STF ETFs

 

STF Tactical Growth ETF (TUG)
STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF (TUGN)

 

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

STF ETFs

Table of Contents

(Unaudited)

 

   

Shareholder Expense Example

2

Schedules of Investments

4

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

10

Statements of Operations

11

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

12

Financial Highlights

14

Notes to Financial Statements

16

Board Consideration and Approval of Advisory Agreement

23

Supplemental Information

25

Review of Liquidity Risk Management Program

26

 

 

1

 

 

STF ETFs

Shareholder Expense Example

(Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Funds 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. The following example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars and cents) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held throughout the entire period (April 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022), except as noted in footnotes below.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

The first line under the Funds in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line for your Fund 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 in the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Funds’ 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 Funds 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 in the table is useful in comparing ongoing Fund costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

2

 

 

STF ETFs

Shareholder Expense Example

(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Hypothetical
Account
Value
4/1/22^

Beginning
Account
Value
5/18/22

Ending
Account
Value
9/30/22

Annualized
Expense
Ratios

Expenses
Paid During
the Period

STF Tactical Growth ETF

         

Actual

N/A

$ 1,000.00

$ 955.90

0.65%

$ 2.37(1)

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

$ 1,000.00

N/A

$ 1,021.81

0.65%

$ 3.29(2)

 

Beginning
Account
Value
4/1/22^

Beginning
Account
Value
5/18/22

Ending
Account
Value
9/30/22

Annualized
Expense
Ratios

Expenses
Paid During
the Period

STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF

         

Actual

N/A

$ 1,000.00

$ 891.90

0.65%

$ 2.29(1)

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

$ 1,000.00

N/A

$ 1,021.81

0.65%

$ 3.29(2)

 

(^)

Fund commenced operations on May 18, 2022.

 

(1)

Actual expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by the number of days since inception, 136 days, and divided by the number of days in the most recent twelve-month period, 365 days.

 

(2)

Hypothetical expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent six-month period, 183 days, and divided by the number of days in the most recent twelve-month period, 365 days.

 

 

3

 

 

STF Tactical Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 9.0%

Accommodation — 0.0% (c)

Marriott International, Inc. - Class A

    410     $ 57,457  
                 

Administrative and Support Services — 0.2%

               

Atlassian Corp. PLC - Class A (a)(b)

    179       37,696  

Booking Holdings, Inc. (a)

    51       83,804  

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (a)

    1,434       123,424  
              244,924  

Apparel Manufacturing — 0.0% (c)

               

Lululemon Athletica, Inc.(a)(b)

    155       43,332  
                 

Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing — 0.3%

       

Keurig Dr. Pepper, Inc.

    1,761       63,079  

Monster Beverage Corp. (a)

    655       56,959  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    1,710       279,174  
              399,212  

Broadcasting (except Internet) — 0.1%

               

Comcast Corp. - Class A

    5,562       163,133  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.

    4,837       27,619  
              190,752  

Chemical Manufacturing — 0.5%

               

Amgen, Inc.

    662       149,215  

AstraZeneca PLC - ADR (b)

    736       40,362  

Biogen, Inc. (a)

    185       49,395  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    1,542       95,126  

Moderna, Inc. (a)

    499       59,007  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (a)

    137       94,375  

Seagen, Inc. (a)

    234       32,018  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    316       91,495  
              610,993  

Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores — 0.1%

       

Charter Communications, Inc. - Class A (a)

    214       64,917  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    440       37,079  
              101,996  

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing — 3.2%

       

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a)

    2,028       128,494  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class A (a)

    4,481       428,608  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class C (a)

    4,661       448,155  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    654       91,128  

Apple, Inc.

    12,166       1,681,341  

Broadcom, Inc.

    511       226,889  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    5,134       205,360  

Fortinet, Inc.(a)

    981       48,196  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    106       34,535  

Illumina, Inc.(a)

    201       38,349  

Intel Corp.

    5,116       131,839  

Lam Research Corp.

    176       64,416  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

    1,067       45,785  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    682       41,622  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    1,395       69,890  

NVIDIA Corp.

    2,673       324,476  

NXP Semiconductors (b)

    325       47,941  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    1,409       159,189  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    206       17,566  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    1,148       177,687  
              4,411,466  

Data Processing, Hosting and Related Services — 0.2%

       

Airbnb, Inc. - Class A (a)

    476       49,999  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    520       117,619  

Fiserv, Inc.(a)

    804       75,230  

Verisk Analytics, Inc.

    200       34,106  
              276,954  

Food Manufacturing — 0.1%

               

Mondelez International, Inc. - Class A

    1,713       93,924  

The Kraft Heinz Co.

    1,528       50,959  
              144,883  

Food Services and Drinking Places — 0.1%

               

Cintas Corp.

    131       50,853  

Starbucks Corp.

    1,421       119,733  
              170,586  

 

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

 

4

 

 

STF Tactical Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

General Merchandise Stores — 0.2%

               

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    552     $ 260,693  

Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)

    273       37,155  
              297,848  

Health and Personal Care Stores — 0.0% (c)

               

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    1,084       34,038  
                 

Machinery Manufacturing — 0.1%

               

Applied Materials, Inc.

    1,094       89,632  

ASML Holding - ADR (b)

    109       45,273  

KLA Corp.

    192       58,105  
              193,010  

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods — 0.1%

               

Copart, Inc. (a)

    295       31,388  

Fastenal Co.

    714       32,872  
              64,260  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.1%

               

Align Technology, Inc. (a)

    100       20,711  

Dexcom, Inc. (a)

    487       39,223  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (a)

    450       84,348  
              144,282  

Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers — 0.0% (c)

               

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (a)

    83       58,378  
                 

Nonstore Retailers — 0.7%

               

Amazon.com, Inc. (a)

    7,598       858,574  

eBay, Inc.

