Table of Contents
Performance Overview | |
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | 1 |
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 3 |
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 6 |
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 9 |
Disclosure of Fund Expenses | 11 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 12 |
Financial Statements | |
Schedules of Investments | |
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | 13 |
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 16 |
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 18 |
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 20 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | 23 |
Statements of Operations | 24 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | |
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | 25 |
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 26 |
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 27 |
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 28 |
Financial Highlights | 29 |
Notes to Financial Statements | 33 |
Additional Information | 41 |
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements | 42 |
Trustees & Officers | 44 |
alpsfunds.com
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | |
Performance Overview | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
Investment Objective
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF (the “Fund” or "RFCI") seeks total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a global portfolio of fixed income securities of various maturities, ratings and currency denominations.
Market Recap
Over the Fund's last calendar year, fixed income markets were extremely volatile as yields on the 10-year Treasury ranged from 1.51% to closing as high as 4.25% on October 24th. The move up in interest rates was attributed to rising inflation prompting the Federal Reserve (Fed) to change its monetary policy from Quantitative Easing (QE) to Quantitative Tightening (QT). Since March, the Fed has attempted to tighten financial conditions to fight inflation through rate increases and balance sheet reduction in the form of QT. The Fed chose to front-load rate hikes to avoid a repeat of the late 1970s and early 1980s, when inflation appeared to peak only to rear its head and climb higher. Over the last six meetings, the Fed incrementally raised the Fed funds target range from 0% to 4%.
Fund-Level Attribution
RFCI navigated this environment over the last year by investing in investment grade and high yield companies at the front-end of the curve with maturities inside of 5 years and maintaining a short duration relative to the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund limited its Treasury exposure mostly to the long-end of the curve to serve as a shock-absorber during periods of risk-off.
Outlook
Given the monetary backdrop and recent interest rate hikes going into 2023, RiverFront anticipates that the Fund will continue to have a shorter duration relative to the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. However, as interest rates rise and the Fed nears the end of its rate hiking cycle in 2023, the Fund will opportunistically look to close the duration gap. Additionally, RiverFront anticipates the Fund will continue to focus primarily on adding credit risk over taking on interest rate risk given that the bond market has priced in recession for early 2023, which RiverFront believes is premature. RiverFront believes that the Fed’s terminal Fed funds rate range will be between 5.00% - 5.25%, and the 10-year Treasury could rise to between 4.50%- 4.75%, hence the Fund’s expected focus on credit over interest rate risk in the first half of 2023.
Performance (as of November 30, 2022)
1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception^ | |
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF – NAV | -9.02% | 0.56% | 0.64% |
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF – Market Price* | -8.78% | 0.58% | 0.67% |
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index | -12.84% | 0.21% | 0.34% |
Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.51%.
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.
Net Asset Value (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 June 14, 2016. |
* | 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. |
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS (agency and non-agency). The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.
The RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.
ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF.
1 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | |
Performance Overview | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
Top 10 Holdings*^ (as of November 30, 2022)
U.S. Treasury Bond 5/15/2032 2.875% | 6.89% |
U.S. Treasury Bond 5/15/2042 3.25% | 6.59% |
United States Treasury Bond 2/15/2028 2.75% | 6.25% |
United States Treasury Note 10/31/2025 3.00% | 3.12% |
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC 11/4/2027 7.35% | 2.54% |
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. 11/15/2027 5.85% | 2.51% |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 11/1/2024 5.7% | 2.47% |
Royal Bank of Canada 11/1/2027 6.00% | 2.40% |
Morgan Stanley 11/24/2025 5.00% | 2.31% |
FNB Corp. 8/25/2025 5.15% | 2.21% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 37.29% |
* | % of Total Investments. |
^ | Excludes Money Market Fund. |
Asset Allocation* (as of November 30, 2022)
Future holdings are subject to change.
Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2022)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark
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 graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
2 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | |
Performance Overview | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
Investment Objective
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (the “Fund” or "RFDA") seeks to provide capital appreciation and dividend income. Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 65% of its net assets in a portfolio of equity securities of publicly traded U.S. companies with the potential for dividend income. Equity securities include common stocks and common or preferred shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
Market Recap
The 12-month period from November 30, 2021 to November 30, 2022 was one defined by uncertainty in the market. Early on in the fiscal year, markets began to feel the effects of high inflation and the raising of rates to counteract these higher prices. As such, the S&P 500® Total Return Index (S&P 500) produced a total return of -9.21% over the same 12-month period, well below its return from the previous year. Additionally, the changing economic background caused leadership within factor investing to flip. S&P 500® Value Index actually saw a 3.21% gain, while S&P 500® Growth Index had a total return of -22.41% over the same 12-month period from November 30, 2021 to November 30, 2022. Sector leadership had similar themes. The energy sector was the performing sector, while communication services and consumer discretionary stocks were the worst two performing sectors.
Fund-Level Attribution
RFDA posted NAV returns and market returns above the S&P 500 during the fiscal year. For the last year, the Fund has been heavily invested in value-oriented cyclical dividend payers and defensive dividend payers, with less emphasis on growth-oriented themes. This positioning benefited the portfolio throughout most of 2022, and should rates continue to increase into 2023, RiverFront believes it will continue to be beneficial. Offsetting this was the Fund’s allocation into large technology-oriented companies, which detracted from the Fund’s performance for most of 2022.
Outlook
While RiverFront expects a further slowdown into 2023, RiverFront believes that the elevated levels of inflation will fuel growth more than expected, which will benefit all equities, but particularly cyclicals and growth companies. As Federal Reserve (Fed) rate increases peak (likely in late Q1 2023, in RiverFront’s view), we will seek to opportunistically add to growth-oriented dividend stocks and potentially large cap Technology / Communications Services companies. RiverFront believes that macro challenges associated with rate increases for these large companies are real, but that the market has over-reacted in 2022 to the challenges posed by higher rates, and has underestimated the earnings power of these large companies. Following a year that was defined by economic, geopolitical and market upheaval, RiverFront believes 2023 will be a year of transitions in the following key themes:
Transition from a Bear to a Possible Bull market
History suggests strong forward returns after large drawdowns. While the market may have yet to bottom, once it does, the reset in valuations provides an investment opportunity, in our view.
Transition from Inflation worries to Recession worries
As inflation shows signs of peaking, a policy pause later in 2023 seems likely to RiverFront. While the economic ramifications of the Fed’s actions is likely to cause a recession, RiverFront believes that the recession is likely to be mild.
Transition from ‘T.I.N.A’ (‘There is No Alternative’) to ‘P.A.T.T.Y’ (‘Pay Attention to the Yield’)
On the equity side, RiverFront believes dividends will be an increasingly important return driver for stocks.
Transition from Pandemic concerns to ongoing Geopolitical fears
RiverFront believes U.S. equities are still advantaged from a geopolitical, commodity, and geographic perspective relative to Europe and Asia. RiverFront believes that, with the U.S. and China continuing to drift further apart, reshoring to the U.S. will continue.
Given all of the above, RiverFront believes there is modest upside for stocks for 2023. Within the U.S., RiverFront prefers cyclical sectors, small-cap and traditional ‘value’ plays, such as financials and energy.
3 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | |
Performance Overview | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
Performance (as of November 30, 2022)
1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception^ | |
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF – NAV | 2.86% | 9.67% | 11.61% |
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF – Market Price* | 2.84% | 9.68% | 11.61% |
S&P 500® Total Return Index | -9.21% | 10.98% | 12.76% |
Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.52%.
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.
Net Asset Value (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 June 7, 2016. |
* | 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. |
S&P 500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor’s composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.
The RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.
ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF.
4 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | |
Performance Overview | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2022)
Microsoft Corp. | 6.61% |
Apple, Inc. | 6.14% |
Merck & Co., Inc. | 4.32% |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 3.77% |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | 2.96% |
Amazon.com, Inc. | 2.82% |
Duke Energy Corp. | 2.78% |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | 2.74% |
MDU Resources Group, Inc. | 2.73% |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 2.71% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 37.58% |
* | % of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned) |
Future holdings are subject to change.
Asset Allocation* (as of November 30, 2022)
Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2022)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark
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 graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
5 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | |
Performance Overview | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
Investment Objective
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF (the “Fund” or "RFFC") seeks to provide capital appreciation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 65% of its net assets in a portfolio of equity securities of publicly traded U.S. companies. Equity securities include common stocks and common or preferred shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
Market Recap
The 12-month period from November 30, 2021 to November 30, 2022 was one defined by uncertainty in the market. Early on in the fiscal year, markets began to feel the effects of high inflation and the raising of rates to counteract these higher prices. As such, the S&P 500® Total Return Index (S&P 500) produced a total return of -9.21% over the same 12-month period, well below its return from the previous year. Additionally, the changing economic background caused leadership within factor investing to flip. The S&P 500® Value Index actually saw a 3.21% gain, while the S&P 500® Growth Index had a total return of -22.41% over the same 12-month period from November 30, 2021 to November 30, 2022. Sector leadership had similar themes. The energy sector was the performing sector, while communication services and consumer discretionary stocks were the worst two performing sectors.
Fund-Level Attribution
RFFC posted NAV returns and market returns above the S&P Composite 1500® Total Return Index during the fiscal year. For the last year, the Fund has been heavily invested in value-oriented cyclical dividend payers and defensive dividend payers, with less emphasis on growth-oriented themes. This positioning benefited the portfolio throughout most of 2022, and should rates continue to increase into 2023, RiverFront believes it will continue to be beneficial. Offsetting this was the Fund’s allocation into large technology-oriented companies, which detracted from the Fund’s performance for most of 2022.
Outlook
While RiverFront expects a further slowdown into 2023, RiverFront believes that the elevated levels of inflation will fuel growth more than expected, which will benefit all equities, but particularly cyclicals and growth companies. As Federal Reserve (Fed) rate increases peak (likely in late Q1 2023, in RiverFront’s view), we will seek to opportunistically add to growth-oriented dividend stocks and potentially large cap Technology / Communications Services companies. RiverFront believes that macro challenges associated with rate increases for these large companies are real, but that the market has over-reacted in 2022 to the challenges posed by higher rates, and has underestimated the earnings power of these large companies. Following a year that was defined by economic, geopolitical and market upheaval, RiverFront believes 2023 will be a year of transitions in the following key themes:
Transition from a Bear to a Possible Bull market
History suggests strong forward returns after large drawdowns. While the market may have yet to bottom, once it does, the reset in valuations provides an investment opportunity, in our view.
Transition from Inflation worries to Recession worries
As inflation shows signs of peaking, a policy pause later in 2023 seems likely to RiverFront. While the economic ramifications of the Fed’s actions is likely to cause a recession, RiverFront believes that the recession is likely to be mild.
Transition from ‘T.I.N.A’ (‘There is No Alternative’) to ‘P.A.T.T.Y’ (‘Pay Attention to the Yield’)
On the equity side, RiverFront believes dividends will be an increasingly important return driver for stocks.
Transition from Pandemic concerns to ongoing Geopolitical fears
RiverFront believes U.S. equities are still advantaged from a geopolitical, commodity, and geographic perspective relative to Europe and Asia. RiverFront believes that, with the U.S. and China continuing to drift further apart, reshoring to the U.S. will continue.
Given all of the above, RIverFront believes there is modest upside for stocks for 2023. Within the U.S., RiverFront prefers cyclical sectors, small-cap and traditional ‘value’ plays, such as financials and energy.
6 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | |
Performance Overview | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
Performance (as of November 30, 2022)
1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception^ | |
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF – NAV | -5.98% | 6.98% | 9.84% |
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF – Market Price* | -6.02% | 6.96% | 9.83% |
S&P Composite 1500® Total Return Index | -8.80% | 10.68% | 12.54% |
Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.52%.
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.
Net Asset Value (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 June 7, 2016. |
* | 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. |
S&P Composite 1500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor’s broad-based unmanaged capitalization-weighted index comprising 1,500 stocks of Large-cap, Mid-cap, and Small-cap U.S. companies. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.
The RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.
ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF.
7 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | |
Performance Overview | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2022)
Apple, Inc. | 5.86% |
Microsoft Corp. | 4.50% |
Amazon.com, Inc. | 2.40% |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 2.12% |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 2.05% |
Johnson & Johnson | 1.62% |
Visa, Inc. | 1.60% |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 1.57% |
AbbVie, Inc. | 1.51% |
Pfizer, Inc. | 1.48% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 24.71% |
* | % of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned) |
Future holdings are subject to change.
Asset Allocation* (as of November 30, 2022)
Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2022)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark
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 graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
8 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | |
Performance Overview | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
Investment Objective
The RiverFront Strategic Income Fund (the “Fund” or "RIGS") seeks total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a global portfolio of fixed income securities of various maturities, ratings and currency denominations. The Fund utilizes various investment strategies in a broad array of fixed income sectors.
Market Recap
Over the Fund's last calendar year, fixed income markets were extremely volatile as yields on the 10-year Treasury ranged from 1.51% to closing as high as 4.25% on October 24th. The move up in interest rates was attributed to rising inflation prompting the Federal Reserve (Fed) to change its monetary policy from Quantitative Easing (QE) to Quantitative Tightening (QT). Since March, the Fed has attempted to tighten financial conditions to fight inflation through rate increases and balance sheet reduction in the form of QT. The Fed chose to front-load rate hikes to avoid a repeat of the late 1970s and early 1980s, when inflation appeared to peak only to rear its head and climb higher. Over the last six meetings, the Fed incrementally raised the Fed funds target range from 0% to 4%.
Fund-Level Attribution
RIGS navigated this environment over the last year by investing in investment grade and high yield companies at the front-end of the curve with maturities inside of 5 years and maintaining a short duration relative to the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund limited its Treasury exposure mostly to the long-end of the curve to serve as a shock-absorber during periods of risk-off.
Outlook
Given the monetary backdrop and recent interest rate spikes going into 2023, RiverFront anticipates that the Fund will continue to have a shorter duration relative to the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. However, as interest rates rise and the Fed nears the end of its rate hiking cycle in 2023, the Fund will opportunistically look to close the duration gap. Additionally, the Fund will continue to focus primarily on adding credit risk over taking on interest rate risk given that the bond market has priced in recession for early 2023, which RiverFront believes is premature. RiverFront believes that the Fed’s terminal Fed funds rate range will be between 5.00% - 5.25%, and the 10-year Treasury could rise to between 4.50%- 4.75%, hence the Fund’s expected focus on credit over interest rate risk in the first half of 2023.
Performance (as of November 30, 2022)
1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception^ | |
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund – NAV | -5.20% | 1.29% | 2.81% |
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund – Market Price* | -4.88% | 1.31% | 2.84% |
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index | -12.84% | 0.21% | 1.42% |
Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.46%. The Fund’s management fees consist of a fee of 0.11% paid to the Fund’s investment adviser and a fee of 0.35% paid to the Fund’s sub-adviser.
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 most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.
Net Asset Value (NAV) is an exchange-traded fund’s per-share value. The per-share dollar amount of the Fund is derived by dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio, less any liabilities, by the number of Fund shares outstanding. Market Price is the price at which a share can currently be traded in the market. Information detailing the number of days the Market Price of the Fund was greater than the Fund’s NAV and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV can be obtained at www.alpsfunds.com.
^ | The Fund commenced Investment Operations on October 8, 2013. |
* | 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. |
Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income investment to a change in interest rates. Duration is expressed as a number of years. The duration number is a calculation involving present value, yield, coupon, final maturity and call features. The bigger the duration number, the greater the interest-rate risk or reward for bond prices. Rising interest rates mean falling bond prices, while declining interest rates mean rising bond prices.
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS (agency and non-agency). The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.
The RiverFront Strategic Income Fund is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
The Fund's shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or "authorized participants" may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.
ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund.
9 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | |
Performance Overview | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
Top 10 Holdings*^ (as of November 30, 2022)
U.S. Treasury Bond 5/15/2042 3.25% | 5.39% |
U.S. Treasury Note 6/30/2029 3.25% | 4.18% |
U.S. Treasury Note 5/31/2024 2.50% | 4.08% |
U.S. Treasury Note 6/15/2025 2.875% | 4.07% |
Morgan Stanley 4/24/2024 3M US L + 0.847% | 1.67% |
Wells Fargo & Co. 9/9/2024 3.30% | 1.64% |
T-Mobile USA, Inc. 4/15/2026 2.625% | 1.45% |
Vistra Operations Co. LLC 7/15/2024 3.55% | 1.31% |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 10/21/2025 4.25% | 1.30% |
Bank of America Corp. 10/22/2026 4.25% | 1.30% |
Total % of Top 10 Holdings | 26.39% |
* | % of Total Investments. |
^ | Excludes Money Market Fund |
Future holdings are subject to change.
Asset Allocation* (as of November 30, 2022)
Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2022)
Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark
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 graph does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
10 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs | |
Disclosure of Fund Expenses | November 30, 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 a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six month period and held through November 30, 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 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 6/1/22 | Ending Account Value 11/30/22 | Expense Ratio(a) | Expenses Paid During Period 6/1/22 - 11/30/22(b) | |
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $977.30 | 0.51% | $2.53 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,022.51 | 0.51% | $2.59 |
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $966.90 | 0.52% | $2.56 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,022.46 | 0.52% | $2.64 |
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $986.90 | 0.52% | $2.59 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,022.46 | 0.52% | $2.64 |
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $984.80 | 0.46% | $2.29 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,022.76 | 0.46% | $2.33 |
(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 (183), divided by 365. |
11 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
To the Board of Trustees of ALPS ETF Trust and the Shareholders of RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF, RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF, RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF, and RiverFront Strategic Income Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF, RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF, RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF, and RiverFront Strategic Income Fund, each a series of shares of beneficial interest in ALPS ETF Trust (the “Funds”), including the schedules of investments, as of November 30, 2022, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of November 30, 2022, and the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets, and their financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The statements of changes in net assets for the year ended November 30, 2021 and the financial highlights for each of the years in the four-year period then ended were audited by other auditors whose report dated January 26, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities law and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate procedures where replies were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
BBD, LLP
We have served as the auditor of one or more of the Funds in the ALPS ETF Trust since 2022.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 27, 2023
12 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | November 30, 2022 |
Security Description | Principal Amount | Value | ||||||
CORPORATE BONDS (68.11%) | ||||||||
Communications (7.55%) | ||||||||
AT&T, Inc. | ||||||||
2.55%, 12/01/2033 | $ | 751,000 | $ | 587,211 | ||||
Charter Communications | ||||||||
Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital | ||||||||
4.91%, 07/23/2025 | 430,000 | 423,067 | ||||||
Comcast Corp. | ||||||||
4.15%, 10/15/2028 | 424,000 | 411,004 | ||||||
Discovery Communications LLC | ||||||||
3.95%, 03/20/2028 | 754,000 | 676,418 | ||||||
Sirius XM Radio, Inc. | ||||||||
3.13%, 09/01/2026(a) | 477,000 | 431,227 | ||||||
Verizon Communications, Inc. | ||||||||
2.36%, 03/15/2032 | 423,000 | 339,848 | ||||||
Walt Disney Co. | ||||||||
2.00%, 09/01/2029 | 477,000 | 403,115 | ||||||
Total Communications | 3,271,890 | |||||||
Consumer Discretionary (8.52%) | ||||||||
Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. | ||||||||
3.60%, 11/28/2024 | 104,000 | 100,404 | ||||||
3.40%, 12/06/2027 | 89,000 | 81,702 | ||||||
CoreCivic, Inc. | ||||||||
4.63%, 05/01/2023 | 97,000 | 96,710 | ||||||
Ford Motor Co. | ||||||||
9.63%, 04/22/2030 | 599,000 | 693,486 | ||||||
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC | ||||||||
7.35%, 11/04/2027 | 961,000 | 999,815 | ||||||
General Motors Financial Co., Inc. | ||||||||
3.70%, 05/09/2023 | 134,000 | 133,163 | ||||||
3.60%, 06/21/2030 | 419,000 | 358,411 | ||||||
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. | ||||||||
4.88%, 03/15/2027 | 430,000 | 399,112 | ||||||
Marriott International, Inc. | ||||||||
4.00%, 04/15/2028(b) | 77,000 | 71,577 | ||||||
Toyota Motor Credit Corp. | ||||||||
3.95%, 06/30/2025 | 771,000 | 757,572 | ||||||
