Table of Contents

 

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

 

alpsfunds.com

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Performance Overview May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Performance (as of May 31, 2022)

 

  6 Months 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF - NAV -0.03% 5.19% 12.42% 13.22% 13.91%
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF - Market Price* -0.05% 5.22% 12.42% 13.22% 13.92%
NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Total Return Index 0.04% 5.32% 12.59% 13.45% 14.18%
S&P 500® Total Return Index -8.85% -0.30% 13.38% 14.40% 14.82%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current Prospectus) is 0.48%. Net Expense Ratio (per the current Prospectus) is 0.27%. Net expense ratio reflects the reimbursement of distribution fees for underlying sector ETFs. In addition, the Adviser has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2023, to reduce its advisory fee by 0.19%. This fee waiver may only be terminated by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (and not by the Adviser) prior to such date. Please see the prospectus for additional information.

 

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

 

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

 

^ The Fund commenced Investment Operations on July 6, 2009 with an Inception Date, the first day of trading on the Exchange, of July 7, 2009.
* Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

1 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Performance Overview May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The following table shows the sector weights of both the Fund and the S&P 500® Total Return Index as of May 31, 2022:

 

Sector Weighting Comparison (as of May 31, 2022)

 

  EQL* S&P 500® +/-
Energy 11.1% 4.8% 6.3%
Utilities 9.9% 3.0% 6.9%
Consumer Staples 9.5% 6.5% 3.0%
Materials 9.4% 2.8% 6.6%
Healthcare 9.1% 14.4% -5.3%
Real Estate 8.8% 2.8% 6.0%
Industrials 8.7% 7.8% 0.9%
Financials 8.6% 11.2% -2.6%
Technology 8.6% 27.0% -18.5%
Communication Services 8.3% 8.8% -0.5%
Consumer Discretionary 8.0% 10.9% -2.9%
Total 100.0% 100.0%  

 

Source: S&P 500®

 

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

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of May 31, 2022)

 

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

 

 

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

 

2 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Disclosure of Fund Expenses May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through May 31, 2022.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

    Beginning Account Value 12/1/21   Ending Account Value 5/31/22   Expense Ratio(a)   Expenses Paid During Period 12/1/21 - 5/31/22(b)
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF                                
Actual   $ 1,000.00     $ 999.70       0.15 %   $ 0.75  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,024.18       0.15 %   $ 0.76  

 

 

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

 

3 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Schedule of Investments May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (100.02%)                
Communication Services (8.32%)                
Communication Services Select                
Sector SPDR Fund     323,914     $ 19,493,144  
                 
Consumer Discretionary (8.01%)                
Consumer Discretionary Select                
Sector SPDR Fund(a)     121,477       18,773,056  
                 
Consumer Staples (9.47%)                
Consumer Staples Select                
Sector SPDR Fund(a)     297,896       22,184,315  
                 
Energy (11.14%)                
Energy Select Sector SPDR                
Fund     299,145       26,085,444  
                 
Financials (8.58%)                
Financial Select Sector SPDR                
Fund     566,703       20,100,955  
                 
Healthcare (9.10%)                
Health Care Select Sector SPDR                
Fund(a)     161,287       21,326,980  
                 
Industrials (8.69%)                
Industrial Select Sector SPDR                
Fund     214,931       20,353,966  
                 
Materials (9.43%)                
Materials Select Sector SPDR                
Fund(a)     256,701       22,083,987  
                 
Real Estate (8.83%)                
Real Estate Select Sector SPDR                
Fund(a)     467,887       20,689,963  
                 
Technology (8.54%)                
Technology Select Sector SPDR                
Fund     142,479       20,011,176  
                 
Utilities (9.90%)                
Utilities Select Sector SPDR                
Fund(a)     312,113       23,199,359  
                 
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS                
(Cost $168,944,054)             234,302,345  

 

    Shares     Value  
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (11.88%)            
Investments Purchased with Collateral                
from Securities Loaned (11.88%)                
State Street Navigator
Securities Lending
Government Money
Market Portfolio, 0.80%
               
(Cost $27,818,903)     27,818,903       27,818,903  
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS                
(Cost $27,818,903)             27,818,903  
                 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (111.90%)                
(Cost $196,762,957)           $ 262,121,248  
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-11.90%)           (27,858,732 )
NET ASSETS - 100.00%           $ 234,262,516  

 

(a) Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan.

The total market value of securities on loan is $53,519,462.