    694       25,546  

JD.com, Inc. - ADR (b)

    638       32,091  

MercadoLibre, Inc. (a)(b)

    64       52,978  

Pinduoduo, Inc. - ADR (a)(b)

    541       33,856  
              1,003,045  

Other Information Services — 0.3%

               

Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A (a)

    2,579       349,919  

VeriSign, Inc. (a)

    139       24,144  
              374,063  

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services — 0.2%

       

Baidu, Inc. - ADR (a)(b)

    286       33,602  

Cognizant Technology Solutions - Class A

    643       36,934  

Match Group, Inc. (a)

    360       17,190  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (a)

    371       60,766  

Paychex, Inc.

    458       51,392  

Workday, Inc. - Class A (a)

    240       36,533  

Zscaler, Inc. (a)

    175       28,765  
              265,182  

Publishing Industries (except Internet) — 1.4%

               

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    961       71,441  

Adobe Systems, Inc. (a)

    583       160,441  

ANSYS, Inc. (a)

    110       24,387  

Autodesk, Inc. (a)

    271       50,623  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (a)

    344     56,220  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. - Class A (a)

    260       42,851  

Datadog, Inc. - Class A (a)

    354       31,428  

DocuSign, Inc. (a)

    243       12,993  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    355       41,077  

Intuit, Inc.

    352       136,337  

Microsoft Corp.

    5,591       1,302,144  

Okta, Inc. (a)

    188       10,691  

Splunk, Inc. (a)

    205       15,416  

Synopsys, Inc. (a)

    194       59,269  
              2,015,318  

Rail Transportation — 0.1%

               

CSX Corp.

    2,762       73,580  
                 

Rental and Leasing Services — 0.1%

               

Netflix, Inc. (a)

    556       130,905  
                 

Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities — 0.0% (c)

Lucid Group, Inc. (a)

    2,180       30,455  
                 

Specialty Trade Contractors — 0.0% (c)

               

NetEase, Inc. - ADR (b)

    232       17,539  
                 

Telecommunications — 0.2%

               

T-Mobile U.S., Inc. (a)

    1,548       207,695  

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

    309       22,739  
              230,434  

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing — 0.6%

       

Honeywell International, Inc.

    847       141,423  

PACCAR, Inc.

    436       36,489  

Tesla, Inc. (a)

    2,367       627,847  
              805,759  

Truck Transportation — 0.0% (c)

               

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    144       35,823  
                 

Utilities — 0.1%

               

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    643       55,588  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    412       34,274  

Exelon Corp.

    1,226       45,926  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    681       43,584  
              179,372  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $13,545,081)

            12,605,846  

 

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

 

5

 

 

STF Tactical Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

    Principal
Amounts
    Value  
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 90.7%                
U.S. Treasury Notes — 90.7%                
1.625%, 4/30/2023   $ 13,028,900     $ 12,848,080  
2.750%, 4/30/2023     13,028,900       12,937,147  
1.750%, 5/15/2023     13,028,900       12,844,033  
0.125%, 5/31/2023     13,028,900       12,691,372  
1.625%, 5/31/2023     13,028,900       12,820,234  
0.250%, 6/15/2023     13,028,900       12,679,183  
1.375%, 6/30/2023     13,028,900       12,766,795  
0.125%, 7/15/2023     13,028,900       12,618,668  
0.125%, 7/31/2023     13,028,900       12,593,755  
0.125%, 8/15/2023     13,028,900       12,571,386  
              127,370,653  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY NOTES (Cost $128,371,779)

               
                 

Total Investments — (Cost $141,916,860) — 99.7%

            139,976,499  

Other assets and liabilities, net — 0.3%

            415,206  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 140,391,705  

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC

Public Limited Company

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

 

(b)

Foreign issued security.

 

(c)

Amount is less than 0.05%.

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

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

 

6

 

 

STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF

Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

 

   

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 8.3%

Accommodation — 0.0% (c)

Marriott International, Inc. - Class A

    72     $ 10,090  
                 

Administrative and Support Services — 0.2%

               

Atlassian Corp. PLC - Class A (a)(b)

    26       5,475  

Booking Holdings, Inc. (a)

    7       11,503  

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (a)

    273       23,497  
              40,475  

Apparel Manufacturing — 0.0% (c)

               

Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (a)(b)

    22       6,150  
                 

Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing — 0.3%

               

Keurig Dr. Pepper, Inc.

    333       11,928  

Monster Beverage Corp. (a)

    121       10,522  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    326       53,223  
              75,673  

Broadcasting (except Internet) — 0.1%

               

Comcast Corp. - Class A

    1,078     31,618  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.

    934       5,333  
              36,951  

Chemical Manufacturing — 0.4%

               

Amgen, Inc.

    122       27,499  

AstraZeneca PLC - ADR (b)

    133       7,294  

Biogen, Inc. (a)

    27       7,209  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    289       17,828  

Moderna, Inc. (a)

    86       10,169  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (a)

    20       13,777  

Seagen, Inc. (a)

    34       4,652  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    59       17,083  
              105,511  

Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores — 0.1%

               

Charter Communications, Inc. - Class A (a)

    31       9,404  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    77       6,489  
              15,893  

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing — 3.0%

       

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a)

    385       24,393  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class A (a)

    869       83,120  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class C (a)

    896       86,150  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    120       16,721  

Apple, Inc.

    2,058       284,415  

Broadcom, Inc.

    88       39,073  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    990       39,600  

Fortinet, Inc. (a)

    182       8,942  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    15       4,887  

Illumina, Inc. (a)

    29       5,533  

Intel Corp.

    987       25,435  

Lam Research Corp.

    26       9,516  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

    206       8,839  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    125       7,629  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    266       13,327  

NVIDIA Corp.

