October 31, 2015
annual
REPORT
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Clough China Fund
RiverFront Global Allocation Series
An ALPS Advisors Solution
. table of
CONTENTS
Disclosure of Fund Expenses ---------------------------------- 1
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
Management Commentary ------------------------------- 5
Performance Update -------------------------------------- 6
Statement of Investments --------------------------------- 8
Statement of Assets and Liabilities ----------------------- 9
Statement of Operations ---------------------------------- 10
Statements of Changes in Net Assets ------------------- 11
Financial Highlights ----------------------------------------- 12
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Management Commentary ------------------------------- 16
Performance Update -------------------------------------- 18
Consolidated Statement of Investments ----------------- 20
Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities ------- 27
Consolidated Statement of Operations ------------------ 28
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets --- 29
Consolidated Financial Highlights ------------------------ 30
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Management Commentary ------------------------------- 33
Performance Update -------------------------------------- 36
Consolidated Statement of Investments ----------------- 38
Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities ------- 40
Consolidated Statement of Operations ------------------ 41
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets --- 42
Consolidated Financial Highlights ------------------------ 43
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Management Commentary ------------------------------- 46
Performance Update -------------------------------------- 48
Statement of Investments --------------------------------- 51
Statement of Assets and Liabilities ----------------------- 53
Statement of Operations ---------------------------------- 54
Statements of Changes in Net Assets ------------------- 55
Financial Highlights ----------------------------------------- 56
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
Management Commentary ------------------------------- 60
Performance Update -------------------------------------- 61
Statement of Investments --------------------------------- 63
Statement of Assets and Liabilities ----------------------- 64
Statement of Operations ---------------------------------- 65
Statements of Changes in Net Assets ------------------- 66
Financial Highlights ----------------------------------------- 67
www.alpsfunds.com
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Management Commentary ------------------------------- 70
Performance Update -------------------------------------- 71
Statement of Investments --------------------------------- 73
Statement of Assets and Liabilities ----------------------- 82
Statement of Operations ---------------------------------- 84
Statements of Changes in Net Assets ------------------- 85
Financial Highlights ----------------------------------------- 86
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Management Commentary ------------------------------- 89
Performance Update -------------------------------------- 91
Statement of Investments --------------------------------- 93
Statement of Assets and Liabilities ----------------------- 97
Statement of Operations ---------------------------------- 98
Statements of Changes in Net Assets ------------------- 99
Financial Highlights ----------------------------------------- 100
Clough China Fund
Management Commentary ------------------------------- 103
Performance Update -------------------------------------- 106
Statement of Investments --------------------------------- 108
Statement of Assets and Liabilities ----------------------- 111
Statement of Operations ---------------------------------- 112
Statements of Changes in Net Assets ------------------- 113
Financial Highlights ----------------------------------------- 114
RiverFront Global Allocation Series
Management Commentary ------------------------------- 117
Performance Update -------------------------------------- 119
Statements of Investments -------------------------------- 129
Statements of Assets and Liabilities ---------------------- 138
Statements of Operations --------------------------------- 140
Statements of Changes in Net Assets ------------------- 141
Financial Highlights ----------------------------------------- 146
Notes to Financial Statements --------------------------------- 163
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm---- 197
Additional Information ------------------------------------------ 198
Trustees and Officers-------------------------------------------- 215
. Disclosure of Fund Expenses
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Examples. As a shareholder of the Funds, you will incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including applicable sales charges (loads) and
redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12bâ€1) fees, shareholder service fees and other Fund
expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare
these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on May 1, 2015
and held until October 31, 2015.
Actual Expenses. The first line under each class in the following 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 paid over the period. Simply divide
your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line
under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period May 1, 2015 – October 31, 2015” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during
this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes. The second line under each class in the following 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 the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds
and other mutual funds. To do so, compare these 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder
reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as
sales charges or redemption fees. Therefore, the second line under each class in the following table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and
will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs
would have been higher.