Total Consumer Discretionary | 3,691,952 | |||||||
Consumer Staples (2.91%) | ||||||||
Anheuser-Busch InBev | ||||||||
Worldwide, Inc. | ||||||||
4.00%, 04/13/2028 | 491,000 | 474,876 | ||||||
Dollar Tree, Inc. | ||||||||
4.00%, 05/15/2025 | 805,000 | 788,546 | ||||||
Total Consumer Staples | 1,263,422 | |||||||
Energy (6.69%) | ||||||||
Continental Resources, Inc. | ||||||||
3.80%, 06/01/2024 | 89,000 | 86,590 | ||||||
Enterprise Products Operating LLC | ||||||||
3.35%, 03/15/2023 | 134,000 | 133,389 |
Security Description | Principal Amount | Value | ||||||
Energy (continued) | ||||||||
Hess Midstream Operations LP | ||||||||
4.25%, 02/15/2030(a) | $ | 430,000 | $ | 368,194 | ||||
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP | ||||||||
4.25%, 09/01/2024 | 89,000 | 87,667 | ||||||
Marathon Oil Corp. | ||||||||
4.40%, 07/15/2027 | 801,000 | 773,722 | ||||||
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC | ||||||||
5.75%, 05/15/2024 | 754,000 | 755,111 | ||||||
Schlumberger Investment SA | ||||||||
3.65%, 12/01/2023 | 220,000 | 217,275 | ||||||
Shell International Finance BV | ||||||||
2.75%, 04/06/2030 | 430,000 | 380,774 | ||||||
Williams Cos., Inc. | ||||||||
3.90%, 01/15/2025 | 98,000 | 95,695 | ||||||
Total Energy | 2,898,417 | |||||||
Financials (28.80%) | ||||||||
Bank of America Corp. | ||||||||
4.25%, 10/22/2026 | 612,000 | 598,700 | ||||||
Blackstone Private Credit Fund | ||||||||
3.25%, 03/15/2027 | 465,000 | 400,397 | ||||||
Chubb INA Holdings, Inc. | ||||||||
3.35%, 05/03/2026 | 123,000 | 118,738 | ||||||
Citigroup, Inc. | ||||||||
4.45%, 09/29/2027 | 787,000 | 757,325 | ||||||
6.63%, 06/15/2032 | 260,000 | 274,199 | ||||||
CubeSmart LP | ||||||||
2.25%, 12/15/2028 | 870,000 | 717,588 | ||||||
Discover Bank | ||||||||
4.65%, 09/13/2028 | 77,000 | 71,737 | ||||||
FNB Corp. | ||||||||
5.15%, 08/25/2025 | 879,000 | 871,204 | ||||||
FS KKR Capital Corp. | ||||||||
4.25%, 02/14/2025(a) | 809,000 | 760,551 | ||||||
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | ||||||||
5.70%, 11/01/2024 | 961,000 | 972,417 | ||||||
Host Hotels & Resorts LP | ||||||||
4.00%, 06/15/2025 | 551,000 | 527,432 | ||||||
HSBC Holdings PLC | ||||||||
4.30%, 03/08/2026 | 77,000 | 74,748 | ||||||
3.90%, 05/25/2026 | 104,000 | 98,858 | ||||||
4.38%, 11/23/2026 | 787,000 | 754,781 | ||||||
Iron Mountain, Inc. | ||||||||
4.88%, 09/15/2027(a) | 833,000 | 784,311 | ||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | ||||||||
4.25%, 10/01/2027 | 507,000 | 494,434 | ||||||
Lincoln National Corp. | ||||||||
3.35%, 03/09/2025 | 104,000 | 100,203 | ||||||
M&T Bank Corp. | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.68%, 07/26/2023(c) | 134,000 | 134,085 | ||||||
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. | ||||||||
3.85%, 03/01/2026 | 104,000 | 99,854 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
13 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | November 30, 2022 |
Security Description | Principal Amount | Value | ||||||
Financials (continued) | ||||||||
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. | ||||||||
3M US L + 1.00%, 09/11/2024(c) | $ | 253,000 | $ | 252,374 | ||||
Morgan Stanley | ||||||||
5.00%, 11/24/2025 | 909,000 | 910,534 | ||||||
3.63%, 01/20/2027 | 199,000 | 188,932 | ||||||
NatWest Markets PLC | ||||||||
3.48%, 03/22/2025(a) | 501,000 | 479,894 | ||||||
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | ||||||||
3.15%, 05/19/2027 | 104,000 | 96,359 | ||||||
3.45%, 04/23/2029 | 419,000 | 384,331 | ||||||
Royal Bank of Canada | ||||||||
6.00%, 11/01/2027 | 909,000 | 944,856 | ||||||
Truist Bank | ||||||||
3.30%, 05/15/2026 | 104,000 | 97,452 | ||||||
Wells Fargo & Co. | ||||||||
3.00%, 04/22/2026 | 548,000 | 514,308 | ||||||
Total Financials | 12,480,602 | |||||||
Health Care (3.34%) | ||||||||
AbbVie, Inc. | ||||||||
3.20%, 11/21/2029 | 430,000 | 391,585 | ||||||
Cigna Corp. | ||||||||
3.00%, 07/15/2023 | 124,000 | 122,418 | ||||||
CVS Health Corp. | ||||||||
4.30%, 03/25/2028 | 162,000 | 157,555 | ||||||
HCA, Inc. | ||||||||
5.38%, 09/01/2026 | 430,000 | 427,888 | ||||||
Merck & Co., Inc. | ||||||||
2.80%, 05/18/2023 | 249,000 | 246,724 | ||||||
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | ||||||||
3.75%, 07/15/2025 | 104,000 | 102,094 | ||||||
Total Health Care | 1,448,264 | |||||||
Industrials (2.69%) | ||||||||
3M Co. | ||||||||
3.25%, 02/14/2024 | 220,000 | 216,243 | ||||||
Boeing Co. | ||||||||
4.88%, 05/01/2025 | 785,000 | 777,301 | ||||||
CNH Industrial NV | ||||||||
4.50%, 08/15/2023 | 104,000 | 103,277 | ||||||
Textron, Inc. | ||||||||
3.65%, 03/15/2027 | 77,000 | 72,090 | ||||||
Total Industrials | 1,168,911 | |||||||
Materials (2.82%) | ||||||||
Ball Corp. | ||||||||
4.00%, 11/15/2023 | 812,000 | 795,923 | ||||||
DuPont de Nemours, Inc. | ||||||||
4.73%, 11/15/2028 | 430,000 | 428,157 | ||||||
Total Materials | 1,224,080 | |||||||
Technology (2.03%) | ||||||||
Apple, Inc. | ||||||||
3.20%, 05/11/2027 | 430,000 | 412,511 |
Security Description | Principal Amount | Value | ||||||
Technology (continued) | ||||||||
Flex, Ltd. | ||||||||
5.00%, 02/15/2023 | $ | 104,000 | $ | 103,905 | ||||
Oracle Corp. | ||||||||
3.25%, 11/15/2027 | 395,000 | 363,344 | ||||||
Total Technology | 879,760 | |||||||
Utilities (2.76%) | ||||||||
Dominion Energy, Inc. | ||||||||
4.25%, 06/01/2028 | 77,000 | 73,711 | ||||||
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | ||||||||
5.85%, 11/15/2027 | 961,000 | 988,757 | ||||||
Southern Co. | ||||||||
2.95%, 07/01/2023 | 134,000 | 132,527 | ||||||
Total Utilities | 1,194,995 | |||||||
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS | ||||||||
(Cost $32,256,508) | 29,522,293 | |||||||
GOVERNMENT BONDS (22.78%) | ||||||||
United States Treasury Bond | ||||||||
2.75%, 02/15/2028 | 2,602,000 | 2,464,176 | ||||||
2.88%, 05/15/2032 | 2,908,000 | 2,715,799 | ||||||
3.25%, 05/15/2042 | 2,908,000 | 2,597,889 | ||||||
United States Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds | ||||||||
2.13%, 02/15/2040(d) | 110,949 | 119,071 | ||||||
United States Treasury Note | ||||||||
2.88%, 10/31/2023 | 758,000 | 745,656 | ||||||
3.00%, 10/31/2025 | 1,270,000 | 1,231,057 | ||||||
TOTAL GOVERNMENT BONDS | ||||||||
(Cost $10,714,590) | 9,873,648 |
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (8.49%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund (8.49%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class) | 3.69 | % | 3,677,839 | 3,677,839 | ||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||
(Cost $3,677,839) | 3,677,839 | |||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.38%) | ||||||||||||
(Cost $46,648,937) | $ | 43,073,780 | ||||||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.62%) | 267,402 | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ | 43,341,182 |
Investment Abbreviations:
LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | November 30, 2022 |
Reference Rates:
3M US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of November 30, 2022 was 4.76%
(a) | Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $2,824,177, representing 6.52% of net assets. |
(b) | Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of November 30, 2022, the market value of those securities was$71,577 representing 0.17% of net assets. |
(c) | Floating or variable rate security. Interest rate resets periodically on specific dates. The rate shown represents the coupon or interest rate in effect as of November 30, 2022. Security description includes the reference rate and spread if published and available. |
(d) | Principal amount of security is adjusted for inflation. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
15 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | November 30, 2022 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS (99.76%) | ||||||||
Communication Services (6.16%) | ||||||||
Alphabet, Inc., Class C(a) | 16,522 | $ | 1,676,157 | |||||
AT&T, Inc. | 74,662 | 1,439,483 | ||||||
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Class A | 21,225 | 1,006,277 | ||||||
Lumen Technologies, Inc. | 152,009 | 831,489 | ||||||
Verizon Communications, Inc. | 19,624 | 764,944 | ||||||
Total Communication Services | 5,718,350 | |||||||
Consumer Discretionary (3.70%) | ||||||||
Amazon.com, Inc.(a) | 27,090 | 2,615,268 | ||||||
PetMed Express, Inc.(b) | 41,696 | 825,581 | ||||||
Total Consumer Discretionary | 3,440,849 | |||||||
Consumer Staples (5.71%) | ||||||||
Altria Group, Inc. | 17,737 | 826,189 | ||||||
Coca-Cola Co. | 22,482 | 1,430,080 | ||||||
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | 15,000 | 1,162,200 | ||||||
Philip Morris International, Inc. | 4,070 | 405,657 | ||||||
Vector Group, Ltd. | 133,697 | 1,484,037 | ||||||
Total Consumer Staples | 5,308,163 | |||||||
Energy (11.23%) | ||||||||
Antero Midstream Corp. | 135,087 | 1,530,536 | ||||||
Devon Energy Corp. | 13,542 | 927,898 | ||||||
Equitrans Midstream Corp. | 196,398 | 1,647,779 | ||||||
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 31,386 | 3,494,517 | ||||||
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | 67,319 | 1,287,140 | ||||||
ONEOK, Inc. | 23,072 | 1,543,978 | ||||||
Total Energy | 10,431,848 | |||||||
Financials (15.07%) | ||||||||
AllianceBernstein Holding LP | 51,829 | 2,091,300 | ||||||
Annaly Capital Management, Inc.(b) | 31,748 | 687,979 | ||||||
Artisan Partners Asset | ||||||||
Management, Inc., Class A | 32,245 | 1,118,579 | ||||||
Bank of America Corp. | 28,814 | 1,090,610 | ||||||
Dynex Capital, Inc.(b) | 36,623 | 479,761 | ||||||
Ellington Financial, Inc.(b) | 29,166 | 397,824 | ||||||
FNB Corp. | 47,177 | 665,196 | ||||||
Fulton Financial Corp. | 44,107 | 819,949 | ||||||
Navient Corp. | 30,287 | 501,856 | ||||||
New York Community Bancorp, Inc.(b) | 76,774 | 717,837 | ||||||
OneMain Holdings, Inc. | 18,243 | 718,045 | ||||||
Ready Capital Corp.(b) | 62,380 | 835,892 | ||||||
Rithm Capital Corp. | 139,568 | 1,263,090 | ||||||
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. | 25,750 | 551,308 | ||||||
US Bancorp | 45,373 | 2,059,480 | ||||||
Total Financials | 13,998,706 | |||||||
Health Care (11.34%) | ||||||||
AbbVie, Inc. | 11,974 | 1,929,969 | ||||||
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 24,218 | 1,944,221 | ||||||
Johnson & Johnson | 10,564 | 1,880,392 | ||||||
Merck & Co., Inc. | 36,349 | 4,002,752 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
Health Care (continued) | ||||||||
Pfizer, Inc. | 15,423 | $ | 773,155 | |||||
Total Health Care | 10,530,489 | |||||||
Industrials (5.83%) | ||||||||
3M Co. | 3,217 | 405,246 | ||||||
Fastenal Co. | 23,740 | 1,222,847 | ||||||
MDU Resources Group, Inc. | 80,307 | 2,528,868 | ||||||
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B | 6,621 | 1,256,202 | ||||||
Total Industrials | 5,413,163 | |||||||
Information Technology (25.31%) | ||||||||
Apple, Inc. | 38,471 | 5,694,862 | ||||||
Broadcom, Inc. | 1,792 | 987,446 | ||||||
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 50,469 | 2,509,319 | ||||||
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | 163,624 | 2,745,611 | ||||||
Intel Corp. | 24,474 | 735,933 | ||||||
Microsoft Corp. | 24,040 | 6,133,564 | ||||||
NVIDIA Corp. | 7,186 | 1,216,087 | ||||||
Texas Instruments, Inc. | 14,087 | 2,542,140 | ||||||
Western Union Co. | 64,167 | 940,688 | ||||||
