option expires, the Fund realizes a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. When the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, it realizes a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. When the Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the security purchased by the Fund upon exercise increases by the premium originally paid.

 

When the Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium received is entered in that Fund’s accounting records as an asset and equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written option expires, or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold).

 

D. Upon entering into a futures contract, a Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

E. Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized gain or loss. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of the agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

Credit default swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized gain or loss. Upfront payments received or made by a Fund on credit default swap agreements are amortized over the expected life of the agreement. Periodic payments received or made as a result of a credit event or termination of the contract are recognized, net of a proportional amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses.

 

F. The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Funds. Foreign investments may also subject the Funds to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments. Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

G. Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the respective Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income from REITs is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and capital gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

H. Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

I. Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized gains and losses are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust on a pro rata basis upon the respective aggregate net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

J. The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian. Periodically, a Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate.

 

K. Under the Funds’ organizational documents, their Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds and/or their affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

2. Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

As part of their investment strategy, the Funds utilize short sales and a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of the amounts recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Short Sales

 

A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own. If the security sold short decreases in price between the time the Fund sells the security and closes its short position, that Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the security increases in price during the period, that Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.

 

Derivatives

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations. The Funds may utilize derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest rate risk of a portfolio.

 

Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.

 

Income: the use of any instrument that distributes periodic cash flows typically based upon some rate of interest.

 

Index Exposure: the use of an instrument to obtain exposure to a listed or other type of index.

 

Leverage: gaining total exposure to equities or other assets on the long and short sides at greater than 100% of invested capital.

 

Liquidity: the ability to buy or sell exposure with little price/market impact.

 

Speculation: the use of an instrument to express macro-economic and other investment views.

 

68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For any Fund whose investment strategy consistently involves applying leverage, the value of the Fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in the underlying index or other asset. In addition, because an investment in derivative instruments generally requires a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed, an opportunity for increased net income is created; but, at the same time, leverage risk will increase. The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if they had not been leveraged.

 

Options Written

 

The risk in writing a call option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the underlying securities where a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market; or, for OTC options, a Fund may be at risk because of the counterparty’s inability to perform.

 

The following tables represent the Funds’ use and activity of options written for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

Fund

Use

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Hedge, Income

 

Written Call Options

           
   

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 
   

Number of
Contracts

   

Premium
Amount

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

   

   

$

 

Options Written

   

174

     

10,572

 

Options terminated in closing purchase transactions

   

     

 

Options expired

   

(144

)

   

(9,223

)

Options exercised

   

     

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

   

30

   

$

1,349

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Futures

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Funds use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Funds because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Schedules of Investments.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of futures for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

      

           Average Notional

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Duration, Hedge, Index Exposure, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation

 

$

66,263,269

   

$

24,766,021

 

Commodities Strategy Fund

Index Exposure, Liquidity

   

8,378,852

     

148,538

 

 

Swaps

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. A Fund utilizing OTC swaps bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing. Central clearing generally reduces counterparty credit risk and increases liquidity, but central clearing does not make swap transactions risk-free. Additionally, there is no guarantee that a Fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

 

70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Total return swaps involve commitments where single or multiple cash flows are exchanged based on the price of an underlying reference asset (such as index or basket) or a fixed or variable interest rate. Index swaps will usually be computed based on the current index value as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or other exchange, with the swap value being adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest associated with the swap agreement. A fund utilizing a total return index swap bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying index declines in value.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of total return swaps on a quarterly basis:

 

      

           Average Notional

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Hedge, Index Exposure, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation

 

$

15,318,087

   

$

6,418,169

 

 

A credit default swap enables a Fund to buy or sell protection against a defined credit event of an issuer or a basket of securities. Generally, the seller of credit protection against an issuer or basket of securities receives a periodic payment from the buyer to compensate against potential default events. If a default event occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation in exchange for the reference obligation. If no default occurs, the counterparty will pay the stream of payments and have no further obligations to the Fund selling the credit protection. A Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty, or in the case of a credit default swap in which the Fund is selling credit protection, the default of a third party issuer.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of credit default swaps on a quarterly basis:

 

      

           Average Notional

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Hedge, Index Exposure, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation

 

$

   

$

1,219,131

 

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2015:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Currency/Interest Rate/Commodity contracts

Variation margin

Variation margin

Equity/Credit contracts

Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements

Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements

Equity contracts

 

Options written, at value

 

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Funds’ derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at December 31, 2015:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

 

Fund

 

Futures

Equity Contracts*

   

Swaps

Equity Contracts

   

Futures Currency Contracts*

   

Futures Interest

Rate Contracts*

   

Futures Commodity Contracts*

   

Options Purchased Equity Contracts

   

Total Value at December 31, 2015

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

194,857

   

$

341,822

   

$

52,437

   

$

137,308

   

$

254,656

   

$

   

$

981,080

 

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

 

Fund

 

Futures

Equity Contracts*

   

Swaps

Equity Contracts

   

Futures Currency Contracts*

   

Futures Interest

Rate Contracts*

   

Futures Commodity Contracts*

   

Options Written

Equity Contracts

   

Total Value at December 31, 2015

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

47,102

   

$

444,693

   

$

4,032

   

$

10,734

   

$

107,254

   

$

450

   

$

614,265

 

Commodities Strategy Fund

   

     

     

     

     

58,237

     

     

58,237

 

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Schedules of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Currency/Interest Rate/Commodity contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Equity/Credit contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

Equity contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on options purchased

 

Net realized gain (loss) on options written

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on options written

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations

 

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Contracts

   

Swaps
Equity
Contracts

   

Futures
Currency
Contracts

   

Futures
Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Futures
Commodity
Contracts

   

Swaps
Credit
Default
Contracts

   

Options
Written
Equity
Contracts

   

Options
Purchased Equity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

123,143

   

$

691,354

   

$

(206,684

)

 

$

615,518

   

$

872,384

   

$

98,948

   

$

9,223

   

$

(1,121

)

 

$

2,202,765

 

Commodities Strategy Fund

   

     

     

     

     

(4,947,756

)

   

     

     

     

(4,947,756

)

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations

 

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Contracts

   

Swaps
Equity
Contracts

   

Futures
Currency
Contracts

   

Futures
Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Futures
Commodity
Contracts

   

Swaps
Credit
Default
Contracts

   

Options
Written
Equity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

(168,140

)

 

$

(339,999

)

 

$

(21,120

)

 

$

(658,605

)

 

$

(303,211

)

 

$

(60,876

)

 

$

899

   

$

(1,551,052

)

Commodities Strategy Fund

   

     

     

     

     

494,172

     

     

     

494,172

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

In conjunction with the use of short sales and derivative instruments, the Funds are required to maintain collateral in various forms. The Funds use, where appropriate, depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or the repurchase agreements allocated to each Fund.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.

 

3. Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Funds and each Subsidiary pay GI investment advisory fees calculated at their annualized rates below, based on the average daily net assets of the Funds:

 

Fund

Management Fees
(as a % of Net Assets)

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

1.15%

Commodities Strategy Fund

0.75%

 

GI has contractually agreed to waive the management fee it receives from the Subsidiary in an amount equal to the management fee paid to GI by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue in effect for so long as the Funds invest in the Subsidiary, and may not be terminated by GI unless GI obtains the prior approval of the Funds’ Board of Trustees for such termination.

 

As part of its agreement with the Trust, GI will pay all expenses of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, except interest expense, taxes (expected to be de minimis), brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with execution of portfolio transactions, short dividend expenses, subsidiary expenses and extraordinary expenses.

 

RFS provides transfer agent and administrative services to the Commodities Strategy Fund for fees calculated at the annualized rate of 0.25% based on the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

RFS also provides accounting services to the Commodities Strategy Fund for fees calculated at annualized rates below, based on the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

Fund Accounting Fees

(as a % of Net Assets)

On the first $250 million

0.10%

On the next $250 million

0.075%

On the next $250 million

0.05%

Over $750 million

0.03%

 

RFS engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan applicable to A-Class shares,H-Class shares and P-Class shares for which GFD and other firms that provide distribution and/or shareholder services (“Service Providers”) may receive compensation. If a Service Provider provides distribution services, the Funds will pay distribution fees to GFD at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. GFD, in turn, will pay the Service Provider out of its fees. GFD may, at its discretion, retain a portion of such payments to compensate itself for distribution services.

 

The Trust has adopted a separate Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan applicable to its C-Class shares that allows the Funds to pay annual distribution and service fees of 1.00% of the Funds’ C-Class shares average daily net assets. The annual 0.25% service fee compensates a shareholder’s financial adviser for providing ongoing services to the shareholder. The annual distribution fee of 0.75% reimburses GFD for paying the shareholder’s financial adviser an ongoing sales commission. GFD advances the first year’s service and distribution fees to the financial adviser. GFD retains the service and distribution fees on accounts with no authorized dealer of record.

 

If a Fund invests in an affiliated fund, the investing Fund’s Adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund waived $79 related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, GFD retained sales charges of $366,266 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI, RFS and GFD.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

4. Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Funds would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 —

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 —

significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 —

significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.

 

5. Repurchase Agreements

 

The Funds transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agencies. The collateral is in the possession of the Funds’ custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements. Each Fund holds a pro rata share of the collateral based on the dollar amount of the repurchase agreement entered into by each Fund.

 

76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

At December 31, 2015, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

Face
Value

Repurchase Price

 

Collateral

Par
Value

Fair
Value

Royal Bank of Canada

     

U.S. TIP Notes

   

0.24%

     

0.13% - 2.38%

   

Due 01/04/16

$250,241,221

$250,247,894

 

04/15/18 - 01/15/25

$188,518,600

$226,206,912

       

U.S. Treasury Note

   
       

1.50%

   
       

05/31/20

29,220,000

29,039,171

         

$217,738,600

$255,246,083

             

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

     

U.S. Treasury Notes

   

0.18%

     

1.00% - 3.25%

   

Due 01/04/16

150,000,000

150,003,000

 

09/30/16 - 12/31/16

150,514,600

153,000,027

             

HSBC Group

     

U.S. Treasury Strips

   

0.18%

     

0.00%

   

Due 01/04/16

147,711,070

147,714,024

 

11/15/40 - 02/15/43

349,130,000

150,665,329

 

In the event of counterparty default, the Funds have the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Funds in the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Funds seek to assert their rights. The Funds’ investment adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.

 

6. Portfolio Securities Loaned

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, certain Funds lent their securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Security lending income shown on the Statements of Operations are net of rebates paid to borrowers and earnings on cash collateral investments shared with the lending agent. As of December 31, 2015, all Funds had ceased participation in securities lending.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

7. Offsetting

 

In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Funds to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.

 

In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Funds mitigate their counterparty risk, the Funds may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with their derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a Fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

 

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark to market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Funds and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Funds and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, is reported separately on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from their counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Funds bear the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Funds attempt to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that they believe to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements and offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities in conformity with U.S. GAAP.

 

                       

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

       

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets1

   

Gross Amounts Offset In the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities

   

Net Amount

of Assets Presented

on the
Statement
of Assets and Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash Collateral Received

   

Net
Amount

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Swap equity contracts

 

$

341,822

   

$

   

$

341,822

   

$

341,822

   

$

   

$

 

 

                       

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

       

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities1

   

Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities

   

Net Amount

of Liabilities Presented
on the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash Collateral Pledged

   

Net
Amount

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Swap equity contracts

 

$

444,693

   

$

   

$

444,693

   

$

341,822

   

$

102,871

   

$

 

 

1

Exchange-traded futures are excluded from these reported amounts.

