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Annual Report

 

September 30, 2021

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

Ticker: ETHO

 











 

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The fund is a series of ETF Managers Trust.

  

 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
September 30, 2021

 

 

Page

Shareholder Letter

2

   

Growth of $10,000 Investment

3

   

Top 10 Holdings

4

   

Important Disclosures and Key Risk Factors

5

   

Portfolio Allocations

6

   

Schedule of Investments

7

   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

16

   

Statement of Operations

17

   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

18

   

Financial Highlights

19

   

Notes to the Financial Statements

20

   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

29

   

Expense Example

30

   

Supplementary Information

31

   

Information About Portfolio Holdings

31

   

Information About Proxy Voting

31

   

Trustees and Officers Table

32

   

Privacy Policy

34

  

1 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

On behalf of the entire team, we want to express our appreciation for the confidence you have placed in the Etho Climate Leadership U.S. Exchange-Traded Fund (“ETHO” or the “Fund”). The following information pertains to the fiscal period from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021.

 

The Fund seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Etho Climate Leadership Index – U.S. (the “Index”).

 

For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2021, the total return for the Fund was 35.48% while the total return for the Index was 35.09%. The best performers in the Fund on the basis of contribution to its return were Sunpower Corp., Tesla Inc., Wesco International Inc., SVB Financial Group and Genmark Diagnostics Inc., while the worst performers Zoom Video Communications-A, Beyond Meat Inc., Teladoc Health Inc., Romeo Power Inc. and Quantumscape Corp.

 

During the reporting period, the Fund saw an average approximate allocation of 9.8% to Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment, 6.9% to Software, 5.2% to IT Services and 5.1% to Health Care Equipment & Supplies and 5.0% to Machinery. The Fund invests in the United States.

 

As you may know, the Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF offers broad diversification across companies that have demonstrated efficiency and leadership with their use of resources and their supply chains when compared to industry peers. The Fund holds roughly 265 equities equally weighted (at the time of rebalance) and results in a carbon emissions profile that is, on average, 50-70% lower per dollar invested than conventional U.S. benchmark indices.1 ETHO avoids investment in any direct fossil fuel companies, as well as enablers of that industry, along with a series of other unsustainable industries such as Tobacco/Weapons/Gambling, etc. Equal weighting of the Fund allows for the elimination of equities that do not meet ETHO’s standards without there being a significant impact on the diversification or performance of the Fund. It also creates broad exposure to both the sectors and factors that potentially make for greater stability and higher performance.

 

There is much ahead for environmentally sustainable and socially responsible investing. We are thankful you have joined us by investing in the Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF. You can find further details about ETHO by visiting www.etfmg.com, or by calling 1- 844-ETF-MGRS (1-844-383-6477).

 

Sincerely,

 

image

 

Samuel Masucci III

Chairman of the Board

 

 

1 Etho Capital. www.ethocapital.com 

 

2 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

Growth of $10,000 (Unaudited)

 image

  

Average Annual Returns
Year Ended September 30, 2021

 

1 Year
Return

 

 

5 Year
Return

 

 

Since
Inception (11/18/2015)

 

 

Value of
$10,000
(9/30/2021)

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF (NAV)

 

 

35.48

%

 

 

18.19

%

 

 

16.91

%

 

$

25,009

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF (Market)

 

 

35.30

%

 

 

18.25

%

 

 

16.93

%

 

$

25,036

 

S&P 500 Index

 

 

30.00

%

 

 

16.90

%

 

 

15.37

%

 

$

23,145

 

Etho Climate Leadership Index - U.S.

 

 

35.09

%

 

 

17.68

%

 

 

16.36

%

 

$

24,333

 

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more of less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. All performance is historical and includes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-844-ETF-MGRS (1-844-383-6477).

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 investment made on November 18, 2015, and is not intended to imply any future performance. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions from the sales of Fund shares. The chart assumes reinvestment of capital gains and dividends, if any. The Index Returns do not reflect fees or expenses and are not available for direct investment. 

 

3 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Top Ten Holdings as of September 30, 2021 (Unaudited)*

 

 

Security

 

% of Total
Investments

1

 

American National Group, Inc.

0.55%

2

 

Gartner, Inc.

0.52%

3

 

Herc Holdings, Inc.

0.50%

4

 

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.

0.48%

5

 

NVIDIA Corp.

0.48%

6

 

DexCom, Inc.

0.47%

7

 

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

0.47%

8

 

MSCI, Inc.

0.45%

9

 

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. - Class A

0.44%

10

 

Intuit, Inc.

0.44%

       
    Top Ten Holdings 4.80% of Total Investments  
    * Current Fund holdings may not be indicative of future Fund holdings.  

  

4 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Important Disclosures and Key Risk Factors

 

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV), may trade at a discount or premium to NAV and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Narrowly focused investments typically exhibit higher volatility.

 

Past performance is not indicative of future return. A fund’s performance for very short time periods may not be indicative of future performance.

 

ETHO

 

The ETHO Climate Leadership US ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Etho Climate Leadership Index (the “Index”).

 

The Fund’s return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the Etho Climate Leadership Index — US.

 

To the extent the Fund utilizes a sampling approach, it may experience tracking error to a greater extent than if the Fund had sought to replicate the Index.

 

Unlike with an actively managed fund, the Fund’s adviser does not use techniques or defensive strategies designed to lessen the effects of market volatility or to reduce the impact of periods of market decline. This means that, based on market and economic conditions, the Fund’s performance could be lower than other types of funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a market decline.

 

Natural or environmental disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and other severe weather- related phenomena generally, and widespread disease, including pandemics and epidemics, have been and may be highly disruptive to economies and markets, adversely impacting individual companies, sectors, industries, markets, currencies, interest and inflation rates, credit ratings, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Fund’s investments. Given the increasing interdependence among global economies and markets, conditions in one country, market, or region are increasingly likely to adversely affect markets, issuers, and/or foreign exchange rates in other countries, including the U.S. Any such events could have a significant adverse impact on the value of the Fund’s investments.

 

Additionally, natural or environmental disasters, widespread disease or other public health issues, war, acts of terrorism or other events could result in increased premiums or discounts to the Fund’s NAV.

 

ETF Managers Group LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.

 

The Fund is distributed by ETFMG Financial LLC. Both ETF Managers Group LLC and ETFMG Financial LLC are wholly owned subsidiaries of Exchange Traded Managers Group LLC (collectively, “ETFMG”). ETFMG Financial LLC is not affiliated with Etho Capital.

 

The Fund is intended to be made available only to U.S. residents. Under no circumstances is any information provided on this website intended for distribution to or use by, or to be an offer to sell to or solicitation of an offer to buy the Fund or any investment product or service of, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country, other than the United States, where such distribution, use, offer or solicitation would subject the Fund or its affiliates to any registration requirement or be unlawful under the securities laws of that jurisdiction or country. 

 

5 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

PORTFOLIO ALLOCATIONS

As of September 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

As a percent of Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

Guernsey

 

 

0.4

%

United States

 

 

99.1

 

Short-Term and other Net Assets (Liabilities)

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

100.0

%

  

6 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2021

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guernsey - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IT Services - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amdocs, Ltd.

 

 

9,320

 

 

$

705,617

 

United States - 99.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B

 

 

3,855

 

 

 

701,996

 

Auto Components - 1.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BorgWarner, Inc. (b)

 

 

14,110

 

 

 

609,693

 

Gentex Corp.