  

Common Abbreviations:

 

 

SPDR® - Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Statement of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:      
Investments, at value   $ 262,121,248  
Dividends receivable     8,606  
Total Assets     262,129,854  
         
LIABILITIES:        
Payable to adviser     30,788  
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned     27,818,903  
Payable to custodian for overdraft     17,647  
Total Liabilities     27,849,691  
NET ASSETS   $ 234,280,163  
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:        
Paid-in capital   $ 168,095,922  
Total distributable earnings     66,166,594  
NET ASSETS   $ 234,262,516  
         
INVESTMENTS, AT COST   $ 196,762,957  
         
PRICING OF SHARES        
Net Assets   $ 234,262,516  
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)     2,275,000  
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 102.97  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

5 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Statement of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:      
Dividends   $ 2,105,981  
Securities Lending Income     43,451  
Total Investment Income     2,149,432  
         
EXPENSES:        
Investment adviser fees     410,509  
Total Expenses before waiver/reimbursement     410,509  
Less fee waiver/reimbursement by investment adviser     (240,222 )
Net Expenses     170,287  
NET INVESTMENT INCOME     1,979,145  
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):        
Net realized gain on investments(a)     4,473,519  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments     (6,614,699 )
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS     (2,141,180 )
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   $ (162,035 )

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

6 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)     For the Year Ended November 30, 2021  
OPERATIONS:            
Net investment income   $ 1,979,145     $ 3,568,055  
Net realized gain     4,473,519       7,438,861  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation     (6,614,699 )     32,612,619  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (162,035 )     43,619,535  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:                
From distributable earnings     (2,073,340 )     (3,568,055 )
From tax return of capital     -       (37,609 )
Total distributions     (2,073,340 )     (3,605,664 )
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:                
Proceeds from sale of shares     36,677,467       27,797,544  
Cost of shares redeemed     (8,076,000 )     (24,055,755 )
Net increase from capital share transactions     28,601,467       3,741,789  
Net increase in net assets     26,366,092       43,755,660  
                 
NET ASSETS:                
Beginning of period     207,896,424       164,140,764  
End of period   $ 234,262,516     $ 207,896,424  
                 
OTHER INFORMATION:                
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:                
Beginning shares     2,000,000       1,950,000  
Shares sold     350,000       250,000  
Shares redeemed     (75,000 )     (200,000 )
Shares outstanding, end of period     2,275,000       2,000,000  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

7 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

    For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)     For the Year Ended November 30, 2021     For the Year Ended November 30, 2020     For the Year Ended November 30, 2019     For the Year Ended November 30, 2018     For the Year Ended November 30, 2017  
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   $ 103.95     $ 84.17     $ 78.33     $ 70.34     $ 69.28     $ 59.74  
                                                 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:                                                
Net investment income(a)     0.94       1.76       1.91       1.53       1.50       1.37  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)     (0.92 )     19.82       5.84       8.03       1.02       10.03  
Total from investment operations     0.02       21.58       7.75       9.56       2.52       11.40  
                                                 
DISTRIBUTIONS:                                                
From net investment income     (1.00 )     (1.78 )     (1.90 )     (1.57 )     (1.46 )     (1.86 )
From tax return of capital     -       (0.02 )     (0.01 )     -       -       -  
Total distributions     (1.00 )     (1.80 )     (1.91 )     (1.57 )     (1.46 )     (1.86 )
                                                 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE     (0.98 )     19.78       5.84       7.99       1.06       9.54  
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD   $ 102.97     $ 103.95     $ 84.17     $ 78.33     $ 70.34     $ 69.28  
TOTAL RETURN(b)     (0.03 )%     25.89 %     10.37 %     13.86 %     3.66 %     19.46 %
                                                 
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                                
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)   $ 234,263     $ 207,896     $ 164,141     $ 168,407     $ 154,742     $ 166,284  
                                                 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                                                
Ratio of expenses excluding
waiver/reimbursement to average
net assets
    0.37 %(c)     0.37 %     0.37 %     0.37 %     0.37 %     0.37 %
Ratio of expenses including
waiver/reimbursement to average
net assets
    0.15 %(c)     0.15 %     0.15 %     0.15 %     0.15 %     0.15 %
Ratio of net investment income
excluding waiver/reimbursement to
average net assets
    1.57 %(c)     1.59 %     2.31 %     1.89 %     1.92 %     1.92 %
Ratio of net investment income
including waiver/reimbursement to
average net assets
    1.78 %(c)     1.81 %     2.53 %     2.11 %     2.14 %     2.14 %
Portfolio turnover rate(d)     11 %     8 %     11 %     4 %     14 %     5 %

 

(a) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

8 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

1.  ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of May 31, 2022, the Trust consists of nineteen separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (the “Fund”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Index (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund is considered non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund.

 

The Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. The Fund issues and redeems Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. On October 1, 2021, the Fund reduced its Creation Unit size from 50,000 to 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

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

 

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

 

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

 

9 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

The following is a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of May 31, 2022:

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value   Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices     Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs     Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs     Total  
Exchange Traded Funds*   $ 234,302,345     $ -     $ -     $ 234,302,345  
Short Term Investments     27,818,903       -       -       27,818,903  
Total   $ 262,121,248     $ -     $ -     $ 262,121,248  

 

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

 

The Fund did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the six months ended May 31, 2022.

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

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

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

10 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of May 31, 2022.