 

8. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds intend to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Funds from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax is required.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken, or to be taken, on Federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

The Funds intend to invest up to 25% of their assets in the Subsidiary which is expected to provide the Funds with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Funds have received a private letter ruling from the IRS that concludes that the income the Funds receive from the Subsidiary will constitute qualifying income for purposes of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Subsidiary will be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A foreign corporation, such as the Subsidiary, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless it is deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business.

 

Tax basis capital losses in excess of capital gains are carried forward to offset future net capital gains. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the following capital loss carryforward amounts expired, were used, or were permananetly lost due to loss limitation rules in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

Fund

 

Amount

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

2,473,427

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2015, are as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

   

$

   

$

 

Commodities Strategy Fund

   

     

     

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2014, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

800,775

   

$

   

$

800,775

 

Commodities Strategy Fund

   

     

     

 

 

Note: For federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The tax character of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) as of December 31, 2015, is as follows:

 

Fund

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

   

Capital Loss
Carryforward

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

205,134

   

$

   

$

(592,846

)

 

$

(41,445,037

)

Commodities Strategy Fund

   

     

     

(2,838,313

)

   

(19,884,608

)

 

For Federal income tax purposes capital loss carryfowards represent realized losses that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. For taxable years beginning on or before December 22, 2010, such capital losses may be carried forward for a maximum of eight years. Pursuant to the RIC Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010, without expiration and retain their short and/or long-term character. However, post-enactment losses must be utilized prior to pre-enactment capital loss carryfowards. As a result of this ordering rule pre-enactment carryfowards are more likely to expire unused. As of December 31, 2015, capital loss carryfowards for the Funds were as follows:

 

                     

Unlimited

       

Fund

 

Expires in
2016

   

Expires in
2017

   

Expires in
2018

   

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

   

Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

(32,389,854

)

 

$

(8,823,539

)

 

$

(219,647

)

 

$

(2,783

)

 

$

(9,214

)

 

$

(41,445,037

)*

Commodities Strategy Fund

   

     

(19,850,783

)

   

     

(29,619

)

   

(4,206

)

   

(19,884,608

)

 

*

In accordance with section 382 of the Internal revenue Code a portion of certain Fund losses are subject to an annual limitation. Note, this annual limitation is generally applicable to all of the capital loss carryforwards shown with respect to each Fund.

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to wash sales, investments in subsidiary, net operating losses, and expired capital loss carryforwards. To the extent these differences are permanent, reclassifications are made to the appropriate equity accounts in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

On the Statements of Assets and Liabilities the following adjustments were made for permanent book/tax differences:

 

Fund

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Accumulated
Net Investment
Loss

   

Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

318,775

   

$

335,890

   

$

(654,665

)

Commodities Strategy Fund

   

(5,056,233

)

   

108,475

     

4,947,758

 

 

At December 31, 2015, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized gain for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost, and the aggregate gross unrealized loss for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Gain

   

Tax
Unrealized
Loss

   

Net
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

105,846,286

   

$

3,181,608

   

$

(3,002,199

)

 

$

179,409

 

Commodities Strategy Fund

   

11,081,743

     

     

(2,780,076

)

   

(2,780,076

)

 

9. Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

211,535,816

   

$

206,357,961

 

Commodities Strategy Fund

   

13,787,668

     

36,630,000

 

 

10. Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under GI, result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Funds may invest in the Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust consisting of Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II, Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, and Guggenheim Variable Insurance Strategy Fund III (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The

 

82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2015, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180415000857/gug63224-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the year ended December 31, 2015, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person” are as follows:

 

Affiliated issuers
by Fund

 

Value
12/31/14

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Value
12/31/15

   

Shares
12/31/15

   

Investment
Income

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

                   

Advent Claymore Convertible Securities and Income Fund

 

$

   

$

11,288

   

$

   

$

9,667

     

715

   

$

386

   

$

 

Advent Claymore Convertible Securities and Income Fund II

   

     

222,581

     

(7,853

)

   

191,447

     

34,495

     

10,283

     

(1,025

)

Advent/Claymore Enhanced Growth & Income Fund

   

     

73,528

     

(8,304

)

   

60,470

     

7,312

     

3,086

     

(1,405

)

Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund

   

     

13,729

     

     

13,286

     

1,730

     

354

     

 

Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Strategy Fund

   

     

13,506

     

     

13,042

     

827

     

316

     

 

Guggenheim Equal Weight Enhanced Equity Income Fund

   

     

8,021

     

     

8,170

     

500

     

219

     

 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

   

     

19,800

     

     

19,796

     

796

     

212

     

10,240

 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

   

     

5,923

     

     

5,903

     

238

     

90

     

1,865

 

Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund

   

     

12,491

     

     

12,989

     

944

     

     

 

Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund

   

     

518,493

     

(72,248

)

   

407,659

     

39,617

     

5,477

     

(11,453

)

Western Asset/Claymore Inflation-Linked Securities & Income Fund

   

     

409,068

     

(10,859

)

   

368,734

     

34,885

     

2,444

     

(1,721

)

   

$

   

$

1,308,428

   

$

(99,264

)

 

$

1,111,163

           

$

22,867

   

$

(3,499

)

                                                         

Commodities Strategy Fund

                                                 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

 

$

   

$

12,537,952

   

$

(9,400,000

)

 

$

3,139,901

     

126,253

   

$

8,227

   

$

6,746

 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

   

     

5,046,687

     

(4,050,000

)

   

992,902

     

40,036

     

14,205

     

3,437

 
   

$

   

$

17,584,639

   

$

(13,450,000

)

 

$

4,132,803

           

$

22,432

   

$

10,183

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

11. Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted $75,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which expires June 12, 2016. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 1.25% for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at December 31, 2015, and did not participate in borrowing during the year.

 

12. Security Transactions with Affiliated Funds

 

The Funds are permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by a Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Funds engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

 

$

   

$

367,299

 

 

13. Legal Proceedings

 

Tribune Company

 

Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant and a putative member of the proposed defendant class of shareholders in the case entitled Kirschner v. FitzSimons, No. 12-2652 (S.D.N.Y.) (formerly Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Tribune Co. v. FitzSimons, Adv. Pro. No. 10-54010 (Bankr. D. Del.)) (the “FitzSimons action”), as a result of ownership by certain series of the Rydex Series Funds of shares in the Tribune Company (“Tribune”) in 2007, when Tribune effected a leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”) by which Tribune converted to a privately-held company. In his complaint, the plaintiff has alleged that, in connection with the LBO, Tribune insiders and shareholders were overpaid for their Tribune stock using financing that the insiders knew would, and ultimately did, leave the Tribune Company insolvent. The plaintiff has asserted claims against certain insiders, major

 

84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

shareholders, professional advisers, and others involved in the LBO. The plaintiff is also attempting to obtain from former Tribune shareholders, including the Rydex Series Funds, the proceeds they received in connection with the LBO.

 

In June 2011, a group of Tribune creditors filed multiple actions against former Tribune shareholders involving state law constructive fraudulent conveyance claims arising out of the 2007 LBO (the “SLCFC actions”). Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant in one of the SLCFC actions: Deutsche Bank Trust Co. Americas v. McGurn, No. 11-1510 (S.D.N.Y.). In those actions, the creditors seek to recover from Tribune’s former shareholders the proceeds received in connection with the 2007 LBO.

 

The FitzSimons action and the SLCFC actions have been consolidated with the majority of the other Tribune LBO-related lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation proceeding captioned In re Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., No. 11-md-2696 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

On September 23, 2013, the District Court granted the defendants’ omnibus motion to dismiss the SLCFC actions, on the basis that the creditors lacked standing. On September 30, 2013, the creditors filed a notice of appeal of the September 23 order. On October 28, 2013, the defendants filed a joint notice of cross-appeal of that same order.

 

The SLCFC appeals have been fully briefed, and oral argument in front of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit occurred on November 5, 2014. The Court has not yet issued a decision on the appeals.

 

On May 23, 2014, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the FitzSimons action, including a global motion to dismiss Count I, which is the claim brought against former Tribune shareholders for intentional fraudulent conveyance under U.S. federal law. The Court has not yet issued a decision on any of these motions.

 

None of these lawsuits alleges any wrongdoing on the part of Rydex Series Funds. The following series of Rydex Series Funds held shares of Tribune and tendered these shares as part of Tribune’s LBO: Nova Fund, S&P 500® Pure Value Fund, Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund, S&P 500® Fund, Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Hedged Equity Fund (the “Funds”). The value of the proceeds received by the foregoing Funds was $28,220, $109,242, $9,860, $3,400, $1,181,160, and $10,880, respectively. At this stage of the proceedings, Rydex Series Funds is not able to make a reliable predication as to the outcome of these lawsuits or the effect, if any, on a Fund’s net asset value.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Lyondell Chemical Company

 

In December 2011, Rydex Series Funds was named as a defendant in Weisfelner, as Trustee of the LB Creditor Trust, v. Fund 1 (In re Lyondell Chemical Co.), Adv. Pro. No. 10-4609 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.) (the “Creditor Trust action”).

 

Similar to the claims made in the Tribune matter, the Weisfelner complaint seeks to have set aside and recovered as fraudulent transfers from former Lyondell Chemical Company (“Lyondell”) shareholders the consideration paid to them pursuant to the cash out merger of Lyondell shareholders in connection with the combination of Lyondell and Basell AF in 2007. Lyondell filed for bankruptcy in 2008.

 

On April 7, 2014, the plaintiff filed a Third Amended Complaint. In the related action entitled Weisfelner, as Trustee of the LB Litigation Trust v. A. Holmes & H. Holmes TTEE (In re Lyondell Co.), Adv. Pro. No. 10-5525 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.) (the “Litigation Trust action”), the plaintiff also filed a Second Amended Complaint that alleges a claim against the former Lyondell shareholders under federal law for intentional fraudulent transfer. A third related action against the former Lyondell shareholders, Weisfelner, as Trustee of the LB Creditor Trust v. Reichman, Adv. Pro. No. 12-1570 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.) (the “Reichman action”), is pending as well.

 

On May 8, 2014, the plaintiff in the Litigation Trust action filed a motion to certify a defendant class generally comprised of all former Lyondell shareholders that received proceeds in exchange for their shares in the 2007 merger transaction.

 

On July 30, 2014, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss these lawsuits. The Bankruptcy Court held oral argument on the motion to dismiss and on the motion for class certification on January 14 and January 15, 2015. On September 15, 2015, the Bankruptcy Court denied the motion for class certification without prejudice to the plaintiff’s right to file a renewed motion. On November 18, 2015, the Bankruptcy Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the Litigation Trust action and denied their motion to dismiss the Creditor Trust and Reichman actions. The Litigation Trust action is now over, but the plaintiff has appealed the dismissal to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Discovery has commenced, and will continue, in the Creditor Trust and Reichman actions.

 

These lawsuits do not allege any wrongdoing on the part of Rydex Series Funds. The following series of Rydex Series Funds received cash proceeds from the cash out merger in the following amounts: Basic Materials Fund - $1,725,168; Long Short Equity Fund f/k/a U.S. Long Short Momentum Fund - $2,193,600; Global 130/30 Strategy Fund - $37,920; Hedged Equity Fund - $1,440; and Multi-Hedge

 

86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

Strategies Fund - $1,116,480. At this stage of the proceedings, Rydex Series Funds is not able to make a reliable predication as to the outcome of these lawsuits or the effect, if any, on a Fund’s net asset value.

