EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (CEFS)

Annual Report

November 30, 2021

 

Exchange Listed Funds Trust
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

November 30, 2021  

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

   

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance

 

1

Schedule of Investments

 

3

Summary of Investments

 

5

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

6

Statement of Operations

 

7

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

8

Financial Highlights

 

9

Notes to Financial Statements

 

10

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

21

Disclosure of Fund Expenses

 

22

Other Information

 

23

Trustees

 

24

Officers

 

25

Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information is available in the Fund’s prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by visiting the Fund’s website at www.sabaetf.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.

There are risks involved with investing, including possible loss of principal, and there is no guarantee the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund is classified as a diversified investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”).

Individual shares of the Fund may be purchased or sold in the secondary market throughout the regular trading day on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Cboe” or the “Exchange”) through a brokerage account. However, shares are not individually redeemable directly from the Fund. The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value (“NAV”), only in large blocks of shares (“Creation Units”).

Distributor: Foreside Fund Services, LLC

i

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE

 

November 30, 2021  

(Unaudited)  

Dear Shareholders,

Thank you for your investment in the Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (“CEFS” or the “Fund”). The information presented in this report relates to the Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021.

The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks to provide capital appreciation and dividend income by investing in securities issued by closed-end funds (the “Underlying Funds”). The Fund’s sub-adviser, Saba Capital Management, L.P. (the “Sub Adviser”), uses an investment process that combines fundamental analysis, quantitative analysis and proprietary screening tools to identify and rank closed-end fund investment opportunities. The Fund normally invests in Underlying Funds that primarily pursue high income and high yield opportunities and trade at a discount to net asset value. The Fund also seeks to hedge the portfolio’s exposure to rising interest rates by engaging in short sales of U.S. Treasury securities and ETFs that seek to track the performance of bond indices or by entering into various types of derivatives transactions including futures contracts, swaps (including total return swaps), and options (including swaptions).

The Fund’s performance during the fiscal year was positively impacted by substantial discount tightening (i.e., the narrowing of the discount between the market price and net asset value) in several Underlying Funds. The Fund also benefited from market conditions as risk assets such as equities and high-yield bonds performed well over the period, resulting in net asset value appreciation across many closed-end funds. Furthermore, the Fund’s short position in 5-Year U.S. Treasury Note futures had a positive impact on the Fund as interest rates rose, accounting for 4.6% of the Fund’s net realized and unrealized capital gains.

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021, the Fund’s market price increased 17.47%, and the net asset value increased 17.09%, while two broad market high yield indices, the iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index and the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index, returned 4.03% and 5.29%, respectively. The S&P 500® Index, a broad equity market index, returned 27.92% over the same period.

The Fund began operations on March 20, 2017, and had 4,100,001 shares outstanding as of November 30, 2021. We appreciate your investment in the Saba Closed-End Funds ETF.

Sincerely,

J. Garrett Stevens,
Chief Executive Officer
Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC, Advisor to the Fund

1

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (Concluded)

 

November 30, 2021  

(Unaudited)  

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

(at net asset value)

 

 

Average Annual Return
as of 11/30/2021

 

Inception Date
of the Fund

One Year

Three Year

Since
Inception

Expense Ratio*

Gross

Net

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (Net Asset Value)

3/20/2017

17.09%

13.36%

10.03%

3.80%

3.80%

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (Market Price)

 

17.47%

13.58%

10.25%

   

S&P 500® Index

 

27.92%

20.38%

17.08%

   

*    The expense ratios in this table reflect the total annual fund operating expenses as presented in the Fund’s Prospectus dated April 1, 2021. The 3.80% is inclusive of the Management Fee of 1.10%, Other Expenses (including interest expense) of 0.15% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 2.55%. In addition to this timing difference, the expense ratios in this table do not correlate to the Fund’s expense ratio as presented in the Fund’s financial highlights because 1) interest expense is variable and 2) the operating expenses of the Fund do not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, which are fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund through its investments in Underlying Funds.

The performance data quoted herein represents past performance and the return and value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold in the market, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance and should not be considered as a representation of the future results of the Fund. The Fund’s performance assumes the reinvestment of all dividends and all capital gains.

Current performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. For the Fund’s most recent month end performance, please visit www.sabaetf.com.

There are no assurances that the Fund will meet its stated objectives.

The Fund’s holdings and allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy individual securities. The information provided herein represents the opinion of Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC for the period stated and is subject to change at any time.

The S&P 500® Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries.

The Fund’s shares are listed on an exchange. The price of the Fund’s shares is based on market price, and because exchange-traded fund shares trade at market prices rather than net asset value, shares may trade at a price greater than net asset value (premium) or less than net asset value (discount).

Net asset value (“NAV”) — The dollar value of a single share, is calculated by taking the value of the underlying assets of the fund minus its liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding. Calculated at the end of each business day.

2

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

 

November 30, 2021  

 

Number of
Shares

 

Value

CLOSED-END FUNDS — 83.6%

       

EQUITY — 25.5%

     

 

 

Center Coast Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund

 

146,840

 

$

2,108,622

ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund, Inc.

 

95

 

 

2,057

Cushing MLP & Infrastructure Total Return Fund (The)

 

65,283

 

 

2,067,513

Cushing NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund (The)

 

60,013

 

 

2,701,785

India Fund, Inc. (The)

 

222,245

 

 

4,898,280

New Ireland Fund, Inc. (The)*

 

25,666

 

 

316,205

Principal Real Estate Income Fund

 

64,511

 

 

977,342

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

 

529,901

 

 

3,375,469

Taiwan Fund, Inc. (The)

 

7,209

 

 

270,482

Templeton Emerging Markets Fund

 

3,479

 

 

57,995

Tortoise Energy Independence Fund, Inc.

 

18,737

 

 

416,711

Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corp.

 

3,805

 

 

103,762

Tortoise Midstream Energy Fund, Inc.