Total Information Technology | 23,505,650 | |||||||
Materials (0.94%) | ||||||||
Newmont Mining Corp. | 18,374 | 872,214 | ||||||
Real Estate (5.71%) | ||||||||
American Assets Trust, Inc. | 18,072 | 529,329 | ||||||
Iron Mountain, Inc. | 24,221 | 1,315,927 | ||||||
Medical Properties Trust, Inc.(b) | 52,842 | 693,287 | ||||||
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., Class A | 53,258 | 554,416 | ||||||
SITE Centers Corp. | 32,786 | 445,562 | ||||||
Universal Health Realty Income Trust | 33,668 | 1,767,233 | ||||||
Total Real Estate | 5,305,754 | |||||||
Utilities (8.76%) | ||||||||
Clearway Energy, Inc., Class C | 43,009 | 1,524,239 | ||||||
Duke Energy Corp. | 25,774 | 2,575,596 | ||||||
Entergy Corp. | 10,620 | 1,234,787 | ||||||
Evergy, Inc. | 10,478 | 620,402 | ||||||
NRG Energy, Inc. | 16,688 | 708,406 | ||||||
OGE Energy Corp. | 17,205 | 696,114 | ||||||
UGI Corp. | 19,998 | 772,923 | ||||||
Total Utilities | 8,132,467 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | ||||||||
(Cost $90,055,041) | 92,657,653 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
16 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | November 30, 2022 |
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.24%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund (0.08%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class) | ||||||||||||
(Cost $79,627) | 3.69 | % | 79,627 | $ | 79,627 | |||||||
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (1.16%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 3.86% | ||||||||||||
(Cost $1,074,218) | 1,074,218 | 1,074,218 | ||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||
(Cost $1,153,845) | 1,153,845 | |||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (101.00%) | ||||||||||||
(Cost $91,208,886) | $ | 93,811,498 | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-1.00%) | (930,375 | ) | ||||||||||
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ | 92,881,123 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $4,152,810. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
17 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | November 30, 2022 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS (99.85%) | ||||||||
Communication Services (7.65%) | ||||||||
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a) | 3,676 | $ | 371,239 | |||||
Alphabet, Inc., Class C(a) | 1,747 | 177,233 | ||||||
Comcast Corp., Class A | 9,507 | 348,337 | ||||||
EverQuote, Inc., Class A(a) | 12,761 | 137,819 | ||||||
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. | 5,298 | 182,039 | ||||||
Lumen Technologies, Inc. | 33,730 | 184,503 | ||||||
Magnite, Inc.(a) | 3,880 | 43,107 | ||||||
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a) | 1,716 | 202,660 | ||||||
New York Times Co., Class A | 2,657 | 97,379 | ||||||
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. | 1,493 | 283,013 | ||||||
Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.(b) | 26,939 | 174,834 | ||||||
Total Communication Services | 2,202,163 | |||||||
Consumer Discretionary (9.43%) | ||||||||
ADT, Inc. | 31,212 | 291,520 | ||||||
Amazon.com, Inc.(a) | 7,156 | 690,840 | ||||||
Choice Hotels International, Inc. | 640 | 78,861 | ||||||
Clarus Corp.(b) | 3,918 | 32,598 | ||||||
Ford Motor Co. | 24,106 | 335,073 | ||||||
H&R Block, Inc. | 6,171 | 269,734 | ||||||
Home Depot, Inc. | 1,028 | 333,062 | ||||||
NIKE, Inc., Class B | 1,858 | 203,804 | ||||||
Tapestry, Inc. | 9,054 | 341,970 | ||||||
Tesla, Inc.(a) | 710 | 138,237 | ||||||
Total Consumer Discretionary | 2,715,699 | |||||||
Consumer Staples (6.69%) | ||||||||
Altria Group, Inc. | 2,158 | 100,520 | ||||||
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | 3,042 | 296,595 | ||||||
Coca-Cola Co. | 6,319 | 401,952 | ||||||
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | 2,705 | 209,583 | ||||||
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A | 4,239 | 286,599 | ||||||
Procter & Gamble Co. | 1,958 | 292,055 | ||||||
Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.(a) | 4,821 | 165,505 | ||||||
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. | 4,204 | 174,466 | ||||||
Total Consumer Staples | 1,927,275 | |||||||
Energy (9.80%) | ||||||||
Alto Ingredients, Inc.(a) | 55,408 | 193,374 | ||||||
Archrock, Inc. | 15,851 | 138,062 | ||||||
Coterra Energy, Inc. | 7,597 | 212,032 | ||||||
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 5,464 | 608,362 | ||||||
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | 16,820 | 321,598 | ||||||
Marathon Oil Corp. | 12,738 | 390,165 | ||||||
New Fortress Energy, Inc.(b) | 6,357 | 323,571 | ||||||
ONEOK, Inc. | 2,789 | 186,640 | ||||||
Transocean, Ltd.(a)(b) | 46,178 | 196,257 | ||||||
Williams Cos., Inc. | 7,284 | 252,755 | ||||||
Total Energy | 2,822,816 | |||||||
Financials (8.56%) | ||||||||
Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. | 6,477 | 96,378 | ||||||
Bank of America Corp. | 7,046 | 266,691 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
Financials (continued) | ||||||||
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(a) | 239 | $ | 76,145 | |||||
Citigroup, Inc. | 7,376 | 357,072 | ||||||
First Commonwealth Financial Corp. | 7,352 | 108,221 | ||||||
Hope Bancorp, Inc. | 7,915 | 107,802 | ||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 3,050 | 421,449 | ||||||
Kearny Financial Corp. | 8,425 | 81,470 | ||||||
KeyCorp | 8,355 | 157,158 | ||||||
Radian Group, Inc. | 8,366 | 163,723 | ||||||
Regions Financial Corp. | 8,211 | 190,577 | ||||||
Travelers Cos., Inc. | 1,317 | 249,980 | ||||||
US Bancorp | 4,032 | 183,013 | ||||||
Willis Towers Watson PLC | 28 | 6,892 | ||||||
Total Financials | 2,466,571 | |||||||
Health Care (14.26%) | ||||||||
Abbott Laboratories | 2,409 | 259,160 | ||||||
AbbVie, Inc. | 2,686 | 432,930 | ||||||
Cigna Corp. | 731 | 240,419 | ||||||
CVS Health Corp. | 2,670 | 272,020 | ||||||
Johnson & Johnson | 2,610 | 464,580 | ||||||
Merck & Co., Inc. | 3,640 | 400,837 | ||||||
Pacific Biosciences of | ||||||||
California, Inc.(a)(b) | 5,224 | 56,158 | ||||||
Pfizer, Inc. | 8,516 | 426,907 | ||||||
Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | 1,117 | 169,594 | ||||||
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | 240 | 180,408 | ||||||
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 1,075 | 588,842 | ||||||
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | 740 | 234,136 | ||||||
Zoetis, Inc. | 1,381 | 212,867 | ||||||
Zynex, Inc.(b) | 12,331 | 169,181 | ||||||
Total Health Care | 4,108,039 | |||||||
Industrials (7.20%) | ||||||||
ACCO Brands Corp. | 14,061 | 78,320 | ||||||
BWX Technologies, Inc. | 1,992 | 121,293 | ||||||
CACI International, Inc., Class A(a) | 497 | 155,213 | ||||||
Casella Waste Systems, Inc., | ||||||||
Class A(a) | 2,030 | 174,763 | ||||||
Cintas Corp. | 446 | 205,954 | ||||||
CoreCivic, Inc.(a) | 10,732 | 142,521 | ||||||
CSX Corp. | 10,884 | 355,798 | ||||||
General Dynamics Corp. | 1,313 | 331,388 | ||||||
Heidrick & Struggles | ||||||||
International, Inc. | 3,041 | 90,318 | ||||||
Snap-on, Inc. | 121 | 29,112 | ||||||
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B | 2,046 | 388,187 | ||||||
Total Industrials | 2,072,867 | |||||||
Information Technology (27.09%) | ||||||||
Adeia, Inc. | 6,102 | 67,427 | ||||||
Adobe, Inc.(a) | 48 | 16,557 | ||||||
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a) | 2,757 | 214,026 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
18 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | |
Schedule of Investments | November 30, 2022 |
Security Description | Shares | Value | ||||||
Information Technology (continued) | ||||||||
Amdocs, Ltd. | 2,422 | $ | 215,219 | |||||
Apple, Inc. | 11,383 | 1,685,024 | ||||||
Block, Inc., Class A(a) | 1,257 | 85,187 | ||||||
Broadcom, Inc. | 614 | 338,332 | ||||||
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 9,055 | 450,215 | ||||||
Cloudflare, Inc., Class A(a) | 2,459 | 120,835 | ||||||
Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A(a) | 1,118 | 131,533 | ||||||
Ebix, Inc.(b) | 2,308 | 43,829 | ||||||
Enphase Energy, Inc.(a) | 675 | 216,398 | ||||||
Gen Digital, Inc. | 12,520 | 287,459 | ||||||
Identiv, Inc.(a) | 13,488 | 112,625 | ||||||
Mastercard, Inc., Class A | 1,186 | 422,690 | ||||||
Maximus, Inc. | 1,509 | 106,083 | ||||||
Microsoft Corp. | 5,072 | 1,294,070 | ||||||
NCR Corp.(a) | 3,979 | 94,979 | ||||||
NVIDIA Corp. | 1,015 | 171,768 | ||||||
QUALCOMM, Inc. | 1,652 | 208,961 | ||||||
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a) | 1,505 | 241,176 | ||||||
Seagate Technology PLC | 4,703 | 249,118 | ||||||
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.(a) | 1,012 | 302,446 | ||||||
Texas Instruments, Inc. | 1,475 | 266,179 | ||||||
Visa, Inc., Class A | 2,116 | 459,172 | ||||||
Total Information Technology | 7,801,308 | |||||||
Materials (4.46%) | ||||||||
American Vanguard Corp. | 7,566 | 174,018 | ||||||
FMC Corp. | 1,680 | 219,475 | ||||||
Glatfelter Corp. | 7,864 | 27,288 | ||||||
Mosaic Co. | 4,245 | 217,769 | ||||||
Nucor Corp.(b) | 1,702 | 255,215 | ||||||
O-I, Inc.(a) | 13,794 | 226,360 | ||||||
Sealed Air Corp. | 254 | 13,520 | ||||||
SunCoke Energy, Inc. | 17,724 | 149,945 | ||||||
Total Materials | 1,283,590 | |||||||
Real Estate (1.84%) | ||||||||
Highwoods Properties, Inc. | 2,826 | 84,215 | ||||||
Kimco Realty Corp. | 8,136 | 186,477 | ||||||
Prologis, Inc. | 1,562 | 183,988 | ||||||
SL Green Realty Corp. | 1,778 | 74,605 | ||||||
Total Real Estate | 529,285 | |||||||
Utilities (2.87%) | ||||||||
Duke Energy Corp. | 1,079 | 107,824 | ||||||
National Fuel Gas Co. | 2,109 | 139,679 | ||||||
OGE Energy Corp. | 6,461 | 261,412 | ||||||
UGI Corp. | 8,186 | 316,389 | ||||||
Total Utilities | 825,304 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | ||||||||
(Cost $26,992,838) | 28,754,917 |
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value | |||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.02%) | |||||||||||||
Money Market Fund (0.02%) | |||||||||||||
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class) | |||||||||||||
(Cost $5,505) | 3.69 | % | 5,505 | $ | 5,505 | ||||||||
Investments Purchased with Collateral | |||||||||||||
from Securities Loaned (1.00%) | |||||||||||||
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 3.86% | |||||||||||||
(Cost $289,041) | 289,041 | 289,041 | |||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | |||||||||||||
(Cost $294,546) | 294,546 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.87%) | |||||||||||||
(Cost $27,287,384) | $ | 29,049,463 | |||||||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.87%) | (250,879 | ) | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ | 28,798,584 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $909,227. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
19 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | |
Schedule of Investments | November 30, 2022 |
Security Description | Principal Amount | Value | ||||||
CORPORATE BONDS (76.60%) | ||||||||
Communications (5.89%) | ||||||||
AMC Networks, Inc. | ||||||||
5.00%, 04/01/2024 | $ | 324,000 | $ | 309,728 | ||||
4.75%, 08/01/2025 | 404,000 | 358,536 | ||||||
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp. | ||||||||
5.50%, 05/01/2026(a) | 428,000 | 417,707 | ||||||