 

14. H-Class Shares

 

Effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015, (the “Redesignation Date”), all outstanding H-Class shares of the Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund were redesignated as P-Class shares, and the Fund will no longer offer H-Class shares.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders
of Rydex Series Funds:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedules of investments, of Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Rydex Commodities Strategy Fund (two of the series constituting the Rydex Series Funds) (the “Funds”) as of December 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Rydex Commodities Strategy Fund (two of the series constituting the Rydex Series Funds) at December 31, 2015, the consolidated results of their operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and their consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

McLean, Virginia
February 26, 2016

 

88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website 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 without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 


INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name,

Address* and

Year of Birth

of Trustee

Position(s) Held with the

Trust, Term of Office and

Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios

in Fund

Complex

Overseen by Trustee***

Other

Directorships

Held by

Trustee

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

     

Donald C. Cacciapaglia**

(1951)

Trustee from 2012 to present.

Current: President and CEO, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Vice Chairman, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).

 

Former: and CEO, Channel Capital Group, Inc. (2002-2010).

237

Clear Spring Life Insurance Company (2015-present); Guggenheim Partners Japan, Ltd. (2014-present); Delaware Life (2013-present); Guggenheim Life and Annuity Company (2011-present); Paragon Life Insurance Company of Indiana (2011-present).

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Corey A. Colehour

(1945)

Trustee from 1993 to present; Member of the Audit Committee from 1994 to present; Member of the Governance Committee from 2014 to present; and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2014 to present.

Retired.

133

None.

 

90 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name,

Address* and

Year of Birth

of Trustee

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios

in Fund

Complex

Overseen by

Trustee***

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

J. Kenneth Dalton

(1941)

Trustee from 1995 to present; Chairman and Member of the Audit Committee from 1997 to present; and Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2010 to present.

Retired.

133

Epiphany Funds (4) (2009-present).

John O. Demaret

(1940)

Vice Chairman of the Board from 2014 to present (Chairman of the Board from 2006 to 2014); Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 1997 to present; Chairman (since 2014) and Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2010 to present; Chairman and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2014 to present; and Member of the Nominating Committee from 2014 to present.

Retired.

133

None.

Werner E. Keller

(1940)

Chairman of the Board from 2014 to present (Vice Chairman of the Board from 2010 to 2014); Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 2005 to present; and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2014 to present.

Current: Founder and President, Keller Partners, LLC (investment research firm) (2005-present).

133

None.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 


INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name,

Address* and

Year of Birth

of Trustee

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios

in Fund

Complex

Overseen by

Trustee***

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 2005 to present; Member of the Nominating Committee from 2005 to present; and Member of the Governance Committee from 2007 to present.

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present).

133

US Global Investors (GROW) (1995-present).

Patrick T. McCarville

(1942)

Trustee from 1997 to present; Member of the Audit Committee from 1997 to present; Chairman and Member of the Nominating Committee from 2004 to present; Chairman and Member of the Governance Committee from 2007 to present; and Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2014 to present.

Retired.

 

Former: Chief Executive Officer, Par Industries, Inc., d/b/a Par Leasing (1977-2010).

133

None.

 

Name,

Address*

and Year

of Birth

Position(s) Held with the

Trust, Term of Office and

Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS

   

Donald C. Cacciapaglia

(1951)

President (2012-present).

Current: President and CEO, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Vice Chairman, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).

 

Former: Chairman and CEO, Channel Capital Group Inc. (2002-2010).

 

92 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name,

Address* and

Year of Birth

Position(s) Held with th

 Trust, Term of Office and

Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s) 
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Michael P. Byrum

(1970)

Vice President (1999-present).

Current: Senior Vice President, Security Investors, LLC (2010-present); President and Chief Investment Officer, Rydex Holdings, LLC (2008-present); Director and Chairman, Advisory Research Center, Inc. (2006-present); Manager, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2005-present).

 

Former: Vice President, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009); Director (2009-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Fund Services, LLC; Director (2008-2010), Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors, LLC; Director (2008-2010), Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors II, LLC.

Nikolaos

Bonos

(1963)

Vice President and Treasurer (2003-present).

Current: Senior Vice President, Security Investors, LLC (2010-present); Chief Executive Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2009-present); Chief Executive Officer & President, Rydex Fund Services, LLC (2009-present); Vice President, Rydex Holdings, LLC (2008-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Security Global Investors, LLC (2010-2011); and Senior Vice President, Rydex Advisors, LLC and Rydex Advisors II, LLC (2006-2011).

Elisabeth

Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer (2012-present).

Current: CCO, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); CCO, Security Investors, LLC (2012-present); CCO, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (March 2014-present).

 

Former: CCO, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-March 2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2009); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2009).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 


INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name,

Address* and

Year of Birth

Position(s) Held with the

Trust, Term of Office and

Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Joseph M. Arruda

(1966)

Assistant Treasurer (2006-present).

Current: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present); Vice President, Security Investors, LLC (2010-present); CFO and Manager, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2009-present).

 

Former: Vice President, Security Global Investors, LLC (2010-2011); Vice President, Rydex Advisors, LLC (2010); Vice President, Rydex Advisors II, LLC (2010).

Paul J. Davio

(1972)

Assistant Treasurer (2014-present).

Current: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2006-present).

 

Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration, Guggenheim Investments (2003-2006).

Amy J. Lee

(1961)

Vice President (2009-present) and Secretary (2012-present).

Current: Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2013-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

 

*

All Trustees and Officers may be reached c/o Guggenheim Investments, 805 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20850.

**

Mr. Cacciapaglia is an “interested” person of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act by virtue of his affiliation with the Adviser’s parent company.

***

The “Fund Complex” includes all closed-end and open-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Adviser and any funds that have an investment adviser or servicing agent that is an affiliated person of the Adviser. Information provided is as of the date of this report.

 

94 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES (Unaudited)

 

Rydex Funds, Guggenheim Funds, Rydex Investments, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Security Distributors, Inc., Guggenheim Partners Investment Managers, LLC, and Rydex Advisory Services (Collectively “Guggenheim Investments”).

 

Our Commitment to You

 

When you become a Guggenheim Investments investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with personal and financial information about you. We recognize that your relationship with us is based on trust and that you expect us to act responsibly and in your best interests. Because we have access to this private information about you, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. This means, most importantly, that we do not sell client information to anyone—whether it is your personal information or if you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

In the course of doing business with shareholders and investors, we collect nonpublic personal information about you. You typically provide personal information when you complete a Guggenheim Investments account application or when you request a transaction that involves Rydex and Guggenheim Investments funds or one of the Guggenheim Investments affiliated companies. “Nonpublic personal information” is personally identifiable private information about you. For example, it includes information regarding your name and address, Social Security or taxpayer identification number, assets, income, account balance, bank account information and investment activity (e.g., purchase and redemption history).

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

As emphasized above, we do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share such information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request or to make you aware of related investment products and services that we offer. Additional details about how we handle your personal information are provided below. To complete certain transactions or account changes that you direct, it may be necessary to provide identifying information to companies, individuals or groups that are not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we will need to provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments investment products and services, we may share your information within the Guggenheim Investments family of affiliated companies. This would include, for example, sharing your information within Guggenheim Investments so we can make you aware of

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 


GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

new Rydex and Guggenheim Investments funds or the services offered through another Guggenheim Investments affiliated company. In certain instances, we may contract with nonaffiliated companies to perform services for us. Where necessary, we will disclose information we have about you to these third parties. In all such cases, we provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its assigned responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. In certain instances, we may share information with other financial institutions regarding individuals and entities in response to the U.S.A. Patriot Act. Finally, we will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so or in other circumstances permitted by law.

 

Opt Out Provisions

 

We do not sell your personal information to anyone. The law allows you to “opt out” of only certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. The firm does not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

Our concern for the privacy of our shareholders also extends to those who use our web site, guggenheiminvestments.com. Our web site uses some of the most secure forms of online communication available, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These technologies provide a high level of security and privacy when you access your account information or initiate online transactions. The Guggenheim Investments web site offers customized features that require our use of “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. However, we make very limited use of these cookies. We only use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your email address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about shareholders to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

96 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 


GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

As required by federal law, we will notify shareholders of our privacy policy annually. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time, but rest assured that if we do change it, we will tell you promptly. You will also be able to access our privacy policy from our web site at guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us at 800.820.0888 or 301.296.5100.

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 


 

 


 

12.31.2015

 

Guggenheim Funds Annual Report

 

Guggenheim Alternative Fund

Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund



 

RMFSF-ANN-1215x1216

guggenheiminvestments.com



 


 


TABLE OF CONTENTS



 

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

9

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

27

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

46

OTHER INFORMATION

48

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

50

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES

56



 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1



 

 


 

December 31, 2015



 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”), is pleased to present the annual shareholder report for the Managed Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) that is part of the Rydex Series Funds. This report covers performance of the Fund for the annual period ended December 31, 2015.

 

The Investment Adviser is a part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim Partners, LLC and Security Investors, LLC.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Performance Report and Fund Profile for each Fund.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Donald C. Cacciapaglia
President
January 31, 2016

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


 

December 31, 2015



 

The Managed Futures Strategy Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s investments in securities and derivatives, in general, are subject to market risks that may cause their prices, and therefore the Fund’s value, to fluctuate over time. An investment in the Fund may lose money. ● The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to those associated with investing directly in securities or other investments, including illiquidity of the derivatives, imperfect correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, lack of availability and counterparty risk. To the extent the Fund invests in derivatives to seek to hedge risk or limit leveraged exposure created by other investments, there is no guarantee that such hedging strategies will be effective at managing risk or limiting exposure to leveraged investments. ● The Funds use of leverage will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The Fund’s use of short selling involves increased risk and costs. The Fund risks paying more for a security than it received from its sale. Theoretically, securities sold short have the risk of unlimited losses. ● The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities will change in value in response to interest rate changes and other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund‘s exposure to high yield, asset backed and mortgaged backed securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● The Fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. ● The Fund’s exposure to the commodity markets may subject the fund to greater volatility as commodity-linked investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity such as droughts, floods, weather, embargos, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. ● The Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or indirectly through the use of other investment companies and financial instruments that are linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. ● This Fund is considered nondiversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of fund shares than would occur in a more diversified fund. ● See the prospectus for more information on these and other risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3



 


ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

December 31, 2015



 

As of December 16, 2015, the meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee of the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) resulted in the Fed raising its target Federal Funds Rate by 25 basis points, its first hike in seven years. This decision to tighten monetary policy was in recognition that growth in the U.S. economy is sufficient to meet expectations in the current recovery. Historically, the period when the Fed begins to tighten leads to an initial sell-off in the bond market, as investors brace themselves for the ill-effects of restrictive monetary policy on the economy. Then, as investors realize the Fed is raising rates because the economy is strong, the fear of defaults diminishes and credit spreads tighten again.

 

The good news is that, while the U.S. economy may not be fast moving, it certainly has a lot of torque. This is creating strong tailwinds as we move into 2016. MasterCard Advisors’ data on holiday spending indicates that sales were up nearly 8% year over year. All told, the risk to fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) is probably to the upside, even as most tracking estimates have been trimmed to around 1%. In addition, the El Niño weather pattern is moving into its most impactful period. Our research indicates that a strong El Niño can add 1% or more to GDP in the first quarter of the year.

 

A factor after the end of the period was market volatility, spurred by concerns over the price of oil and increasing anxiety over global growth. It was marked by turmoil across asset classes, with heavy drawdowns in a variety of indexes and geographies in the first half of January. The sell-off was brutal and unexpected, but initially there was not a corresponding spike in the key measure of equity market volatility, the VIX. However, the sell-off occurred in what is historically a seasonally strong time for equities, and the VIX did start to rise in January.