1 | October 31, 2015
. Disclosure of Fund Expenses
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Beginning Account Value
May 1, 2015
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
Class A
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund(c)
Class A
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
(d)
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Class A
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Class A
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class R
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
Class A
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Ending Account Value
October 31, 2015
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
761.10
1,018.90
763.40
1,015.88
763.20
1,020.92
841.20
1,017.90
837.90
1,014.87
843.20
1,019.41
989.00
1,015.53
986.30
1,012.10
990.70
1,017.14
959.00
1,018.10
954.90
1,014.52
959.40
1,019.36
958.40
1,017.09
954.00
1,017.39
950.80
1,014.37
956.10
1,019.41
2 | October 31, 2015
Expense
Ratio(a)
Expenses Paid
During Period
May 1, 2015 October 31, 2015(b)
1.25%
1.25%
1.85%
1.85%
0.85%
0.85%
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.45%
1.45%
2.05%
2.05%
1.15%
1.15%
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.92%
1.92%
2.60%
2.60%
1.60%
1.60%
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.41%
1.41%
2.12%
2.12%
1.16%
1.16%
1.61%
1.61%
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.55%
1.55%
2.15%
2.15%
1.15%
1.15%
$
$
$
$
$
$
5.55
6.36
8.22
9.40
3.78
4.33
6.73
7.38
9.50
10.41
5.34
5.85
9.63
9.75
13.02
13.19
8.03
8.13
6.96
7.17
10.45
10.76
5.73
5.90
7.95
8.19
7.63
7.88
10.57
10.92
5.67
5.85
. Disclosure of Fund Expenses
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Beginning Account Value
May 1, 2015
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Class A
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Class A
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Clough China Fund
Class A
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
Class A
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
Class A
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $
1,000.00
Ending Account Value
October 31, 2015
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
984.10
1,019.41
791.10
1,015.38
788.10
1,011.59
794.30
1,016.64
983.40
1,019.41
980.30
1,015.63
985.20
1,020.67
959.70
1,019.41
955.90
1,015.63
960.90
1,020.67
3 | October 31, 2015
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.15%
1.15%
1.90%
1.90%
0.90%
0.90%
979.20
1,014.37
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.95%
1.95%
2.70%
2.70%
1.70%
1.70%
983.00
1,018.15
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.40%
1.40%
2.15%
2.15%
1.15%
1.15%
983.70
1,015.17
2.21%
2.21%
2.99%
2.99%
1.99%
1.99%
978.50
1,010.13
Expense
Ratio(a)
982.40
1,014.06
Expenses Paid
During Period
May 1, 2015 October 31, 2015(b)
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.15%
1.15%
1.90%
1.90%
0.90%
0.90%
$
$
$
$
$
$
11.04
11.22
14.91
15.15
9.95
10.11
7.00
7.12
10.73
10.92
5.75
5.85
8.80
9.91
12.17
13.69
7.69
8.64
5.75
5.85
9.48
9.65
4.50
4.58
5.68
5.85
9.37
9.65
4.45
4.58
. Disclosure of Fund Expenses
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Ending Account Value
October 31, 2015
Beginning Account Value
May 1, 2015
Expenses Paid
During Period
May 1, 2015 October 31, 2015(b)
Expense
Ratio(a)
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
Class A
Actual
1,000.00
$
950.90
1.15%
5.65
$
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
$
1,019.41
1.15%
$
5.85
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
947.00
1.90%
9.32
$
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
1,015.63
1.90%
9.65
$
$
Class I
Actual
$
1,000.00
$
952.30
0.90%
4.43
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
1,020.67
0.90%
4.58
$
$
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
Class A
Actual
$
1,000.00
$
945.80
1.15%
5.64
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
1,019.41
1.15%
5.85
$
$
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
942.10
1.90%
9.30
$
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
$
1,015.63
1.90%
$
9.65
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
946.70
0.90%
4.42
$
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
1,020.67
0.90%
4.58
$
$
Class L
Actual
1,000.00
$
946.60
0.90%
4.42
$
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
1,020.67
0.90%
4.58
$
$
Investor Class
Actual
1,000.00
$
945.50
1.15%
5.64
$
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
1,019.41
1.15%
5.85
$
$
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
Class A
Actual
$
1,000.00
$
977.30
1.15%
5.73
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
1,000.00
$
1,019.41
1.15%
5.85
$
$
Class C
Actual
1,000.00
$
972.80
1.90%
9.45
$
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$
1,000.00
$
1,015.63
1.90%
$
9.65
Class I
Actual
1,000.00
$
977.00
0.90%
4.48
$
$
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $
1,000.00
1,020.67
0.90%
4.58
$
$
(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 (184), divided by 365.
(c)
Includes expenses of the CoreCommodity Management Cayman Commodity Fund Ltd. (wholly-owned subsidiary), exclusive of the subsidiary's
management fee.
(d)
Includes expenses of the Kotak Mauritius Portfolio (wholly-owned subsidiary).