CSC Holdings LLC | ||||||||
5.50%, 04/15/2027(a) | 835,000 | 766,104 | ||||||
Level 3 Financing, Inc. | ||||||||
3.75%, 07/15/2029(a) | 980,000 | 709,230 | ||||||
Netflix, Inc. | ||||||||
4.38%, 11/15/2026 | 803,000 | 776,295 | ||||||
Sirius XM Radio, Inc. | ||||||||
3.13%, 09/01/2026(a) | 805,000 | 727,752 | ||||||
T-Mobile USA, Inc. | ||||||||
2.63%, 04/15/2026 | 1,542,000 | 1,415,742 | ||||||
WMG Acquisition Corp. | ||||||||
3.75%, 12/01/2029(a) | 803,000 | 694,041 | ||||||
Total Communications | 6,175,135 | |||||||
Consumer Discretionary (11.42%) | ||||||||
Air Canada | ||||||||
3.88%, 08/15/2026(a) | 858,000 | 786,153 | ||||||
Aramark Services, Inc. | ||||||||
6.38%, 05/01/2025(a) | 858,000 | 852,788 | ||||||
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. | ||||||||
6.25%, 07/01/2025(a) | 1,012,000 | 1,001,052 | ||||||
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC | ||||||||
2.30%, 02/10/2025 | 1,183,000 | 1,086,716 | ||||||
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. | ||||||||
5.00%, 05/31/2026 | 1,034,000 | 1,003,512 | ||||||
Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc. | ||||||||
3.75%, 05/01/2029(a) | 950,000 | 836,309 | ||||||
International Game Technology PLC | ||||||||
6.50%, 02/15/2025(a) | 286,000 | 287,798 | ||||||
Las Vegas Sands Corp. | ||||||||
3.20%, 08/08/2024 | 766,000 | 731,989 | ||||||
Lennar Corp. | ||||||||
4.75%, 11/29/2027 | 950,000 | 908,571 | ||||||
MGM Resorts International | ||||||||
6.00%, 03/15/2023 | 1,012,000 | 1,011,645 | ||||||
Newell Brands, Inc. | ||||||||
4.45%, 04/01/2026 | 803,000 | 759,044 | ||||||
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | ||||||||
3.52%, 09/17/2025(a) | 950,000 | 879,609 | ||||||
PulteGroup, Inc. | ||||||||
5.50%, 03/01/2026 | 1,260,000 | 1,265,664 | ||||||
Six Flags Entertainment Corp. | ||||||||
4.88%, 07/31/2024(a) | 573,000 | 551,463 | ||||||
Total Consumer Discretionary | 11,962,313 |
Security Description | Principal Amount | Value | ||||||
Consumer Staples (2.31%) | ||||||||
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc. | ||||||||
4.75%, 01/23/2029 | $ | 858,000 | $ | 856,303 | ||||
JBS USA LUX SA / JBS USA Food Co. / JBS USA Finance, Inc. | ||||||||
2.50%, 01/15/2027(a) | 803,000 | 701,388 | ||||||
Spectrum Brands, Inc. | ||||||||
5.75%, 07/15/2025 | 30,000 | 29,533 | ||||||
US Foods, Inc. | ||||||||
6.25%, 04/15/2025(a) | 835,000 | 836,065 | ||||||
Total Consumer Staples | 2,423,289 | |||||||
Energy (3.99%) | ||||||||
Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC | ||||||||
7.00%, 06/30/2024 | 983,000 | 996,663 | ||||||
DCP Midstream Operating LP | ||||||||
5.38%, 07/15/2025 | 805,000 | 795,567 | ||||||
Petroleos Mexicanos | ||||||||
4.88%, 01/18/2024 | 825,000 | 807,828 | ||||||
Reliance Industries, Ltd. | ||||||||
4.13%, 01/28/2025(a) | 793,000 | 768,258 | ||||||
Schlumberger Holdings Corp. | ||||||||
3.90%, 05/17/2028(a) | 858,000 | 809,506 | ||||||
Total Energy | 4,177,822 | |||||||
Financials (26.81%) | ||||||||
Air Lease Corp. | ||||||||
4.25%, 02/01/2024 | 805,000 | 790,672 | ||||||
American Express Co. | ||||||||
5.85%, 11/05/2027 | 1,048,000 | 1,087,213 | ||||||
Ares Capital Corp. | ||||||||
3.50%, 02/10/2023 | 967,000 | 963,229 | ||||||
Avolon Holdings Funding, Ltd. | ||||||||
2.53%, 11/18/2027(a) | 890,000 | 719,207 | ||||||
Bank of America Corp. | ||||||||
4.25%, 10/22/2026 | 1,294,000 | 1,265,879 | ||||||
Blackstone Secured Lending Fund | ||||||||
3.63%, 01/15/2026 | 942,000 | 876,328 | ||||||
Capital One Financial Corp. | ||||||||
4.20%, 10/29/2025 | 858,000 | 831,638 | ||||||
Citigroup, Inc. | ||||||||
4.45%, 09/29/2027 | 1,294,000 | 1,245,208 | ||||||
EPR Properties | ||||||||
4.75%, 12/15/2026 | 805,000 | 717,343 | ||||||
FS KKR Capital Corp. | ||||||||
3.40%, 01/15/2026 | 950,000 | 863,873 | ||||||
GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II,Inc. | ||||||||
3.35%, 09/01/2024 | 766,000 | 731,660 | ||||||
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | ||||||||
4.25%, 10/21/2025 | 1,294,000 | 1,268,392 | ||||||
HAT Holdings I LLC / HAT Holdings II LLC | ||||||||
3.38%, 06/15/2026(a) | 879,000 | 757,351 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
20 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | |
Schedule of Investments | November 30, 2022 |
Security Description | Principal Amount | Value | ||||||
Financials (continued) | ||||||||
Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp. | ||||||||
4.75%, 09/15/2024 | $ | 1,013,000 | $ | 974,224 | ||||
Iron Mountain, Inc. | ||||||||
4.88%, 09/15/2027(a) | 904,000 | 851,161 | ||||||
iStar, Inc. | ||||||||
4.75%, 10/01/2024 | 1,065,000 | 1,048,699 | ||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | ||||||||
4.25%, 10/01/2027 | 1,294,000 | 1,261,930 | ||||||
Morgan Stanley | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.85%, 04/24/2024(b) | 1,639,000 | 1,627,637 | ||||||
MPT Operating Partnership LP / MPT Finance Corp. | ||||||||
5.25%, 08/01/2026 | 766,000 | 686,455 | ||||||
NatWest Markets PLC | ||||||||
3.48%, 03/22/2025(a) | 802,000 | 768,213 | ||||||
Newmark Group, Inc. | ||||||||
6.13%, 11/15/2023 | 993,000 | 991,719 | ||||||
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. | ||||||||
4.38%, 08/01/2023 | 271,000 | 267,512 | ||||||
5.25%, 01/15/2026 | 525,000 | 512,364 | ||||||
OneMain Finance Corp. | ||||||||
6.13%, 03/15/2024 | 1,012,000 | 988,269 | ||||||
Royal Bank of Canada | ||||||||
6.00%, 11/01/2027 | 1,048,000 | 1,089,339 | ||||||
Santander Holdings USA, Inc. | ||||||||
3.50%, 06/07/2024 | 400,000 | 388,132 | ||||||
SBA Communications Corp. | ||||||||
3.88%, 02/15/2027 | 1,202,000 | 1,099,477 | ||||||
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. | ||||||||
4.75%, 03/15/2025 | 803,000 | 770,248 | ||||||
VICI Properties LP / VICI Note Co., Inc. | ||||||||
4.25%, 12/01/2026(a) | 1,123,000 | 1,044,994 | ||||||
Wells Fargo & Co. | ||||||||
3.30%, 09/09/2024 | 1,639,000 | 1,595,998 | ||||||
Total Financials | 28,084,364 | |||||||
Health Care (1.08%) | ||||||||
DaVita, Inc. | ||||||||
4.63%, 06/01/2030(a) | 904,000 | 725,641 | ||||||
HCA, Inc. | ||||||||
5.38%, 02/01/2025 | 404,000 | 403,203 | ||||||
Total Health Care | 1,128,844 | |||||||
Industrials (5.08%) | ||||||||
Boeing Co. | ||||||||
4.88%, 05/01/2025 | 950,000 | 940,682 | ||||||
MasTec, Inc. | ||||||||
4.50%, 08/15/2028(a) | 874,000 | 788,661 | ||||||
Sensata Technologies BV | ||||||||
5.00%, 10/01/2025(a) | 803,000 | 791,714 | ||||||
Stericycle, Inc. | ||||||||
5.38%, 07/15/2024(a) | 806,000 | 797,537 |
Security Description | Principal Amount | Value | ||||||
Industrials (continued) | ||||||||
TransDigm, Inc. | ||||||||
6.25%, 03/15/2026(a) | $ | 835,000 | $ | 823,600 | ||||
WESCO Distribution, Inc. | ||||||||
7.13%, 06/15/2025(a) | 1,164,000 | 1,180,022 | ||||||
Total Industrials | 5,322,216 | |||||||
Materials (10.65%) | ||||||||
Alcoa Nederland Holding BV | ||||||||
4.13%, 03/31/2029(a) | 1,057,000 | 928,257 | ||||||
ArcelorMittal SA | ||||||||
3.60%, 07/16/2024 | 881,000 | 855,468 | ||||||
Arconic Corp. | ||||||||
6.00%, 05/15/2025(a) | 858,000 | 846,970 | ||||||
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC / | ||||||||
Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc. | ||||||||
5.25%, 04/30/2025(a) | 1,030,000 | 995,830 | ||||||
Ball Corp. | ||||||||
5.25%, 07/01/2025 | 642,000 | 640,716 | ||||||
4.88%, 03/15/2026 | 404,000 | 391,452 | ||||||
Berry Global, Inc. | ||||||||
4.88%, 07/15/2026(a) | 908,000 | 872,388 | ||||||
Braskem Finance, Ltd. | ||||||||
6.45%, 02/03/2024 | 371,000 | 371,937 | ||||||
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. | ||||||||
3.88%, 03/15/2023 | 881,000 | 878,388 | ||||||
5.00%, 09/01/2027 | 449,000 | 437,052 | ||||||
Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co. | ||||||||
5.50%, 04/15/2024(a) | 338,000 | 332,533 | ||||||
Methanex Corp. | ||||||||
5.13%, 10/15/2027 | 835,000 | 767,085 | ||||||
NOVA Chemicals Corp. | ||||||||
4.88%, 06/01/2024(a) | 1,012,000 | 986,057 | ||||||
Novelis Corp. | ||||||||
3.25%, 11/15/2026(a) | 805,000 | 720,380 | ||||||
Sasol Financing USA LLC | ||||||||
4.38%, 09/18/2026 | 525,000 | 477,026 | ||||||
Standard Industries, Inc. | ||||||||
3.38%, 01/15/2031(a) | 858,000 | 659,641 | ||||||
Total Materials | 11,161,180 | |||||||
Technology (3.85%) | ||||||||
CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp. | ||||||||
3.57%, 12/01/2031 | 803,000 | 656,154 | ||||||
Flex, Ltd. | ||||||||
5.00%, 02/15/2023 | 1,033,000 | 1,032,057 | ||||||
Gen Digital, Inc. | ||||||||
5.00%, 04/15/2025(a) | 667,000 | 647,807 | ||||||
Microchip Technology, Inc. | ||||||||
4.25%, 09/01/2025 | 874,000 | 850,010 | ||||||
Seagate HDD Cayman | ||||||||
4.75%, 06/01/2023 | 858,000 | 848,865 | ||||||
Total Technology | 4,034,893 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
21 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | |
Schedule of Investments | November 30, 2022 |
Security Description | Principal Amount | Value | ||||||
Utilities (5.52%) | ||||||||
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | ||||||||
5.75%, 11/01/2027 | $ | 1,048,000 | $ | 1,074,964 | ||||
AmeriGas Partners LP / AmeriGas Finance Corp. | ||||||||
5.88%, 08/20/2026 | 879,000 | 838,408 | ||||||
Calpine Corp. | ||||||||
5.25%, 06/01/2026(a) | 428,000 | 410,501 | ||||||
NextEra Energy Operating Partners LP | ||||||||
4.25%, 07/15/2024(a) | 1,160,000 | 1,119,500 | ||||||
NRG Energy, Inc. | ||||||||
3.75%, 06/15/2024(a) | 803,000 | 776,077 | ||||||
6.63%, 01/15/2027 | 278,000 | 280,462 | ||||||
Vistra Operations Co. LLC | ||||||||
3.55%, 07/15/2024(a) | 1,333,000 | 1,278,062 | ||||||
Total Utilities | 5,777,974 | |||||||
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS | ||||||||
(Cost $86,460,226) | 80,248,030 | |||||||
GOVERNMENT BONDS (16.50%) | ||||||||
U.S. Treasury Note | ||||||||
2.50%, 05/31/2024 | 4,102,000 | 3,977,016 | ||||||
2.88%, 06/15/2025 | 4,102,000 | 3,972,371 | ||||||
3.25%, 06/30/2029 | 4,216,000 | 4,076,180 | ||||||
United States Treasury Bond | ||||||||
3.25%, 05/15/2042 | 5,887,000 | 5,259,208 | ||||||
TOTAL GOVERNMENT BONDS | ||||||||
(Cost $18,064,161) | 17,284,775 |
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (5.89%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund (5.89%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund (Premier Class) | 3.69 | % | 6,170,456 | 6,170,456 | ||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||
(Cost $6,170,456) | 6,170,456 | |||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (98.99%) | ||||||||||||
(Cost $110,694,843) | $ | 103,703,261 | ||||||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (1.01%) | 1,056,057 | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | $ | 104,759,318 |
(a) | Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $31,447,329, representing 30.02% of net assets. |
(b) | Floating or variable rate security. Interest rate resets periodically on specific dates. The rate shown represents the coupon or interest rate in effect as of November 30, 2022. Security description includes the reference rate and spread if published and available. |
Investment Abbreviations:
LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate
Reference Rates:
3M US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of November 30, 2022 was 4.76%
See Notes to Financial Statements.