 

In China, the likely catalyst for the volatile start to the equity market in 2016 was the pending expiration of an insider selling ban. The ban was extended in response to the sell-off, but as expiring restrictions enable market participants to finally escape unwanted positions, a sell-off is inevitable. China’s problems extend beyond political interference in the markets and, despite attempts by policy-makers to quiet the turmoil, we expect to see more volatility. Chinese policymakers have also been struggling to protect the renminbi. Allowing it to depreciate in the short run could be negative for markets—particularly Chinese risk assets, and by extension, U.S. risk assets, as well as falling dollar prices for commodities, given China is a main consumer of commodities. In the long run, a depreciation would be positive for the Chinese manufacturing sector and European producers, who have significant exports to China.

 

Meanwhile, the persistent weakness in oil continues to exert its negative influence on all markets, especially corporate credit. Oil prices likely have further to fall: not until it reaches approximately $25 per barrel will we begin to see oil production shuttered, which should then set the stage to stabilize the energy sector.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

December 31, 2015



 

The next few months are likely to be extremely volatile as markets continue to digest the sell-off that began 2016. However, monetary conditions remain highly supportive for global economic growth, despite the Federal Reserve’s recent actions. The index of leading economic indicators, comprised of 10 components whose changes typically precede changes in the U.S. economy, remains in positive territory and shows no warning signs of recession.

 

Additionally, if market turmoil continues, and lower oil prices dampen headline inflation, the Fed may delay further rate increases. Given strong employment growth and continued wage growth, along with a stimulative fiscal policy now in place, the U.S. economy is likely to thrive in 2016.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 1.38%. The Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -0.81%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -14.92%.

 

In the bond market, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 0.55% return for the period, while the Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -4.47%. The return of the Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.05% for the 12-month period.

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

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 U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS.

 

Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the market of U.S. dollar-denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bonds. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.

 

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the US & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

S&P 500® Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure the performance of the broad economy, representing all major industries and is considered a representation of the U.S. stock market.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 5



 


ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)



 

All mutual funds have operating expenses and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a Fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; and exchange fees; and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the 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 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning June 30, 2015 and ending December 31, 2015.

 

The following tables illustrate a Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return. This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fourth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s 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 provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return. This section is intended to help investors compare a Fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)



 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about a Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for the past five years, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the appropriate Fund prospectus.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7



 


ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)



 

 

Expense Ratio1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
June 30,
2015

Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2015

Expenses Paid During Period2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

   

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.72%

(1.31%)

$1,000.00

$986.90

$8.61

C-Class

2.47%

(1.71%)

1,000.00

982.90

12.35

P-Class

1.72%

(1.31%)

1,000.00

986.90

8.61

Institutional Class

1.47%

(1.17%)

1,000.00

988.30

7.37

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

     

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.72%

5.00%

$1,000.00

$1,016.53

$8.74

C-Class

2.47%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.75

12.53

P-Class

1.72%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.53

8.74

Institutional Class

1.47%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.80

7.48



 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period June 30, 2015 to December 31, 2015.



 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

December 31, 2015



 

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to achieve positive absolute returns.

 

For the one-year period ended December 31, 2015, the Managed Futures Strategy Fund Institutional shares returned -0.80%. The BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, the Fund’s cash benchmark, returned 0.05%.

 

The Fund had a strong first quarter, with profits coming from all sectors, but most notably from Fixed Income, Equities, and Agriculturals. This was followed by a weak second quarter, driven largely by reversals in the Fixed Income and Agricultural markets. The third quarter was slightly negative, with Equities being the main detractor, and with Energies, Metals, and Fixed Income all contributing positively. The Fund was up in the fourth quarter, with Energies, Equities, and Fixed Income all contributing positively to performance.

 

Overall, 2015 was an extremely volatile year, with numerous reversals and aftershocks across all markets–difficult conditions for systematic trend-following strategies. For the year, positive contributions came from Energies, Metals, and Fixed Income, and losses from Agriculturals, Currencies, and Equities. The largest individual market gains came from Brent Crude, Gas Oil, the Japanese Government 10 Year Bond, Aluminum, and the MSCI Taiwan Index. The largest individual losses came from the Swiss Franc, Live Cattle, the FTSE 100, Coffee, and Chicago Wheat.

 

The Fund is comprised of several proprietary strategies which systematically exploit market inefficiencies and trade Commodity, Equity, Fixed Income, and Currency markets around the globe. In 2015, the individual strategies were mixed in their individual performances; some were up while others down.

 

The Fund holds derivatives for a number of reasons, including liquidity, leverage, speculation, and hedging. Derivatives are liquid and allow the fund to gain leveraged access to markets in order to express investment views and to hedge exposures.

 

The Fund takes advantage of Guggenheim’s fixed income expertise in managing the fund’s cash positions primarily through the use of the Guggenheim Strategy Funds.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9



 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2015



 

Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments or investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds. Investments in those Funds do not provide “market exposure” to meet the fund’s investment objective, but will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs and similar investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 2, 2007

C-Class

March 2, 2007

P-Class**

March 2, 2007

Institutional Class

May 3, 2010

Y-Class*

March 29, 2010



 

*

Y-Class closed on June 26, 2015 — See Note 12.

**

H-Class shares redesignated as P-Class shares effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015 — See Note 13.



 

The Fund invests principally in derivative investments such as futures contracts.

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

31.8%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

30.0%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

15.2%

U.S. Treasury Notes

4.5%

Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration ETF

2.4%

Morgan Stanley Reremic Trust 2012-10

0.4%

Total

84.3%

   

“Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.



 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

December 31, 2015



 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11



 


PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

December 31, 2015



 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended December 31, 2015

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since Inception
(03/02/07)

A-Class Shares

-1.06%

-1.32%

0.01%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

-5.76%

-2.28%

-0.54%

C-Class Shares

-1.84%

-2.07%

-0.74%

C-Class Shares with CDSC

-2.79%

-2.07%

-0.74%

P-Class Shares

-1.06%

-1.32%

0.01%

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

0.05%

0.08%

0.77%

       
 

1 Year

5 Year

Since Inception
(05/03/10)

Institutional Class Shares

-0.80%

-1.08%

-0.78%

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

0.05%

0.08%

0.08%



 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and P-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to difference in fee structure.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.



 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2015

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 


 

   

 


Shares

   

Value

 
             

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS†,1 - 2.4%

 

Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration ETF

   

108,400

   

$

5,405,908

 

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

         

(Cost $5,429,550)

           

5,405,908

 
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS†,1 - 77.1%

 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

   

2,860,708

     

71,145,807

 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

   

2,702,649

     

67,025,688

 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

   

1,369,458

     

33,962,550

 

Total Mutual Funds

               

(Cost $172,788,302)

           

172,134,045

 
                 
   

Face
Amount

         
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 4.5%

 

U.S. Treasury Notes

               

0.62% due 08/15/164

 

$

10,000,000

     

9,997,660

 

Total U.S. Treasury Notes

           

9,997,660

 

Total U.S. Government Securities

         

(Cost $10,016,228)

           

9,997,660

 
                 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† - 0.3%

 

Mortgage Securities - 0.3%

 

Morgan Stanley Reremic Trust

               

2012-IO, 1.00% due 03/27/512

   

626,800

     

622,338

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities

         

(Cost $623,884)

           

622,338

 
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 8.1%

 

Royal Bank of Canada
issued 12/31/15 at 0.24%
due 01/04/16

   

8,405,112

     

8,405,112

 

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/15 at 0.18%
due 01/04/16

 

 

5,038,206

   

 

5,038,206

 

HSBC Group
issued 12/31/15 at 0.18%
due 01/04/16

   

4,535,773

     

4,535,773

 

Total Repurchase Agreements

         

(Cost $17,979,091)

           

17,979,091

 
                 

Total Investments - 92.4%

         

(Cost $206,837,055)

         

$

206,139,042

 

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 7.6%

     

17,076,000

 

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

   

$

223,215,042

 


 

  

 

Contracts

   

Unrealized
Gain

 
             

INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED

 

March 2016 Japanese Government 10 Year Bond
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $451,335,774)

   

364

   

$

771,833

 

March 2016 Euro - Bobl
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $131,493,659)

   

924

     

367,211

 

March 2016 Canadian Government 10 Year Bond
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $73,005,953)

   

717

     

356,495

 

March 2016 Euro - Schatz
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $561,648,987)

   

4,633

     

282,000

 

March 2016 U.S. Treasury
10 Year Note
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $7,175,766)

   

57

     

10,543

 


 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13



 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 


 

  

 

Contracts

   

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
             

March 2016 U.S. Treasury Long Bond
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $7,518,438)

   

49

   

$

3,802

 

March 2016 Euro - Bund
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $859,658)

   

5

     

1,574

 

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $1,233,038,235)

   

$

1,793,458

 
                 

COMMODITY FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED

 

February 2016 LME Lead
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $4,314,000)

   

96

   

$

128,392

 

February 2016 Gasoline RBOB
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $2,882,401)

   

54

     

99,171

 

March 2016 Sugar #11
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $4,650,610)

   

273

     

93,943

 

March 2016 Silver
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $5,456,925)

   

79

     

(60,388

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $17,303,936)

   

$

261,118

 
                 

CURRENCY FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED

 

March 2016 Australian Dollar
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $11,036,720)

   

152

   

$

21,151

 

March 2016 Euro FX
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $12,109,563)

   

89

   

 

(33,397

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $23,146,283)

   

$

(12,246

)

                 

EQUITY FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED

 

March 2016 Topix Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $6,104,666)

   

48

   

$

6,246

 

January 2016 CAC 40 10 Euro Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $501,830)

   

10

     

4,387

 

March 2016 Dow Jones Industrial Average Index
Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $9,271,550)

   

107

     

1,908

 

March 2016 SPI 200 Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $961,195)

   

10

     

(3,224

)

January 2016 IBEX 35 Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,948,670)

   

19

     

(7,734

)

March 2016 Nikkei 225
(OSE) Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,719,121)

   

11

     

(14,916

)

January 2016
Amsterdam Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $6,280,919)

   

66

     

(22,498

)



 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.