4 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
During the twelveâ€month period of November 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015 the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund’s (“Fund”) Class A shares
delivered a net return of â€27.23% at Net Asset Value. Class A delivered a net return of â€31.24% at MOP, Class C was â€27.85% with CDSC, and Class I
was â€26.95%. This compares to the Fund’s index, the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index (“AMZI”), which fell â€33.3% on a priceâ€return and â€29.1% on a
totalâ€return basis. The difference in performance for this period between the AMZI and the Fund is primarily attributable to the Fund’s operating
expenses and the impact of the Fund’s C Corporation tax election.
During the period, the fund paid four distributions*:
• $0.1820 on February 19, 2015
• $0.1839 on May 20, 2015
• $0.1860 on August 19, 2015
• $0.1879 on October 30, 2015
These distributions represent 1.1%, 1.0%, 1.1%, and 1.0% increases respectively from their previous quarters. On an annual basis, the Fund
increased its distribution by 4.3% when comparing the October 30, 2015 distribution versus the October 31, 2014 distribution of $0.1800.
The majority of master limited partnerships (MLPs) in the AMZI generated negative returns during the period. The top contributor to the AMZI
during the period was Tesoro Logistics Partners LP (TLLP), which fell 0.4%. Bottom contributors included Targa Resource Partners (NGLS), NGL
Energy Partners (NGL), and DCP Midstream (DPM).
During the period, Shell Midstream Partners (SHLX) was added to the AMZI and Williams Partners, Atlas Pipeline Partners, Regency Energy Partners,
and Crestwood Midstream Partners were removed due to merger activity.
Weakness in the energy markets persisted, with crude oil prices falling over 60% from $80/barrel to roughly $46 by the end of October, with a brief
stint of subâ€$40/barrel prices in late August. During the period, MLP price performance exhibited strong correlations to falling energy prices.
Historically however, MLPs have exhibited weak correlations to commodity prices over a longer time frame. Investor sentiment for the energy
macro picture remains weak, particularly since North American crude production has not slowed enough to address global oversupply issues.
Continued growth in US production through May 2015—despite prices peaking 11 months earlier—and the slowdown in China and Europe
exacerbated the supply/demand imbalance during the period.
Infrastructure MLPs have not been immune. Estimates for capital spending, distribution growth, and cash flow have come down to reflect a
moderated growth outlook. While we recognize these adjustments are necessary, we note they do not signal that infrastructure MLP distributions
are no longer growing, nor do they signal that infrastructure MLP distributions are in jeopardy. Rather, distributions may not grow at similar rates
as previous years in the near term. During the period, AMZI distribution growth totaled 7.6%. Of the 22 MLPs in the AMZI, 15 increased their
distribution during the third calendar quarter of 2015 and the remaining 7 maintained their distribution.
Unlike the last commodity downturn during 2007â€2008, access to capital is still available to MLPs. Not to mention, many MLPs can finance growth
internally by maintaining higher distribution coverage. MLPs continue to announce organic projects backed by longâ€term binding commitments.
These projects vary by product handled, including crude oil, natural gas, NGLs, refined products, and propane. They also vary by asset type,
including pipelines, processing plants, and fractionation plants. While the nearâ€term outlook for energy seems uncertain, the longâ€term
fundamentals for energy infrastructure MLPs to support the domestic supply of energy resources remain intact. We continue to believe that MLPs
represent a potentially compelling investment opportunity for investors seeking afterâ€tax yield and access to real assets.
The views of the author and information discussed in this commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change, and may not reflect the
writer’s current views. The views expressed are those of the author only, and represent an assessment of market conditions at a specific point in time,
are opinions only and should not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular investment or markets in general. Such information does
not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or investment vehicles. It should not be assumed that any investment will be
profitable or will equal the performance of the fund(s) or any securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter.
The subject matter contained in this
letter has been derived from several sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation. Neither ALPS Advisors, Inc., Alerian,
nor the Fund accept any liability for losses either direct or consequential caused by the use of this information.
Diversification cannot guarantee gain or prevent losses.
*
At the time of the distribution the character was estimated to be 100% return of capital. Please reference the year-end tax forms for the
final character.