 

 

18,290

 

 

 

603,204

 

QuantumScape Corp. (a)(b)

 

 

14,543

 

 

 

356,885

 

XL Fleet Corp. (a)(b)

 

 

72,472

 

 

 

446,428

 

Total Auto Components

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,016,210

 

Automobiles - 1.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canoo, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

72,072

 

 

 

554,234

 

Fisker, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

37,792

 

 

 

553,653

 

Lordstown Motors Corp. - Class A (a)(b)

 

 

55,293

 

 

 

441,238

 

Tesla, Inc. (a)

 

 

974

 

 

 

755,317

 

Total Automobiles

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,304,442

 

Banks - 3.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amalgamated Financial Corp.

 

 

39,507

 

 

 

625,001

 

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

 

 

7,352

 

 

 

604,114

 

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

 

 

8,537

 

 

 

594,858

 

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (b)

 

 

6,035

 

 

 

715,872

 

First Horizon Corp. (b)

 

 

38,969

 

 

 

634,805

 

South State Corp. (b)

 

 

8,360

 

 

 

624,241

 

SVB Financial Group (a)

 

 

1,316

 

 

 

851,294

 

Truist Financial Corp.

 

 

11,283

 

 

 

661,748

 

Total Banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,311,933

 

Biotechnology - 2.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

12,603

 

 

 

581,628

 

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

 

 

4,608

 

 

 

870,036

 

Avita Medical, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

32,836

 

 

 

581,854

 

Biogen, Inc. (a)

 

 

2,325

 

 

 

657,952

 

Seagen, Inc. (a)

 

 

4,687

 

 

 

795,853

 

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

 

 

3,028

 

 

 

549,249

 

Total Biotechnology

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,036,572

 

Building Products - 2.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.O. Smith Corp.

 

 

9,677

 

 

 

590,974

 

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (b)

 

 

6,303

 

 

 

681,796

 

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

 

 

7,242

 

 

 

691,394

 

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

 

 

6,815

 

 

 

609,397

 

Lennox International, Inc. (b)

 

 

2,091

 

 

 

615,109

 

Masco Corp.

 

 

10,923

 

 

 

606,773

 

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

 

 

6,283

 

 

 

672,093

 

Trex Co., Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

7,109

 

 

 

724,620

 

Total Building Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,192,156

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

7 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

Capital Markets - 3.7%                

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

 

 

4,366

 

 

$

659,659

 

Ares Management Corp. - Class A

 

 

11,729

 

 

 

865,951

 

Charles Schwab Corp.

 

 

10,020

 

 

 

729,857

 

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. - Class A

 

 

8,928

 

 

 

556,572

 

KKR & Co, Inc.

 

 

13,366

 

 

 

813,722

 

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. (b)

 

 

1,308

 

 

 

550,263

 

MSCI, Inc.

 

 

1,554

 

 

 

945,359

 

Northern Trust Corp.

 

 

6,244

 

 

 

673,166

 

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

 

 

3,861

 

 

 

759,459

 

Total Capital Markets

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,554,008 

 

Chemicals - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ecolab, Inc.

 

 

3,048

 

 

 

635,874

 

Commercial Services & Supplies - 2.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cintas Corp.

 

 

1,911

 

 

 

727,441

 

Clean Harbors, Inc. (a)

 

 

7,742

 

 

 

804,162

 

Copart, Inc. (a)

 

 

5,990

 

 

 

830,932

 

Rollins, Inc.

 

 

18,964

 

 

 

669,998

 

Steelcase, Inc. - Class A

 

 

45,529

 

 

 

577,308

 

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,609,841 

 

Communications Equipment - 1.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arista Networks, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

2,154

 

 

 

740,201

 

Cisco Systems, Inc.

 

 

12,646

 

 

 

688,322

 

F5 Networks, Inc. (a)

 

 

3,120

 

 

 

620,194

 

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

 

 

3,474

 

 

 

807,079

 

Total Communications Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,855,796 

 

Construction & Engineering - 0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ameresco, Inc. - Class A (a)

 

 

13,383

 

 

 

781,968

 

EMCOR Group, Inc.

 

 

5,810

 

 

 

670,358

 

Total Construction & Engineering

 

 

   

 

 

1,452,326 

 

Construction Materials - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vulcan Materials Co.

 

 

3,867

 

 

 

654,142

 

Consumer Finance - 1.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Express Co.

 

 

4,608

 

 

 

771,978

 

Discover Financial Services

 

 

6,887

 

 

 

846,069

 

PROG Holdings, Inc.

 

 

15,033

 

 

 

631,536

 

SLM Corp.

 

 

36,294

 

 

 

638,774

 

Total Consumer Finance

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,888,357

 

Containers & Packaging - 1.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AptarGroup, Inc.

 

 

4,610

 

 

 

550,204

 

Avery Dennison Corp.

 

 

3,558

 

 

 

737,252

 

Crown Holdings, Inc.

 

 

6,724

 

 

 

677,645

 

Packaging Corp of America

 

 

4,885

 

 

 

671,394

 

Total Containers & Packaging

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,636,495 

 

Distributors - 1.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genuine Parts Co.

 

 

5,680

 

 

 

688,586

 

LKQ Corp. (a)(b)

 

 

15,374

 

 

 

773,620

 

Pool Corp.

 

 

1,889

 

 

 

820,601

 

Total Distributors

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,282,807 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

8 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

Diversified Financial Services - 0.6%                

Cannae Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

 

16,425

 

 

$

510,982

 

Voya Financial, Inc.

 

 

10,263

 

 

 

630,045

 

Total Diversified Financial Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,141,027

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services - 1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AT&T, Inc.

 

 

21,772

 

 

 

588,062

 

ATN International, Inc.

 

 

13,283

 

 

 

622,308

 

Verizon Communications, Inc.

 

 

11,280

 

 

 

609,233

 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,819,603

 

Electrical Equipment - 2.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Array Technologies, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

21,823

 

 

 

404,162

 

ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

24,375

 

 

 

487,256

 

FuelCell Energy, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

45,163

 

 

 

302,140

 

Hubbell, Inc.

 

 

3,506

 

 

 

633,429

 

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

 

 

2,464

 

 

 

724,514

 

Romeo Power, Inc. (a)

 

 

78,129

 

 

 

386,739

 

Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. - Class A (a)(b)

 

 

18,711

 

 

 

521,663

 

Sunrun, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

10,760

 

 

 

473,440

 

Total Electrical Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,933,343

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 3.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CDW Corp.

 

 

3,937

 

 

 

716,613

 

Corning, Inc.

 

 

15,077

 

 

 

550,160

 

IPG Photonics Corp. (a)(b)

 

 

3,084

 

 

 

488,506

 

Itron, Inc. (a)

 

 

7,341

 

 

 

555,200

 

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (a)

 

 

4,537

 

 

 

745,383

 

Littelfuse, Inc.

 

 

2,467

 

 

 

674,157

 

National Instruments Corp.

 

 

15,208

 

 

 

596,610

 

Trimble, Inc. (a)

 

 

8,365

 

 

 

688,021

 

Zebra Technologies Corp. - Class A (a)

 

 

1,341

 

 

 

691,178

 

Total Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,705,828

 

Entertainment - 2.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

 

 

7,022

 

 

 

543,433

 

Liberty Media Corp-Liberty Formula One - Class C (a)

 

 

15,033

 

 

 

772,846

 

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

7,688

 

 

 

700,607

 

Netflix, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,246

 

 

 

760,484

 

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (a)

 

 

3,682

 

 

 

567,286

 

Walt Disney Co. (a)

 

 

3,525

 

 

 

596,324

 

Total Entertainment

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,940,980

 

Food & Staples Retailing - 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PriceSmart, Inc.

 

 

6,745

 

 

 

523,075

 

Sysco Corp.