    517       62,759  

NXP Semiconductors (b)

    60       8,851  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    268       30,279  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    30       2,558  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    218       33,742  
              795,769  

Data Processing, Hosting and Related Services — 0.2%

       

Airbnb, Inc. - Class A (a)

    82       8,613  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    89       20,131  

Fiserv, Inc. (a)

    155       14,503  

Verisk Analytics, Inc.

    29       4,946  
              48,193  

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

 

7

 

 

STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF

Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

   

Shares

   

Value

 

Food Manufacturing — 0.1%

               

Mondelez International, Inc. - Class A

    326     $ 17,875  

The Kraft Heinz Co.

    287       9,571  
              27,446  

Food Services and Drinking Places — 0.1%

               

Cintas Corp.

    19       7,376  

Starbucks Corp.

    271       22,835  
              30,211  

General Merchandise Stores — 0.2%

               

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    106       50,061  

Dollar Tree, Inc. (a)

    52       7,077  
              57,138  

Health and Personal Care Stores — 0.0% (c)

               

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    209       6,563  
                 

Machinery Manufacturing — 0.1%

               

Applied Materials, Inc.

    210       17,205  

ASML Holding - ADR (b)

    16       6,646  

KLA Corp.

    28       8,474  
              32,325  

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods — 0.0% (c)

               

Copart, Inc. (a)

    56       5,958  

Fastenal Co.

    130       5,985  
              11,943  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.1%

               

Align Technology, Inc. (a)

    14       2,900  

Dexcom, Inc. (a)

    84       6,765  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (a)

    78       14,620  
              24,285  

Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers — 0.0% (c)

               

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (a)

    12       8,440  
                 

Nonstore Retailers — 0.7%

               

Amazon.com, Inc. (a)

    1,464       165,432  

eBay, Inc.

    126       4,638  

JD.com, Inc. - ADR (b)

    118       5,936  

MercadoLibre, Inc. (a)(b)

    9       7,450  

Pinduoduo, Inc. - ADR (a)(b)

    104       6,508  
              189,964  

Other Information Services — 0.3%

               

Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A (a)

    490       66,483  

VeriSign, Inc. (a)

    20       3,474  
              69,957  

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services — 0.2%

       

Baidu, Inc. - ADR (a)(b)

    54       6,345  

Cognizant Technology Solutions - Class A

    119       6,835  

Match Group, Inc. (a)

    65     3,104  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (a)(b)

    61       9,991  

Paychex, Inc.

    79       8,865  

Workday, Inc. - Class A (a)

    36       5,480  

Zscaler, Inc. (a)

    25       4,109  
              44,729  
                 

Publishing Industries (except Internet) — 1.2%

               

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    179       13,307  

Adobe Systems, Inc. (a)

    110       30,272  

ANSYS, Inc. (a)

    16       3,547  

Autodesk, Inc. (a)

    52       9,714  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (a)

    63       10,296  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. - Class A (a)

    38       6,263  

Datadog, Inc. - Class A (a)

    64       5,682  

DocuSign, Inc. (a)

    36       1,925  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    64       7,405  

Intuit, Inc.

    64       24,788  

Microsoft Corp.

    932       217,063  

Okta, Inc. (a)

    27       1,536  

Splunk, Inc. (a)

    30       2,256  

Synopsys, Inc. (a)

    28       8,554  
              342,608  

Rail Transportation — 0.1%

               

CSX Corp.

    530       14,119  
                 

Rental and Leasing Services — 0.1%

               

Netflix, Inc. (a)

    106       24,957  
                 

Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities — 0.0% (c)

       

Lucid Group, Inc. (a)

    420       5,867  
                 

Specialty Trade Contractors — 0.0% (c)

               

NetEase, Inc. - ADR (b)

    34       2,570  
                 

Telecommunications — 0.2%

               

T-Mobile U.S., Inc. (a)

    289       38,775  

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

    58       4,268  
              43,043  

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing — 0.6%

       

Honeywell International, Inc.

    161       26,882  

PACCAR, Inc.

    76       6,360  

Tesla, Inc. (a)

    459       121,750  
              154,992  

Truck Transportation — 0.0% (c)

               

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    21       5,224  

 

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

 

8

 

 

STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF

Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

   

Shares

   

Value

 

Utilities — 0.1%

               

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    119     $ 10,287  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    73       6,073  

Exelon Corp.

    230       8,616  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    124       7,936  
              32,912  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $2,443,229)

            2,263,998  

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amounts

   

Value

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 90.9%

               

U.S. Treasury Notes — 90.9%

               

1.625%, 4/30/2023

  $ 2,546,100     $ 2,510,764  

2.750%, 4/30/2023

    2,546,100       2,528,170  

1.750%, 5/15/2023

    2,546,100       2,509,973  

1.625%, 5/31/2023

    2,546,100       2,505,323  

0.250%, 6/15/2023

    2,546,100       2,477,758  

1.375%, 6/30/2023

    2,546,100       2,494,880  

0.125%, 7/15/2023

    2,546,100       2,465,933  

0.125%, 8/15/2023

    2,546,100       2,456,693  

0.125%, 8/15/2023

    2,546,100       2,480,140  

0.125%, 7/31/2023

    2,546,100       2,461,064  
                 

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY NOTES (Cost $25,044,147)

            24,890,698  
                 

Total Investments — (Cost $27,487,376) — 99.2%

            27,154,696  

Other assets and liabilities, net — 0.8%

            232,843  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 27,387,539  

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC

Public Limited Company

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

 

(b)

Foreign issued security.

 

(c)

Amount is less than 0.05%.