5 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$16k
$14k
$12k
Alerian MLP Infrastructure
Index - $10,565
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure
Index Fund Class A, (NAV) - $9,317
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure
Index Fund Class A, (MOP) - $8,807
$10k
$8k
10/31/15
4/30/15
10/31/14
4/30/14
10/31/13
4/30/13
12/31/12^
$6k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
6 Month
â€2.46%
â€31.24%
â€4.39%
â€27.18%
â€2.70%
â€24.38%
â€27.85%
â€2.70%
â€23.68%
Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index
â€27.23%
â€23.66%
1
Since Inception^
â€28.08%
Class A (NAV)
Class A (MOP)
Class C (NAV)
Class C (CDSC)
Class I
1 Year
â€23.89%
â€26.95%
â€2.22%
â€24.53%
â€29.05%
1.96%
Total Expense Ratio*
What You Pay*,**
2.22%
1.25%
2.82%
1.85%
1.81%
0.85%
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%.
Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account. If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load). A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
6 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
1
Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index is comprised of midstream energy Master Limited Partnerships. The index is not actively managed and does not
reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor may not invest directly in an index.
^
Fund inception date of December 31, 2012.
* Excludes deferred income tax expense of 4.49% for Class A, 4.27% for Class C, and 4.63% for Class I.
** What You Pay reflects the Advisor's and Sub-Advisor’s decision to contractually limit expenses through February 29, 2016. Please see the
prospectus for additional information.
Investments in securities of MLPs involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock.
MLPs are controlled by their general partners, which
generally have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary duties to the MLP, which may permit the general partner to favor its own interests over the
MLPs. The benefit you are expected to derive from the Fund’s investment in MLPs depends largely on the MLPs being treated as partnerships for
federal income tax purposes. As a partnership, an MLP has no federal income tax liability at the entity level.
Therefore, treatment of one or more
MLPs as a corporation for federal income tax purposes could affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective and would reduce the amount
of cash available to pay or distribute to you. Legislative, judicial, or administrative changes and differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive
basis, could negatively impact the value of an investment in MLPs and therefore the value of your investment in the Fund.
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company. The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change.
Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets) †
Industry Sector Allocation (as a % of Total Investments)
Enterprise Products Partners LP
10.69%
Energy Transfer Partners LP
7.32%
Magellan Midstream Partners LP
7.29%
Plains All American Pipeline LP
7.17%
Williams Partners LP
6.43%
MarkWest Energy Partners LP
6.34%
Enbridge Energy Partners LP
5.24%
ONEOK Partners LP
4.97%
Buckeye Partners LP
4.85%
Targa Resources Partners LP
Top Ten Holdings
Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum - 41.90%
Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas - 30.76%
Gathering & Processing - 25.65%
4.63%
64.93%
†
Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the
current or future position of the Portfolio. Table presents
approximate values only.
7 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (98.31%)
Gathering & Processing (25.65%)
Pipelines (25.65%)
DCP Midstream Partners LP
EnLink Midstream Partners LP
MarkWest Energy Partners LP
Targa Resources Partners LP
Western Gas Partners LP
Williams Partners LP
23,010
34,082
39,401
41,907
19,406
51,673
$
661,077
587,915
1,721,036
1,257,210
992,035
1,746,547
6,965,820
TOTAL GATHERING & PROCESSING
6,965,820
Common Abbreviations:
LP - Limited Partnerships.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
1,987,774
2,903,416
900,622
1,349,433
608,317
603,234
8,352,796
Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas (30.76%)
Pipelines (30.76%)
Energy Transfer Partners LP
45,013
Enterprise Products Partners LP 105,082
EQT Midstream Partners LP
12,164
ONEOK Partners LP
42,395
Spectra Energy Partners LP
14,101
TC PipeLines LP
11,677
TOTAL PIPELINE TRANSPORTATION | NATURAL
GAS
8,352,796
Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum (41.90%)
Pipelines (41.90%)
Buckeye Partners LP
19,403
Enbridge Energy Partners LP
50,901
Genesis Energy LP
23,641
Magellan Midstream Partners LP 31,021
NGL Energy Partners LP
23,246
NuStar Energy LP
16,144
Plains All American Pipeline LP
61,341
Shell Midstream Partners LP
13,363
Sunoco Logistics Partners LP
42,014
Tesoro Logistics LP
14,913
1,316,105
1,422,174
952,969
1,979,450
430,516
817,694
1,945,736
457,415
1,220,087
836,172
11,378,318
11,378,318
TOTAL PIPELINE TRANSPORTATION |
PETROLEUM
TOTAL MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS
(Cost $31,484,363)
26,696,934
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (98.31%)
(Cost $31,484,363)
Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities (1.69%)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
$ 26,696,934
459,050
$ 27,155,984
8 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2015
ASSETS
Investments, at value
Receivable for investments sold
Receivable for shares sold
Dividends receivable
Deferred tax asset(a) (Note 4)
Income tax receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total Assets
$
26,696,934
258,695
264,754
277,384
–
6,904
10,624
27,515,295
$
2,800
39,160
252,058
4,965
3,469
17,318
4
28,576
10,961
359,311
27,155,984
$
$
LIABILITIES
Franchise tax payable
Payable for shares redeemed
Payable due to custodian †overdraft
Investment advisory fees payable
Administration and transfer agency fees payable
Distribution and services fees payable
Trustees' fees and expenses payable
Professional fees payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total Liabilities
NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
Paidâ€in capital
Accumulated net investment loss, net of deferred income taxes
Accumulated net realized loss on investments, net of deferred income taxes
Net unrealized depreciation on investments, net of deferred income taxes
NET ASSETS
INVESTMENTS, AT COST
PRICING OF SHARES
$ 31,484,363
Class A:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Maximum offering price per share ((NAV/0.9450), based on maximum sales charge of 5.50% of the offering price)
Class C:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share(b)
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Class I:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
$
$
$
(b)
7.60
14,393,110
1,894,449
8.04
$
$
7.54
8,290,640
1,100,131
$
$
7.66
4,472,234
583,877
(a)
35,019,545
(651,915)
(2,421,153)
(4,790,493)
27,155,984
Any net deferred tax asset was fully offset by a 100% valuation allowance.
Redemption price per share may be reduced for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. For a description of a possible sales charge,
please see the Fund's Prospectus.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended October 31, 2015
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends
Distributions from master limited partnerships
Less return of capital distributions
Total Investment Income
$
150
1,783,256
(1,783,256)
150
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fees
Administrative fees
Transfer agency fees
Distribution and service fees
Class A
Class C
Professional fees
Reports to shareholders and printing fees
State registration fees
SEC registration fees
Insurance fees
Franchise tax expenses
Custody fees
Trustees' fees and expenses
Miscellaneous expenses
Total Expenses
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment advisor (Note 8)
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Expenses
Net Investment Loss, Before Income Taxes
Income tax expense
Income tax expense †Class A
Income tax expense †Class C
Net Investment Loss, Net of Income Taxes
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS)
Net realized loss on investments, before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net Realized Loss on investments, Net of Income Taxes
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investment, before deferred income taxes
Income tax benefit
Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Investments
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS, NET OF INCOME TAXES
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10 | October 31, 2015
54,871
90,921
84,911
7,759
42,831
1,303
287
2,385
14,125
677
16,727
554,601
(74,023)
(48,445)
(34,034)
398,099
(397,949)
(60,756)
(15,096)
(15,409)
(489,210)
(2,029,855)
(22,374)
(2,052,229)
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
205,873
30,998
933
$
(8,253,358)
1,238,743
(7,014,615)
(9,066,844)
(9,556,054)
. ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
OPERATIONS
Net investment loss, net of income taxes
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments, net of income taxes
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, net of
deferred income taxes
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
(489,210) $
(2,052,229)
(84,514) $
3,372
(70,565)
(40,286)
(7,014,615)
(9,556,054)
902,714
821,572
918,233
807,382
DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Distributions to shareholders from tax return of capital
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(4,150)
(2,627)
(1,614)
(1,160,636)
(734,478)
(451,330)
(2,354,835)
(26,390)
(32,401)
(36,117)
(422,657)
(205,706)
(200,052)
(923,323)
(137,326)
(42,694)
(47,927)
(120,029)
(41,147)
(74,680)
(463,803)
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Distributions reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Shares redeemed
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Increase in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment loss, net of deferred income taxes, of:
(a)
12,474,282
8,002,639
7,103,832
1,105,212
721,890
448,126
(4,057,509)
(3,615,264)
(7,165,800)
15,017,408
3,106,519
24,049,465
$ 27,155,984
$
(651,915)
$
$
3,317,091
3,457,848
5,196,869
427,003
178,058
219,273
(1,375,093)
(245,100)
(184,339)
10,991,610
10,889,859
13,159,606
24,049,465
(162,705)
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
11 | October 31, 2015
$
$
9,171,152
3,336,491
1,646,324