 

4,736

 

 

143,548

Voya Asia Pacific High Dividend Equity Income Fund

 

6,323

 

 

51,153

Voya Emerging Markets High Income Dividend Equity Fund

 

273,872

 

 

1,969,140

Voya Global Advantage and Premium Opportunity Fund

 

49,534

 

 

498,807

Voya Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund

 

312,271

 

 

1,873,626

       

 

21,832,497

FIXED INCOME — 48.2%

     

 

 

Apollo Tactical Income Fund, Inc.

 

62,649

 

 

972,939

Blackstone Strategic Credit Fund

 

466,450

 

 

6,390,365

BrandywineGLOBAL Global Income Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 

76,142

 

 

893,907

Delaware Investments Minnesota Municipal Income Fund II, Inc.

 

60,112

 

 

822,332

Delaware Ivy High Income Opportunities Fund

 

495,355

 

 

6,766,549

Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund*(a)

 

47,490

 

 

3,761

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust

 

50,114

 

 

681,049

Invesco Senior Income Trust(b)

 

3,331,344

 

 

14,891,108

 

Number of
Shares

 

Value

CLOSED-END FUNDS (Continued)

       

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.(c)

 

309,270

 

$

2,777,245

Nuveen New York AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund

 

78,142

 

 

1,079,923

Nuveen Ohio Quality Municipal Income Fund

 

31,776

 

 

508,416

PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc.(c)

 

116,593

 

 

1,751,227

PIMCO Energy & Tactical Credit Opportunities Fund

 

5,372

 

 

69,997

Templeton Global Income Fund

 

92,994

 

 

499,378

Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc.

 

199

 

 

2,571

Vertical Capital Income Fund

 

68,829

 

 

711,692

Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund II

 

482,190

 

 

2,459,169

       

 

41,281,628

HYBRID — 9.9%

     

 

 

Calamos Long/Short Equity & Dynamic Income Trust

 

175,981

 

 

3,377,075

Ecofin Sustainable and Social

 

37,931

 

 

555,310

First Trust Aberdeen Emerging Opportunity Fund

 

765

 

 

10,725

Nuveen Multi-Asset Income Fund*

 

92,963

 

 

1,656,601

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 

158,441

 

 

2,481,186

Virtus Dividend Interest & Premium Strategy Fund

 

28,451

 

 

445,258

       

 

8,526,155

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 83.6%
(Cost $67,644,177)

     

 

71,640,280

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 16.4%

     

 

14,098,277

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

     

$

85,738,557

*     Non-income producing security.

(a)      Security valued at fair value by the Trust’s Valuation Committee in accordance with procedures approved by, and under the general supervision of, the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The total value of the security is $3,761 which represents approximately 0.0% of net assets as of November 30, 2021.

(b)      All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral for any outstanding borrowings. As of November 30, 2021, the aggregate value of those securities was $5,555,607, representing 6.5% of net assets.

(c)       All or a portion of this security is segregated as collateral for any securities sold short. As of November 30, 2021, the aggregate value of those securities was $3,528,245, representing 4.1% of net assets.

3

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Concluded)

 

November 30, 2021  
  

FUTURES CONTRACTS

 

Expiration
Date

 

Number of
Contracts

 

Notional
Value

 

Value

 

Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

Bond Futures (Short Position)

         

 

   

 

   

 

 

CBOT 5-Year U.S. Treasury Note

 

March 2022

 

(150)

 

$

(18,184,869)

 

$

(18,209,766)

 

$

(24,897)

TOTAL FUTURES CONTRACTS

         

$

(18,184,869)

 

$

(18,209,766)

 

$

(24,897)

4

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS

 

November 30, 2021  
  

Security Type/Sector

 

Percent of
Total Net
Assets

Closed-End Funds

   

 

Equity

 

25.5

%

Fixed Income

 

48.2

%

Hybrid

 

9.9

%

Total Closed-End Funds

 

83.6

%

Total Investments

 

83.6

%

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

 

16.4

%

Total Net Assets

 

100.0

%

5

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

November 30, 2021  

 

 

Saba Closed-End
Funds ETF

Assets:

Investments, at value

 

$

71,640,280

Cash

 

 

10,784,294

Due from broker on short positions

 

 

1,126,304

Capital shares receivable

 

 

1,048,198

Investment securities sold

 

 

735,958

Cash held at lending agent

 

 

396,651

Deposit at broker for futures contracts

 

 

152,625

Dividends receivable

 

 

29,840

Total Assets

 

 

85,914,150

   

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

Advisory fee payable

 

 

78,291

Investment securities purchased

 

 

72,117

Variation margin on futures contracts

 

 

25,185

Total Liabilities

 

 

175,593

Net Assets

 

$

85,738,557

Net Assets Consist of:

 

 

 

Paid-in capital

 

$

79,436,518

Distributable earnings (loss)

 

 

6,302,039

Net Assets

 

$

85,738,557

Net Assets

 

$

85,738,557

Shares of Beneficial Interest Outstanding
(unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)

 

 

4,100,001

Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share

 

$

20.91

Investments, at cost

 

$

67,644,177

6

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

  

 

 

Saba Closed-End
Funds ETF

   

Year Ended
November 30,
2021

Investment Income:

 

 

 

 

Dividends

 

$

2,666,102

 

Total Investment Income

 

 

2,666,102

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

Advisory fees

 

 

787,595

 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

Securities sold short

 

 

59,891

 

Other accounts

 

 

292

 

Total Expenses

 

 

847,778

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

 

 

1,818,324

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

5,966,965

 

Securities sold short

 

 

115,782

 

Futures

 

 

395,284

 

Capital gain distributions from underlying funds

 

 

332,881

 

Net realized gain (loss)

 

 

6,810,912

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

1,719,336

 

Futures

 

 

(3,765

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

 

1,715,571

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

8,526,483

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

$

10,344,807

 

7

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 


 

 

 

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

 

 

Year Ended
November 30,
2021

 

Year Ended
November 30,
2020

From Investment Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

$

1,818,324

 

 

$

2,786,318

 

Net realized gain (loss)

 

 

6,810,912

 

 

 

1,388,798

 

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

 

1,715,571

 

 

 

(422,488

)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

10,344,807

 