 

 

8,300

 

 

 

651,550

 

Total Food & Staples Retailing

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,174,625

 

Food Products - 1.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond Meat, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

5,001

 

 

 

526,405

 

Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

14,925

 

 

 

638,491

 

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

 

 

8,437

 

 

 

517,779

 

McCormick & Co., Inc.

 

 

7,338

 

 

 

594,598

 

Total Food Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,277,273

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

9 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 4.2%                

Align Technology, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,202

 

 

$

799,847

 

Cooper Cos.

 

 

1,694

 

 

 

700,147

 

Danaher Corporation

 

 

2,893

 

 

 

880,745

 

DexCom, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,811

 

 

 

990,364

 

Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (a)

 

 

7,780

 

 

 

880,774

 

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,330

 

 

 

827,127

 

ResMed, Inc.

 

 

3,363

 

 

 

886,319

 

Teleflex, Inc.

 

 

1,568

 

 

 

590,430

 

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

 

 

2,310

 

 

 

980,688

 

Total Health Care Equipment & Supplies

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,536,441

 

Health Care Providers & Services - 1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (a)

 

 

8,830

 

 

 

1,013,242

 

Henry Schein, Inc. (a)

 

 

9,398

 

 

 

715,752

 

Total Health Care Providers & Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,728,994

 

Health Care Technology - 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cerner Corp.

 

 

9,072

 

 

 

639,757

 

Teladoc Health, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

3,579

 

 

 

453,853

 

Total Health Care Technology

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,093,610

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 1.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Booking Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

 

278

 

 

 

659,936

 

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (a)

 

 

457

 

 

 

830,607

 

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

 

5,381

 

 

 

710,884

 

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,201,427

 

Household Durables - 1.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GoPro, Inc. - Class A (a)(b)

 

 

55,910

 

 

 

523,318

 

NVR, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

138

 

 

 

661,583

 

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

 

 

17,849

 

 

 

828,372

 

TopBuild Corp. (a)

 

 

3,106

 

 

 

636,140

 

Total Household Durables

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,649,413

 

Household Products - 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (b)

 

 

7,480

 

 

 

617,624

 

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers - 1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clearway Energy, Inc. - Class A

 

 

24,968

 

 

 

704,098

 

Ormat Technologies, Inc. (b)

 

 

8,307

 

 

 

553,329

 

Sunnova Energy International, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

15,942

 

 

 

525,129

 

Total Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,782,556

 

Insurance - 3.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Financial Group, Inc.

 

 

6,234

 

 

 

784,424

 

American National Group, Inc.

 

 

6,074

 

 

 

1,148,169

 

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

 

 

6,360

 

 

 

726,439

 

Citizens, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

112,402

 

 

 

698,016

 

Erie Indemnity Co. - Class A (b)

 

 

2,957

 

 

 

527,588

 

Globe Life, Inc.

 

 

6,744

 

 

 

600,418

 

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

 

 

9,815

 

 

 

689,504

 

MetLife, Inc.

 

 

10,819

 

 

 

667,857

 

W R Berkley Corp.

 

 

8,700

 

 

 

636,666

 

Total Insurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,479,081

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

10 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

Interactive Media & Services - 0.5%                

Alphabet, Inc. - Class A (a)

 

 

315

 

 

$

842,159

 

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 1.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amazon.com, Inc. (a)

 

 

209

 

 

 

686,573

 

eBay, Inc.

 

 

10,666

 

 

 

743,100

 

Etsy, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

3,226

 

 

 

670,879

 

Total Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,100,552

 

IT Services - 5.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Akamai Technologies, Inc. (a)

 

 

6,386

 

 

 

667,912

 

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

 

 

4,272

 

 

 

711,886

 

DXC Technology Co. (a)

 

 

20,817

 

 

 

699,659

 

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

 

 

4,646

 

 

 

565,325

 

Fiserv, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

5,467

 

 

 

593,170

 

Gartner, Inc. (a)

 

 

3,564

 

 

 

1,083,028

 

Global Payments, Inc.

 

 

3,232

 

 

 

509,299

 

International Business Machines Corp.

 

 

4,960

 

 

 

689,093

 

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (b)

 

 

4,305

 

 

 

706,278

 

MasterCard, Inc. - Class A

 

 

1,828

 

 

 

635,559

 

Paychex, Inc.

 

 

6,696

 

 

 

752,965

 

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

 

2,679

 

 

 

697,103

 

VeriSign, Inc. (a)

 

 

3,273

 

 

 

670,998

 

Visa, Inc. - Class A (b)

 

 

3,079

 

 

 

685,847

 

Total IT Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,668,122

 

Leisure Products - 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hasbro, Inc.

 

 

6,834

 

 

 

609,729

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services - 0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bio-Techne Corp.

 

 

1,705

 

 

 

826,192

 

Illumina, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,694

 

 

 

687,103

 

Total Life Sciences Tools & Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,513,295

 

Machinery - 3.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deere & Co.

 

 

1,743

 

 

 

584,027

 

Dover Corporation

 

 

4,766

 

 

 

741,113

 

Energy Recovery, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

35,485

 

 

 

675,280

 

Hyliion Holdings Corp. (a)(b)

 

 

60,993

 

 

 

512,341

 

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

 

 

2,948

 

 

 

609,145

 

Mueller Water Products, Inc. - Class A (b)

 

 

47,091

 

 

 

716,725

 

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

 

 

2,072

 

 

 

579,373

 

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. - Class A

 

 

5,490

 

 

 

922,815

 

Westinghouse Air Breaks Technologies Corp. (b)

 

 

8,237

 

 

 

710,112

 

Xylem, Inc.

 

 

6,206

 

 

 

767,558

 

Total Machinery

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,818,489

 

Media - 2.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discovery, Inc. - Class A (a)(b)

 

 

14,974

 

 

 

380,040

 

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. - Class A (b)

 

 

12,054

 

 

 

629,339

 

Liberty Broadband Corp. - Class C (a)

 

 

4,334

 

 

 

748,482

 

New York Times Co. - Class A

 

 

12,871

 

 

 

634,154

 

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc. (b)

 

 

107,217

 

 

 

654,024

 

TEGNA, Inc.

 

 

34,811

 

 

 

686,473

 

Total Media

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,732,512

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

11 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

Metals & Mining - 0.4%                

Compass Minerals International, Inc. (b)

 

 

10,532

 

 

$

678,261

 

Multiline Retail - 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kohl’s Corp.

 

 

10,987

 

 

 

517,378

 

Nordstrom, Inc. (a)

 

 

17,185

 

 

 

454,543

 

Total Multiline Retail

 

 

 

 

 

 

971,921

 

Personal Products - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. - Class A

 

 

2,242

 

 

 

672,443

 

Pharmaceuticals - 2.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

 

 

10,361

 

 

 

613,060

 

Catalent, Inc. (a)

 

 

6,180

 

 

 

822,372

 

Merck & Co, Inc.

 

 

8,545

 

 

 

641,815

 

Organon & Co.

 

 

849

 

 

 

27,839

 

Pfizer, Inc.

 

 

18,201

 

 

 

782,825

 

Zoetis, Inc.

 

 

4,141

 

 

 

803,934

 

Total Pharmaceuticals

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,691,845

 

Professional Services - 0.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Half International, Inc.

 

 

8,382

 

 

 

840,966

 

Verisk Analytics, Inc.

 

 

3,690

 

 

 

738,996

 

Total Professional Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,579,962

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS) - 4.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AGNC Investment Corp. (b)

 

 

39,791

 

 

 

627,504

 

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (b)

 

 

76,964

 

 

 

648,037

 

Camden Property Trust

 

 

5,947

 

 

 

877,004

 

Gladstone Land Corp.