240,424
58,350
118,124
(2,345,899)
(621,954)
(2,533,055)
9,069,957
9,413,536
3,746,070
13,159,606
(78,191)
. ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$11.32
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From tax return of capital
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
(0.05)
0.67
0.62
(0.03)
(0.50)
(0.53)
0.09
$11.32
(0.09)
0.90
0.81
(0.36)
(0.32)
(0.68)
0.13
$11.23
(0.03)
1.29
1.26
–
(0.16)
(0.16)
1.10
$11.10
(27.23)%
Net investment loss(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
$11.10
For the Period
January 2, 2013
(Commencement)
to
April 30, 2013
$10.00
(0.15)
(2.83)
(2.98)
(c)
(0.00)
(0.74)
(0.74)
(3.72)
$7.60
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$11.23
5.61%
7.59%
12.68%
$14,393
$10,619
$8,223
$928
1.77%
(0.53%)
2.20%(e)
(e)
(0.97%)
3.09%
(1.84%)
5.51%(e)(f)
(4.26%)(e)(f)
1.24%(g)
1.23%(e)(g)
1.25%
1.25%(e)(f)
(4.03%)
(2.79%)
4.49%(e)
5.72%(e)
5.38%
6.63%
20.55%(e)
21.80%(e)
(1.77%)
(0.53%)
(e)
(2.20%)
(e)
(0.97%)
(3.09%)
(1.84%)
(5.51%)(e)(f)
(4.26%)(e)(f)
(1.24%)(g)
(1.23%)(e)(g)
(1.25%)
(1.25%)(e)(f)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets before waivers, franchise
tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of expense waivers to average net assets
Ratio of expenses to average net assets net of waivers before
franchise tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of franchise tax expense and income tax expense/(benefit)
to average net assets(h)
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
Ratio of investment loss to average net assets before waivers,
franchise tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of expense waivers to average net assets
Ratio of investment loss to average net assets net of waivers before
franchise tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of franchise tax expense and income tax (expense)/benefit to
average net assets(i)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(j)
(0.34%)
(1.58%)
52%
0.43%(e)
(0.80%)(e)
7%
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12 | October 31, 2015
0.43%
(0.82%)
63%
0.40%(e)
(0.85%)(e)
3%
. ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
(h)
(i)
(j)
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Expense ratios before reductions for startup periods may not be representative of longer term operating periods.
According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Class A shares, any amount of such payment not paid during the
Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical after the end of the fiscal year.
Fees were
reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, for the prior fiscal year in the amount of 0.01% and
0.02% (annualized) of average net assets of Class A shares respectively.
Adjustment for income tax expense/(benefit) for the ratio calculation is derived from the net investment loss, and realized and
unrealized gains/losses.
Adjustment for income tax (expense)/benefit for the ratio calculation is derived from net investment loss only.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
13 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund – Class C
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$11.23
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
$11.09
For the Period
January 2, 2013
(Commencement)
to
April 30, 2013
$10.00
(0.22)
(2.73)
(2.95)
(c)
(0.00)
(0.74)
(0.74)
(3.69)
$7.54
(0.07)
0.66
0.59
(0.08)
(0.45)
(0.53)
0.06
$11.23
(0.13)
0.89
0.76
(0.35)
(0.33)
(0.68)
0.08
$11.17
(0.05)
1.30
1.25
–
(0.16)
(0.16)
1.09
$11.09
(27.18)%
5.37%
7.13%
12.58%
$8,291
$6,773
$3,429
$563
2.38%
(0.53%)
2.82%(e)
(e)
(0.97%)
3.71%
(1.86%)
7.01%(e)(f)
(5.16%)(e)(f)
1.85%
1.85%(e)
1.85%
1.85%(e)(f)
(4.09%)
(2.24%)
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$11.17
4.27%(e)
6.12%(e)
5.16%
7.01%
20.55%(e)
22.40%(e)
(2.38%)
(0.53%)
(2.82%)(e)
(e)
(0.97%)
(3.71%)
(1.86%)
(7.01%)(e)(f)
(5.16%)(e)(f)
(1.85%)
(1.85%)(e)
(1.85%)
(1.85%)(e)(f)
(0.40%)
(2.25%)
52%
0.65%(e)
(1.20%)(e)
7%
0.65%
(1.20%)
63%
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment loss(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From tax return of capital
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets before waivers, franchise
tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of expense waivers to average net assets
Ratio of expenses to average net assets net of waivers before
franchise tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of franchise tax expense and income tax expense/(benefit)
to average net assets(g)
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
Ratio of investment loss to average net assets before waivers,
franchise tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of expense waivers to average net assets
Ratio of investment loss to average net assets net of waivers before
franchise tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of franchise tax expense and income tax (expense)/benefit
to average net assets(h)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(i)
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
(h)
(i)
0.40%(e)
(1.45%)(e)
3%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Expense ratios before reductions for startup periods may not be representative of longer term operating periods.