 

 

3,752,628

 

Distributions to Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

 

(5,831,002

)

 

 

(3,221,172

)

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

(1,272,830

)

Total Distributions to Shareholders

 

 

(5,831,002

)

 

 

(4,494,002

)

Capital Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares issued

 

 

26,011,238

 

 

 

15,713,009

 

Cost of shares redeemed

 

 

 

 

 

(5,881,921

)

Net increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions

 

 

26,011,238

 

 

 

9,831,088

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

 

30,525,043

 

 

 

9,089,714

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

55,213,514

 

 

 

46,123,800

 

End of year

 

$

85,738,557

 

 

$

55,213,514

 

Change in Shares Outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding, beginning of year

 

 

2,850,001

 

 

 

2,300,001

 

Shares issued

 

 

1,250,000

 

 

 

900,000

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

 

 

 

(350,000

)

Shares outstanding, end of year

 

 

4,100,001

 

 

 

2,850,001

 

8

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

   

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF
Selected Per Share Data

 





Years Ended November 30

 

For the period
March 20,
2017
(1)
through
November 30,
2017

2021

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

Net Asset Value, beginning of period

 

$

19.37

 

 

$

20.05

 

 

$

18.68

 

 

$

21.18

 

 

$

19.97

 

Investment Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(2)

 

 

0.53

 

 

 

1.05

 

 

 

1.59

 

 

 

1.21

 

 

 

0.56

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

2.69

 

 

 

(0.05

)(3)

 

 

1.51

 

 

 

(1.94

)

 

 

1.76

 

Total from investment activities

 

 

3.22

 

 

 

1.00

 

 

 

3.10

 

 

 

(0.73

)

 

 

2.32

 

Distributions to shareholders from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(1.59

)

 

 

(1.21

)

 

 

(1.59

)

 

 

(1.19

)

 

 

(0.66

)

Net realized gain

 

 

(0.09

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.49

)

 

 

(0.45

)

Return of Capital

 

 

 

 

 

(0.47

)

 

 

(0.14

)

 

 

(0.09

)

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.68

)

 

 

(1.68

)

 

 

(1.73

)

 

 

(1.77

)

 

 

(1.11

)

Net Asset Value, end of period

 

$

20.91

 

 

$

19.37

 

 

$

20.05

 

 

$

18.68

 

 

$

21.18

 

Total Return (%)

 

 

17.09

 

 

 

6.07

 

 

 

17.30

 

 

 

(3.83

)

 

 

11.84

 

Total Return at Market Price (%)

 

 

17.47

 

 

 

6.41

 

 

 

17.21

 

 

 

(3.74

)

 

 

12.15

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses (%)(4)

 

 

1.18

 

 

 

1.25

 

 

 

2.21

 

 

 

1.20

 

 

 

1.60

(5)

Interest expense (%)

 

 

0.08

 

 

 

0.15

 

 

 

1.11

 

 

 

0.10

 

 

 

0.50

(5)

Expenses excluding interest expense (%)(4)

 

 

1.10

 

 

 

1.10

 

 

 

1.10

 

 

 

1.10

 

 

 

1.10

(5)

Net investment income (loss) (%)

 

 

2.54

 

 

 

5.71

 

 

 

8.02

 

 

 

5.96

 

 

 

3.77

(5)

Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets at end of period (000’s)

 

$

85,739

 

 

$

55,214

 

 

$

46,124

 

 

$

26,152

 

 

$

21,185

 

Portfolio turnover (%)(6)

 

 

85

 

 

 

76

 

 

 

52

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

83

 

(1)   Commencement of operations.

(2)   Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method.

(3)   Per share net realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments is a balancing amount and may not correspond with the realized and change in aggregate unrealized gains and losses in the Fund’s securities because of the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund.

(4)   The Fund invests in other funds and indirectly bears its proportionate shares of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying funds in which the Fund is invested. This ratio does not include these indirect fees and expenses.

(5)   Annualized for periods less than one year.

(6)   Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions and short sales related to the processing of capital share transactions in Creation Units.

9

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

November 30, 2021  

Note 1 – Organization

Exchange Listed Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized on April 4, 2012 as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the 1940 Act as an open-end management investment company. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest (”Shares”) in one or more series representing interests in separate portfolios of securities. The Trust has registered its Shares in multiple separate series. The assets of each series in the Trust are segregated and a shareholder’s interest is limited to the fund in which Shares are held. The financial statements herein are for the Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (the “Fund”).

The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”). Unlike index ETFs, actively managed ETFs do not seek to track the performance of a specified index. Instead, it uses an active investment strategy in seeking to meet its investment objective.

The investment objective of the Fund is to provide capital appreciation and dividend income. The Fund commenced investment operations on March 20, 2017.

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Board of Trustees (the “Board”) are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with vendors and others that provide for general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust.

Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the Trust in the preparation of the financial statements. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Trust is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services-Investment Companies. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make 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 income and expenses during the reporting period. Management believes the estimates and security valuations are appropriate; however, actual results may differ from those estimates, and the security valuations reflected in the financial statements may differ from the value the Fund ultimately realizes upon sale of the securities.

(a) Valuation of Investments

The Fund records investments at fair value using procedures approved by the Board and are generally valued using market valuations (Market Approach). A market valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer) or (ii) based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of value supplied by an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer). A price obtained from a pricing service based on such pricing service’s valuation matrix may be considered a market valuation. Futures contracts traded on an exchange are valued based on the last sale price on an exchange on the valuation date. If there are no sales on that day, the futures contracts will be valued at the mean between the last reported bid and ask quotation. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources.

In the event that current market valuations are not readily available or such valuations do not reflect current fair market value, the Trust’s procedures require the Trust’s Valuation Committee, in accordance with the Trust’s Board-approved valuation guidelines, to determine a security’s fair value. In determining such value, the Valuation Committee may consider, among other things, (i) price comparisons among multiple sources, (ii) a review of corporate actions and news events, and (iii) a review of relevant financial indicators (e.g., movement in interest rates or market indices). Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may change on days when the investors will not be able to purchase or sell their Shares.