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

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

 

9

 

 

STF ETFs

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

   

STF Tactical
Growth
ETF

   

STF Tactical
Growth &
Income
ETF

 

Assets

               

Investments, at value (cost $141,916,860 and $27,487,376 respectively)

  $ 139,976,499     $ 27,154,696  

Cash

    2,935,523       155,024  

Dividend and interest receivable

    466,890       91,182  

Receivable for investment securities sold

    1,258,571        

Total assets

    144,637,483       27,400,902  
                 

Liabilities

               

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    4,167,318        

Payble to Adviser

    78,460       13,363  

Total liabilities

    4,245,778       13,363  

Net Assets

  $ 140,391,705     $ 27,387,539  
                 

Net Assets Consists of:

               

Paid-in capital

  $ 148,162,107     $ 30,277,029  

Total distributable earnings (accumulated losses)

    (7,770,402 )     (2,889,490 )

Net Assets

  $ 140,391,705     $ 27,387,539  
                 

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)

    5,900,000       1,275,000  

Net Asset Value, redemption price and offering price per share

  $ 23.80     $ 21.48  

 

 

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

 

10

 

 

STF ETFs

Statements of Operations

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

   

STF Tactical
Growth
ETF
(1)

   

STF Tactical
Growth &
Income
ETF
(1)

 

Investment Income

               

Dividend income (net of witholding tax, $163 and $16 respectively)

  $ 143,890     $ 15,843  

Interest Income

    929,112       130,801  

Total investment income

    1,073,002       146,644  
                 

Expenses

               

Investment advisory fees

    349,902       41,961  

Total expenses

    349,902       41,961  

Net investment income

    723,100       104,683  
                 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

               

Net realized gain (loss) on:

               

Investments

    (5,925,166 )     (699,851 )

Purchased options

          249,341  

Written options

          (1,453,633 )

Net realized loss

    (5,925,166 )     (1,904,143 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

    (1,940,361 )     (332,680 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (7,865,527 )     (2,236,823 )

Net decrease in net assets from operations

  $ (7,142,427 )   $ (2,132,140 )

 

(1)

The Funds commenced operations on May 18, 2022.

 

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

 

11

 

 

STF Tactical Growth ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Period Ended
September 30,
2022
(Unaudited)
(1)

 

From Operations

       

Net investment gain

  $ 723,100  

Net realized loss on investment

    (5,925,166 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

    (1,940,361 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (7,142,427 )
         

From Distributions

       

Distributable earnings

    (627,975 )

Total distributions

    (627,975 )
         

From Capital Share Transactions

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    162,491,640  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (14,329,625 )

Transaction fees (Note 4)

    92  

Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

    148,162,107  
         

Total Increase in Net Assets

    140,391,705  
         

Net Assets

       

Beginning of period

     

End of period

  $ 140,391,705  
         

Changes in Shares Outstanding

       

Shares outstanding, beginning of period

     

Shares sold

    6,500,000  

Shares redeemed

    (600,000 )

Shares outstanding, end of period

    5,900,000  

 

(1)

The Funds commenced operations on May 18, 2022.

 

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

 

12

 

 

STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Period Ended
September 30,
2022
(Unaudited)
(1)

 

From Operations

       

Net investment gain

  $ 104,683  

Net realized loss on investments

    (1,904,143 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

    (332,680 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,132,140 )
         

From Distributions

       

Distributable earnings

    (757,350 )

Total distributions

    (757,350 )
         

From Capital Share Transactions

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    34,938,590  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (4,663,895 )

Transaction fees (Note 4)

    2,334  

Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

    30,277,029  
         

Total Increase in Net Assets

    27,387,539  
         

Net Assets

       

Beginning of period

     

End of period

  $ 27,387,539  
         

Changes in Shares Outstanding

       

Shares outstanding, beginning of period

     

Shares sold

    1,475,000  

Shares redeemed

    (200,000 )

Shares outstanding, end of period

    1,275,000  

 

(1)

The Funds commenced operations on May 18, 2022.

 

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

 

13

 

 

STF Tactical Growth ETF

Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period

 

   

Period Ended
September
30, 2022
(Unaudited)
(1)

 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

  $ 25.00  
         

Income (Loss) from investment operations:

       

Net investment income (loss)(2)

    0.12  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (1.22 )

Total from investment operations

    (1.10 )
         

Less distributions paid:

       

From net investment income

    (0.10 )

Total distributions paid

    (0.10 )
         

Capital share transactions:

       

Transaction fees (see Note 4)

    0.00 (7) 
         

Net Asset Value, End of Period

  $ 23.80  
         

Total return, at NAV(3)(4)

    -4.41 %

Total return, at Market(3)(4)

    -4.57 %
         

Supplemental Data and Ratios:

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

  $ 140,392  
         

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(5)

    0.65 %

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets(5)

    1.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate(4)(6)

    246 %

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on May 18, 2022.

 

(2)

Per share net investment income (loss) was calculated using average shares outstanding.

 

(3)

Total return in the table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

 

(4)

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(5)

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(6)

Excludes in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions of the Fund.

 

(7)

Less than $0.005.

 

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

 

14

 

 

STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF

Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period

 

   

Period Ended
September
30, 2022
(Unaudited)
(1)

 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

  $ 25.00  
         

Income (Loss) from investment operations:

       

Net investment income (loss)(2)

    0.14  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (2.82 )

Total from investment operations

    (2.68 )
         

Less distributions paid:

       

From net investment income

    (0.84 )

Total distributions paid

    (0.84 )
         

Capital share transactions:

       

Transaction fees (see Note 4)

    0.00 (7) 
         

Net Asset Value, End of Period

  $ 21.48  
         

Total return, at NAV(3)(4)

    -10.81 %

Total return, at Market(3)(4)

    -10.46 %
         

Supplemental Data and Ratios:

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

  $ 27,388  
         

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(5)

    0.65 %

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets(5)

    1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate(4)(6)

    284 %

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on May 18, 2022.

 

(2)

Per share net investment income (loss) was calculated using average shares outstanding.