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021 was as follows:

 

    Ordinary Income     Long-Term Capital Gain     Return of Capital  
November 30, 2021                  
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF   $ 3,568,055     $ -     $ 37,609  

 

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

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2021, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund   Short-Term     Long-Term  
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF   $ -     $ 3,424,546  

 

As of May 31, 2022, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

    ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)   $ 68,546,742  
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)     (3,384,653 )
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   $ 65,162,089  
Cost of investments for income tax purposes   $ 196,959,159  

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales. In addition, certain tax cost basis adjustments are finalized at fiscal year-end and therefore have not been determined as of May 31, 2022.

 

F. Income Taxes

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

 

As of and during the six months ended May 31, 2022, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

G. Lending of Portfolio Securities

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

  

11 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of May 31, 2022:

 

    Market Value of Securities on Loan     Cash Collateral Received     Non-Cash Collateral Received     Total Collateral Received  
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF   $ 53,519,462     $ 27,818,903     $ 28,244,398     $ 56,063,301  

 

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

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of May 31, 2022:

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements

 

Securities Lending Transactions   Overnight & Continuous     Up to 30 days     30-90 days     Greater than 90 days     Total  
Common Stocks   $ 27,818,903     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 27,818,903  
Total Borrowings                                     27,818,903  
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)                     $ 27,818,903  

 

3.  INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

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

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive 0.19% of its annual unitary fee payable by the Fund until at least March 31, 2023. The waiver may only be terminated by the Fund's Board of Trustees prior to such date.

 

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

 

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

 

12 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

Prior to February 16, 2022, each Trustee received (1) a quarterly retainer of $10,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $5,000, (3) $1,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee each received a quarterly retainer of $2,000, in connection with their respective roles. Effective February 16, 2022, each Trustee receives (1) a quarterly retainer of $20,000, (2) a per meeting fee of $10,000, (3) $2,500 for any special meeting held outside of a regularly scheduled board meeting, and (4) reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly retainer of $5,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $3,000, and the Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee receives a quarterly retainer of $2,000, each in connection with their respective roles.

 

4.  PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2022 the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund   Purchases     Sales  
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF   $ 12,971,348     $ 13,015,875  

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2022, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund   Purchases     Sales  
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF   $ 36,677,282     $ 8,076,035  

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2022, the ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF had in-kind net realized gain of $4,006,444.

 

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

 

5.  CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

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

 

6.  MARKET RISK

 

 

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

 

The spread of COVID-19 has caused volatility, severe market dislocations and liquidity constraints in many markets, including markets for the securities the Fund holds, and may adversely affect the Fund’s investments and operations. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted in travel restrictions and disruptions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, event and service cancellations or interruptions, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, and a reduction in consumer and business spending, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the economy. These disruptions have led to instability in the market place and the jobs market. The impact of COVID-19 could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, the financial well-being and performance of individual issuers, borrowers and sectors and the health of the markets generally in potentially significant and unforeseen ways.

 

13 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The foregoing could lead to a significant economic downturn or recession, increased market volatility, a greater number of market closures, higher default rates and adverse effects on the values and liquidity of the Fund’s securities or other assets. Such impacts may adversely affect the performance of the Fund.

 

7.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Effective as of the close of business on March 31, 2022, Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) resigned as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund. The report of Deloitte on the Fund’s financial statements as of and for the fiscal years or periods ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the Fund’s fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020, and through March 31, 2022, there were no disagreements between the Fund and Deloitte on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Deloitte, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Fund for such year or period. During the Fund’s fiscal years or periods ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020, there were no “reportable events” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)).

 

During the Fund’s fiscal year or period ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020, and during the subsequent interim period through March 31, 2022, neither the Fund, nor anyone on their behalf, consulted with Deloitte, on behalf of the Fund, regarding any matter that was either the subject of a “disagreement,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the instructions thereto, or a “reportable event,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.

 

On June 21, 2022, upon the recommendation of the Fund’s Audit Committee, the Board of Trustees of the Fund approved the engagement of BBD, LLP (“BBD”) as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2022. The Board and its Audit Committee considered the engagement of BBD in connection with the resignation of the Fund’s former independent registered accounting firm on March 31, 2022.

 

14 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Additional Information May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

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

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

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

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF designates the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2021:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF 88.31% 85.80%

 

In early 2022, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distribution paid to them by the Fund during the calendar year 2021 via Form 1099. The Fund will notify shareholders in early 2023 of amounts paid to them by the Fund, if any, during the calendar year 2022.

 

LICENSING AGREEMENT

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

15 | May 31, 2022

     

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  
Liquidity Risk Management Program May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

At a meeting of the Board held on March 7, 2022, the Trustees received a report from the Committee regarding the design and operational effectiveness of the Program for the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Committee determined, and reported to the Board, that the Program has been operating effectively to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and (as applicable) respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments.

 

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

 

16 | May 31, 2022