10

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

November 30, 2021  

The Fund discloses the fair value of its investments in a hierarchy that distinguishes between: (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund (observable inputs) and (2) the Fund’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available under the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The three levels defined by the hierarchy are as follows:

•   Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets

•   Level 2 – Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

•   Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

Pursuant to the valuation procedures noted previously, equity securities, exchange traded futures contracts, and short-term investments are generally categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy (unless there is a fair valuation event, in which case affected securities are generally categorized as Level 2 or Level 3).

The following is a summary of the valuations as of November 30, 2021 for the Fund based upon the three levels defined above:

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

Investments

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Closed-End Funds(a)

 

$

71,636,519

 

$

3,761

 

$

 

$

71,640,280

Total Investments

 

 

71,636,519

 

 

3,761

 

 

 

 

71,640,280

Other Financial Instruments(b)

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

(24,897)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(24,897)

Total

 

$

71,611,622

 

$

3,761

 

$

 

$

71,615,383

(a)  See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

(b)  Other financial instruments are derivative instruments such as futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument. The amount presented reflects the net amount included on the Schedule of Investments, futures contracts. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities reflects the one day variation margin payable/receivable.

(b) Investment Transactions and Related Income

For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. However, for daily NAV determination, portfolio securities transactions are reflected no later than in the first calculation on the first business day following trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis and includes, where applicable, the amortization of premium or accretion of discount, using the effective yield method. Gains or losses realized on sales of securities are determined using the specific identification method by comparing the identified cost of the security lot sold with the net sales proceeds. Dividend Income on the Statement of Operations is shown net of any foreign taxes withheld on income from foreign securities, which are provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable tax rules and regulations.

(c) Federal Income Tax

It is the policy of the Fund to continue to qualify each year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required as long as the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company.

11

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

November 30, 2021  

Management of the Fund has evaluated tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not (i.e., greater than 50%) that each tax position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority based on the technical merits of the position. 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. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements will generally result in an increase in a liability for taxes payable (or a reduction of a tax refund receivable), including the recognition of any related interest and penalties as an operating expense. In general, tax positions taken in previous tax years remain subject to examination by tax authorities (generally three years for federal income tax purposes). The determination has been made that there are not any uncertain tax positions that would require the Fund to record a tax liability and, therefore, there is no impact to the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s policy is to classify interest and penalties associated with underpayment of federal and state income taxes, if any, as income tax expense on its Statement of Operations. As of November 30, 2021, the Fund did not have any interest or penalties associated with the underpayment of any income taxes.

(d) Short Sales

Short sales are transactions under which the Fund, or an underlying closed-end fund in which the Fund invests (an “Underlying Fund”), sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the value of that security and/or hedge against a raise in interest rates. To complete such a transaction, the Fund or an Underlying Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund or Underlying Fund then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund or Underlying Fund. When a security is sold short a decrease in the value of the security will be recognized as a gain and an increase in the value of the security will be recognized as a loss, which is potentially limitless. Until the security is replaced, the Fund or Underlying Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to dividend or interest that accrue during the period of the loan which is recorded as interest expense for securities sold short. To borrow the security, the Fund or Underlying Fund also may be required to pay a premium or an interest fee, which is also recorded as interest expense for securities sold short. Cash and/or securities are segregated for the broker to meet the necessary margin requirements. The Fund or an Underlying Fund is subject to the risk that it may not always be able to close out a short position at a particular time or at an acceptable price. At points during the year ended November 30, 2021, the Fund held short positions, however as of November 30, 2021 the Fund did not hold any short positions.

(e) Futures Contracts

The Fund, directly or through an Underlying Fund, may utilize futures contracts to hedge against a rise in interest rates. Futures contracts generally provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified commodity or security at a specified future time and at a specified price. Index futures contracts are settled daily with a payment by one party to the other of a cash amount based on the difference between the level of the index specified in the contract from one day to the next. Futures contracts are standardized as to maturity date and underlying instrument and are traded on futures exchanges.

The Fund is required to make a good faith margin deposit in cash or U.S. government securities with a broker or custodian to initiate and maintain open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to assure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying commodity or payment of the cash settlement amount) if it is not terminated prior to the specified delivery date. Brokers may establish deposit requirements which are higher than the exchange minimums. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin deposits which may range upward of approximately 5% of the value of the contract being traded.

After a futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract is marked to market daily. If the futures contract price changes to the extent that the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of additional “variation margin” will be required. Conversely, change in the contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made to and from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains open. In such case, the Fund would expect to earn interest income on its margin deposits. Closing out an open futures position is done by

12

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

November 30, 2021  

taking an opposite position (“buying” a contract which has previously been “sold” or “selling” a contract previously “purchased”) in an identical contract to terminate the position. Brokerage commissions are incurred when a futures contract position is opened or closed. As of November 30, 2021, the Fund held futures contracts.

A margin deposit held at one counterparty for the futures contracts is included in “Deposit at broker for futures contracts” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

(f) Distributions to Shareholders

The Fund pays out dividends from its net investment income, if any, monthly and distributes its net capital gains, if any, to investors at least annually. In so doing, the Fund seeks to make cash distributions once per month throughout a calendar year based on a rate determined at the beginning of the year. This rate is based on the Sub-Adviser’s (as defined below) annual projection of income and forecast of interest rates for the upcoming year. Thus, the rate will vary from year to year. Further, the rate may be adjusted at any time during a given year. The Sub-Adviser monitors the Fund’s distributions, the expected cash flow from investments and other metrics in determining whether to adjust the distribution rate during the course of a year. A portion of the distributions made by the Fund may be treated as return of capital for tax purposes (as discussed further below). One or more additional distributions may be made generally in December or after the Fund’s fiscal year-end to comply with applicable law.

The amount of distributions from net investment income and net realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These “book/tax” differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature (e.g., return of capital and distribution reclassifications), such amounts are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences (e.g., wash sales and straddles) do not require a reclassification.