 

(3)

Total return in the table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

 

(4)

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(5)

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(6)

Excludes in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions of the Fund.

 

(7)

Less than $0.005.

 

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

 

15

 

 

STF ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

 

The STF Tactical Growth ETF (“TUG”) and STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF (“TUGN”) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) are non-diversified series of Listed Funds Trust (the “Trust”), formerly Active Weighting Funds ETF Trust. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on August 26, 2016, under a Declaration of Trust amended on December 21, 2018, and is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

 

TUG is an actively-managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital and TUGN is an actively-managed ETF that seeks long-term growth of capital and current income.

 

The Funds seek to achieve their investment objective by allocating investments among a combination of (i) U.S. equity securities or ETFs that, in the aggregate, seek to replicate the Nasdaq-100® Index (the “Index Allocation”), (ii) directly in, or in ETFs that hold, long-duration U.S. Treasury securities (the “Fixed Income Allocation”), and (iii) short-term U.S. Treasury bills, money market funds, and cash and/or cash equivalents (the “Cash Equivalents”). The Funds also may utilize a proprietary, tactical unconstrained growth model (the “TUG Model”). The TUG Model combines both quantitative and qualitative analysis factors but is primarily quantitative in nature. The quantitative factors underlying the TUG model include, but are not limited to, asset class (i.e., equity and fixed income) and market volatility, as well as rates of change in both asset class price action (i.e., the price movement of securities in a particular asset class over time) and market volatility. The TUG Model is based on signals that are derived from a proprietary algorithm that tracks market price action across equities, fixed income, and commodities, to include rates of change in correlation and volatility. In response to shifts in price action, market volatility, and correlation of the two primary asset classes based on the TUG Model, the Adviser will adjust the Fund’s portfolio allocations between the Index Allocation and the Fixed Income Allocation and thereby seek to proactively adapt to current market conditions.

 

Costs incurred by the Funds in connection with the organization, registration and the initial public offering of shares were paid by STF Management LP, (the “Adviser”).

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Each Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services — Investment Companies. Each Fund prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and follows the significant accounting policies described below.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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 the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Share Transactions

 

The net asset value (“NAV”) per share of each Fund is equal to a Fund’s total assets minus a Fund’s total liabilities divided by the total number of shares outstanding. The NAV that is published will be rounded to the nearest cent. The NAV is determined as of the close of trading (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading.

 

Fair Value Measurement

 

In calculating the NAV, each Fund’s exchange-traded equity securities will be valued at fair value, which will generally be determined using the last reported official closing or last trading price on the exchange or market on which the security is primarily traded at the time of valuation. Such valuations are typically categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy described below.

 

16

 

 

STF ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. are generally valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Foreign securities will be priced at their local currencies as of the close of their primary exchange or market or as of the time each Fund calculates its NAV on the valuation date, whichever is earlier.

 

If market quotations are not readily available, or if it is determined that a quotation of a security does not represent fair value, then the security is valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser using procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). The circumstances in which a security may be fair valued include, among others: the occurrence of events that are significant to a particular issuer, such as mergers, restructurings or defaults; the occurrence of events that are significant to an entire market, such as natural disasters in a particular region or government actions; trading restrictions on securities; thinly traded securities; and market events such as trading halts and early market closings. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations, fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed. Fair valuation could result in a different NAV than a NAV determined by using market quotations. Such valuations are typically categorized as Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy described below.

 

FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and requires disclosure about fair value measurements. It also provides guidance on determining when there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability, when a transaction is not orderly, and how that information must be incorporated into fair value measurements. Under ASC 820, various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments. These inputs are summarized in the following hierarchy:

 

 

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Funds have 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 securities, 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 Funds’ 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 fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).

 

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.

 

All other securities and investments for which market values are not readily available, including restricted securities, and those securities for which it is inappropriate to determine prices in accordance with the aforementioned procedures, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by the Board, although the actual calculations may be done by others. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities), analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents and, if necessary, available information concerning other securities in similar circumstances.

 

17

 

 

STF ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The hierarchy classification of inputs used to value the Funds’ investments at September 30, 2022, are as follows:

 

STF Tactical Growth ETF

 

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Investments - Assets:

                               

Common Stocks*

  $ 12,605,846     $     $     $ 12,605,846  

U.S. Treasury Notes

          127,370,653             127,370,653  

Total Investments - Assets

  $ 12,605,846     $ 127,370,653     $     $ 139,976,499  

 

STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF

 

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Investments - Assets:

                               

Common Stocks*

  $ 2,263,998     $     $     $ 2,263,998  

U.S. Treasury Notes

          24,890,698             24,890,698  

Total Investments - Assets

  $ 2,263,998     $ 24,890,698     $     $ 27,154,696  

 

*

See the Schedules of Investments for industry classifications.

 

Security Transactions

 

Investment transactions are recorded as of the date that the securities are purchased or sold (trade date). Realized gains and losses from the sale or disposition of securities are calculated based on the specific identification basis.

 

Investment Income

 

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is accrued daily. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends has been provided for in accordance with Funds’ understanding of the applicable tax rules and regulations. An amortized cost method of valuation may be used with respect to debt obligations with sixty days or less remaining to maturity, unless the Adviser determines in good faith that such method does not represent fair value.

 

Tax Information, Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders and Uncertain Tax Positions

 

The Funds are treated as separate entities for Federal income tax purposes. Each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). To qualify and remain eligible for the special tax treatment accorded to RICs, each Fund must meet certain annual income and quarterly asset diversification requirements and must distribute annually at least 90% of the sum of (i) its investment company taxable income (which includes dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains) and (ii) certain net tax-exempt income, if any. If so qualified, each Fund will not be subject to Federal income tax.