 

 

35,853

 

 

 

816,373

 

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (b)

 

 

11,651

 

 

 

623,095

 

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

 

 

24,293

 

 

 

638,177

 

Prologis, Inc.

 

 

6,182

 

 

 

775,408

 

Public Storage, Inc.

 

 

2,661

 

 

 

790,583

 

Regency Centers Corp.

 

 

11,617

 

 

 

782,173

 

SBA Communications Corp.

 

 

2,350

 

 

 

776,840

 

UDR, Inc.

 

 

14,911

 

 

 

789,985

 

Total Real Estate Investment Trust (REITS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,145,179

 

Road & Rail - 2.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMERCO

 

 

1,062

 

 

 

686,084

 

CSX Corp.

 

 

20,327

 

 

 

604,525

 

JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

 

 

3,880

 

 

 

648,814

 

Landstar System, Inc.

 

 

3,949

 

 

 

623,231

 

Lyft, Inc. - Class A (a)

 

 

10,300

 

 

 

551,977

 

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

 

 

2,709

 

 

 

774,719

 

Ryder System, Inc.

 

 

8,691

 

 

 

718,833

 

Total Road & Rail

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,608,183

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

12 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 7.1%                

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a)

 

 

8,290

 

 

$

853,041

 

Analog Devices, Inc.

 

 

4,081

 

 

 

683,486

 

Applied Materials, Inc.

 

 

4,883

 

 

 

628,589

 

Cree, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

6,018

 

 

 

485,833

 

Enphase Energy, Inc. (a)

 

 

4,012

 

 

 

601,680

 

First Solar, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

7,454

 

 

 

711,559

 

KLA Corp.

 

 

1,976

 

 

 

660,992

 

Lam Research Corp.

 

 

1,094

 

 

 

622,650

 

NVIDIA Corp.

 

 

4,876

 

 

 

1,010,111

 

ON Semiconductor Corp. (a)

 

 

15,639

 

 

 

715,797

 

Power Integrations, Inc.

 

 

8,002

 

 

 

792,118

 

Qorvo, Inc. (a)

 

 

3,561

 

 

 

595,364

 

Qualcomm, Inc.

 

 

4,941

 

 

 

637,290

 

Rambus, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

33,476

 

 

 

743,167

 

SunPower Corp. (a)(b)

 

 

19,456

 

 

 

441,262

 

Teradyne, Inc.

 

 

5,354

 

 

 

584,496

 

Texas Instruments, Inc.

 

 

3,469

 

 

 

666,776

 

Universal Display Corp.

 

 

2,751

 

 

 

470,311

 

Xilinx, Inc.

 

 

5,252

 

 

 

792,999

 

Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,697,521

 

Software - 6.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adobe Systems, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,367

 

 

 

787,009

 

Ansys, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,915

 

 

 

651,962

 

Autodesk, Inc. (a)

 

 

2,348

 

 

 

669,579

 

Cadence Design System, Inc. (a)

 

 

4,750

 

 

 

719,340

 

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. - Class A

 

 

6,613

 

 

 

581,944

 

FireEye, Inc. (a)

 

 

33,255

 

 

 

591,939

 

Intuit, Inc.

 

 

1,701

 

 

 

917,706

 

Microsoft Corp.

 

 

2,768

 

 

 

780,355

 

NCR Corp. (a)

 

 

17,148

 

 

 

664,656

 

Paycom Software, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

1,758

 

 

 

871,528

 

salesforce.com, Inc. (a)

 

 

3,071

 

 

 

832,917

 

ServiceNow, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,300

 

 

 

808,951

 

Splunk, Inc. (a)

 

 

4,804

 

 

 

695,187

 

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,532

 

 

 

702,652

 

VMware, Inc. - Class A (a)(b)

 

 

4,326

 

 

 

643,276

 

Workday, Inc. - Class A (a)

 

 

2,618

 

 

 

654,212

 

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. - Class A (a)

 

 

2,024

 

 

 

529,276

 

Total Software

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,102,489

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

13 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

Specialty Retail - 3.3%                

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

 

 

3,571

 

 

$

745,946

 

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

 

 

10,554

 

 

 

665,219

 

Foot Locker, Inc.

 

 

11,623

 

 

 

530,706

 

Gap, Inc.

 

 

21,909

 

 

 

497,334

 

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

 

 

3,438

 

 

 

697,433

 

Ross Stores, Inc.

 

 

5,444

 

 

 

592,579

 

TJX Cos., Inc.

 

 

9,887

 

 

 

652,344

 

Tractor Supply Co.

 

 

3,688

 

 

 

747,226

 

Victoria’s Secret & Co. (a)

 

 

3,511

 

 

 

194,018

 

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (b)

 

 

3,648

 

 

 

646,900

 

Total Specialty Retail

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,969,705

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 1.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3D Systems Corp. (a)(b)

 

 

23,717

 

 

 

653,878

 

Apple, Inc.

 

 

5,340

 

 

 

755,610

 

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (b)

 

 

41,808

 

 

 

595,764

 

NetApp, Inc.

 

 

8,992

 

 

 

807,122

 

Total Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,812,374

 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance - 1.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

 

 

50,733

 

 

 

582,922

 

New York Community Bancorp, Inc. (b)

 

 

52,604

 

 

 

677,013

 

TFS Financial Corp.

 

 

32,553

 

 

 

620,460

 

Washington Federal, Inc.

 

 

21,341

 

 

 

732,211

 

Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,612,606

 

Trading Companies & Distributors - 2.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herc Holdings, Inc. (a)(b)

 

 

6,423

 

 

 

1,049,903

 

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. - Class A

 

 

7,299

 

 

 

585,307

 

United Rentals, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,974

 

 

 

692,736

 

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

 

 

1,631

 

 

 

641,081

 

WESCO International, Inc. (a)

 

 

7,521

 

 

 

867,322

 

Total Trading Companies & Distributors

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,836,349

 

Water Utilities - 1.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American States Water Co.

 

 

8,656

 

 

 

740,261

 

American Water Works Co., Inc.

 

 

4,362

 

 

 

737,352

 

California Water Service Group (b)

 

 

11,611

 

 

 

684,236

 

Middlesex Water Co.

 

 

8,270

 

 

 

849,992

 

Total Water Utilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,011,841

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T-Mobile US, Inc. (a)

 

 

5,193

 

 

 

663,458

 

Total United States

 

 

 

 

 

 

176,553,775

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $150,132,234)

 

 

 

 

 

 

177,259,392

 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 18.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 0.09% (c)

 

 

32,144,280

 

 

 

32,144,280

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL (Cost $32,144,280)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

14 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds - 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 0.03% (c)

 

 

736,522

 

 

$

736,522

 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $736,522)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 

Total Investments (Cost $183,013,036) - 118.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

210,140,194

 

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (18.0)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

(32,070,019

)

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

$

178,070,175

 

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

All or a portion of this security was out on loan at September 30, 2021.

(c)

The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield at period end.

 

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”).