If the Fund’s distributions exceed its earnings and profits, all or a portion of the distributions made in the taxable year may be treated as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution generally will not be taxable but will reduce a shareholder’s cost basis and result in a higher capital gain and lower capital loss when the Shares on which the distribution was received are sold. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.”

The estimated characterization of the monthly distributions paid are expected to be either an ordinary income or return of capital distribution. This estimate is based on the Fund’s operating results during the period and the most recent industry information available from the Underlying Funds. The actual characterization of the distributions made during the period may not be determined until after the end of the fiscal year and any differences may be adjusted in the subsequent year. The Fund will inform shareholders of the final tax character of the distributions on IRS Form 1099-DIV in February of the following year. The Fund holds certain investments which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is possible for these dividends to exceed the underlying investments’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion of such dividends being designated as a return of capital. Distributions received from investments in securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or as a realized gain, respectively.

Note 3 – Transactions with Affiliates and Other Servicing Agreements

(a) Investment Advisory Agreement

Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Trust, including the Fund, pursuant to an investment advisory agreement entered into by the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (“Advisory Agreement”). Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Fund primarily in the form of oversight of the Sub-Adviser (as defined below), including daily monitoring of purchases and sales of securities by the Sub-Adviser and regular review of the Sub-Adviser’s performance. The Adviser also arranges for transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, and other non-distribution related services necessary for the Fund to operate. The Adviser administers the Fund’s business affairs, provides office facilities and equipment and certain clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services, and provides its officers and employees to serve as officers or Trustees of the Trust.

13

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

November 30, 2021  

For the services it provides to the Fund, the Adviser receives a fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 1.10% of average daily net assets of the Fund.

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses of the Fund except for the advisory fee, interest, 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 fees and expenses paid by the Trust under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Excluded Expenses”). Pursuant to an arrangement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser has agreed to assume the Adviser’s obligation to pay Fund expenses (other than Excluded Expenses) and has agreed, to the extent applicable, to pay the Adviser’s minimum fee. During the year ended November 30, 2021, the Fund incurred $59,891 of securities sold short expenses and $292 of margin account fees that are reported as interest expense on the Statement of Operations and are Excluded Expenses.

An Interested Trustee and certain officers of the Trust are affiliated with the Adviser and receive no compensation from the Trust for serving as officers and/or Trustee.

(b) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement

The Adviser and Saba Capital Management, L.P. (the “Sub-Adviser”) have entered into an investment sub-advisory agreement (the “Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement”) with respect to the Fund. Under the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser is responsible for making day-to-day investment decisions for the Fund and trading portfolio securities on behalf of the Fund, including selecting broker-dealers to execute purchase and sale transactions, subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Board. Under the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate as follows: 1.01% on up to $500 million in assets; 1.02% on the next $500 million; 1.04% on amounts over $1 billion.

Under the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser has agreed to sub-license the use of the Sub-Adviser’s name to the Adviser and to assume the obligation of the Adviser to pay all expenses of the Fund, except the Excluded Expenses.

(c) Distribution Arrangement

Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”), a Delaware limited liability company, is the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s Shares. The Distributor does not maintain any secondary market in Fund Shares.

The Trust has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Distribution and Service Plan (the “Distribution and Service Plan”) pursuant to which payments of up to a maximum of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets may be made to compensate or reimburse financial intermediaries for activities principally intended to result in the sale of the Fund’s Shares. In accordance with the Distribution and Service Plan, the Distributor may enter into agreements with financial intermediaries and dealers relating to distribution and/or marketing services with respect to the Trust.

Currently, no payments are made under the Distribution and Service Plan. Such payments may only be made after approval by the Board. The Adviser and its affiliates may, out of their own resources, pay amounts to third parties for distribution or marketing services on behalf of the Trust.

An officer of the Trust is also an employee of an affiliate of the Distributor and receives no compensation from the Trust for serving as an officer.

(d) Other Servicing Agreements

The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY Mellon”) serves as the Fund’s fund accountant, transfer agent, custodian and administrator.

14

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

November 30, 2021  

Note 4 – Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding in-kind transactions, securities sold short, and short-term investments, for the year ended November 30, 2021 were as follows:

Fund

 

Purchases

 

Sales

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

 

$

74,097,563

 

$

51,852,111

Purchases and sales of in-kind transactions for the year ended November 30, 2021 were as follows:

Fund

 

Purchases

 

Sales

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

 

$

 

$

Note 5 – Capital Share Transactions

Fund Shares are listed and traded on the Exchange on each day that the Exchange is open for business (“Business Day”). The Fund’s Shares may only be purchased and sold on the Exchange through a broker-dealer. Because the Fund’s Shares trade at market prices rather than at their NAV, Shares may trade at a price equal to the NAV, greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).

The Fund offers and redeems Shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in large blocks of Shares, (“Creation Unit”). Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Fund Shares may only be purchased or redeemed directly from the Fund 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 Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) participant and, in each case, must have executed a participant agreement with the Distributor. Creation Units are available for purchase and redemption on each Business Day and are offered and redeemed on an in-kind basis, together with the specified cash amount, or for an all cash amount.

To the extent contemplated by a participant agreement, in the event an Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Shares comprising a Creation Unit to be redeemed to the Distributor, on behalf of the Fund, by the time as set forth in a participant agreement, the Distributor may nonetheless accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing Shares as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by the Authorized Participant’s delivery and maintenance of collateral equal to a percentage of the market value as set forth in the participant agreement. A participant agreement may permit the Fund to use such collateral to purchase the missing Shares and could subject an Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost of the Fund acquiring such Shares and the value of the collateral.