 

Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The Funds generally pay out dividends from net investment income, if any, quarterly for TUG and monthly for TUGN, and distribute its net capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least annually. The Funds may also pay a special distribution at the end of the calendar year to comply with Federal tax requirements. The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These “book/tax” differences are either considered

 

18

 

 

STF ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the components of net assets based on their Federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed earnings and profit for tax purposes are reported as a tax return of capital.

 

Management evaluates the Funds’ tax positions to determine if the tax positions taken meet the minimum recognition threshold in connection with accounting for uncertainties in income tax positions taken or expected to be taken for the purposes of measuring and recognizing tax liabilities in the financial statements. Recognition of tax benefits of an uncertain tax position is required only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by taxing authorities. Interest and penalties related to income taxes would be recorded as income tax expense. The Funds’ Federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) for a period of three fiscal years after they are filed. State and local tax returns may be subject to examination for an additional fiscal year depending on the jurisdiction.

 

The Funds commenced operations on May 18, 2022.

 

Indemnification

 

In the normal course of business, the Funds expect to enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties, and which provide general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these anticipated arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Derivatives

 

TUGN may seek to enhance the Fund’s return by utilizing an options spread strategy which typically consists of two components: (i) selling call options on the Nasdaq-100® Index on up to 100% of the value of the equity securities held by the Fund to generate premium from such options, while (ii) simultaneously reinvesting a portion of such premium to buy call options on the same reference asset(s).

 

Each Fund may purchase and write put and call options on indices and enter into related closing transactions. All options written on indices or securities must be covered, each Fund will segregate cash and/or other liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s obligations. Put and call options on indices give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.

 

The Funds purchasing put and call options pay a premium; therefore, if price movements in the underlying securities are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for the Funds, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Funds’ securities or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of securities by the Funds. When the Funds write an option, if the underlying securities do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Funds will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which the Funds are the writer is exercised, the Funds will be required to sell the underlying securities to the option holder at the strike price and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option of which the Funds are the writer is exercised, the Funds will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the market value of such securities. The Funds maintain minimal counterparty risk through contracts bought or sold on an exchange. As of September 30, 2022, the Funds’ derivative instruments are not subject to a master netting arrangement.

 

19

 

 

STF ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Derivative Instruments

 

The average monthly value outstanding of purchased and written options during the period ended September 30, 2022, were as follows:

 

   

STF Tactical
Growth &
Income ETF

 

Purchased Options

  $ 292,169  

Written Options

    (321,321 )

 

The following is a summary of the effect of derivative instruments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the period ended September 30, 2022:

 

           

Realized Gain (Loss)

   

Change in Unrealized
Appreciation/Depreciation

 
           

Purchased
Options

   

Written
Options

   

Purchased
Options

   

Written
Options

 

STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF

Equity Risk Contracts

    249,341       (1,453,633 )            

 

3.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER AGREEMENTS

 

Investment Advisory Agreement

 

The Trust has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides a continuous investment program for the Funds’ assets in accordance with their investment objectives, policies and limitations, and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Funds subject to the supervision of the Board, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Adviser, each Fund pays a unified management fee to the Adviser, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.65% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses of the Funds except the fee paid to the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, interest charges on any borrowings, dividends and other expenses on securities sold short, 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 (if any).

 

Distribution Agreement and 12b-1 Plan

 

Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as each Fund’s distributor pursuant to a Distribution Services Agreement. The Distributor receives compensation for the statutory underwriting services it provides to the Funds. The Distributor enters into agreements with certain broker-dealers and others that will allow those parties to be “Authorized Participants” and to subscribe for and redeem shares of the Funds. The Distributor will not distribute shares in less than whole Creation Units and does not maintain a secondary market in shares.

 

The Board has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 12b-1 Plan”). In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 Plan, each Fund is authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of each Fund’s average daily net assets each year for certain distribution-related activities. As authorized by the Board, no Rule 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Funds and there are no plans to impose these fees. However, in the event Rule 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, they will be paid out of each Fund’s assets. 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 Funds.

 

20

 

 

STF ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services” or “Administrator”) serves as administrator, transfer agent and fund accounting agent of the Funds pursuant to a Fund Servicing Agreement. U.S. Bank N.A. (the “Custodian”), an affiliate of Fund Services, serves as the Funds’ custodian pursuant to a Custody Agreement. Under the terms of these agreements, the Adviser pays each Fund’s administrative, custody and transfer agency fees.

 

A Trustee and all officers of the Trust are affiliated with the Administrator and Custodian.

 

4.

CREATION AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of the Funds are listed and traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”). Each Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in large blocks of shares called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are to be issued and redeemed principally in kind for a basket of securities and a balancing cash amount. Shares generally will trade in the secondary market in amounts less than a Creation Unit at market prices that change throughout the day. Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. The NAV is determined as of the close of trading (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV of the shares of each Fund will be equal to a Fund’s total assets minus a Fund’s total liabilities divided by the total number of shares outstanding. The NAV that is published will be rounded to the nearest cent; however, for purposes of determining the price of Creation Units, the NAV will be calculated to four decimal places.

 

Creation Unit Transaction Fee

 

Authorized Participants will be required to pay to the Custodian a fixed transaction fee (the “Creation Unit Transaction Fee”) in connection with the issuance or redemption of Creation Units. The standard Creation Unit Transaction Fee will be the same regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased or redeemed by an investor on the applicable business day. The Creation Unit Transaction Fee charged by each Fund for each creation order is $500.