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

15 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
As of September 30, 2021

 

 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Investments in securities, at value*

 

$

210,140,194

 

Receivables:

 

 

 

 

Dividends and interest receivable

 

 

134,538

 

Securities lending income receivable

 

 

5,692

 

Total Assets

 

 

210,280,424

 

         

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

Collateral received for securities loaned (Note 7)

 

 

32,144,280

 

Payables:

 

 

 

 

Management fees payable

 

 

65,969

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

32,210,249

 

Net Assets

 

$

178,070,175

 

         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

 

 

 

 

Paid-in capital

 

$

155,882,529

 

Total distributable earnings

 

 

22,187,646

 

Net Assets

 

$

178,070,175

 

*Identified Cost:

 

 

 

 

Investments in securities

 

$

183,013,036

 

         

Shares Outstanding^

 

 

3,000,000

 

Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price per Share

 

$

59.36

 

 

^   No par value, unlimited number of shares authorized

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

16 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended September 30, 2021

 

 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

 

 

 

Income:

 

 

 

 

Dividends from unaffiliated securities (net of foreign witholding tax of $687)

 

$

1,674,859

 

Interest

 

 

168

 

Securities lending income

 

 

94,192

 

Total Investment Income

 

 

1,769,219

 

         

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

Management fees

 

 

646,551

 

Total Expenses

 

 

646,551

 

Net Investment Income

 

 

1,122,668

 

         

REALIZED & UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:

 

 

 

 

Unaffiliated investments

 

 

440,033

 

Affiliated investments

 

 

(23,355

)

In-Kind redemptions

 

 

24,384,185

 

Net Realized Gain on Investments and In-Kind Redemptions

 

 

24,800,863

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation of:

 

 

 

 

Unaffiliated investments

 

 

9,190,245

 

Affiliated investments

 

 

23,606

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation of Investments

 

 

9,213,851

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments

 

 

34,014,714

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

 

$

35,137,382

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

17 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended September 30,
2021

 

 

Year Ended September 30,
2020

 

OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$

1,122,668

 

 

$

746,997

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and In-Kind Redemptions

 

 

24,800,863

 

 

 

(4,238,356

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

 

 

9,213,851

 

 

 

12,770,763

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

35,137,382

 

 

 

9,279,404

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Total Distributions to Shareholders

 

 

(1,179,000

)

 

 

(660,500

)

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets derived from net change in outstanding shares

 

 

53,551,110

 

 

 

28,510,725

 

Net increase in net assets

 

 

87,509,492

 

 

 

37,129,629

 

NET ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of Year

 

 

90,560,683

 

 

 

53,431,054

 

End of Year

 

$

178,070,175

 

 

$

90,560,683

 

 

Summary of share transactions is as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended
September 30, 2021

 

 

Year Ended
September 30, 2020

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

Shares Sold

 

 

2,100,000

 

 

$

120,572,535

 

 

 

800,000

 

 

$

32,325,825

 

Shares Redeemed

 

 

(1,150,000

)

 

 

(67,021,425

)

 

 

(100,000

)

 

 

(3,815,100

)

Net Transactions in Fund Shares

 

 

950,000

 

 

$

53,551,110

 

 

 

700,000

 

 

$

28,510,725

 

Beginning Shares

 

 

2,050,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,350,000

 

 

 

 

 

Ending Shares

 

 

3,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,050,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

18 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a capital share outstanding throughout the year

 

 

 

Year Ended September 30,
2021

 

 

Year Ended September 30,
2020

 

 

Year Ended September 30,
2019

 

 

Year Ended September 30,
2018

 

 

Year Ended September 30,
2017

 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

 

$

44.18

 

 

$

39.58

 

 

$

37.50

 

 

$

32.01

 

 

$

27.00

 

Income from Investment Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Investment Income 1

 

 

0.47

 

 

 

0.41

 

 

 

0.33

 

 

 

0.29

 

 

 

0.31

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

 

 

15.17

 

 

 

4.54

 

 

 

2.08

 

 

 

5.51

 

 

 

5.09

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

15.64

 

 

 

4.95

 

 

 

2.41

 

 

 

5.80

 

 

 

5.40

 

Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(0.46

)

 

 

(0.35

)

 

 

(0.33

)

 

 

(0.29

)

 

 

(0.25

)

From net realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.14

)

Total distributions

 

 

(0.46

)

 

 

(0.35

)

 

 

(0.33

)

 

 

(0.31

)

 

 

(0.39

)

Net asset value, end of year

 

$

59.36

 

 

$

44.18

 

 

$

39.58

 

 

$

37.50

 

 

$

32.01

 

Total Return

 

 

35.48

%

 

 

12.59

%

 

 

6.53

%

 

 

18.16

%

 

 

20.14

%

                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets at end of year (000’s)

 

$

178,070

 

 

$

90,561

 

 

$

53,431

 

 

$

35,627

 

 

$

19,208

 

Expenses to Average Net Assets

 

 

0.45

%

 

 

0.45

%

 

 

0.45

%

 

 

0.45

%

 

 

0.45

%

Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

 

 

0.83

%

 

 

1.00

%

 

 

0.88

%

 

 

0.82

%

 

 

1.03

%

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

 

45

%

 

 

37

%

 

 

41

%

 

 

19

%

 

 

45

%

 

1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

19 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2021

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF (the “Fund”) is a series of ETF Managers Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company consisting of multiple investment series, organized as a Delaware statutory trust on July 1, 2009. The Trust is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company and the offering of the Fund’s shares (“Shares”) is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Etho Climate Leadership Index – U.S. (“the Index”). The Fund commenced operations on November 18, 2015.

 

The Fund currently offers one class of shares, which has no front end sales load, no deferred sales charges, and no redemption fees. The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with no par value. All shares of the Fund have equal rights and privileges.

 

Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc. Market prices for the Shares may be different from their net asset value (“NAV”). The Fund issues and redeems Shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in blocks of 50,000 shares, called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Index. Once created, Shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day in quantities less than a Creation Unit. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Shares of the Fund may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a DTC participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem the Shares directly from the Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase Shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and may be subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

Authorized Participants transacting in Creation Units for cash may pay an additional variable charge to compensate the relevant Fund for certain transaction costs (i.e., brokerage costs) and market impact expenses relating to investing in portfolio securities. Such variable charges, if any, are included in “Transaction Fees” in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

The Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

 

The Fund may invest in certain other investment companies (underlying funds). For specific investments in underlying funds, please refer to the complete schedule of portfolio holdings on Form N-CSR(S) for this reporting period, which is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). For more information about the underlying fund’s operations and policies, please refer to those funds’ semiannual and annual reports, which are filed with the SEC. 

 

20 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

A.

Security Valuation. Securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (except for securities traded on NASDAQ), including securities traded over the counter, are valued at the last quoted sale price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are traded on the valuation date (or at approximately 4:00 pm Eastern Time if a security’s primary exchange is normally open at that time), or, if there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, at the most recent quoted bid price. For securities traded on NASDAQ, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will be used.

 

Securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at their respective fair values as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). When a security is “fair valued,” consideration is given to the facts and circumstances relevant to the particular situation, including a review of various factors set forth in the pricing procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board. The use of fair value pricing by the Fund may cause the net asset value of its shares to differ significantly from the net asset value that would be calculated without regard to such considerations. As of September 30, 2021, the Fund did not hold any fair valued securities.

 

As described above, the Fund utilizes various methods to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of inputs are:

 

Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.

 

Level 2 Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.

 

Level 3 Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available; representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

 

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

 

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

 

21 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

The following table presents a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s net assets as of September 30, 2021:

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                         

Assets^

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Common Stocks

 

$

177,259,392

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

177,259,392

 

Short-Term Investments

 

 

736,522

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

736,522

 

Investments Purchased with Securities Lending Collateral*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32,144,280

 

Total Investments in Securities

 

$

177,995,914

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

210,140,194

 

 

^ See Schedule of Investments for classifications by sector or country.

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Schedule of Investments.

 

B.

Federal Income Taxes. The Fund has elected to be taxed as a “regulated investment company” and intends to distribute substantially all taxable income to its shareholders and otherwise comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. Therefore, no provisions for federal income taxes or excise taxes have been made.

