Table of Contents

 

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

 

alpsfunds.com

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS Active REIT ETF (the "Fund") seeks total return through dividends and capital appreciation. The Fund will, under normal circumstances, seek to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in publicly traded equity securities of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

 

Fund Performance (as of May 31, 2022)

 

  6 Months 1 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Active REIT ETF - NAV -4.02% 4.16% 13.35%
ALPS Active REIT ETF - Market Price* -2.75% 5.72% 14.66%
S&P United States REIT Index -6.33% 3.91% 13.02%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.68%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

 

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

 

^ The Fund commenced operations on February 25, 2021, with the first day of trading on the exchange of February 26, 2021.
* Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The Fund is new with limited operating history.

 

The S&P United States REIT Index defines and measures the investable universe of publicly traded real estate investment trusts domiciled in the United States.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 5,000 shares.

 

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

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the ALPS Active REIT ETF.

 

1 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Performance Overview May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of May 31, 2022)

 

Equity Residential 7.13%
Realty Income Corp. 5.29%
Ventas, Inc. 5.20%
Public Storage 5.17%
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. 4.96%
Duke Realty Corp. 4.56%
VICI Properties, Inc. 4.16%
Simon Property Group, Inc. 3.93%
Invitation Homes, Inc. 3.93%
Welltower, Inc. 3.69%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 48.02%

 

Sector Allocation* (as of May 31, 2022)

 

Specialized REITs 22.09%
Residential REITs 20.76%
Retail REITs 15.67%
Industrial REITs 15.10%
Health Care REITs 11.11%
Office REITs 6.36%
Hotel & Resort REITs 4.23%
Diversified REITs 1.90%
Money Market Fund 2.78%
Total 100.00%

* % of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

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

Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment in the Fund and the Index

 

 

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

 

2 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  Beginning Account Value 12/1/21 Ending Account Value 5/31/22 Expense Ratio(a) Expenses Paid During Period 12/1/21 - 5/31/22(b)
ALPS Active REIT ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $959.80 0.68% $3.32
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.54 0.68% $3.43

 

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

 

3 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Schedule of Investments May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  
COMMON STOCKS (97.21%)                
Diversified REITs (1.90%)                
WP Carey, Inc.     4,412     $ 371,226  
                 
Health Care REITs (11.10%)                
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.     14,546       433,034  
Ventas, Inc.     17,956       1,018,823  
Welltower, Inc.     8,117       723,144  
Total Health Care REITs             2,175,001  
                 
Hotel & Resort REITs (4.23%)                
RLJ Lodging Trust     27,680       371,742  
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.(a)     38,200       457,254  
Total Hotel & Resort REITs             828,996  
                 
Industrial REITs (15.11%)                
Duke Realty Corp.     16,895       892,563  
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.     7,395       393,044  
Prologis, Inc.     4,153       529,424  
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.     11,261       719,240  
Terreno Realty Corp.     6,986       424,120  
Total Industrial REITs             2,958,391  
                 
Office REITs (6.36%)                
Cousins Properties, Inc.     9,694       334,928  
Highwoods Properties, Inc.     7,221       283,713  
Kilroy Realty Corp.     6,798       412,639  
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., Class A     14,508       213,848  
Total Office REITs             1,245,128  
                 
Residential REITs (20.76%)                
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.     4,672       971,589  
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.     7,654       579,408  
Equity Residential     18,179       1,396,692  
Invitation Homes, Inc.     20,383       768,847  
Sun Communities, Inc.     2,135       350,418  
Total Residential REITs             4,066,954  
                 
Retail REITs (15.67%)                
National Retail Properties, Inc.     5,572       246,840  
Realty Income Corp.     15,159       1,034,146  
Regency Centers Corp.     8,999       613,822  
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.     22,395       404,678  

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  
Retail REITs (continued)                
Simon Property Group, Inc.     6,709     $ 769,187  
Total Retail REITs             3,068,673  
                 