22 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs | |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | November 30, 2022 |
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | |||||||||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||||||||||
Investments, at value | $ | 43,073,780 | $ | 93,811,498 | (a) | $ | 29,049,463 | (b) | $ | 103,703,261 | ||||||
Dividend receivable | 12,316 | 182,427 | 49,976 | 16,969 | ||||||||||||
Interest receivable | 273,789 | – | – | 1,076,069 | ||||||||||||
Receivable for investments sold | 570,552 | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
Due from Authorized Participant | – | – | – | 33,730 | ||||||||||||
Total Assets | 43,930,437 | 93,993,925 | 29,099,439 | 104,830,029 | ||||||||||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||||||||||
Payable to adviser | 18,703 | 38,584 | 11,814 | 36,981 | ||||||||||||
Payable for investments purchased | – | – | – | 33,730 | ||||||||||||
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned | – | 1,074,218 | 289,041 | – | ||||||||||||
Due to Authorized Participant | 570,552 | – | – | – | ||||||||||||
Total Liabilities | 589,255 | 1,112,802 | 300,855 | 70,711 | ||||||||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 43,341,182 | $ | 92,881,123 | $ | 28,798,584 | $ | 104,759,318 | ||||||||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||||||||||||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 48,545,109 | $ | 96,311,958 | $ | 48,937,448 | $ | 123,079,439 | ||||||||
Total distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) | (5,203,927 | ) | (3,430,835 | ) | (20,138,864 | ) | (18,320,121 | ) | ||||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 43,341,182 | $ | 92,881,123 | $ | 28,798,584 | $ | 104,759,318 | ||||||||
INVESTMENTS, AT COST | $ | 46,648,937 | $ | 91,208,886 | $ | 27,287,384 | $ | 110,694,843 | ||||||||
PRICING OF SHARES | ||||||||||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 43,341,182 | $ | 92,881,123 | $ | 28,798,584 | $ | 104,759,318 | ||||||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share) | 1,950,000 | 2,075,002 | 675,002 | 4,625,000 | ||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 22.23 | $ | 44.76 | $ | 42.66 | $ | 22.65 |
(a) | Includes $4,152,810 of securities on loan. |
(b) | Includes $909,227 of securities on loan. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
23 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs | |
Statements of Operations | For the Year Ended November 30, 2022 |
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | |||||||||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||||||||||||||
Interest | $ | 1,896,767 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 3,453,211 | ||||||||
Dividends(a) | 93,851 | 3,993,514 | 541,663 | 94,389 | ||||||||||||
Securities Lending Income | – | 28,442 | 10,601 | – | ||||||||||||
Total Investment Income | 1,990,618 | 4,021,956 | 552,264 | 3,547,600 | ||||||||||||
EXPENSES: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment adviser and sub-adviser fees (Note 3) | 400,166 | 558,334 | 177,734 | 580,732 | ||||||||||||
Total Expenses | 400,166 | 558,334 | 177,734 | 580,732 | ||||||||||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 1,590,452 | 3,463,622 | 374,530 | 2,966,868 | ||||||||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) | ||||||||||||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments(b) | (4,980,857 | ) | 35,036,588 | 10,867,396 | (3,575,790 | ) | ||||||||||
NET REALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) | (4,980,857 | ) | 35,036,588 | 10,867,396 | (3,575,790 | ) | ||||||||||
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments | (5,468,905 | ) | (36,235,123 | ) | (13,757,793 | ) | (6,970,220 | ) | ||||||||
NET CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION/(DEPRECIATION) | (5,468,905 | ) | (36,235,123 | ) | (13,757,793 | ) | (6,970,220 | ) | ||||||||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS | (10,449,762 | ) | (1,198,535 | ) | (2,890,397 | ) | (10,546,010 | ) | ||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | (8,859,310 | ) | $ | 2,265,087 | $ | (2,515,867 | ) | $ | (7,579,142 | ) |
(a) | Net of foreign tax withholding in the amounts of $–, $–, $– and $189, respectively. |
(b) | 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.
24 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Year Ended November 30, 2022 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2021 | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 1,590,452 | $ | 1,990,198 | ||||
Net realized gain/(loss) | (4,980,857 | ) | 2,564,824 | |||||
Net change in unrealized depreciation | (5,468,905 | ) | (6,289,006 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations | (8,859,310 | ) | (1,733,984 | ) | ||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | ||||||||
From distributable earnings | (3,382,868 | ) | (1,962,506 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (3,382,868 | ) | (1,962,506 | ) | ||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of shares | 4,002,594 | 17,914,173 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (66,292,105 | ) | (9,068,318 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) from share transactions | (62,289,511 | ) | 8,845,855 | |||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets | (74,531,689 | ) | 5,149,365 | |||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of year | 117,872,871 | 112,723,506 | ||||||
End of year | $ | 43,341,182 | $ | 117,872,871 | ||||
OTHER INFORMATION: | ||||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Beginning shares | 4,650,000 | 4,300,000 | ||||||
Shares sold | 175,000 | 700,000 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (2,875,000 | ) | (350,000 | ) | ||||
Shares outstanding, end of year | 1,950,000 | 4,650,000 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
25 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Year Ended November 30, 2022 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2021 | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 3,463,622 | $ | 1,902,769 | ||||
Net realized gain | 35,036,588 | 8,733,483 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | (36,235,123 | ) | 15,974,138 | |||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | 2,265,087 | 26,610,390 | ||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | ||||||||
From distributable earnings | (3,342,217 | ) | (1,936,954 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (3,342,217 | ) | (1,936,954 | ) | ||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of shares | 54,331,616 | 4,577,634 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (92,897,556 | ) | (30,021,042 | ) | ||||
Net decrease from share transactions | (38,565,940 | ) | (25,443,408 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets | (39,643,070 | ) | (769,972 | ) | ||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of year | 132,524,193 | 133,294,165 | ||||||
End of year | $ | 92,881,123 | $ | 132,524,193 | ||||
OTHER INFORMATION: | ||||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Beginning shares | 2,950,002 | 3,600,002 | ||||||
Shares sold | 1,200,000 | 100,000 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (2,075,000 | ) | (750,000 | ) | ||||
Shares outstanding, end of year | 2,075,002 | 2,950,002 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
26 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Year Ended November 30, 2022 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2021 | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 374,530 | $ | 604,208 | ||||
Net realized gain | 10,867,396 | 10,365,533 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | (13,757,793 | ) | 2,789,216 | |||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (2,515,867 | ) | 13,758,957 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | ||||||||
From distributable earnings | (438,679 | ) | (679,274 | ) | ||||
From return of capital | (8,648 | ) | – | |||||
Total distributions | (447,327 | ) | (679,274 | ) | ||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of shares | 15,524,015 | – | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (35,496,905 | ) | (32,744,774 | ) | ||||
Net decrease from share transactions | (19,972,890 | ) | (32,744,774 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets | (22,936,084 | ) | (19,665,091 | ) | ||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of year | 51,734,668 | 71,399,759 | ||||||
End of year | $ | 28,798,584 | $ | 51,734,668 | ||||
OTHER INFORMATION: | ||||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Beginning shares | 1,125,002 | 1,900,002 | ||||||
Shares sold | 350,000 | – | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (800,000 | ) | (775,000 | ) | ||||
Shares outstanding, end of year | 675,002 | 1,125,002 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
27 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Year Ended November 30, 2022 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2021 | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 2,966,868 | $ | 2,793,818 | ||||
Net realized gain/(loss) | (3,575,790 | ) | 491,816 | |||||
Net change in unrealized depreciation | (6,970,220 | ) | (1,547,122 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (7,579,142 | ) | 1,738,512 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | ||||||||
From distributable earnings | (3,248,534 | ) | (3,171,669 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (3,248,534 | ) | (3,171,669 | ) | ||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of shares | 9,753,437 | 43,888,656 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (37,059,629 | ) | (18,545,978 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) from share transactions | (27,306,192 | ) | 25,342,678 | |||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets | (38,133,868 | ) | 23,909,521 | |||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of year | 142,893,186 | 118,983,665 | ||||||
End of year | $ | 104,759,318 | $ | 142,893,186 | ||||
OTHER INFORMATION: | ||||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Beginning shares | 5,825,000 | 4,800,000 | ||||||
Shares sold | 425,000 | 1,775,000 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (1,625,000 | ) | (750,000 | ) | ||||
Shares outstanding, end of year | 4,625,000 | 5,825,000 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
28 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | |
Financial Highlights | For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Year Ended November 30, 2022 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2021 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2019 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 25.35 | $ | 26.21 | $ | 25.22 | $ | 23.52 | $ | 24.60 | ||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(a) | 0.47 | 0.47 | 0.50 | 0.68 | 0.68 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | (2.71 | ) | (0.87 | ) | 0.99 | 1.70 | (1.10 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | (2.24 | ) | (0.40 | ) | 1.49 | 2.38 | (0.42 | ) | ||||||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.50 | ) | (0.46 | ) | (0.50 | ) | (0.68 | ) | (0.66 | ) | ||||||||||
From net realized gains | (0.38 | ) | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.88 | ) | (0.46 | ) | (0.50 | ) | (0.68 | ) | (0.66 | ) | ||||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (3.12 | ) | (0.86 | ) | 0.99 | 1.70 | (1.08 | ) | ||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 22.23 | $ | 25.35 | $ | 26.21 | $ | 25.22 | $ | 23.52 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(b) | (9.02 | )% | (1.51 | )% | 5.97 | % | 10.22 | % | (1.74 | )% | ||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 43,341 | $ | 117,873 | $ | 112,724 | $ | 134,951 | $ | 150,527 | ||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.51 | % | 0.51 | % | 0.51 | % | 0.51 | % | 0.51 | % | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 2.03 | % | 1.83 | % | 1.94 | % | 2.74 | % | 2.83 | % | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate(c) | 50 | % | 45 | % | 11 | % | 6 | % | 15 | % |
(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 the redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(c) | 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.
29 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | |
Financial Highlights | For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Year Ended November 30, 2022 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2021 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2019 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 44.92 | $ | 37.03 | $ | 33.98 | $ | 31.19 | $ | 31.39 | ||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(a) | 1.46 | 0.62 | 0.56 | 0.65 | 0.73 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | (0.21 | ) | 7.90 | 3.08 | 2.81 | (0.26 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.25 | 8.52 | 3.64 | 3.46 | 0.47 | |||||||||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (1.41 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (0.59 | ) | (0.67 | ) | (0.67 | ) | ||||||||||
Total distributions | (1.41 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (0.59 | ) | (0.67 | ) | (0.67 | ) | ||||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (0.16 | ) | 7.89 | 3.05 | 2.79 | (0.20 | ) | |||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 44.76 | $ | 44.92 | $ | 37.03 | $ | 33.98 | $ | 31.19 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(b) | 2.86 | % | 23.13 | % | 10.92 | % | 11.29 | % | 1.45 | % | ||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 92,881 | $ | 132,524 | $ | 133,294 | $ | 130,828 | $ | 151,293 | ||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.52 | % | 0.52 | % | 0.52 | % | 0.52 | % | 0.52 | % | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 3.23 | % | 1.47 | % | 1.68 | % | 2.05 | % | 2.27 | % | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate(c) | 104 | % | 0 | % | 75 | % | 64 | % | 96 | % |
(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 the redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(c) | 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.