 

An additional variable fee of up to a maximum of 2% of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction may be imposed for (i) creations effected outside the Clearing Process and (ii) creations made in an all cash amount (to offset the Trust’s brokerage and other transaction costs associated with using cash to purchase the requisite Deposit Securities). Investors are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust. Each Fund may determine to not charge a variable fee on certain orders when the Adviser has determined that doing so is in the best interests of Fund shareholders. Variable fees, if any, received by the Funds are displayed in the Capital Share Transactions section on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

Only “Authorized Participants” may purchase or redeem shares directly from the Funds. An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of 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 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 Funds. Rather, most retail investors will purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and will be subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees. Securities received or delivered in connection with in-kind creates and redeems are valued as of the close of business on the effective date of the creation or redemption.

 

A Creation Unit will generally not be issued until the transfer of good title of the deposit securities to the Funds and the payment of any cash amounts have been completed. To the extent contemplated by the applicable participant agreement, Creation Units of the Funds will be issued to such authorized participant notwithstanding the fact that the Funds’ deposits have not been received in part or in whole, in reliance on the undertaking of the authorized participant to deliver the missing deposit securities as soon as possible. If the Funds or their agents do not receive all of the deposit securities, or the required cash amounts, by such time, then the order may be deemed rejected and the authorized participant shall be liable to the Funds for losses, if any.

 

21

 

 

STF ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

5.

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

During the period ended September 30, 2022, the Funds realized net capital gains and losses resulting from in-kind redemptions, in which shareholders exchanged Fund shares for securities held by the Funds rather than for cash. Because such gains are not taxable to the Funds, and are not distributed to shareholders, they have been reclassified from distributable earnings (accumulated losses) to paid in-capital. The amounts of realized gains and losses from in-kind redemptions included in realized gain/(loss) on investments in the Statements of Operations is as follows:

 

   

Realized Gains

   

Realized Losses

 

TUG

  $ 15,749     $ (128,706 )

TUGN

    181,918       (48,094 )

 

Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short-term investments), creations in-kind and redemptions in-kind for the period ended September 30, 2022, were as follows:

 

   

Purchases

   

Sales

   

Creations
In-Kind

   

Redemptions
In-Kind

 

TUG

  $ 239,049,806     $ 184,013,537           $ 1,678,131  

TUGN

    21,581,879       21,553,688       8,738,336       2,249,997  

 

6.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

 

As with all ETFs, shareholders of the Funds are subject to the risk that their investment could lose money. Each Fund is subject to the principal risks, any of which may adversely affect a Fund’s NAV, trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment objective.

 

The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

On February 24, 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries could result in more widespread conflict and could have a severe adverse effect on the region and the markets. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long such conflict and related events will last and whether it will escalate further cannot be predicted, nor its effect on the Fund.

 

A complete description of the principal risks is included in the prospectus under the heading “Principal Investment Risks.”

 

7.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the Funds’ related events and transactions that occurred subsequent to September 30, 2022, through the date of issuance of the Funds’ financial statements. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

22

 

 

STF ETFs

Board Consideration and Approval of Advisory Agreement

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on March 16-17, 2022 (the “Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Listed Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) (the “Independent Trustees”), considered the approval of an advisory agreement (the “Agreement”) between STF Management LP (the “Adviser”) and the Trust, on behalf of the STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF and STF Tactical Growth ETF (each, a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”).

 

Pursuant to Section 15 of the 1940 Act, the Agreement must be approved by: (i) the vote of the Board or shareholders of a Fund and (ii) the vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees cast at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. As discussed in greater detail below, in preparation for the Meeting, the Board requested from, and reviewed a wide variety of information provided by, the Adviser. In addition to the written materials provided to the Board in advance of the Meeting, during the Meeting representatives from the Adviser provided the Board with an overview of its advisory business, including information about its investment personnel, financial resources, experience, investment processes, and compliance program. The representatives discussed the services to be provided to each Fund by the Adviser, as well as the rationale for launching the Funds, each Fund’s proposed fees, and information with respect to each Fund’s strategy and certain operational aspects of the Funds. The Board considered the materials it received in advance of the Meeting, including a memorandum from legal counsel to the Trust regarding the responsibilities of the Trustees in considering the approval of the Agreement under the 1940 Act, and the information conveyed during the Adviser’s presentation. The Board deliberated on the approval of the Agreement in light of this information. Throughout the process, the Trustees were afforded the opportunity to ask questions of, and request additional materials from, the Adviser. The Independent Trustees also met in executive session with counsel to the Trust to further discuss the proposed advisory arrangements and the Independent Trustees’ responsibilities relating thereto.

 

At the Meeting, the Board and the Independent Trustees evaluated a number of factors, including, among other things: (i) the nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by the Adviser to the Funds; (ii) each Fund’s expenses and performance; (iii) the cost of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by the Adviser from the relationship with each Fund; (iv) comparative fee and expense data for each Fund and other investment companies with similar investment objectives; (v) the extent to which the advisory fee reflects economies of scale to be shared with its respective Fund shareholders; (vi) any benefits to be derived by the Adviser from the relationship with each Fund, including any fall-out benefits enjoyed by the Adviser; and (vii) other factors the Board deemed relevant. In its deliberations, the Board considered the factors and reached the conclusions described below relating to the advisory arrangements and the approval of the Agreement. In its deliberations, the Board did not identify any single piece of information that was paramount or controlling and the individual Trustees may have attributed different weights to various factors.

 

Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services to be Provided. The Board considered the scope of services to be provided under the Agreement, noting that the Adviser will be providing a continuous investment program for each Fund, including arranging for, or implementing, the purchase and sale of portfolio securities. The Board also considered other services to be provided by the Adviser to each Fund, including monitoring adherence to the Fund’s investment restrictions, overseeing the activities of service providers, monitoring compliance with various policies and procedures with applicable securities regulations, and monitoring the extent to which the Fund achieves its investment objective as an actively-managed fund. In considering the nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by the Adviser, the Board considered the quality of the Adviser’s compliance infrastructure and the report from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding his review of the Adviser’s compliance program. The Board noted that it had received a copy of the Adviser’s registration form on Form ADV, as well as the response of the Adviser to a detailed series of questions which included, among other things, information about the background and experience of the firm’s key personnel, the firm’s cybersecurity policy, and the services to be provided by the Adviser.