Specialized REITs (22.08%)                
Crown Castle International Corp.     2,649       502,383  
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.     4,970       693,762  
Equinix, Inc.     878       603,265  
National Storage Affiliates Trust     13,364       700,942  
Public Storage     3,064       1,013,081  
VICI Properties, Inc.     26,381       813,854  
Total Specialized REITs             4,327,287  
                 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS                
(Cost $18,612,798)             19,041,656  

 

    7 Day Yield     Shares     Value  
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (2.78%)                        
Money Market Fund                        
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund     0.75 %     543,902       543,902  
                         
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS                        
(Cost $543,902)                     543,902  
                         
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.99%)                        
(Cost $19,156,700)                   $ 19,585,558  
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.01%)                     2,407  
NET ASSETS - 100.00%                   $ 19,587,965  

 

(a) Non-income producing security.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

4 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:      
Investments, at value   $ 19,585,558  
Dividends receivable     13,147  
Total Assets     19,598,705  
         
LIABILITIES:        
Payable to adviser     10,740  
Total Liabilities     10,740  
NET ASSETS   $ 19,587,965  
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:        
Paid-in capital   $ 18,454,027  
Total distributable earnings     1,133,938  
NET ASSETS   $ 19,587,965  
         
INVESTMENTS, AT COST   $ 19,156,700  
         
PRICING OF SHARES        
Net Assets   $ 19,587,965  
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)     715,002  
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 27.40  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

5 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Statement of Operations For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

       
INVESTMENT INCOME:      
Dividends   $ 302,491  
Securities Lending Income     30  
Total Investment Income     302,521  
         
EXPENSES:        
Investment adviser fees     72,799  
Total Expenses     72,799  
NET INVESTMENT INCOME     229,722  
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):        
Net realized gain on investments(a)     700,360  
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments     (1,663,893 )
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS     (963,533 )
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   $ (733,811 )

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)     For the Period February 25, 2021 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2021  
OPERATIONS:                
Net investment income   $ 229,722     $ 238,110  
Net realized gain     700,360       718,062  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation     (1,663,893 )     2,092,751  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (733,811 )     3,048,923  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:                
From distributable earnings     (908,637 )     (277,240 )
Total distributions     (908,637 )     (277,240 )
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:                
Proceeds from sale of shares     4,216,102       21,611,468  
Cost of shares redeemed     (7,223,560 )     (145,280 )
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions     (3,007,458 )     21,466,188  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets     (4,649,906 )     24,237,871  
                 
NET ASSETS:                
Beginning of period     24,237,871        
End of period   $ 19,587,965     $ 24,237,871  
                 
OTHER INFORMATION:                
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:                
Beginning shares     820,002        
Shares sold     145,000       825,002  
Shares redeemed     (250,000 )     (5,000 )
Shares outstanding, end of period     715,002       820,002  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

7 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

    For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)     For the Period February 25, 2021 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2021  
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   $ 29.56     $ 24.62  
                 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:                
Net investment income(a)     0.31       0.37  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)     (1.38 )     5.01  
Total from investment operations     (1.07 )     5.38  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS:                
From net investment income     (0.26 )     (0.38 )
From net realized gains     (0.83 )     (0.06 )
Total distributions     (1.09 )     (0.44 )
                 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE     (2.16 )     4.94  
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD   $ 27.40     $ 29.56  
TOTAL RETURN(b)     (4.02 )%     22.01 %
                 
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)   $ 19,588     $ 24,238  
                 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                
Ratio of expenses to average net assets     0.68 %(c)     0.68 %(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets     2.15 %(c)     1.69 %(c)
Portfolio turnover rate(d)     62 %     92 %

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements

May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of May 31, 2022, the Trust consists of nineteen separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the ALPS Active REIT ETF (the “Fund”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek total return through dividends and capital appreciation. The Fund is considered non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund.