 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 


 

  

 

Contracts

   

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
             

March 2016
NASDAQ-100 Index
Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $19,629,150)

   

214

   

$

(45,285

)

March 2016 FTSE 100 Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $8,543,503)

   

94

     

(47,991

)

March 2016
Russell 2000 Index
Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $11,409,970)

   

101

     

(63,435

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $66,370,574)

   

$

(192,542

)

                 

COMMODITY FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT

 

February 2016 Low
Sulphur Gas Oil
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $14,432,400)

   

422

   

$

949,000

 

February 2016 New York Harbor Ultra-Low
Sulfur Diesel
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $10,662,435)

   

225

     

531,985

 

March 2016 Hard Red
Winter Wheat
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $15,594,249)

   

670

     

285,145

 

February 2016 Gold 100 oz.
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $12,823,580)

   

121

     

274,968

 

March 2016 Brent Crude
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $10,523,230)

   

277

     

270,387

 

March 2016 Copper
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $5,709,788)

   

107

   

 

142,861

 

February 2016 WTI Crude
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $4,436,400)

   

120

     

137,269

 

March 2016 Corn
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $8,359,300)

   

467

     

71,883

 

March 2016 Soybean
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $4,966,563)

   

115

     

37,973

 

March 2016 Wheat
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $2,699,625)

   

115

     

4,305

 

February 2016 Live Cattle
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $272,500)

   

5

     

(147

)

March 2016 Cotton #2
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,393,040)

   

44

     

(948

)

February 2016 Lean Hogs
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $6,586,250)

   

275

     

(17,725

)

February 2016 LME Nickel
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $3,221,349)

   

61

     

(26,008

)

February 2016 LME Primary Aluminum
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $9,467,406)

   

251

     

(49,676

)



 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15



 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 


 

  

 

Contracts

   

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
             

March 2016 Coffee ‘C’
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $3,260,250)

   

69

   

$

(153,580

)

February 2016 LME Zinc
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $8,943,694)

   

223

     

(331,461

)

February 2016 Natural Gas
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $5,967,360)

   

256

     

(478,888

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $129,319,419)

   

$

1,647,343

 
                 

CURRENCY FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT

 

March 2016 British Pound
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $21,836,588)

   

237

   

$

229,241

 

March 2016 Canadian Dollar
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $31,220,640)

   

432

     

150,315

 

March 2016 Swiss Franc
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $6,759,450)

   

54

     

113,173

 

March 2016 Japanese Yen
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $17,184,750)

   

165

     

(10,411

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $77,001,428)

   

$

482,318

 
                 

EQUITY FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT

 

January 2016 H-Shares Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $5,814,157)

   

93

   

$

149,844

 

January 2016 MSCI Taiwan Stock Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $8,385,067)

   

277

   

 

120,646

 

January 2016 Hang Seng Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $1,552,542)

   

11

     

20,943

 

March 2016 DAX Index
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $2,014,726)

   

7

     

18,219

 

March 2016 S&P MidCap 400 Index
Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $556,920)

   

4

     

11,593

 

March 2016 S&P 500 Index
Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $406,900)

   

4

     

3,800

 

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $18,730,312)

         

$

325,045

 
                 

INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT

 

March 2016 Long Gilt
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $16,003,376)

   

93

   

$

165,338

 

March 2016 U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $5,536,563)

   

35

     

101,195

 

March 2016 U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note
Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $34,677,008)

   

293

     

30,045

 


 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.



 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2015

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 


 

  

 

Contracts

   

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
             

March 2016 Australian Government 10 Year Bond
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $13,021,097)

   

140

   

$

(21,150

)

March 2016 Australian Government 3 Year Bond
Futures Contracts††
(Aggregate Value of
Contracts $49,685,910)

   

611

     

(173,376

)

(Total Aggregate Value of Contracts $118,923,954)

   

$

102,052

 


 

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Affiliated issuer — See Note 8.

2

Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security is $622,338 (cost $623,884), or 0.3% of total net assets. This security has been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.

3

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at December 31, 2015.

   
 
See Sector Classification in Other Information section.


 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17



 


CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

December 31, 2015

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 


 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at December 31, 2015 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1

   

Level 1 -
Other*

   

Level 2

   

Level 2 -
Other*

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Asset-Backed Securities

 

$

   

$

   

$

622,338

   

$

   

$

   

$

622,338

 

Exchange-Traded Funds

   

5,405,908

     

     

     

     

     

5,405,908

 

Futures Contracts

   

     

3,704,048

     

     

2,264,736

     

     

5,968,784

 

Mutual Funds

   

172,134,045

     

     

     

     

     

172,134,045

 

Repurchase Agreements

   

     

     

17,979,091

     

     

     

17,979,091

 

U.S. Government Securities

   

     

     

9,997,660

     

     

     

9,997,660

 

Total

 

$

177,539,953

   

$

3,704,048

   

$

28,599,089

   

$

2,264,736

   

$

   

$

212,107,826

 
   

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1

   

Level 1 -
Other*

   

Level 2

   

Level 2 -
Other*

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Futures Contracts

 

$

   

$

1,271,349

   

$

   

$

290,889

   

$

   

$

1,562,238

 

Total

 

$

   

$

1,271,349

   

$

   

$

290,889

   

$

   

$

1,562,238

 


 

*

Other financial instruments include futures contracts, which are reported as unrealized gain/loss at period end.



 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, there were no transfers between levels.

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.



 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND



 

December 31, 2015

 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $10,640,112)

 

$

10,619,998

 

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $178,217,852)

   

177,539,953

 

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $17,979,091)

   

17,979,091

 

Total investments (cost $206,837,055)

   

206,139,042

 

Foreign currency, at value (cost $394,327)

   

393,877

 

Segregated cash with broker

   

19,104,797

 

Receivables:

 

Fund shares sold

   

591,142

 

Dividends

   

240,390

 

Interest

   

24,400

 

Total assets

   

226,493,648

 
         

Liabilities:

 

Due to broker

   

461,789

 

Overdraft due to custodian bank

   

185,821

 

Payable for:

 

Fund shares redeemed

   

1,018,185

 

Variation margin

   

940,111

 

Securities Purchased

   

248,220

 

Management fees

   

172,329

 

Distribution and service fees

   

59,974

 

Transfer agent and administrative fees

   

48,125

 

Portfolio accounting fees

   

19,249

 

Miscellaneous

   

124,803

 

Total liabilities

   

3,278,606

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 11)

   

 

Net assets

 

$

223,215,042

 
         

Net assets consist of:

 

Paid in capital

 

$

308,225,331

 

Accumulated net investment loss

   

(9,910,569

)

Accumulated net realized loss on investments

   

(78,807,663

)

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

   

3,707,943

 

Net assets

 

$

223,215,042

 
         

A-Class:

 

Net assets

 

$

27,828,450

 

Capital shares outstanding

   

1,199,184

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

23.21

 

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

 

$

24.37

 
         

C-Class:

 

Net assets

 

$

21,272,163

 

Capital shares outstanding

   

982,463

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

21.65

 
         

P-Class*:

 

Net assets

 

$

165,085,741

 

Capital shares outstanding

   

7,114,689

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

23.20

 
         

Institutional Class:

 

Net assets

 

$

9,028,688

 

Capital shares outstanding

   

383,253

 

Net asset value per share

 

$

23.56

 


 

*

H-Class shares redesignated as P-Class shares effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015 — See Note 13.



 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19



 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND



 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

Investment Income:

 

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

 

$

2,337,773

 

Interest

   

408,142

 

Income from securities lending, net

   

8,319

 

Total investment income

   

2,754,234

 
         

Expenses:

 

Management fees

   

2,380,609

 

Transfer agent and administrative fees:

       

A-Class

   

70,172

 

C-Class

   

59,178

 

P-Class***

   

455,550

 

Institutional Class

   

26,639

 

Y-Class**

   

537

 

Distribution and service fees:

 

A-Class

   

70,172

 

C-Class

   

236,711

 

P-Class***

   

455,550

 

Portfolio accounting fees

   

243,780

 

Custodian fees

   

29,202

 

Trustees' fees*

   

15,605

 

Miscellaneous

   

441,662

 

Total expenses

   

4,485,367

 

Less:

 

Expenses waived by Adviser

   

(191,947

)

Net expenses

   

4,293,420

 

Net investment loss

   

(1,539,186

)

         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

 

 

403,777

 

Investments in affiliated issuers

   

(84,100

)

Futures contracts

   

4,525,825

 

Foreign currency

   

24,302

 

Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency

   

4,869,804

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on:

 

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

   

(390,775

)

Investments in affiliated issuers

   

27,676

 

Futures contracts

   

(6,771,074

)

Foreign currency

   

2,288

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency

   

(7,131,885

)

Net realized and unrealized loss

   

(2,262,081

)

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

 

$

(3,801,267

)



 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

**

Y-Class closed on June 26, 2015 — See Note 12.

***

H-Class shares redesignated as P-Class shares effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015 — See Note 13.



 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.



 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 


 

  

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2014

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

           

Net investment loss

 

$

(1,539,186

)

 

$

(105,410

)

Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency

   

4,869,804

     

27,332,335

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency

   

(7,131,885

)

   

(6,809,456

)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   

(3,801,267

)

   

20,417,469

 
                 

Distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

               

A-Class

   

(659,707

)

   

(313,785

)

C-Class

   

(603,205

)

   

(299,361

)

P-Class**

   

(4,478,036

)

   

(2,130,001

)

Institutional Class

   

(233,782

)

   

(125,944

)

Y-Class*

   

     

(7,829

)

Total distributions to shareholders

   

(5,974,730

)

   

(2,876,920

)

                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

   

14,833,359

     

8,716,439

 

C-Class

   

3,008,613

     

3,028,191

 

P-Class**

   

113,741,530

     

60,160,173

 

Institutional Class

   

3,251,329

     

10,474,033

 

Y-Class*

   

8

     

20,000

 

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

   

600,241

     

276,172

 

C-Class

   

576,733

     

289,334

 

P-Class**

   

4,380,633

     

2,043,559

 

Institutional Class

   

231,451

     

124,839

 

Y-Class*

   

     

3,281

 

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

   

(14,056,594

)

   

(60,395,444

)

C-Class

   

(5,352,267

)

   

(10,427,970

)

P-Class**

   

(126,557,150

)

   

(85,798,345

)

Institutional Class

   

(5,112,553

)

   

(3,000,585

)

Y-Class*

   

(623,374

)

   

(2,411,478

)

Net decrease from capital share transactions

   

(11,078,041

)

   

(76,897,801

)

Net decrease in net assets

   

(20,854,038

)

   

(59,357,252

)

                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

   

244,069,080

     

303,426,332

 

End of year

 

$

223,215,042

   

$

244,069,080

 

Accumulated net investment loss at end of year

 

$

(9,910,569

)

 

$

(4,994,427

)



 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21



 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 


 

  

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2014

 
             

Capital share activity:

           

Shares sold

           

A-Class

   

604,688

     

395,808

 

C-Class

   

129,839

     

144,551

 

P-Class**

   

4,570,087

     

2,724,699

 

Institutional Class

   

131,429

     

468,393

 

Y-Class*

   

     

895

 

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

   

25,951

     

11,848

 

C-Class

   

26,713

     

13,175

 

P-Class**

   

189,391

     

87,665

 

Institutional Class

   

9,857

     

5,292

 

Y-Class*

   

     

139

 

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

   

(572,398

)

   

(2,738,853

)

C-Class

   

(233,693

)

   

(506,997

)

P-Class**

   

(5,145,916

)

   

(3,952,748

)

Institutional Class

   

(208,931

)

   

(132,954

)

Y-Class*

   

(24,965

)

   

(111,163

)

Net decrease in shares

   

(497,948

)

   

(3,590,250

)



 

*

Y-Class closed on June 26, 2015 — See Note 12.

**

H-Class shares redesignated as P-Class shares effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015 — See Note 13.



 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.