 

To avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund intends to declare each year as dividends, in each calendar year, at least 98.0% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and 98.2% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the twelve months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts, if any, from prior years.

 

Net capital losses incurred after October 31, within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Fund’s next taxable year.

 

The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. The Fund has analyzed its tax position and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions expected to be taken in the Fund’s 2021 tax returns. The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal, the State of New Jersey, and the State of Delaware; however the Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

 

As of September 30, 2021, management has reviewed the tax positions for open periods (for federal purposes, three years from the date of filing and for state purposes, four years from the date of filing) as applicable to the Fund, and has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

C.

Security Transactions and Investment Income. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Discounts/premiums on debt securities purchased are accreted/amortized over the life of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Income, including gains, from investments in foreign securities received by the Fund may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries.

  

22 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

D.

Foreign Currency Translations and Transactions. The Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions. Foreign currency transactions are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis: (i) market value of investment securities, assets and liabilities at the daily rates of exchange, and (ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income and certain expenses at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not isolate changes in the exchange rate of investment securities from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities for unrealized gains and losses. However, for federal income tax purposes, the Fund does isolate and treat as ordinary income the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on realized gains or losses from the sale of investment securities and payables and receivables arising from trade-date and settlement-date differences.

 

E.

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid by the Fund on a quarterly basis. Distributions to shareholders from net realized gains on securities of the Fund normally are declared and paid on an annual basis. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

 

F.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

G.

Share Valuation. The net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding by the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Fund’s shares will not be priced on the days on which the NYSE is closed for trading. The offering and redemption price per share for the Fund is equal to the Fund’s net asset value per share.

 

H.

Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

NOTE 3 – RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in the Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF may involve certain risks, as discussed in the Fund’s prospectus, including, but not limited to, those described below. Any of these risks could cause an investor to lose money.

 

Market Risk. Financial markets rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. As with any investment whose performance is tied to these markets, the value of an investment in a fund will fluctuate, which means that an investor could lose money over short or long periods.

 

Investment Style Risk. The Fund is not actively managed. Therefore, the Fund follows the securities included in its respective index during upturns as well as downturns. Because of its indexing strategy, the Fund does not take steps to reduce market exposure or to lessen the effects of a declining market. In addition, because of the Fund’s expenses, the Fund’s performance may be below that of its index. 

 

23 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

Equity Risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, industries or the securities market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over short or extended periods of time.

 

Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending involves the risk of loss of rights in, or delay in recovery of, the loaned securities if the borrower fails to return the security loaned or becomes insolvent.

 

Concentration Risk. To the extent that the Fund’s or its underlying index’s portfolio is concentrated in the securities of issuers in a particular market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class, the Fund may be adversely affected by the performance of those securities, may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more vulnerable to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class.

 

Natural Disaster/Epidemic Risk. Natural or environmental disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and other severe weather related phenomena generally, and widespread disease, including pandemics and epidemics (for example, the novel coronavirus COVID-19), have been and can be highly disruptive to economies and markets and have recently led, and may continue to lead, to increased market volatility and significant market losses. Such natural disaster and health crises could exacerbate political, social, and economic risks previously mentioned, and result in significant breakdowns, delays, shutdowns, social isolation, and other disruptions to important global, local and regional supply chains affected, with potential corresponding results on the operating performance of the Fund and its investments. A climate of uncertainty and panic, including the contagion of infectious viruses or diseases, may adversely affect global, regional, and local economies and reduce the availability of potential investment opportunities, and increases the difficulty of performing due diligence and modeling market conditions, potentially reducing the accuracy of financial projections. Under these circumstances, the Fund may have difficulty achieving its investment objective which may adversely impact performance. Further, such events can be highly disruptive to economies and markets, significantly disrupt the operations of individual companies (including, but not limited to, the Fund’s third party service providers), sectors, industries, markets, securities and commodity exchanges, currencies, interest and inflation rates, credit ratings, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Fund’s investments. These factors can cause substantial market volatility, exchange trading suspensions and closures and can impact the ability of the Fund to complete redemptions and otherwise affect Fund performance and Fund trading in the secondary market. A widespread crisis may also affect the global economy in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the current time. How long such events will last and whether they will continue or recur cannot be predicted. Impacts from these events could have significant impact on the Fund’s performance, resulting in losses to the Fund.

 

NOTE 4 – MANAGEMENT AND CONTRACTS

 

ETF Managers Group, LLC (the “Advisor”), serves as the investment advisor to the Fund. Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Advisor, the Advisor provides investment advice to the Fund and oversees the day-today operations of the Fund, subject to the direction and control of the Board and the officers of the Trust. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is also responsible for arranging transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, and other non-distribution related services necessary for the Fund to operate.

 

Under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Fund, the Advisor has overall responsibility for the general management and administration of the Fund and arranges for sub-advisory, transfer agency, custody, fund administration, securities lending, and all other non-distribution related services necessary for the Fund to operate. The Advisor bears the costs of all advisory and non-advisory services required to operate the Fund, in exchange for a single unitary fee. For services provided the Fund pays the Advisor at an annual rate of 0.45% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor has agreed to pay all expenses of the Fund, except for: the fee paid to the Advisor pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, interest charges on any borrowings, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses, and distribution (12b-1) fees and expenses (collectively, “Excluded Expenses”). The Advisor has entered into an agreement with its affiliate, ETFMG Financial, LLC, to serve as distributor to the Fund (the “Distributor”). The Distributor provides marketing support for the Fund, including distributing marketing materials related to the Fund. 

 

24 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

The Advisor has entered into an Agreement with Etho Capital, LLC (“Etho”), under which Etho agrees to sublicense the use of the Underlying Index to the Advisor. Etho also provides marketing support for the Fund. Etho does not make investment decisions, provide investment advice, or otherwise act in the capacity of an investment Advisor to the Fund.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (the “Administrator”) provides fund accounting, fund administration, and transfer agency services to the Fund. The Advisor compensates the Administrator for these services under an administration agreement between the two parties.

 

The Advisor pays each independent Trustee a quarterly fee for service to the Fund. Each Trustee is also reimbursed by the Advisor for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with his duties as Trustee, including travel and related expenses incurred in attending Board meetings.

 

NOTE 5 – DISTRIBUTION PLAN

 

The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b- 1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund may pay compensation to the Distributor or any other distributor or financial institution with which the Trust has an agreement with respect to the Fund, with the amount of such compensation not to exceed an annual rate of 0.25% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. For the year ended September 30, 2021, the Fund did not incur any 12b-1 expenses.

 

NOTE 6 - PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

The costs of purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities and in-kind transactions, for the year ended September 30, 2021:

 

 

 

Purchases

 

 

Sales

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

$

63,492,922

 

 

$

66,919,631

 

 

The costs of purchases and sales of in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions for the year ended September 30, 2021:

 

 

 

Purchases In-Kind

 

 

Sales In-Kind

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

$

118,985,516

 

 

$

64,821,075

 

 

Purchases in-kind are the aggregate of all in-kind purchases and sales in-kind are the aggregate of all proceeds from in- kind sales. Net capital gains or losses resulting from in-kind redemptions are excluded from the determination of the Fund’s taxable gains and are not distributed to shareholders. There were no purchases or sales of U.S. Government obligations for the year ended September 30, 2021. 