 

The Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq Exchange”). The Fund issues and redeems Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 5,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

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

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

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

 

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

 

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

 

9 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;
Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

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

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value   Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices     Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs     Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs     Total  
Common Stocks*   $ 19,041,656     $      –     $      –     $ 19,041,656  
Short Term Investments     543,902                   543,902  
Total   $ 19,585,558     $     $     $ 19,585,558  

 

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

 

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

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

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

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

10 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

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

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the period starting with the commencement of operations and ending November 30, 2021 was as follows:

 

    Ordinary Income     Long-Term Capital Gain     Return of Capital  
November 30, 2021                        
ALPS Active REIT ETF   $ 277,240     $      –     $    –  

 

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

 

    ALPS Active REIT ETF  
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)   $ 1,188,187  
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)     (780,997 )
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   $ 407,190  
Cost of investments for income tax purposes   $ 19,178,368  

 

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

 

F. Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)

As part of its investments in real estate related securities, the Fund will invest in REITs and is subject to certain risks associated with direct investment in REITs. REITs possess certain risks which differ from an investment in common stocks. REITs are financial vehicles that pool investors’ capital to acquire, develop and/or finance real estate and provide services to their tenants. REITs may concentrate their investments in specific geographic areas or in specific property types, e.g., regional malls, shopping centers, office buildings, apartment buildings and industrial warehouses. REITs may be affected by changes in the value of their underlying properties and by defaults by borrowers or tenants. REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to shareowners, and certain REITs have self-liquidation provisions by which mortgages held may be paid in full and distributions of capital returns may be made at any time.

 

As REITs generally pay a higher rate of dividends than most other operating companies, to the extent application of the Fund's investment strategy results in the Fund investing in REIT shares, the percentage of the Fund's dividend income received from REIT shares will likely exceed the percentage of the Fund's portfolio that is comprised of REIT shares. Distributions received by the Fund from REITs may consist of dividends, capital gains and/or return of capital.

 

Dividend income from REITs is recognized on the ex-dividend date. The calendar year-end amounts of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital included in distributions received from the Fund's investments in REITs are reported to the Fund after the end of the calendar year; accordingly, the Fund estimates these amounts for accounting purposes until the characterization of REIT distributions is reported to the Fund after the end of the calendar year. Estimates are based on the most recent REIT distribution information available.

 

The performance of a REIT may be affected by its failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or its failure to maintain exemption from registration under the 1940 Act. Due to the Fund's investments in REITs, the Fund may also make distributions in excess of the Fund's earnings and capital gains. Distributions, if any, in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder’ shares and, after that basis has been reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to the shareholder.

 

G. Income Taxes

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

 

11 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

H. Lending of Portfolio Securities

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

 

Any cash collateral received is reinvested in a money market fund managed by SSB as disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and is reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned. Non-cash collateral, in the form of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, is not disclosed in the Fund’s Statements of Assets and Liabilities as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of the Fund, and the Fund does not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. As of May 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any securities on loan.

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.68% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

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

 

GSI Capital Advisors LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the Fund's sub-adviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with the Trust (the ‘‘Sub-Advisory Agreement’’). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a sub-advisory fee out of the Adviser’s advisory fee for the services it provides. The fee is payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.35% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

 

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

 

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

 

12 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

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

 

Fund     Purchases       Sales  
ALPS Active REIT ETF   $ 13,065,028     $ 13,749,604  

 

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

 

Fund     Purchases       Sales  
ALPS Active REIT ETF   $ 4,067,735     $ 7,055,867  

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2022, the ALPS Active REIT ETF had in-kind net realized gain of $68,703.

 

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

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by the Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 5,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Fund. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of the Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. MARKET RISK

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

13 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

14 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Additional Information May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

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

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

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

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

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

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction 199A
ALPS Active REIT ETF 0.00% 0.00% 20.33%

 

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

 

15 | May 31, 2022

 

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program May 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

16 | May 31, 2022