 


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 


 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2012

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2011

 

Per Share Data

                             

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

24.12

   

$

22.15

   

$

21.23

   

$

23.95

   

$

25.78

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)a

   

(.14

)

   

.02

     

(.19

)

   

(.39

)

   

(.44

)

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

   

(.15

)

   

2.23

     

1.11

     

(2.33

)

   

(1.39

)

Total from investment operations

   

(.29

)

   

2.25

     

.92

     

(2.72

)

   

(1.83

)

Less distributions from:

 

Net investment income

   

(.62

)

   

(.28

)

   

     

     

 

Total distributions

   

(.62

)

   

(.28

)

   

     

     

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

23.21

   

$

24.12

   

$

22.15

   

$

21.23

   

$

23.95

 
   

Total Returnb

   

(1.06

%)

   

10.06

%

   

4.33

%

   

(11.32

%)

   

(7.14

%)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

27,828

   

$

27,514

   

$

76,900

   

$

145,950

   

$

733,469

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

(0.57

%)

   

0.07

%

   

(0.89

%)

   

(1.71

%)

   

(1.76

%)

Total expensesc

   

1.77

%

   

1.74

%

   

1.74

%

   

1.96

%

   

2.05

%

Net expensesd

   

1.69

%

   

1.68

%

   

1.67

%

   

1.89

%

   

1.97

%

Portfolio turnover rate

   

24

%

   

83

%

   

102

%

   

172

%

   

72

%



 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23



 


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 


 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2012

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2011

 

Per Share Data

                             

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

22.71

   

$

21.04

   

$

20.31

   

$

23.09

   

$

25.04

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)a

   

(.30

)

   

(.15

)

   

(.33

)

   

(.53

)

   

(.61

)

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

   

(.14

)

   

2.10

     

1.06

     

(2.25

)

   

(1.34

)

Total from investment operations

   

(.44

)

   

1.95

     

.73

     

(2.78

)

   

(1.95

)

Less distributions from:

 

Net investment income

   

(.62

)

   

(.28

)

   

     

     

 

Total distributions

   

(.62

)

   

(.28

)

   

     

     

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

21.65

   

$

22.71

   

$

21.04

   

$

20.31

   

$

23.09

 
   

Total Returnb

   

(1.84

%)

   

9.22

%

   

3.59

%

   

(12.04

%)

   

(7.79

%)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

21,272

   

$

24,066

   

$

29,637

   

$

49,378

   

$

96,647

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

(1.32

%)

   

(0.72

%)

   

(1.63

%)

   

(2.45

%)

   

(2.50

%)

Total expensesc

   

2.52

%

   

2.50

%

   

2.48

%

   

2.70

%

   

2.80

%

Net expensesd

   

2.44

%

   

2.43

%

   

2.42

%

   

2.64

%

   

2.72

%

Portfolio turnover rate

   

24

%

   

83

%

   

102

%

   

172

%

   

72

%



 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.



 


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND



 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class*

 

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2012

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2011

 

Per Share Data

                             

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

24.11

   

$

22.15

   

$

21.23

   

$

23.95

   

$

25.78

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)a

   

(.14

)

   

e 

   

(.20

)

   

(.38

)

   

(.44

)

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

   

(.15

)

   

2.24

     

1.12

     

(2.34

)

   

(1.39

)

Total from investment operations

   

(.29

)

   

2.24

     

.92

     

(2.72

)

   

(1.83

)

Less distributions from:

 

Net investment income

   

(.62

)

   

(.28

)

   

     

     

 

Total distributions

   

(.62

)

   

(.28

)

   

     

     

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

23.20

   

$

24.11

   

$

22.15

   

$

21.23

   

$

23.95

 
   

Total Returnb

   

(1.06

%)

   

10.06

%

   

4.33

%

   

(11.32

%)

   

(7.14

%)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

165,086

   

$

180,872

   

$

191,400

   

$

501,109

   

$

1,059,988

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

(0.57

%)

   

0.01

%

   

(0.94

%)

   

(1.70

%)

   

(1.75

%)

Total expensesc

   

1.77

%

   

1.75

%

   

1.75

%

   

1.95

%

   

2.05

%

Net expensesd

   

1.69

%

   

1.68

%

   

1.68

%

   

1.89

%

   

1.97

%

Portfolio turnover rate

   

24

%

   

83

%

   

102

%

   

172

%

   

72

%



 

*

H-Class shares redesignated as P-Class shares effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015 — See Note 13.



 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25



 


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND



 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2012

   

Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2011

 

Per Share Data

                             

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

24.41

   

$

22.36

   

$

21.38

   

$

24.06

   

$

25.84

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)a

   

(.08

)

   

.05

     

(.19

)

   

(.33

)

   

(.38

)

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

   

(.15

)

   

2.28

     

1.17

     

(2.35

)

   

(1.40

)

Total from investment operations

   

(.23

)

   

2.33

     

.98

     

(2.68

)

   

(1.78

)

Less distributions from:

 

Net investment income

   

(.62

)

   

(.28

)

   

     

     

 

Total distributions

   

(.62

)

   

(.28

)

   

     

     

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

23.56

   

$

24.41

   

$

22.36

   

$

21.38

   

$

24.06

 
   

Total Returnb

   

(0.80

%)

   

10.28

%

   

4.63

%

   

(11.14

%)

   

(6.85

%)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

9,029

   

$

11,007

   

$

2,464

   

$

45,700

   

$

101,549

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   

(0.32

%)

   

0.21

%

   

(0.86

%)

   

(1.45

%)

   

(1.50

%)

Total expensesc

   

1.52

%

   

1.50

%

   

1.52

%

   

1.70

%

   

1.80

%

Net expensesd

   

1.44

%

   

1.44

%

   

1.45

%

   

1.64

%

   

1.72

%

Portfolio turnover rate

   

24

%

   

83

%

   

102

%

   

172

%

   

72

%



 

a

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

b

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

c

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers.

e

Net investment income is less than $0.01 per share.



 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.



 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



 

1. Organization, Consolidation of Subsidiary and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (”1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate Fund. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of no par value shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of nine separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, Advisor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, Y-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares have a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At December 31, 2015, the Trust consisted of fifty-three funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the Managed Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”), a non-diversified investment company. Only A-Class, C-Class, P-Class, Institutional Class and Y-Class shares had been issued by the Fund.

 

Guggenheim Investments (“GI”) provides advisory services, and Rydex Fund Services, LLC (“RFS”) provides transfer agent, administrative and accounting services to the Trust. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI, RFS and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Consolidation of Subsidiary

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the accounts of a wholly-owned and controlled Cayman Islands subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation for the Fund.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27



 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in its Subsidiary which acts as an investment vehicle in order to effect certain investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies.

 

A summary of the Fund’s investment in its Subsidiary is as follows:

 

Fund

Inception
Date of
Subsidiary

 

Subsidiary
Net Assets at December 31,
2015

   

% of Net Assets
of the Fund at
December 31,
2015

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

05/01/08

 

$

24,453,213

     

11.0

%



 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Fund operates as an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

 

The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each Class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.

 

A. The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities or other assets.

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

Valuations of the Fund’s securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed and will review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Fund’s officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used by, and valuations provided by, the pricing services.

 

If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.

 

Open-end investment companies (“Mutual Funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end investment companies (“CEFs”) are valued at the last quoted sales price.

 

U.S. government securities are valued by either independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business. Debt securities with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker/dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from independent pricing services, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Short-term debt securities with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, provided such amount approximates market value.

 

Repurchase agreements are valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

The value of futures contracts is accounted for using the unrealized gain or loss on the contracts that is determined by marking the contracts to their current realized settlement prices. Financial futures contracts are valued at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the Official Settlement Price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29



 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by GI under the direction of the Board of Trustees using methods established or ratified by the Board of Trustees. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s) “fair value.” Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to: (i) the type of security, (ii) the initial cost of the security, (iii) the existence of any contractual restrictions on the security’s disposition, (iv) the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies, (v) quotations or evaluated prices from broker-dealers and/or pricing services, (vi) information obtained from the issuer, analysts, and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities), (vii) an analysis of the company’s financial statements, and (viii) an evaluation of the forces that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold (e.g. the existence of pending merger activity, public offerings or tender offers that might affect the value of the security). In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

B. The Fund may purchase and sell interests in securities on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such transactions prior to the date the Fund actually take delivery of such interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Fund will generally purchase these securities with the intention of acquiring such securities, they may sell such securities before the settlement date.

 

C. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

D. The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Funds. Foreign investments may also subject the Funds to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

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

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

E. Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis.

 

F. Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

G. Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized gains and losses are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust on a pro rata basis upon the respective aggregate net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31



 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

H. The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate.

 

I. Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

2. Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of the amounts recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Derivatives

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Fund utilizes derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

Speculation: the use of an instrument to express macroeconomic and other investment views.

 

Leverage: gaining total exposure to equities or other assets on the long and short sides at greater than 100% of invested capital.

 

Liquidity: the ability to buy or sell exposure with little price/market impact.

 

For any Fund whose investment strategy consistently involves applying leverage, the value of the Fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in the underlying index or other asset. In addition, because an investment in derivative instruments generally requires a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed, an opportunity for increased net income is created; but, at the same time, leverage risk will increase. The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if they had not been leveraged.

 

Futures

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Schedule of Investments.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of futures for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

      

          Average Notional

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

Hedge, Speculation, Leverage, Liquidity

 

$

1,263,595,156

   

$

260,965,298

 


 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33



 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2015:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Interest Rate/Currency/Commodity contracts

Variation margin



 

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at December 31, 2015:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

 

Fund

 

Futures
Equity

Contracts*

   

Futures
Currency
Contracts*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Contracts*

   

Futures
Commodity
Contracts*

   

Total Value at
December 31,
2015

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

337,586

   

$

513,880

   

$

2,090,036

   

$

3,027,282

   

$

5,968,784

 


 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

 

Fund

 

Futures
Equity

Contracts*

   

Futures
Currency
Contracts*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Contracts*

   

Futures
Commodity
Contracts*

   

Total Value at
December 31,
2015

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

205,083

   

$

43,808

   

$

194,526

   

$

1,118,821

   

$

1,562,238

 


 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.



 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Interest Rate/Currency/Commodity contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts



 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations

 

Fund

 

Futures

Equity

Contracts

   

Futures
Currency
Contracts

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Contracts

   

Futures
Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

(4,188,586

)

 

$

(4,584,658

)

 

$

3,994,710

   

$

9,304,359

   

$

4,525,825

 


 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations

 

Fund

 

Futures
Equity

Contracts

   

Futures
Currency
Contracts

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Contracts

   

Futures
Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

(606,007

)

 

$

(173,004

)

 

$

(3,654,810

)

 

$

(2,337,253

)

 

$

(6,771,074

)



 

In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. The Fund uses, where appropriate, depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or the repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.

 

3. Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund and the Subsidiary pay GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.90% of their average daily net assets.

 

GI has contractually agreed to waive the management fee it receives from the Subsidiary in an amount equal to the management fee paid to GI by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue in effect for so long as the Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may not be terminated by GI unless GI obtains the prior approval of the Fund’s Board of Trustees for such termination.

 

RFS provides transfer agent and administrative services to the Fund calculated at the annualized rate of 0.20% of the average daily net assets of the Y-Class and 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the remaining classes, respectively.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35



 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

RFS also provides accounting services to the Fund for fees calculated at annualized rates below, based on the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

Fund Accounting Fees

(as a % of Net Assets)

On the first $250 million

0.10%

On the next $250 million

0.075%

On the next $250 million

0.05%

Over $750 million

0.03%



 

RFS engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan applicable to A-Class shares and P-Class shares for which GFD and other firms that provide distribution and/or shareholder services (“Service Providers”) may receive compensation. If a Service Provider provides distribution services, the Fund will pay distribution fees to GFD at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. GFD, in turn, will pay the Service Provider out of its fees. GFD may, at its discretion, retain a portion of such payments to compensate itself for distribution services.

 

The Trust has adopted a separate Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan applicable to its C-Class shares that allows the Fund to pay annual distribution and service fees of 1.00% of the Fund’s C-Class shares average daily net assets. The annual 0.25% service fee compensates a shareholder’s financial adviser for providing ongoing services to the shareholder. The annual distribution fee of 0.75% reimburses GFD for paying the shareholder’s financial adviser an ongoing sales commission. GFD advances the first year’s service and distribution fees to the financial adviser. GFD retains the service and distribution fees on accounts with no authorized dealer of record.

 

If a Fund invests in an affiliated fund, the investing Fund’s Adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Fund waived $10,843 related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, GFD retained sales charges of $366,266 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are also officers of GI, RFS and GFD.

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

4. Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 —

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 —

significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 —

significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.