Most retail investors will not qualify as Authorized Participants or have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they will be unable to purchase or redeem the Shares directly from the Fund. Rather, most retail investors will purchase Shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker, which will be subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

A purchase (i.e., creation) transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase of Creation Units, and investors will be required to pay a creation transaction fee regardless of the number of Creation Units created in the transaction. The Fund may adjust the creation transaction fee from time to time based upon actual experience. In addition, a variable fee may be imposed for cash purchases, non-standard orders, or partial cash purchases of Creation Units. The variable fee is primarily designed to cover non-standard charges, e.g., brokerage, taxes, foreign exchange, execution, market impact, and other costs and expenses, related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction. The Fund may adjust the non-standard charge from time to time based upon actual experience. Investors who use the services of an Authorized Participant, broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services which may include an amount for the creation transaction fee and non-standard charges. Investors are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the deposit securities to the account of the Trust. The Adviser may retain all or a portion of the transaction fee to the extent the Adviser bears the expenses that otherwise would be borne by the Trust in connection with the issuance of a Creation Unit, which the transaction fee is designed to cover. The standard Creation Unit transaction fee for the Fund is $500.

15

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

November 30, 2021  

A redemption transaction fee may be imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the redemption of Creation Units, and Authorized Participants will be required to pay a redemption transaction fee regardless of the number of Creation Units created in the transaction. The redemption transaction fee is the same no matter how many Creation Units are being redeemed pursuant to any one redemption request. The Fund may adjust the redemption transaction fee from time to time based upon actual experience. In addition, a variable fee, payable to the Fund, may be imposed for cash redemptions, non-standard orders, or partial cash redemptions for the Fund. The variable fee is primarily designed to cover non-standard charges, e.g., brokerage, taxes, foreign exchange, execution, market impact, and other costs and expenses, related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction. Investors who use the services of an Authorized Participant, broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services which may include an amount for the redemption transaction fees and non-standard charges. Investors are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Fund securities to the account of the Trust. The non-standard charges are payable to the Fund as it incurs costs in connection with the redemption of Creation Units, the receipt of Fund securities and the cash redemption amount and other transactions costs. The standard redemption transaction fee for the Fund is $500.

Note 6 – Principal Risks

As with any investment, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any government agency. Certain principal risks affecting shareholders’ investments in the Fund, either directly or indirectly through its investments in the Underlying Funds, are set forth below. Additional principal risks are disclosed in the Fund’s prospectus. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for a complete description of the principal risks of investing in the Fund.

Fund of Funds Risk: Because the Fund is a “fund of funds,” its investment performance largely depends on the investment performance of the Underlying Funds in which it invests. An investment in the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the Underlying Funds. The Fund will pay indirectly a proportional share of the fees and expenses of the Underlying Funds in which it invests (referred to herein as “acquired fund fees and expenses”), including their investment advisory and administration fees, in addition to its own fees and expenses. In addition, at times, certain segments of the market represented by constituent Underlying Funds may be out of favor and underperform other segments.

Market Risk: The market price of a security or instrument could decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the market generally and on specific securities. The market value of a security may also decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

Trading Risk: Shares of the Fund may trade on the Exchange above (premium) or below (discount) their NAV. The NAV of shares of the Fund will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s holdings. The market prices of the Fund’s shares will fluctuate continuously throughout trading hours based on market supply and demand and may deviate significantly from the value of the Fund’s holdings, particularly in times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay more or receive less than the underlying value of the Fund shares bought or sold. When buying or selling shares in the secondary market, you may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask), which is known as the bid-ask spread. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are currently listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained. Trading in Fund shares may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares of the Fund inadvisable. In stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings.

16

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

November 30, 2021  

Note 7 – Federal Income Taxes

GAAP requires certain components of net assets to be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share. For the year ended November 30, 2021, the following amounts, resulting primarily from the differing book and tax treatment of return of capital distributions, have been reclassified:

Fund

 

Paid-in
Capital

 

Total
Distributable
Earnings (Loss)

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

 

$

(381,304)

 

$

381,304

The tax character of the distributions paid during the tax year ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 were as follows:

 

Year Ended November 30, 2021

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

 

Net Long-Term
Capital Gains

 

Return of Capital

 

Total
Distributions Paid

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

 

$

5,516,472

 

$

314,530

 

$

 

$

5,831,002

 

Year Ended November 30, 2020

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

 

Net Long-Term
Capital Gains

 

Return of Capital

 

Total
Distributions Paid

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

 

$

3,221,172

 

$

 

$

1,272,830

 

$

4,494,002

As of the tax year ended November 30, 2021, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

Fund

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

 

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
(Losses)

 

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

 

Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
on Investments

 

Accumulated
Earnings
(Deficit)

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

 

$

 

$

2,329,899

 

$

 

$

3,972,140

 

$

6,302,039

At November 30, 2021, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments owned by the Fund, based on cost for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

Fund

 

Tax Cost of
Investments

 

Unrealized
Appreciation
on Investments

 

Unrealized
Depreciation
on Investments

 

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
on Investments

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

 

$

67,668,140

 

$

4,784,828

 

$

(812,688)

 

$

3,972,140

The difference between cost amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses in security transactions.

During the year ended November 30, 2021, the Fund utilized $616,491 of capital loss carryforwards.

17

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

November 30, 2021  

Note 8 – Credit Facility

Effective March 14, 2017, the Fund entered into a committed line of credit facility (the “LOC”) with BNP Paribas used for cash management purposes, such as providing liquidity for investments and redemptions of Creation Units, and leverage. Under the current terms of the LOC, the Fund is allowed to borrow an amount set daily by BNP Paribas that floats depending on the mix of securities held as collateral and of the cash pledged. As of November 30, 2021, the market value of securities and cash pledged as collateral was $9,083,852 and $1,522,955, respectively. These securities are noted in the Schedule of Investments and the value of cash pledged as collateral is reflected as Due from broker on Short Positions and Cash held at lending agent on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund was able to borrow $3,287,078 as of November 30, 2021. The interest rate charged on borrowings on the LOC is the 1-month London Interbank Offer Rate plus a spread of 125 basis points (1.25%). The interest rate at November 30, 2021 was 1.34%. The Fund had no borrowings under the LOC during year and as of November 30, 2021.

Assets permitted as investment collateral include any cash, securities, and other investments. The LOC agreement can be terminated by the Fund or lender upon delivery of written notice to the other party.