 

25 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

NOTE 7 — SECURITIES LENDING

 

The Fund may lend up to 33 1/3% of the value of the securities in its portfolio to brokers, dealers and financial institutions (but not individuals) under terms of participation in a securities lending program administered by U.S. Bank N.A. (“the Custodian”). The securities lending agreement requires that loans are collateralized at all times in an amount equal to at least 102% of the value of any loaned securities at the time of the loan, plus accrued interest. The Fund receives compensation in the form of fees and earn interest on the cash collateral. The amount of fees depends on a number of factors including the type of security and length of the loan. The Fund continues to receive interest payments or dividends on the securities loaned during the borrowing period. Gain or loss in the fair value of securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan will be for the account of the Fund. The Fund has the right under the terms of the securities lending agreement to recall the securities from the borrower on demand. The cash collateral is invested by the Custodian in accordance with approved investment guidelines. Those guidelines require the cash collateral to be invested in readily marketable, high quality, short-term obligations either directly on behalf of the Fund or through one or more joint accounts, money market funds, or short-term bond funds, including those advised by or affiliated with the Advisor; however, such investments are subject to risk of payment delays or default on the part of the issuer or counterparty or otherwise may not generate sufficient interest to support the costs associated with securities lending. Other investment companies, in which the Fund may invest cash collateral, can be expected to incur fees and expenses for operations, such as investment advisory and administration fees, which would be in addition to those incurred by the Fund, and which may be received in full or in part by the Advisor. Pursuant to guidance issued by the SEC staff, fees and expenses of money market funds used for cash collateral received in connection with loans of securities are not treated as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, which reflect a fund’s pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred by other investment companies in which the Fund invests (as disclosed in the Prospectus, as applicable). The Fund could also experience delays in recovering its securities and possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the borrowed securities, although the Fund is indemnified from this risk by contract with the securities lending agent.

 

As of September 30, 2021, the value of the securities on loan and payable for collateral due to broker were as follows:

 

Value of Securities on Loan Collateral Received

 

Fund

 

Values of Securities on Loan

 

 

Fund
Collateral Received*

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

$

31,184,329

 

 

$

32,144,280

 

 

* The cash collateral received was invested in the Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio as shown on the Schedule of Investments, an investment with an overnight and continuous maturity.

 

NOTE 8 – FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

 

The components of distributable earnings (losses) and cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes at September 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

Gross Unrealized Appreciation

 

 

Gross Unrealized Depreciation

 

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

$

183,876,941

 

 

$

34,421,633

 

 

$

(8,158,380

)

 

$

26,263,253

 

  

26 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

 

 

 

Undistributed Ordinary
Income

 

 

Undistributed Long-Term
Gain

 

 

Total Distributable Earnings

 

 

Other Accumulated (Loss)

 

 

Total Accumulated Gain

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF 

 

$

31,915

 

 

$

 

 

$

31,915

 

 

$

(4,107,522

)

 

$

22,187,646

 

 

As of September 30, 2021, the Fund had accumulated capital loss carryovers of:

 

 

 

Capital Loss
Carryover

ST

 

 

Capital Loss Carryover LT

 

 

Expires

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

$

(4,107,522

)

 

$

 

 

 

Indefinite

 

 

Under current tax law, capital and currency losses realized after October 31 of a Fund’s fiscal year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The following Funds had deferred post-October capital and currency losses, which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the year ended September 30, 2021.

 

 

 

Late Year
Ordinary
Loss

 

 

Post-October
Capital Loss

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

 

None

 

 

 

None

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, the following table shows the reclassifications made:

 

 

 

Total Distributable Earnings/(Loss)

 

 

Paid-In Capital

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

$

(24,015,823

)

 

$

24,015,823

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid by the Fund during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 are as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended September 30, 2021

 

 

Year Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

 

From
Ordinary
Income

 

 

From
Capital

Gains

 

 

From
Ordinary

Income

 

 

From
Capital
Gains

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

$

1,179,000

 

 

$

 

 

$

660,500

 

 

$

 

 

27 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2021 (Continued)

  

NOTE 9 – INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF owned the following company during the year ended September 30, 2021. ETFMG Sit Ultra Short ETF was deemed to be an affiliate of the Fund as defined by the 1940 Act during the year ended September 30, 2021, however was no longer held as of September 30, 2021. Transactions during the period in this security was as follows: 

 

Security Name

 

Value, at September 30, 2020

 

 

Purchases

 

 

Sales

 

 

Realized Gain (Loss)

 

 

Change in Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

 

Dividend
Income

 

 

Value, at
September 30, 2021

 

 

Ending Shares

 

ETFMG Sit Ultra Short ETF

 

$

2,489,250

 

 

$

 

 

$

2,489,501

 

 

$

(23,355

)

 

$

23,606

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

NOTE 10 – LEGAL MATTERS

 

The Trust, a former and current trustee of the Trust, the Adviser and certain officers of the Adviser were defendants in an action filed May 2, 2017 in the Superior Court of New Jersey captioned PureShares, LLC d/b/a PureFunds et al. v. ETF Managers Group, LLC et al., Docket No. C-63-17. The PureShares action alleged claims based on disputes arising out of contractual relationships with the Adviser relating to certain series of the Trust. The action sought damages in unspecified amounts and injunctive relief based on breach of contract, wrongful termination, and several other claims. The PureShares action was dismissed without prejudice by way of stipulation filed on February 14, 2020.

 

The Adviser and its parent, Exchange Traded Managers Group, LLC (“ETFMG”), were defendants in a case filed on October 26, 2017 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by NASDAQ, Inc. (“Nasdaq”) captioned Nasdaq, Inc. v. Exchange Traded Managers Group, LLC et al., Case 1:17-cv -08252. This action arose out of the same facts and circumstances, and relates to the same series of the Trust, as the New Jersey litigation and asserted claims for breach of contract, conversion and certain other claims. The matter was the subject of a bench trial in May 2019, and on December 20, 2019, the Court issued an Opinion and Order awarding compensatory damages to Plaintiff in the amount of $78,403,172.36, plus prejudgment interest (the “Judgment”). The Court also denied Plaintiff’s requests for punitive damages and equitable relief. ETFMG filed a Notice of Appeal from the Judgment in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on January 19, 2021, Docket No. 20-300.

 

On October 28, 2021, Nasdaq and ETFMG entered into a Judgment Payment Agreement, which satisfied the Judgment. On November 1, 2021, Nasdaq recorded a Satisfaction of Judgment with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York reflecting that the Judgment was paid in full, and ETFMG withdrew its appeal of the Judgment with prejudice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. PureShares is not a direct party to the Judgment Payment Agreement. ETFMG, however, believes PureShares’ claims in the New Jersey case, if reinstituted, would substantially overlap with those asserted on its behalf by Nasdaq that resulted in the Judgment, which has been satisfied.

 

The Adviser does not believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

NOTE 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

In preparing these financial statements, the Fund has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. Except as disclosed in Note 10, this evaluation did not result in any subsequent events that necessitated disclosures and/or adjustments to the Financial Statements. 

 

28 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of ETF Managers Trust 

and the Shareholders of Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF (the “Fund”) (a series of ETF Managers Trust) as of September 30, 2021, the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of September 30, 2021, and the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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 are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/WithumSmith+Brown, PC

 

We have served as the auditor for one or more series of the Trust since 2013.

 

New York, New York

November 29, 2021 

 

29 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Expense Example
Six Months Ended September 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF (the “Fund”) you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) 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 period and held for the entire period (April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021).

 

Actual Expenses 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes 

The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values based on a hypothetical return and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of Fund shares. 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. If these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value April 1, 2021

 

 

Ending Account Value September 30, 2021

 

 

Expenses Paid During the Period^

 

 

Annualized Expense Ratio During Period April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021

 

Actual

 

$

1,000.00

 

 

$

1,043.00

 

 

$

2.30

 

 

 

0.45

%

Hypothetical (5% annual)

 

$

1,000.00

 

 

$

1,022.81

 

 

$

2.28

 

 

 

0.45

%

 

^ The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized six-month expense ratio multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the period from April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021). 