 

5. Repurchase Agreements

 

The Funds transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agencies. The collateral is in the possession of the Funds’ custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements. Each Fund holds a pro rata share of the collateral based on the dollar amount of the repurchase agreement entered into by each Fund.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37



 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

At December 31, 2015, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

Face Value

Repurchase Price

 

Collateral

Par Value

Fair Value

Royal Bank of Canada

     

U.S. TIP Notes

   

0.24%

     

0.13% - 2.38%

   

Due 01/04/16

$250,241,221

$250,247,894

 

04/15/18 - 01/15/25

$188,518,600

$226,206,912

       

U.S. Treasury Note

   
       

1.50%

   
       

05/3120

29,220,000

29,039,171

         

$217,738,600

$255,246,083

             

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

   

U.S. Treasury Notes

   

0.18%

     

1.00% - 3.25%

   

Due 01/04/16

150,000,000

150,003,000

 

09/30/16 - 12/31/16

150,51460

153,000027

             

HSBC Group

     

U.S. Treasury Strips

   

0.18%

     

0.00%

   

Due 01/04/16

135,041,297

135,043,998

 

11/15/40 - 02/15/43

321,526,900

137,742,124



 

In the event of counterparty default, the Funds have the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Funds in the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Funds seek to assert their rights. The Funds’ investment adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.

 

6. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax is required.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on Federal income tax returns for all open tax

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

The Fund intends to invest up to 25% of their assets in the Subsidiary which is expected to provide the Funds with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund has received a private letter ruling from the IRS that concludes that the income the Fund receives from the Subsidiary will constitute qualifying income for purposes of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Subsidiary will be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A foreign corporation, such as the Subsidiary, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless it is deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

5,974,730

   

$

   

$

5,974,730

 


 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

2,876,920

   

$

   

$

2,876,920

 


 

Note: For federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

The tax character of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) as of December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

Fund

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

   

Capital Loss
Carryforward

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

5,813,605

   

$

   

$

(13,709,107

)

 

$

(77,114,787

)



 

For Federal income tax purposes capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. For taxable years beginning on or before December 22, 2010 such capital losses may be carried forward for a maximum of eight years. Pursuant to the RIC

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39



 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 without expiration and retain their short and/or long-term character. However, post-enactment losses must be utilized prior to pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards. As a result of this ordering rule pre-enactment carryforwards are more likely to expire unused. As of December 31, 2015 capital loss carryforwards for the Fund were as follows:    

 

               


Unlimited

       

Fund

 

Expires in
2017

   

Expires in
2018

   

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

   

Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

(42,873,423

)

 

$

(9,859,364

)

 

$

(2,556,504

)

 

$

(21,825,496

)

 

$

(77,114,787

)



 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to wash sales, foreign currency gains and losses, mark to market of derivatives, and investments in subsidiary. Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of net investment losses and expired capital loss carryforwards. To the extent these differences are permanent, reclassifications are made to the appropriate equity accounts in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV.

 

On the Statement of Assets and Liabilities the following adjustments were made for permanent book/tax differences:

 

Fund

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Accumulated
Net Investment
Loss

   

Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

8,633,663

   

$

2,597,774

   

$

(11,231,437

)



 

At December 31, 2015, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized gain for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized loss for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Gain

   

Tax
Unrealized
Loss

   

Net
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

222,582,635

   

$

   

$

(16,443,593

)

 

$

(16,443,593

)



 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

7. Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

44,907,314

   

$

58,822,958

 


 

8. Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under GI, result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in the Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust consisting of Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II, Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, and Guggenheim Variable Insurance Strategy Fund III (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2015 is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180415000857/gug63224-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the year ended December 31, 2015, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person” are as follows:

 

Affiliated issuers by Fund

 

Value
12/31/14

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Value
12/31/15

   

Shares
12/31/15

   

Investment
Income

   

Realized
Loss

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

                   

Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration ETF

 

$

   

$

5,411,328

   

$

   

$

5,405,908

     

108,400

   

$

63,230

   

$

 

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

   

57,871,940

     

21,863,396

     

(8,650,000

)

   

71,145,807

     

2,860,708

     

661,516

     

(19,144

)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

   

59,459,690

     

14,684,920

     

(7,000,000

)

   

67,025,688

     

2,702,649

     

819,967

     

(26,650

)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

   

41,599,972

     

818,851

     

(8,400,000

)

   

33,962,550

     

1,369,458

     

793,060

     

(38,306

)

   

$

158,931,602

   

$

42,778,495

   

$

(24,050,000

)

 

$

177,539,953

           

$

2,337,773

   

$

(84,100

)



 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41



 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

9. Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted, $75,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which expires June 12, 2016. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 1.25% for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Fund did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at December 31, 2015, and did not participate in borrowing during the year.

 

10. Security Transactions with Affiliated Funds

 

The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by the Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Fund engaged in purchases of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

$

7,997,543

   

$

 


 

11. Legal proceedings

 

Tribune Company

 

Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant and a putative member of the proposed defendant class of shareholders in the case entitled Kirschner v. FitzSimons, No. 12-2652 (S.D.N.Y.) (formerly Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Tribune Co. v. FitzSimons, Adv. Pro. No. 10-54010 (Bankr. D. Del.)) (the “FitzSimons action”), as a result of ownership by certain series of the Rydex Series Funds of shares in the Tribune Company (“Tribune”) in 2007, when Tribune effected a leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”) by which Tribune converted to a privately-held company. In his complaint, the plaintiff has alleged that, in connection with the LBO, Tribune insiders and shareholders were overpaid for their Tribune stock using financing that the insiders knew would, and ultimately did, leave the Tribune Company insolvent. The plaintiff has asserted claims against certain insiders, major shareholders, professional advisers, and others

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

involved in the LBO. The plaintiff is also attempting to obtain from former Tribune shareholders, including the Rydex Series Funds, the proceeds they received in connection with the LBO.

 

In June 2011, a group of Tribune creditors filed multiple actions against former Tribune shareholders involving state law constructive fraudulent conveyance claims arising out of the 2007 LBO (the “SLCFC actions”). Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant in one of the SLCFC actions: Deutsche Bank Trust Co. Americas v. McGurn, No. 11-1510 (S.D.N.Y.). In those actions, the creditors seek to recover from Tribune’s former shareholders the proceeds received in connection with the 2007 LBO.

 

The FitzSimons action and the SLCFC actions have been consolidated with the majority of the other Tribune LBO-related lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation proceeding captioned In re Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., No. 11-md-2696 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

On September 23, 2013, the District Court granted the defendants’ omnibus motion to dismiss the SLCFC actions, on the basis that the creditors lacked standing. On September 30, 2013, the creditors filed a notice of appeal of the September 23 order. On October 28, 2013, the defendants filed a joint notice of cross-appeal of that same order.

 

The SLCFC appeals have been fully briefed, and oral argument in front of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit occurred on November 5, 2014. The Court has not yet issued a decision on the appeals.

 

On May 23, 2014, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the FitzSimons action, including a global motion to dismiss Count I, which is the claim brought against former Tribune shareholders for intentional fraudulent conveyance under U.S. federal law. The Court has not yet issued a decision on any of these motions.

 

None of these lawsuits alleges any wrongdoing on the part of Rydex Series Funds. The following series of Rydex Series Funds held shares of Tribune and tendered these shares as part of Tribune’s LBO: Nova Fund, S&P 500® Pure Value Fund, Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund, S&P 500® Fund, Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Hedged Equity Fund (the “Funds”). The value of the proceeds received by the foregoing Funds was $28,220, $109,242, $9,860, $3,400, $1,181,160, and $10,880, respectively. At this stage of the proceedings, Rydex Series Funds is not able to make a reliable predication as to the outcome of these lawsuits or the effect, if any, on a Fund’s net asset value.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43



 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



 

Lyondell Chemical Company

 

In December 2011, Rydex Series Funds was named as a defendant in Weisfelner, as Trustee of the LB Creditor Trust, v. Fund 1 (In re Lyondell Chemical Co.), Adv. Pro. No. 10-4609 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.) (the “Creditor Trust action”).

 

Similar to the claims made in the Tribune matter, the Weisfelner complaint seeks to have set aside and recovered as fraudulent transfers from former Lyondell Chemical Company (“Lyondell”) shareholders the consideration paid to them pursuant to the cash out merger of Lyondell shareholders in connection with the combination of Lyondell and Basell AF in 2007. Lyondell filed for bankruptcy in 2008.

 

On April 7, 2014, the plaintiff filed a Third Amended Complaint. In the related action entitled Weisfelner, as Trustee of the LB Litigation Trust v. A. Holmes & H. Holmes TTEE (In re Lyondell Co.), Adv. Pro. No. 10-5525 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.) (the “Litigation Trust action”), the plaintiff also filed a Second Amended Complaint that alleges a claim against the former Lyondell shareholders under federal law for intentional fraudulent transfer. A third related action against the former Lyondell shareholders, Weisfelner, as Trustee of the LB Creditor Trust v. Reichman, Adv. Pro. No. 12-1570 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.) (the “Reichman action”), is pending as well.

 

On May 8, 2014, the plaintiff in the Litigation Trust action filed a motion to certify a defendant class generally comprised of all former Lyondell shareholders that received proceeds in exchange for their shares in the 2007 merger transaction.

 

On July 30, 2014, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss these lawsuits. The Bankruptcy Court held oral argument on the motion to dismiss and on the motion for class certification on January 14 and January 15, 2015. On September 15, 2015, the Bankruptcy Court denied the motion for class certification without prejudice to the plaintiff’s right to file a renewed motion. On November 18, 2015, the Bankruptcy Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the Litigation Trust action and denied their motion to dismiss the Creditor Trust and Reichman actions. The Litigation Trust action is now over, but the plaintiff has appealed the dismissal to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Discovery has commenced, and will continue, in the Creditor Trust and Reichman actions.

 

These lawsuits do not allege any wrongdoing on the part of Rydex Series Funds. The following series of Rydex Series Funds received cash proceeds from the cash out merger in the following amounts: Basic Materials Fund - $1,725,168; Long Short Equity Fund f/k/a U.S. Long Short Momentum Fund - $2,193,600; Global 130/30 Strategy Fund - $37,920; Hedged Equity Fund - $1,440; and Multi-Hedge

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)



 

Strategies Fund - $1,116,480. At this stage of the proceedings, Rydex Series Funds is not able to make a reliable predication as to the outcome of these lawsuits or the effect, if any, on a Fund’s net asset value.

 

12. Y-Class Share Information

 

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of Rydex Series Funds held on May 18, 2015, Security Investors, LLC, the investment adviser to the Managed Futures Strategy Fund, recommended, and the Board approved, the closing and subsequent liquidation of the Fund’s Class Y shares (the “Liquidation”). Accordingly, the Fund’s Class Y shares ceased operations, were liquidated, and the liquidation proceeds were distributed to Class Y shareholders of record on June 26, 2015 (the “Liquidation Date”).

 

13. H-Class Shares to be Redesignated P-Class Shares

 

Effective following the close of business on April 30, 2015, (the “Redesignation Date”), all outstanding H-Class shares of the Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund, were redesignated as P-Class shares, and the Fund will no longer offer H-Class shares.