Note 9 – Derivatives and Hedging Disclosures

FASB’s ASC Topic 815 Derivatives and Hedging requires enhanced disclosures about the Fund’s derivative and hedging activities, including how such activities are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position, performance and cash flows. The Fund invested in futures contracts during the year ended November 30, 2021.

The effects of these derivative instruments on the Fund’s financial position and financial performance as reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations are presented in the tables below. The fair values of derivative instruments held as of November 30, 2021 by risk category are as follows:

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Liability Derivatives

Risk Exposure

 

Statement of Asset and
Liabilities Location

 

Value*

 

Statement of Asset and
Liabilities Location

 

Value*

Interest rate contracts

 

Unrealized
appreciation on open futures contracts

 

$

 

Unrealized
depreciation on open futures contracts

 

$

24,897

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

The effects of the Fund’s derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the year ended November 30, 2021 are as follows:

Amount of Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives

Risk Exposure

 

Futures Contracts

Interest rate contracts

 

$

395,284

18

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

November 30, 2021  

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) on Derivatives

Risk Exposure

 

Futures Contracts

Interest rate contracts

 

$

(3,765

)

The quarterly average volume of derivative instruments for the year ended November 30, 2021 are as follows:

Risk Exposure

 

Derivative

 

Number of Contracts

Interest rate contracts

 

Short futures contracts

 

(150

)

Note 10 – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

ASC 815 Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. The guidance requires retrospective application for all comparative periods presented.

The Fund has standard contracts governing most derivative transactions between the Fund and each of its counterparties and intends to mitigate credit risk with respect to over the counter derivatives. These agreements allow the Fund and each counterparty to offset certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables against each other and/or with collateral, which is generally held by the Fund’s custodian. The amount of collateral moved to/from applicable counterparties is based upon minimum transfer amounts specified in the agreement. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance. During the year ended November 30, 2021, the Fund’s only derivative activity was the use of exchange-traded futures.

The Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities presents financial instruments on a gross basis, therefore there are no net amounts and no offset amounts within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities to present below. Gross amounts of the financial instruments, amounts related to financial instruments/cash collateral not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and net amounts are presented below:

         

Amounts Not Offset in Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

Description/Financial
Instrument/Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Category

 

Counterparty

 

Gross Amounts
Recognized
in Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities

 

Financial
Instruments*

 

Cash
Collateral**

 

Net Amount

Futures Contracts

 

BNP Paribas

 

$

(25,185

)

 

$

 

$

25,185

 

$

*    Amounts relate to master netting agreements and collateral agreements which have been determined to be legally enforceable in the event of default and where certain other criteria are met in accordance with applicable offsetting accounting guidance.

**  Amounts relate to master netting agreements and collateral agreements which have been determined to be legally enforceable in the event of default but where certain other criteria are not met in accordance with applicable offsetting accounting guidance. The collateral amounts may exceed the related net amounts of financial assets and liabilities presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Where this is the case, the total amount reported is limited to the net amounts of financial assets and liabilities with that counterparty.

19

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Concluded)

 

November 30, 2021  

Note 11 – Recent Market Events

The spread of COVID-19 around the world has caused significant volatility in U.S. and international markets. There is significant uncertainty around the breadth and duration of business disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its impact on the U.S. and international economies. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, and such developments may in turn impact the value of the Fund’s investments. The ultimate impact of the pandemic on the financial performance of the Fund’s investments is not reasonably estimable at this time.

Note 12 – Events Subsequent to the Fiscal Period End

In preparing these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined there are no subsequent events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.

20

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

November 30, 2021  

To the Shareholders of Saba Closed-End Funds ETF and
Board of Trustees of Exchange Listed Funds Trust

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Saba Closed-End Funds ETF (the “Fund”), a series of Exchange Listed Funds Trust, as of November 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, the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five periods in the period then ended (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 November 30, 2021, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five periods in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC since 2012.

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.
Chicago, Illinois
January 25, 2022

21

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES

 

November 30, 2021  

(Unaudited)  

All ETFs have operating expenses. As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur an advisory fee and interest charges related to the Fund’s investment strategy. In addition, a shareholder may pay brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses), if any. It is important for you to understand the impact of these ongoing costs on your investment returns. Shareholders may incur brokerage commissions on their purchases and sales of the Fund’s shares, which are not reflected in these examples.

The following examples use the annualized expense ratio and are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with those of other funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period (unless otherwise noted below). The table below illustrates the Fund’s cost in two ways:

Actual Fund Return

This section helps you to estimate the actual expenses after fee waivers that the Fund may have incurred over the period. The “Expenses Paid During Period” column shows the actual dollar expense cost incurred by a $1,000 investment in the Fund, and the “Ending Account Value” number is derived from deducting that expense cost from the Fund’s gross investment return.

You can use this information, together with the actual amount you invested in the Fund, to estimate the expenses you paid over that period. Simply divide your actual account value by $1,000 to arrive at a ratio (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply that ratio by the number shown for your Fund under “Expenses Paid During Period.”

Hypothetical 5% Return

This section helps you compare your Fund’s costs with those of other funds. It assumes that the Fund had an annual 5% return before expenses during the year, but that the expense ratio for the period is unchanged. This example is useful in making comparisons because the SEC requires all funds to make this 5% calculation. You can assess your Fund’s comparative cost by comparing the hypothetical result for your Fund in the “Expenses Paid During Period” column with those that appear in the same charts in the shareholder reports for other funds.

NOTE: Because the return is set at 5% for comparison purposes – NOT your Fund’s actual return – the account values shown may not apply to your specific investment.

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
June 1, 2021

 

Ending
Account Value
November 30, 2021

 

Annualized
Expense
Ratio(2)

 

Expenses
Paid During
Period(1)

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

               

Actual Performance

 

$   1,000.00

 

$   1,040.20

 

1.25%

 

$        6.39

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

 

$   1,000.00

 

$   1,018.80

 

1.25%

 

$        6.33

(1)  Expenses paid during the period are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183 (the number of days in the most recent six-month period), then divided by 365.