 

30 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
September 30, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 – FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

 

Information regarding how often shares of the Fund traded on the Exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV is available on the Fund’s website at www.ethoetf.com.

 

NOTE 2 – FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

Qualified Dividend Income/Dividends Received Deduction

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, certain dividends paid by the Fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003. The percentage of dividends declared from ordinary income designated as qualified dividend income was as follows: 

Fund Name

QDI

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

100.00%

 

For corporate shareholders, the percent of ordinary income distributions qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021 was as follows: 

Fund Name

DRD

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

100.00%

 

Short Term Capital Gain 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871 (k)(2)(C) for the Fund was as follows: 

Fund Name

Short-Term Capital Gain

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

0.00%

 

NOTE 3 – INFORMATION ABOUT PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for its first and third fiscal quarters on Part F of Form N-PORT. Once filed, the Fund’s Part F of Form N-PORT is available without charge, upon request on the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov), the Fund’s website (www.ethoetf.com) and is available by calling (877) 756-7873. The Fund’s portfolio holdings are posted on the Fund’s website at www.ethoetf.com daily.

 

NOTE 4 - INFORMATION ABOUT PROXY VOTING

 

A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is provided in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free at 1-844-ETF-MGRS (1-844-383-6477), by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by accessing the Fund’s website at www.ethoetf.com.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the period ending June 30 is available by calling toll-free at 1-844-ETF-MGRS (1-844-383-6477) or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Fund’s prospectus, which may be obtained by calling 1-844-ETF-MGRS (1-844-383-6477) or by visiting www.ethoetf.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. 

 

31 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Board of Trustees

 

Set forth below are the names, birth years, positions with the Trust, length of term of office, and the principal occupations and other directorships held during at least the last five years of each of the persons currently serving as a Trustee of the Trust, as well as information about each officer. The business address of each Trustee and officer is 30 Maple Street, 2nd Floor, Summit, New Jersey 07901. The SAI includes additional information about Fund directors and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-844-ETF-MGRS (1-844-383-6477).

 

Name 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

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
By Trustee

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
During Past 5
Years

Interested Trustee and Officers

 

 

 

Samuel Masucci, III (1962)

Trustee, Chairman of the Board and President (since 2012); Secretary (since 2014)

Chief Executive Officer, Exchange Traded Managers Group LLC (since 2013); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Managers Group LLC (since 2016); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Managers Capital LLC (commodity pool operator) (since 2014); Chief Executive Officer (2012-2016) and Chief Compliance Officer (2012-2014), Factor Advisors, LLC (investment adviser); President and Chief Executive Officer, Factor Capital Management LLC (2012-2014) (commodity pool operator).

17

None

John A. Flanagan, (1946)

Treasurer (since 2015)

President, John A. Flanagan CPA, LLC (accounting services) (since 2010); Treasurer, ETF Managers Trust (since 2015); Chief Financial Officer, ETF Managers Capital, LLC (commodity pool operator) (since 2015).

n/a

n/a

Reshma A. Tanczos (1978)

Chief Compliance Officer (since 2016)

Chief Compliance Officer of ETFMG Financial LLC (since 2017); Chief Compliance Officer, ETF Managers Group LLC (since 2016); Chief Compliance Officer, ETF Managers Capital LLC (since 2016); Partner, Crow & Cushing (law firm) (2007-2016).

n/a

n/a

Matthew J. Bromberg (1973)

Assistant Secretary (since 2020)

General Counsel and Secretary of Exchange Traded Managers Group LLC (since 2020); ETF Managers Group LLC (since 2020); ETFMG Financial LLC (since 2020); ETF Managers Capital LLC (since 2020); Partner of Dorsey & Whitney LLP (law firm) (2019-2020); General Counsel of WBI Investments, Inc. (2016-2019); Millington Securities, Inc. (2016-2019); and Partner of Reed Smith (law firm) (2015-2016).

n/a

n/a

* Mr. Masucci is an interested Trustee by virtue of his role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Adviser.

  

32 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

Board of Trustees (Continued)

 

Name 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

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
By Trustee

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
During Past 5
Years

Terry Loebs (1963)

Trustee (since 2014); Lead Independent Trustee (since 2020)

Founder and Managing Member, Pulsenomics LLC (index product development and consulting firm) (since 2011); Managing Director, MacroMarkets, LLC (exchange-traded products firm) (2006-2011).

17

None

 

 

 

 

 

Eric Wiegel (1960)

Trustee (since 2020)

Senior Portfolio Manager, Little House Capital (2019-present); Managing Partner, Global Focus Capital LLC (2013-present); Chief Investment Officer, Insight Financial Strategist LLC (2017-2018).

17

None

  

33 

 

Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETF

 

ETF MANAGERS TRUST

 

Privacy Policy and Procedures

 

ETF Managers Trust, (the “Trust”) has adopted the following privacy policies in order to safeguard the personal information of the Trust’s customers and consumers in accordance with Regulation S-P as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Trust officers are responsible for ensuring that the following policies and procedures are implemented:

 

1)            The Trust is committed to protecting the confidentiality and security of the information they collect and will handle personal customer and consumer information only in accordance with Regulation S-P and any other applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Trust will ensure: (a) the security and confidentiality of customer records and information; (b) that customer records and information are protected from any anticipated threats and hazards; and (c) that customer records and information are protected from unauthorized access or use.

 

2)            The Trust conducts its business affairs through its trustees, officers and third parties that provide services pursuant to agreements with the Trust. The Trust has no employees. It is anticipated that the trustees and officers of the Trust who are not employees of service providers of the Trust will not have access to customer records and information in the performance of their normal responsibilities for the Trust.

 

3)   The Trust may share customer information with its affiliates, subject to the customers’ right to prohibit such sharing.

 

4)   The Trust may share customer information with unaffiliated third parties only in accordance with the requirements of Regulation S -P. Pursuant to this policy, the Trust will not share customer information with unaffiliated third parties other than as permitted by law, unless authorized to do so by the customer.

 

Consistent with these policies, the Trust has adopted the following procedures:

 

1) The Trust will determine that the policies and procedures of its affiliates and Service Providers are reasonably designed to safeguard customer information and only permit appropriate and authorized access to and use of customer information through the application of appropriate administrative, technical and physical protections.

 

2) The Trust will direct each of its Service Providers to adhere to the privacy policy of the Trust and to its privacy policies with respect to all customer information of the Trust and to take all actions reasonably necessary so that the Trust is in compliance with the provisions of Regulation S-P, including, as applicable, the development and delivery of privacy notices and the maintenance of appropriate and adequate records.

 

3) The Trust requires its Service Providers to provide periodic reports to the Trust’s Board of Trustees outlining their privacy policies and the implementation of such policies. Each Service Provider is required to promptly report to the Trust’s Board any material changes to its privacy policy before, or promptly after, the adoption of such changes.

 

(1) Generally, the Funds have institutional clients which are not considered “customers” for purposes of regulation S-P. 

 

34 

 

Advisor

ETF Managers Group, LLC

30 Maple Street, Suite 2, Summit, NJ 07901

 

Distributor

ETFMG Financial LLC

30 Maple Street, Suite 2, Summit, NJ 07901

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank National Association

Custody Operations

1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

 

Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund
Services 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Securities Lending Agent

U.S. Bank, National Association

Securities Lending

800 Nicolet Mall

Minneapolis, MN 55402-7020

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

WithumSmith + Brown, PC

1411 Broadway, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10018

 

Legal Counsel

Sullivan & Worcester LLP

1666 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006