 

14. Portfolio Securities Loaned

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Fund lent its securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Security lending income shown on the Statement of Operations is net of rebates paid to borrowers and earnings on cash collateral investments shared with the lending agent. As of December 31, 2015, the Fund had ceased participation in securities lending.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45



 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



 

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Rydex Series Funds:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, of Managed Futures Strategy Fund (one of the series constituting the Rydex Series Funds) (the “Fund”) as of December 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded)



 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Managed Futures Strategy Fund (one of the series constituting the Rydex Series Funds) at December 31, 2015, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

 


McLean, Virginia
February 26, 2016

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47



 


OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)



 

Tax Information

 

Of the ordinary income distributions paid during the year, the Fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the dividends received deduction for corporations:

 

Fund

% Qualifying

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

0.70%



 

The following amounts of taxable ordinary income dividends paid during the fiscal year qualified for the lower income tax rate available to individuals under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003:

 

Fund

Qualified
dividend income %

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

2.20%



 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website 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 without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)



 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49



 


INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)



 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name,

Address* and

Year of Birth

of Trustee

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past
5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee***

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

     

Donald C. Cacciapaglia**
(1951)

Trustee from 2012 to present.

Current: President and CEO, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Vice Chairman, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).

 

Former: Chairman and CEO, Channel Capital Group, Inc. (2002-2010).

237

Clear Spring Life Insurance Company (2015-present); Guggenheim Partners Japan, Ltd. (2014-present); Delaware Life (2013-present); Guggenheim Life and Annuity Company (2011-present); Paragon Life Insurance Company of Indiana (2011-present).

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Corey A. Colehour
(1945)

Trustee from 1993 to present; Member of the Audit Committee from 1994 to present; Member of the Governance Committee from 2014 to present; and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2014 to present.

Retired.

133

None.



 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)



 

Name,

Address* and

Year of Birth

of Trustee

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past
5 Years

Number of

Portfolios

in Fund

Complex

Overseen by

Trustee***

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

J. Kenneth Dalton
(1941)

Trustee from 1995 to present; Chairman and Member of the Audit Committee from 1997 to present; and Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2010 to present.

Retired.

133

Epiphany Funds (4) (2009-present).

John O. Demaret
(1940)

Vice Chairman of the Board from 2014 to present (Chairman of the Board from 2006 to 2014); Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 1997 to present; Chairman (since 2014) and Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2010 to present; Chairman and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2014 to present; and Member of the Nominating Committee from 2014 to present.

Retired.

133

None.



 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51



 


INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)



 

Name,

Address* and

Year of Birth

of Trustee

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past
5 Years

Number of

Portfolios

in Fund

Complex

Overseen by

Trustee***

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

Werner E. Keller
(1940)

Chairman of the Board from 2014 to present (Vice Chairman of the Board from 2010 to 2014); Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 2005 to present; and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2014 to present.

Current: Founder and President, Keller Partners, LLC (investment research firm) (2005-present).

133

None.

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr. (1960)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 2005 to present; Member of the Nominating Committee from 2005 to present; and Member of the Governance Committee from 2007 to present.

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present).

133

US Global Investors (GROW) (1995-present).

Patrick T. McCarville (1942)

Trustee from 1997 to present; Member of the Audit Committee from 1997 to present; Chairman and Member of the Nominating Committee from 2004 to present; Chairman and Member of the Governance Committee from 2007 to present; and Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2014 to present.

Retired.

 

Former: Chief Executive Officer, Par Industries, Inc., d/b/a Par Leasing (1977-2010).

133

None.



 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)



 

Name,
Address*
and Year
of Birth

Position(s) Held
with the
Trust, Term of
Office and
Length of Time
Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS

   

Donald C. Cacciapaglia
(1951)

President (2012-present).

Current: President and CEO, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Vice Chairman, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).

 

Former: Chairman and CEO, Channel Capital Group Inc. (2002-2010).

Michael P. Byrum
(1970)

Vice President (1999-present).

Current: Senior Vice President, Security Investors, LLC (2010-present); President and Chief Investment Officer, Rydex Holdings, LLC (2008-present); Director and Chairman, Advisory Research Center, Inc. (2006-present); Manager, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2005-present).

 

Former: Vice President, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009); Director (2009-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Fund Services, LLC; Director (2008-2010), Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors, LLC; Director (2008-2010), Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors II, LLC.

Nikolaos Bonos
(1963)

Vice President and Treasurer (2003-present).

Current: Senior Vice President, Security Investors, LLC (2010-present); Chief Executive Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2009-present); Chief Executive Officer & President, Rydex Fund Services, LLC (2009-present); Vice President, Rydex Holdings, LLC (2008-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Security Global Investors, LLC (2010-2011); and Senior Vice President, Rydex Advisors, LLC and Rydex Advisors II, LLC (2006-2011).



 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53



 


INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)



 

Name,
Address*
and Year
of Birth

Position(s) Held
with the
Trust, Term of
Office and
Length of Time
Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Elisabeth Miller
(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer (2012-present).

Current: CCO, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); CCO, Security Investors, LLC (2012-present); CCO, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (March 2014-present).

 

Former: CCO, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-March 2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2009); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2009).

Joseph M. Arruda
(1966)

Assistant Treasurer (2006-present).

Current: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present); Vice President, Security Investors, LLC (2010-present); CFO and Manager, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2009-present).

 

Former: Vice President, Security Global Investors, LLC (2010-2011); Vice President, Rydex Advisors, LLC (2010); Vice President, Rydex Advisors II, LLC (2010).

Paul J. Davio
(1972)

Assistant Treasurer (2014-present).

Current: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2006-present).

 

Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration, Guggenheim Investments (2003-2006).



 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)



 

Name,
Address*
and Year
of Birth

Position(s) Held
with the
Trust, Term of
Office and
Length of Time
Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Amy J. Lee
(1961)

Vice President (2009-present) and Secretary (2012-present).

Current: Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2013-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).



 

*

All Trustees and Officers may be reached c/o Guggenheim Investments, 805 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20850.

**

Mr. Cacciapaglia is an “interested” person of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act by virtue of his affiliation with the Adviser’s parent company.

***

The “Fund Complex” includes all closed-end and open-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Adviser and any funds that have an investment adviser or servicing agent that is an affiliated person of the Adviser. Information provided is as of the date of this report.



 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55



 


GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES (Unaudited)



 

Rydex Funds, Guggenheim Funds, Rydex Investments, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Security Distributors, Inc., Guggenheim Partners Investment Managers, LLC, and Rydex Advisory Services (Collectively “Guggenheim Investments”).

 

Our Commitment to You

 

When you become a Guggenheim Investments investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with personal and financial information about you. We recognize that your relationship with us is based on trust and that you expect us to act responsibly and in your best interests. Because we have access to this private information about you, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. This means, most importantly, that we do not sell client information to anyone—whether it is your personal information or if you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

In the course of doing business with shareholders and investors, we collect nonpublic personal information about you. You typically provide personal information when you complete a Guggenheim Investments account application or when you request a transaction that involves Rydex and Guggenheim Investments funds or one of the Guggenheim Investments affiliated companies. “Nonpublic personal information” is personally identifiable private information about you. For example, it includes information regarding your name and address, Social Security or taxpayer identification number, assets, income, account balance, bank account information and investment activity (e.g., purchase and redemption history).

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

As emphasized above, we do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share such information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request or to make you aware of related investment products and services that we offer. Additional details about how we handle your personal information are provided below. To complete certain transactions or account changes that you direct, it may be necessary to provide identifying information to companies, individuals or groups that are not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we will need to provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments investment products and services, we may share your information within the Guggenheim Investments family of affiliated companies. This would include, for example, sharing your information within Guggenheim Investments so we can make you aware of

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES (Unaudited)(continued)



 

new Rydex and Guggenheim Investments funds or the services offered through another Guggenheim Investments affiliated company. In certain instances, we may contract with nonaffiliated companies to perform services for us. Where necessary, we will disclose information we have about you to these third parties. In all such cases, we provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its assigned responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. In certain instances, we may share information with other financial institutions regarding individuals and entities in response to the U.S.A. Patriot Act. Finally, we will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so or in other circumstances permitted by law.

 

Opt Out Provisions

 

We do not sell your personal information to anyone. The law allows you to “opt out” of only certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. The firm does not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

Our concern for the privacy of our shareholders also extends to those who use our web site, guggenheiminvestments.com. Our web site uses some of the most secure forms of online communication available, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These technologies provide a high level of security and privacy when you access your account information or initiate online transactions. The Guggenheim Investments web site offers customized features that require our use of “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. However, we make very limited use of these cookies. We only use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your email address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about shareholders to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57



 


GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY POLICIES (Unaudited)(concluded)



 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

As required by federal law, we will notify shareholders of our privacy policy annually. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time, but rest assured that if we do change it, we will tell you promptly. You will also be able to access our privacy policy from our web site at guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us at 800.820.0888 or 301.296.5100.

 

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 


 


 


 

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Item 2. Code of Ethics.
 
The registrant’s Board of Trustees has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. No substantive amendments were approved or waivers were granted to the Code during the period covered by this report.  The Code is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.
 
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
 
The registrant's Board of Trustees has determined that Werner Keller, an "independent" Trustee serving on the registrant's audit committee, is an "audit committee financial expert," as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR. Under applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an "expert" for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
 
(a)            Audit Fees. The aggregate Audit Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant, for the audit of the annual financial statements in connection with statutory and regulatory filings for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $91,221 and $70,782, respectively.
 
(b)            Audit Related Fees. The aggregate Audit Related Fees by the registrant’s principal accountant billed for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $0 and $0, respectively.
 
The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for assurance and related services by the Auditor to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub‑investment adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant (“Service Affiliates”) which required pre‑approval by the Audit Committee which related to the review of the transfer agent function for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $38,585 and $36,750, respectively.
 

(c)            Tax Fees: The aggregate Tax Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning, including preparation of tax returns and distribution assistance, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $68,566 and $28,350, respectively.
 
(d)            All Other Fees. The aggregate All Other Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for products and services provided by the Auditor, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $0 and $0, respectively.
 
(e)            Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The audit committee has adopted a policy whereby audit and non-audit services performed by the registrant’s principal accountant for the registrant, its investment advisor, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisor that provides ongoing services to the registrant require pre-approval in advance at regularly scheduled audit committee meetings.  If such service is required between regularly scheduled audit committee meetings, the chairman of the audit committee, J. Kenneth Dalton, is authorized to pre-approve the service with full committee approval at the next scheduled meeting.  There shall be no waivers of the pre-approval process.  No services described in (b)-(d) above were approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
 
(f)            Not applicable.
 
(g)            Non-Audit Fees. The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for the most recent fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year for services rendered to the registrant, the investment advisor, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the advisor that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $107,151 and $65,100, respectively.  These aggregate fees were less than the aggregate fees billed for the same periods by the registrant’s principal accountant for audit services rendered to the registrant, the investment advisor, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the advisor that provides ongoing services to the registrant.
 
(h)            Auditor Independence. All non-audit services rendered in (g) above were pre-approved by the registrant’s audit committee.  As such, the audit committee has considered these services in maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.
 
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 6. Investments.

Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.
 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.
 
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

Not applicable.
 
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
 
(a) The registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported timely.
 
 (b) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal quarter 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. Exhibits.
 
(a)(1)            The registrant’s code of ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is attached.
 
(a)(2)            Separate certifications by the President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) are attached.
 
(b)            A certification by the registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is attached.
 

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

(Registrant)
Rydex Series Funds
 
 
  
 
By (Signature and Title)*
/s/ Donald C. Cacciapaglia
 
 
Donald C. Cacciapaglia, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
  
 
Date
March 9, 2016
 
 
  
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
 
By (Signature and Title)*
/s/ Donald C. Cacciapaglia
 
 
Donald C. Cacciapaglia, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
  
 
Date
March 9, 2016
 
 
  
 
By (Signature and Title)*
/s/ Nikolaos Bonos
 
 
Nikolaos Bonos, Vice President and Treasurer
 
 
  
 
Date
March 9, 2016
 

 

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.