Adjustment for income tax expense/(benefit) for the ratio calculation is derived from the net investment loss, and realized and
unrealized gains/losses.
Adjustment for income tax (expense)/benefit for the ratio calculation is derived from net investment loss only.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$11.36
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
$11.11
For the Period
January 2, 2013
(Commencement)
to
April 30, 2013
$10.00
(0.11)
(2.85)
(2.96)
(c)
(0.00)
(0.74)
(0.74)
(3.70)
$7.66
(0.03)
0.67
0.64
(0.04)
(0.49)
(0.53)
0.11
$11.36
(0.06)
0.88
0.82
(0.27)
(0.41)
(0.68)
0.14
$11.25
(0.02)
1.29
1.27
–
(0.16)
(0.16)
1.11
$11.11
(26.95)%
5.78%
7.68%
12.78%
$4,472
$6,658
$1,507
$2,256
1.38%
(0.53%)
1.81%(e)
(e)
(0.96%)
3.03%
(2.18%)
6.01%(e)(f)
(5.16%)(e)(f)
0.85%
0.85%(e)
0.85%
0.85%(e)(f)
(3.92%)
(3.07%)
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$11.25
4.63%(e)
5.48%(e)
5.53%
6.38%
20.55%(e)
21.40%(e)
(1.38%)
(0.53%)
(1.81%)(e)
(e)
(0.96%)
(3.03%)
(2.18%)
(6.01%)(e)(f)
(5.16%)(e)(f)
(0.85%)
(0.85%)(e)
(0.85%)
(0.85%)(e)(f)
(0.23%)
(1.08%)
52%
0.28%(e)
(0.57%)(e)
7%
0.29%
(0.56%)
63%
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment loss(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From tax return of capital
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets before waivers, franchise
tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of expense waivers to average net assets
Ratio of expenses to average net assets net of waivers before
franchise tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of franchise tax expense and income tax expense/(benefit)
to average net assets(g)
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
Ratio of investment loss to average net assets before waivers,
franchise tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of expense waivers to average net assets
Ratio of investment loss to average net assets net of waivers before
franchise tax expense and income tax expense/benefit
Ratio of franchise tax expense and income tax (expense)/benefit
to average net assets(h)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(i)
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
(h)
(i)
0.40%(e)
(0.45%)(e)
3%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Expense ratios before reductions for startup periods may not be representative of longer term operating periods.
Adjustment for income tax expense/(benefit) estimate for the ratio calculation is derived from the net investment loss, and realized and
unrealized gains/losses.
Adjustment for income tax (expense)/benefit for the ratio calculation is derived from net investment loss only.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
15 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
The twelve month period ending on October 31, 2015 produced
negative returns for commodities. Commodity futures prices, as
measured by the diversified Bloomberg Commodities Total Return
Index, were down (25.72%). Thomson Reuters/CoreCommodity CRB
Total Return Index was down (28.05%) for the same period.
Commodity equities also declined during the period, down (21.44%) as
measured by the Standard and Poor’s Global Natural Resources Net
Total Return Index. Commodity equities diverged notably from the
performance of the broader Standard & Poor’s 500 Total Return Index
for the period which posted +5.20% gains. The ALPS CoreCommodity
Management Complete Commodities® Strategy Fund (JCRIX)(the
“Fund”) delivered a net negative return of â€24.88% (JCRAX was â€
29.35% at MOP and JCRCX was down â€26.41% with CDSC).
The Fund outperformed its benchmark, the Bloomberg Commodity
Total Return Index, by 84 basis points during this period (measured
against the performance of the “I” shares). The Fund employs a
strategy that combines an actively managed portfolio of commodity
futures related exposure (collateralized by U.S. Treasury Inflation
Protected Securities – TIPS), commodity equities, and physical
commodity ETF’s. At the end of October, the Fund allocated
approximately 65% of its assets toward commodity futures related
investments and approximately 35% of its assets in commodity
equities. The Fund was more than 99% invested at the end of
the period.
Commodity prices were under considerable pressure during the
twelve month period ended October 31, 2015. Cocoa was the only
major commodity constituent to appreciate for the period, up
12.42%. Cocoa was supported by robust global demand and
production difficulties in the key West African nations of the Ivory
Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Togo.