(2)  Interest expense totaled 0.15% of average net assets for the six months ended November 30, 2021. Had these expenses not been included, the ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 1.10%.

22

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

OTHER INFORMATION

 

November 30, 2021  

(Unaudited)  

Tax Information

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the Fund listed below had a percentage of the dividends paid from net investment income, including short-term capital gains (if any) designated as qualified dividend income.

Fund

 

Qualified
Dividend Income

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

 

3.20%

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the Fund listed below had a percentage of the dividends paid from net investment income, including short-term capital gains (if any), qualify for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders.

Fund

 

Corporate Dividends
Received Deduction

Saba Closed-End Funds ETF

 

3.40%

Premium/Discount Information

Information regarding how often the 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 of the Fund for various time periods can be found on the Fund’s website at www.sabaetf.com.

23

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

TRUSTEES

 

November 30, 2021  

(Unaudited)  

Set forth below is information about each of the persons currently serving as a Trustee of the Trust. The address of each Trustee of the Trust is c/o Exchange Listed Funds Trust, 10900 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 400, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73120. The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) contains additional information about the Trust’s Trustees. The SAI is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free (212) 542-4644 or at www.sabaetf.com.

Name and
Year of Birth

 

Position(s)
Held with
the Trust

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
(1)

 

Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
(2)
Overseen
By Trustee

 

Other Directorships
held by Trustee
During the Past 5 Years

Interested Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Hogan
(1961)

 

Trustee and Secretary

 

Since 2012

 

Director, Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC (since 2011); Private Investor (since 2002); Secretary, Exchange Traded Concepts Trust (since 2011); Managing Member, Yorkville ETF Advisors (2011 to 2016).

 

18

 

Board Member, Peconic
Land Trust of Suffolk
County, NY.

Independent Trustees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timothy J. Jacoby
(1952)

 

Trustee

 

Since 2014

 

Senior Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Private Equity/Hedge Fund/Mutual Fund Services Practice (2000 to 2014).

 

37

 

Independent Trustee, Edward Jones Money Market Fund (since 2017); Audit Committee Chair, Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF (2018 to 2020); Independent Trustee, Source ETF Trust (2014 to 2015).

David M. Mahle(3)
(1943)

 

Trustee

 

Since 2012

 

Consultant, Jones Day (2012 to 2015); Of Counsel, Jones Day (2008 to 2011); Partner, Jones Day (1988 to 2008).

 

18

 

Independent Trustee, Exchange Traded Concepts Trust (2012 to 2020); Independent Trustee, Source ETF Trust (2014 to 2015).

Linda Petrone
(1962)

 

Trustee

 

Since 2019

 

Founding Partner, Sage Search Advisors (since 2012).

 

37

 

None.

(1)  Each Trustee shall serve during the continued life of the Trust until he or she dies, resigns, reaches mandatory retirement age (unless service is extended), is declared bankrupt or incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction, or is removed.

(2)  The fund complex includes each series of the Trust and of Exchange Traded Concepts Trust.

(3)  David Mahle served as a Trustee through January 24, 2022. Effective January 25, 2022, Stuart Strauss has replaced Mr. Mahle.

24

EXCHANGE LISTED FUNDS TRUST

OFFICERS

 

November 30, 2021  

(Unaudited)  

Set forth below is information about each of the persons currently serving as officers of the Trust. The address of J. Garrett Stevens, Richard Hogan, James J. Baker, Jr., and Matthew Fleischer is c/o Exchange Listed Funds Trust, 10900 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 400, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73120; and the address of Christopher W. Roleke is Foreside Management Services, LLC, 10 High Street, Suite 302, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.

Name and
Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held
with the Trust

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
(1)

 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

J. Garrett Stevens
(1979)

 

President

 

Since 2012

 

Investment Adviser/Vice President, T.S. Phillips Investments, Inc. (since 2000); Chief Executive Officer, Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC (since 2009); and President, Exchange Traded Concepts Trust (since 2011).

Richard Hogan
(1961)

 

Trustee and Secretary

 

Since 2012

 

Director, Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC (since 2011); Private Investor (since 2003); Secretary, Exchange Traded Concepts Trust (since 2011); Board Member, Peconic Land Trust (2012 to 2016); Managing Member, Yorkville ETF Advisors (2011 to 2016).

Christopher W. Roleke
(1972)

 

Treasurer

 

Since 2012

 

Managing Director/Fund Principal Financial Officer, Foreside Management Services, LLC (since 2011).

James J. Baker Jr.
(1951)

 

Assistant Treasurer

 

Since 2015

 

Managing Partner, Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC (since 2011); Managing Partner, Yorkville ETF Advisors (2012 to 2016); Vice President, Goldman Sachs (2000 to 2011).

Matthew Fleischer
(1983)

 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

Since 2021

 

Associate Counsel, Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Funds (2015 to 2017); Vice President, Compliance, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Goldman Sachs Asset Management Funds (2017 to 2021); Chief Compliance Officer, Exchange Listed Funds Trust (since 2021); Chief Compliance Officer, Exchange Traded Concepts Trust (since 2021).

(1)  Each officer serves at the pleasure of the Board.

25

10900 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 400
Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Investment Adviser:

Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC

10900 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 400

Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Investment Sub-Adviser:

Saba Capital Management, L.P.

405 Lexington Avenue, 58th Floor

New York, NY 10174

Distributor:

Foreside Fund Services, LLC

Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100

Portland, ME 04101

Legal Counsel:

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

1111 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20004

Proxy Voting Information

Exchange Traded Concepts’ proxy voting policies and procedures are attached to the Fund’s SAI, which is available without charge by visiting the Fund’s website at www.sabaetf.com or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by calling toll-free (212) 542-4644.

In addition, a description of how the Fund voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free (212) 542-4644 or on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Quarterly Portfolio Holdings Information

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal period as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT within sixty days after the end of the period. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s full portfolio holdings are updated daily and available on the Fund’s website at www.sabaetf.com.

This report has been prepared for shareholders and may be distributed to others only if preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.