 

Fund Expenses and Performance. Because the Funds had not yet commenced operations, the Board noted that there were no historical performance records to consider. Instead, the Board was presented with information about each Fund’s investment strategies and expected break-even expense analyses. The Board reviewed the proposed expense ratio for each Fund and compared the Fund’s expense ratio to its respective Category Peer Group (as defined below) as follows:

 

23

 

 

STF ETFs

Board Consideration and Approval of Advisory Agreement

September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF: The Board reviewed the proposed expense ratio for the Fund and compared it to its peer funds in the universe of High Yield Bond, Options Trading, Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, and Derivative Income ETFs as reported by Morningstar (the “Category Peer Group”) and certain funds identified by the Adviser as the Fund’s most similar peer funds (the “Selected Peer Group”). The Board noted that the proposed expense ratio for the Fund was lower than the median for the Category Peer Group and was within the range of expense ratios for the Selected Peer Group.

 

STF Tactical Growth ETF: The Board reviewed the proposed expense ratio for the Fund and compared it to those of its peer funds in the universe of High Yield Bond, Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, and Derivative Income ETFs as reported by Morningstar (the “Category Peer Group”) and certain funds identified by the Adviser as the Fund’s peer funds (the “Selected Peer Group”). The Board noted that the proposed expense ratio for the Fund was higher than both the median for the Category Peer Group and the range of expense ratios for the Selected Peer Group. The Board noted the Adviser’s discussion of the characteristics that set the Fund apart from its peers and warrant a higher expense ratio, and agreed to monitor the Fund’s performance and the manner in which its investment strategy is implemented following its commencement of operations and the markets’ reception of the Fund.

 

Cost of Services to be Provided and Profitability. The Board considered the cost of the services to be provided by the Adviser, the proposed advisory fees, and the estimated profitability projected by the Adviser, including the methodology underlying such projection. With respect to each Fund, the Board took into consideration that each Fund would pay the Adviser a “unitary fee,” meaning each Fund would pay no expenses except for the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Agreement, interest charges on any borrowings, dividends and other expenses on securities sold short, 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 Fund under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Adviser would be responsible for compensating each Fund’s other service providers and paying each Fund’s other expenses out of its own fee and resources. The Board considered the Adviser’s projected break-even point for each Fund or the level of each Fund’s assets under management at which the Adviser may earn revenue from its unitary fee in excess of the expenses necessary to operate the Fund on a day-to-day basis. The Board also evaluated the compensation and benefits expected to be received by the Adviser from its relationship with each Fund. Based on the projected profitability information presented and the comparability of the Funds’ proposed fees and expenses to those of its peer funds, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s anticipated profitability appears reasonable at this time.

 

Economies of Scale. The Board noted that the Adviser might realize economies of scale in managing each Fund and acknowledged that breakpoints might be warranted as the Fund’s assets grow in size. However, the Board determined that, based on the amount and structure of each Fund’s unitary fee, any such economies of scale would be shared with each Fund’s respective shareholders. The Board stated that it would monitor fees as each Fund grows and consider whether fee breakpoints may be warranted in the future.

 

Conclusion. Based on a consideration of all the factors in their totality, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, determined that the terms of the Agreement, including the compensation payable under the Agreement, are fair and reasonable to each Fund. The Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, therefore determined that the approval of the Agreement for an initial term of two years was in the best interests of each Fund and its respective shareholders.

 

24

 

 

STF ETFs

Supplemental Information

(Unaudited)

 

Investors should consider the investment objective and policies, risk considerations, charges and ongoing expenses of an investment carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information relevant to an investment in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. A copy of the prospectus for the Funds may be obtained without charge by writing to the Funds, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 or by calling 1-866-590-9112, or by visiting the Funds’ website at www.stfm.com.

 

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO HOLDING INFORMATION

 

Each Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for its first and third fiscal quarters with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Part F of Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Part F of Form N-PORT is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free at 1-866-590-9112. Furthermore, you may obtain the Part F of Form N-PORT on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

 

Each Fund is required to file a Form N-PX, with the Fund’s complete proxy voting record for the 12 months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. The Fund’s proxy voting record will be available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-866-590-9112 and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

 

Information regarding how often shares of the Funds trade on an exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Funds is available without charge, on the Funds’ website at www.stfm.com.

 

25

 

 

STF ETFs

Review of Liquidity Risk Management Program

(Unaudited)

 

Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Trust, on behalf of the series of the Trust covered by this shareholder report (the “Series”), has adopted a liquidity risk management program to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk. Rule 22e-4 seeks to promote effective liquidity risk management, thereby reducing the risk that a fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations and mitigating dilution of the interests of fund shareholders. The Trust’s liquidity risk management program is tailored to reflect the Series’ particular risks, but not to eliminate all adverse impacts of liquidity risk, which would be incompatible with the nature of such Series.

 

The investment adviser to the Series has adopted and implemented its own written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) tailored specifically to assess and manage the liquidity risk of the Series.

 

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives in the future. Please refer to the prospectus for more information regarding the Series’ exposure to liquidity risk and other principal risks to which an investment in the Series may be subject.

 

26

 

 

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Investment Adviser:

 

STF Management, LP
6136 Frisco Square Boulevard, Suite 400
Frisco, TX 75034

 

Legal Counsel:

 

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm:

 

Cohen & Company, Ltd.
1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800
Cleveland, OH 44115

 

Distributor:

 

Foreside Fund Services, LLC
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100
Portland, ME 04101

 

Administrator, Fund Accountant & Transfer Agent:

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
d/b/a U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 E. Michigan St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian:

 

U.S. Bank N.A.
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

This information must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Funds.