30 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | |
Financial Highlights | For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Year Ended November 30, 2022 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2021 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2019 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 45.99 | $ | 37.58 | $ | 34.70 | $ | 32.79 | $ | 32.46 | ||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(a) | 0.48 | 0.42 | 0.45 | 0.48 | 0.44 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | (3.23 | ) | 8.43 | 2.87 | (b) | 1.93 | 0.27 | (b) | ||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | (2.75 | ) | 8.85 | 3.32 | 2.41 | 0.71 | ||||||||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.57 | ) | (0.44 | ) | (0.44 | ) | (0.50 | ) | (0.38 | ) | ||||||||||
Tax return of capital | (0.01 | ) | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.58 | ) | (0.44 | ) | (0.44 | ) | (0.50 | ) | (0.38 | ) | ||||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (3.33 | ) | 8.41 | 2.88 | 1.91 | 0.33 | ||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 42.66 | $ | 45.99 | $ | 37.58 | $ | 34.70 | $ | 32.79 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | (5.98 | )% | 23.65 | % | 9.75 | % | 7.49 | % | 2.16 | % | ||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 28,799 | $ | 51,735 | $ | 71,400 | $ | 126,662 | $ | 152,464 | ||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | 0.52 | % | 0.52 | % | 0.52 | % | 0.52 | % | 0.52 | % | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 1.10 | % | 0.97 | % | 1.34 | % | 1.46 | % | 1.30 | % | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate(d) | 113 | % | 5 | % | 99 | % | 98 | % | 152 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
(b) | Net realized and unrealized gain on investments per share does not correlate to the aggregate of the net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) in the Statements of Operations for the period(s) presented, primarily due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of the Fund's shares in relation to the fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio. |
(c) | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and the redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not 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.
31 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | |
Financial Highlights | For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Year Ended November 30, 2022 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2021 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2019 | For the Year Ended November 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 24.53 | $ | 24.79 | $ | 24.69 | $ | 24.27 | $ | 25.21 | ||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(a) | 0.55 | 0.55 | 0.81 | 0.94 | 1.06 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) | (1.82 | ) | (0.18 | ) | 0.13 | (b) | 0.48 | (0.92 | ) | |||||||||||
Total from investment operations | (1.27 | ) | 0.37 | 0.94 | 1.42 | 0.14 | ||||||||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.61 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (0.84 | ) | (1.00 | ) | (1.08 | ) | ||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.61 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (0.84 | ) | (1.00 | ) | (1.08 | ) | ||||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (1.88 | ) | (0.26 | ) | 0.10 | 0.42 | (0.94 | ) | ||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 22.65 | $ | 24.53 | $ | 24.79 | $ | 24.69 | $ | 24.27 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | (5.20 | )% | 1.52 | % | 3.95 | % | 5.96 | % | 0.57 | % | ||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 104,759 | $ | 142,893 | $ | 118,984 | $ | 167,889 | $ | 152,880 | ||||||||||
Ratio of expenses excluding waiver/reimbursement to average net assets | 0.46 | % | 0.46 | % | 0.46 | % | 0.46 | % | 0.46 | % | ||||||||||
Ratio of expenses including waiver/reimbursement to average net assets | 0.46 | % | 0.46 | % | 0.46 | % | 0.46 | % | 0.17 | %(d) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income including expenses waiver/reimbursement to average net assets | 2.35 | % | 2.23 | % | 3.32 | % | 3.83 | % | 4.31 | % | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate(e) | 24 | % | 50 | % | 54 | % | 44 | % | 35 | % |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
(b) | Net realized and unrealized gain on investments per share does not correlate to the aggregate of the net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) in the Statements of Operations for the period(s) presented, primarily due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of the Fund's shares in relation to the fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio. |
(c) | Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and the redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(d) | Effective November 1, 2018, the Fund’s management fee consists of a fee of 0.11% paid to the Fund’s investment adviser and a fee of 0.35% paid to the Fund’s sub-adviser. The Fund’s sub-adviser ceased its voluntary waiver effective November 1, 2018. |
(e) | 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.
32 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs | |
Notes to Financial Statements | November 30, 2022 |
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 November 30, 2022, the Trust consisted of twenty-three separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF, the RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF, the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF, and the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).
The investment objective of the RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF Fund is to seek total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. The investment objective of the RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF Fund is to seek to provide capital appreciation and dividend income. The investment objective of the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF Fund is to seek to provide capital appreciation. The investment objective of the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund is to seek total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. Each Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act
Each Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). Each Fund issues and redeems Shares, at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities and/or cash. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of a 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 Funds 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. Each 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
Each Fund’s NAV is determined daily, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing the value of all assets of each 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.
Corporate bonds and United States government bonds are typically valued at the mean between the evaluated bid and ask prices formulated by an independent pricing service.
Each 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”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for each Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments. The Adviser may carry out its designated responsibilities as Valuation Designee through various teams and committees. When market quotations are not readily available or when events occur that make established valuation methods unreliable, securities of the Funds may be valued in good faith by the Valuation Designee. 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 a 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.
33 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs | |
Notes to Financial Statements | November 30, 2022 |
B. Fair Value Measurements
Each 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 Funds’ 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.
Debt securities, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated prices received from third party pricing vendors or from brokers who make markets in such securities. For corporate bonds, pricing vendors utilize matrix pricing which considers yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type as well as broker-supplied prices. When independent prices are unavailable or unreliable, debt securities may be valued utilizing pricing methodologies which consider similar factors that would be used by third party pricing vendors. Debt securities are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy but may be Level 3 depending on the circumstances. The RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF and the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund may invest a significant portion of their assets in below investment grade securities. The value of these securities can be more volatile due to changes in the credit quality of the issuer and is sensitive to changes in economic, market and regulatory conditions.
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 each 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. |
34 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs | |
Notes to Financial Statements | November 30, 2022 |
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of November 30, 2022:
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Corporate Bonds* | $ | – | $ | 29,522,293 | $ | – | $ | 29,522,293 | ||||||||
Government Bonds | – | 9,873,648 | – | 9,873,648 | ||||||||||||
Short Term Investments | 3,677,839 | – | – | 3,677,839 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,677,839 | $ | 39,395,941 | $ | – | $ | 43,073,780 |
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage 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* | $ | 92,657,653 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 92,657,653 | ||||||||
Short Term Investments | 1,153,845 | – | – | 1,153,845 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 93,811,498 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 93,811,498 |
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap 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* | $ | 28,754,917 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 28,754,917 | ||||||||
Short Term Investments | 294,546 | – | – | 294,546 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 29,049,463 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 29,049,463 |
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Corporate Bonds* | $ | – | $ | 80,248,030 | $ | – | $ | 80,248,030 | ||||||||
Government Bonds | – | 17,284,775 | – | 17,284,775 | ||||||||||||
Short Term Investments | 6,170,456 | – | – | 6,170,456 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 6,170,456 | $ | 97,532,805 | $ | – | $ | 103,703,261 |
* | For a detailed sector breakdown, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments. |
The Funds 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 year ended November 30, 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, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.
D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders
Dividends from net investment income for each Fund, if any, are declared and paid monthly or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Funds, if any, are distributed at least annually.
35 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs | |
Notes to Financial Statements | November 30, 2022 |
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 Funds’ capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.
For the year ended November 30, 2022, the following reclassifications, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets, were recorded to reflect permanent tax differences resulting primarily from in-kind transactions:
Fund | Paid-in Capital | Total Distributable Earnings/(Accumulated Losses) | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | $ | (3,424,267 | ) | $ | 3,424,267 | |||
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 24,004,192 | (24,004,192 | ) | |||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 8,537,767 | (8,537,767 | ) | |||||
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | (2,595,715 | ) | 2,595,715 |
The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2022 and November 30, 2021 was as follows:
Fund | Ordinary Income | Long-Term Capital Gain | Return of Capital | |||||||||
November 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | $ | 1,672,309 | $ | 1,710,559 | $ | – | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 3,342,217 | – | – | |||||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 438,679 | – | 8,648 | |||||||||
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 3,248,534 | – | – |
Fund | Ordinary Income | Long-Term Capital Gain | Return of Capital | |||||||||
November 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | $ | 1,962,506 | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 1,936,954 | – | – | |||||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 679,274 | – | – | |||||||||
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 3,171,669 | – | – |
The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.
Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration.
As of November 30, 2022, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:
Fund | Short-Term | Long-Term | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | $ | 1,548,757 | $ | 61,907 | ||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 6,171,196 | – | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 13,271,258 | 8,624,493 | ||||||
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 7,632,679 | 3,389,052 |
During the year ended November 30, 2022, the Funds utilized the following capital loss carryovers:
Fund | ||||
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | $ | – | ||
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 11,032,391 | |||
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 2,275,780 | |||
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | – |
36 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs | |
Notes to Financial Statements | November 30, 2022 |
As of November 30, 2022, the components of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) on a tax basis for each Fund were as follows:
Fund | Undistributed Net Investment Income | Accumulated Net Realized Gain on Investments | Net Unrealized Appreciation on Investments | Total | ||||||||||||
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | 5,306 | $ | (1,610,664 | ) | $ | (3,598,569 | ) | $ | (5,203,927 | ) | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 17,848 | (6,171,196 | ) | 2,722,513 | (3,430,835 | ) | ||||||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | – | (21,895,751 | ) | 1,756,887 | (20,138,864 | ) | ||||||||||
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 1,801 | (11,021,731 | ) | (7,300,191 | ) | (18,320,121 | ) |
As of November 30, 2022, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:
Fund | RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | RiverFront Dynamic US Flex- Cap ETF | RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | ||||||||||||
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost) | $ | 105,061 | $ | 9,306,674 | $ | 4,260,950 | $ | (195,572 | ) | |||||||
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value) | (3,703,630 | ) | (6,584,161 | ) | (2,504,063 | ) | (7,104,619 | ) | ||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | (3,598,569 | ) | 2,722,513 | 1,756,887 | (7,300,191 | ) | ||||||||||
Cost of investments for income tax purposes | $ | 46,672,349 | $ | 91,088,985 | $ | 27,292,576 | $ | 111,003,452 |
The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales and difference between premium amortization due to Accounting Standards Update 2017-08 and adjustments from partnership basis.
F. Income Taxes
No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Each Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.
As of and during the year ended November 30, 2022, each Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. Each Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. Each 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. Each Fund’s tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.
G. Lending of Portfolio Securities
The RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF and the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF have entered into a securities lending agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Co. (“SSB”), the Funds’ lending agent. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities only to borrowers that are approved by SSB. Each Fund will limit such lending to not more than 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. Each 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 each 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 each Fund on the next business day. During the term of the loan, each 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. Income earned by the Fund from securities lending activity is disclosed in the Statement of Operations.
37 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs | |
Notes to Financial Statements | November 30, 2022 |
The following is a summary of the Funds' securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of November 30, 2022:
Fund | Market Value of Securities on Loan | Cash Collateral Received | Non-Cash Collateral Received | Total Collateral Received | ||||||||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | $ | 4,152,810 | $ | 1,074,218 | $ | 3,112,750 | $ | 4,186,968 | ||||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 909,227 | 289,041 | 613,651 | 902,692 |
The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the Funds benefit from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Funds could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received. As of November 30, 2022, Riverfront Dynamic Core Income Fund ETF and the Riverfront Strategic Income Fund did not have any securities on loan.
The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of November 30, 2022:
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements | |||||||||||||||||||
Securities Lending Transactions | Overnight & Continuous | Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 1,074,218 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 1,074,218 | ||||||||||
Total Borrowings | 1,074,218 | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received) | $ | 1,074,218 |
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements | |||||||||||||||||||
Securities Lending Transactions | Overnight & Continuous | Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 289,041 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 289,041 | ||||||||||
Total Borrowings | 289,041 | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received) | $ | 289,041 |
3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS
ALPS Advisors, Inc. serves as the Funds’ investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis as a percentage of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below:
Fund | Advisory Fee |
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | 0.51%(a) |
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 0.52%(b) |
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 0.52%(b) |
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 0.11% |
(a) | The unitary advisory fee as a percentage of net assets is subject to the following breakpoints: (i) 0.51% for average net assets up to $600 million, (ii) 0.48% for average net assets equal to or greater than $600 million. |
(b) | The unitary advisory fee as a percentage of net assets is subject to the following breakpoints: (i) 0.52% for average net assets up to $600 million, (ii) 0.49% for average net assets equal to or greater than $600 million. |
Out of the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of each Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, trustees and other services, except for interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of each Fund's business. The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay substantially all of each Fund's expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services for each Fund.
ALPS Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, is the administrator for the Funds.
38 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs | |
Notes to Financial Statements | November 30, 2022 |
RiverFront Investment Group, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as each 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 besides RiverFront Strategic Income Fund, in which the Fund directly pays the Sub-Adviser. The fee is payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below:
Fund | Sub-Advisory Fee |
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | 0.35% |
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 0.35% |
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 0.35% |
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 0.35% |
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. 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.
4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
For the year ended November 30, 2022, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, were as follows:
Fund | Purchases | Sales | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | $ | 41,714,979 | $ | 34,068,075 | ||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 111,744,295 | 112,246,757 | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 39,116,515 | 39,008,134 | ||||||
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 38,193,103 | 27,401,437 |
For the year ended November 30, 2022, the cost of U.S. Government security purchases and proceeds from U.S. Government security sales were as follows:
Fund | Purchases | Sales | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | $ | 9,814,483 | $ | 12,702,749 | ||||
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 23,601,598 | 9,054,157 |
For the year ended November 30, 2022, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:
Fund | Purchases | Sales | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | $ | 3,825,373 | $ | 64,850,217 | ||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 54,302,542 | 91,491,711 | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 15,496,108 | 35,436,731 | ||||||
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 9,687,437 | 36,708,306 |
For the year ended November 30, 2022, the in-kind net realized gains/(losses) were as follows:
Fund | Net Realized Gain/(Loss) | |||
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | $ | (3,379,697 | ) | |
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 23,881,797 | |||
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 8,589,304 | |||
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | (2,502,238 | ) |
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.
39 | November 30, 2022
RiverFront ETFs | |
Notes to Financial Statements | November 30, 2022 |
5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from each 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 each 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. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Riverfront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF and the Riverfront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF engaged in cross trades between other funds in the Trust during the year ended November 30, 2022 pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds of the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7. These transactions related to cross trades during the period complied with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a- 7 and the Trust’s procedures. Transactions related to cross trades during the year ended November 30, 2022, were as follows:
Fund | Purchase Cost Paid | Sale Proceeds Received | Realized Gain/(Loss)on Sales | |||||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | $ | – | $ | 1,092,313 | $ | 47,817 | ||||||
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 1,092,313 | – | – |
7. MARKET RISK
The Funds are 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 each 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 each Fund holds, and may adversely affect each 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 each Fund’s securities or other assets. Such impacts may adversely affect the performance of the Funds.
8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events, if any, after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.
40 | November 30, 2022
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Additional Information | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 and a description of the Funds’ 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 Funds designate 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 | |
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF | 0.00% | 0.00% |
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF | 100.00% | 97.31% |
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF | 100.00% | 100.00% |
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund | 0.00% | 0.00% |
In early 2022, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year 2021 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2023 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2022.
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Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
At a meeting held on June 21, 2022 via electronic means (video-conference), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), evaluated a proposal to approve the continuance of (i) the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “AAI”) with respect to the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund (“RIGS”), RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF (“RFCI”), RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (“RFDA”) and RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF (“RFFC”) (each “a Fund” and collectively the “Funds”) and (ii) the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements between the Trust or RiverFront Investment Group, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser” or “RiverFront”) with respect to the Funds (the “RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements”). The Independent Trustees also met separately to consider the Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements.
In evaluating the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to each Fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including (i)the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI with respect to the applicable Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement; (ii) the advisory fees and other expenses paid by the Fund compared to those of similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the costs of the services provided to the Fund by AAI and the profits realized by AAI and its affiliates from its relationship to the Fund; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale have been or would be realized if and as the assets of the Fund grow and whether fees reflect the economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders; and (v) any additional benefits and other considerations.
With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered and reviewed information concerning the services provided under the Investment Advisory Agreements, financial information regarding AAI and its parent company, information describing AAI’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds.
The Board reviewed information on the performance of each Fund and its applicable benchmark, and with respect to each Fund, the FUSE performance group. Based on this review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, found that the nature and extent of services provided to each Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement was appropriate and that the quality was satisfactory.
The Board noted that the advisory fees for each Fund were unitary fees pursuant to which AAI assumes all expenses of the Funds (including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services) other than the payments under the Advisory Agreement, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses.
With respect to advisory fee rates, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, noted the following:
The gross management fee rate for RFCI is higher than the median of its FUSE expense group. RFCI’s net expense ratio is slightly above the median of its respective FUSE expense group.
The gross management fee rate of each of RIGS, RFFC and RFDA is lower than the median of their respective FUSE expense groups. These Funds’ respective net expense ratios are also below the median of their respective FUSE expense groups.
Based on the foregoing, and the other information available to them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the advisory fee rate for each of the Funds were reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of the services provided.
The Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered other benefits available to AAI because of its relationship with the Funds and concluded that the advisory fees were reasonable taking into account any such benefits.
The Board, including the Independent Trustees, also considered with respect to each Fund the information provided by AAI about the costs and profitability of AAI with respect to each of the Funds, including the asset levels and other factors that influence the profitability and financial viability of the Funds. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed and noted the relatively small sizes of the Funds and concluded that AAI was not realizing any economies of scale. The Independent Trustees determined that AAI should continue to keep the Board informed on an ongoing basis of any significant developments (e.g., material increases in asset levels) so as to facilitate the Independent Trustees’ evaluation of whether further economies of scale have been achieved.
In voting to renew the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, the fees paid by certain other funds, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the members of the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together.
42 | November 30, 2022
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Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements
The Board, including the Independent Trustees, discussed the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements.
In evaluating the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by RiverFront with respect to the Funds under the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements; (ii) the advisory fees and other expenses paid by the Funds compared to those of similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the profitability to RiverFront of its sub-advisory relationship with the Funds and the reasonableness of compensation to RiverFront; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if, and as, the Funds’ assets increase, and whether the fee level in the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements reflects these economies of scale; and (v) any additional benefits and other considerations.
With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by RiverFront under the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered and reviewed information concerning the services provided under the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Funds’ respective performance, financial information regarding RiverFront, information describing RiverFront’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds. Based upon their review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that RiverFront was qualified to oversee the portfolio management of the Funds and that the services provided by RiverFront to the Funds are satisfactory. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered that the contractual sub-advisory fee to be paid to RiverFront from RIGS was 0.35% of RIGS’ average daily net assets out of a total management fee of 0.46% of RIGS’ average daily net assets. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered that the contractual sub-advisory fee to be paid to RiverFront with respect to each of RFCI, RFDA and RFFC was 0.35% of each Fund’s average daily net assets out of a total management fee of 0.51% with respect to RFCI’s average daily net assets, and 0.52% with respect to each of RFDA’s and RFFC’s average daily net assets, respectively. Based on the consideration of all factors deemed relevant by them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the sub-advisory fees received by RiverFront under the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements were reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of services provided.
With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by RiverFront, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered the resources involved in managing the Funds. Based on their review of the profitability of each of the Funds to RiverFront, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the profitability of each Fund to RiverFront was not unreasonable.
The Board, including the Independent Trustees, also considered other benefits that have been and may be realized by RiverFront from its relationships with each Fund and concluded that the sub-advisory fees with respect to each Fund were reasonable taking into account such benefits.
The Board, including the Independent Trustees, noted that RIGS had increased in assets over the prior year. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered the extent to which economies of scale may be realized if RIGS’ assets continue to grow in size and whether fee levels reflect a reasonable sharing of such economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund’s investors. They also noted that RIGS has experienced fluctuations in assets, which makes it difficult to quantify the potential variability in net assets and thus determine the sustainability of any potential economies of scale which may exist. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, also noted that RFCI and RFDA are only beginning to reach scale in terms of assets and that RFFC had a significant decline in assets over the prior year. The Independent Trustees determined that AAI should continue to keep the Board informed on an ongoing basis of any significant developments (e.g., material increases in asset levels) so as to facilitate the Independent Trustees’ evaluation of whether further economies of scale have been achieved with respect to each Fund.
In voting to approve each of the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the terms of each RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together.
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Trustees & Officers | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
The general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser for the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trust currently has four Trustees, each of whom have no affiliation or business connection with the Adviser or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by the Adviser. These are the “non-interested” or “independent” Trustees (“Independent Trustees”).
The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Independent Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are shown below.
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | |||||
Name, Address & Year of Birth* | Position(s) Held with Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
Mary K. Anstine, 1940 |
Trustee |
Since March 2008 |
Ms. Anstine is Trustee/Director of AV Hunter Trust and Colorado Uplift Board. | 38 | Ms. Anstine is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (29 funds); and Reaves Utility Income Fund. |
Jeremy W. Deems, 1976 |
Trustee |
Since March 2008 |
Mr. Deems is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Green Alpha Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor, and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Shelton Green Alpha Fund. | 38 | Mr. Deems is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (29 funds); and Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Clough Funds Trust (1 fund). |
Rick A. Pederson, 1952 |
Trustee |
Since March 2008 |
Mr. Pederson is Partner, Bow River Capital Partners (private equity management), 2003 - present; Board Member, Prosci Inc. (private business services) 2013-2016; Advisory Board Member, Citywide Banks (Colorado community bank) 2014-2017; Board Member, Strong-Bridge Consulting, 2015-2019; Board Member, IRI/ODMS Holdings LLC, 2017 - 2019; Director, National Western Stock Show (not for profit) 2010 - present; Director, History Colorado (not for profit) 2015- present; Director, Citywide Bank Advisory Board 2017-present; Trustee, Boettcher Foundation, 2018 -present. |
24 | Mr. Pederson is Trustee of Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds), Principal Real Estate Income Fund (1 fund). |
* | The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. |
** | This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected. |
*** | The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services. |
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Trustees & Officers | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
Name, Address & Year of Birth* | Position(s) Held with Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served** | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** | Other Directorships Held by Trustees |
Edmund J. Burke, 1961 |
Trustee |
Since December 2017 |
Mr. Burke joined ALPS in 1991 and served as the President and Director of ALPS Holdings, Inc., and ALPS Advisors, Inc., and Director of ALPS Distributors, Inc., ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”), and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (collectively, the “ALPS Companies”). Mr. Burke retired from the ALPS Companies in June 2019. Mr. Burke is currently a partner at ETF Action, a webbased system that provides data and analytics to registered investment advisers, (since 2020) and a Director of Alliance Bioenergy Plus, Inc., a technology company focused on emerging technologies in the renewable energy, biofuels, and bioplastics technology sectors (since 2020). | 33 | Mr. Burke is a Trustee of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Equity Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Opportunities Fund (1 fund); Clough Funds Trust (1 fund); Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (1 fund); Director of the Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc. (1 fund) and Financial Investors Trust (29 funds). |
* | The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. |
** | This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected. |
*** | The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services. |
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Trustees & Officers | November 30, 2022 (Unaudited) |
OFFICERS: | |||
Name, Address and Year of Birth of Officer* | Position(s) Held with Trust |