The most noteworthy decline in the price of commodities occurred
in crude oil. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US benchmark
crude, fell (42.15%) in the twelve month period ending in October.
Natural gas prices posted nearly similar losses (40.07%). Crude oil
product prices dropped as well, but not quite as sharply; heating oil
down (39.60%) and reformulated gasoline (36.14%). Decisions that
were made last November by OPEC and voiced by Saudi Arabia
during our 2014 Thanksgiving holiday had a meaningful effect on an
already oversupplied and declining energy complex. No production
cuts were called for by OPEC and prices recoiled further.
Reductions in energy costs weighed on the cost of production for
other commodities. Global gross domestic product (GDP) growth
was challenged by a variety of factors. The decline in growth rates
led to hiring slowdowns, reductions in wages, and smaller amounts
of disposable incomes. The effects could be felt throughout the
commodity asset class. Industrial metals like nickel, essential in the
manufacturing of stainless steel (36.22%), copper (23.94%), and
aluminum (29.08%) clearly reflect the lowered demand and high
inventory pressure.
Calm weather conditions without any major disruptions around the
globe led to high yields and lowered prices for many agricultural
commodities. Fertilizer and seed costs were negatively impacted by
energy price reductions. Soybean prices fell (15.58%), wheat
dropped (11.42%) and corn prices declined by (8.26%). Coffee prices
(35.66%), were hurt by expanding supplies and currency
devaluations of more than 40% in Brazil, the leading producer of
premium coffee in the world. Protein prices, represented by lean
hogs (32.75%) and live cattle (14.65%), were pushed lower in part by
reductions in feed costs.
The US Dollar strengthened significantly during the year ending in
October, up +11.55% as measured by the US Dollar Index (DXY).
Since most commodities are priced in Dollars, commodity prices
tend to be inversely related to Dollar moves. The strength of the
Dollar was certainly a contributing factor in the slide of commodity
prices over the same time frame. With that thought in mind,
precious metals – gold (2.58%) and silver (3.35%) – performed better
than most other commodities. In fact, precious metal prices were up
relative to other weaker currencies.
The Fund’s top equity holdings at the end of October 2015 included
Sanderson Farms Inc (SAFM) (17.27%) YTD, Hormel Foods Corp.
(HRL) +29.65% YTD, Pilgrim’s Pride (PPC) (42.09%) YTD, Monsanto
(MON) (21.97%) YTD, Yara International (YAR NO) +15.55% YTD,
Sociedad Quimica Minera de Chile (SQM) (18.84%) YTD, Calâ€Maine
Foods (CALM) +36.97% YTD, Kubota Corp (6326 JP) +7.38% YTD, Drilâ€
Quip Inc (DRQ) (19.77%) YTD, Weyerhauser Co (WY) (18.28%), YTD.
TIPS and nominal US Treasuries are held by the Fund to invest excess
cash and as collateral for commodity futures related investments
held in our Cayman Island subsidiary. Nominal yields on the
benchmark 10 year note were at 2.335% at the end of October 2014
and ended the twelve month period lower, 2.142%. Committee
members of the FOMC, including Chairman Yellen, have recently
voiced their desire to begin to raise and normalize interest rates, if
certain data justifies the move. We believe we may be nearing the
end of what has been a significant multiâ€year rally in US treasury
prices. As a result, we continue to invest in TIPS with limited
duration exposure. At the end of October, our weighted average
maturity was approximately 1.10 years in our TIPS portfolio.
We strongly believe that the long term fundamental drivers of
commodity demand and ultimately higher prices are still in place.
Population growth is likely to remain unabated regardless of the
economic environment in the US and Europe. A billion more people
are likely to be added to the world population over the next decade
or so. The trend of wealth distribution is tipping toward the
developing world as those economies grow at faster rates relative to
the slow or negative growth occurring in the developed countries.
The improving global quality of life is contributing to ever increasing
demand for raw materials and food. Incremental gains in disposable
income in the developing nations have led to competition for the
commodities needed for more complex and costly lifestyles.
The recent significant decline in prices of many commodities has
resulted in serious curtailment of capital expenditures of global
sovereign and corporate producers. Profits for these producers have
16 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
been dramatically reduced and in some cases prices do not support
marginal or ongoing operations. As a result, future supplies may be
negatively impacted. In a world with limited supplies of food, fuel,
building materials, and other necessities of life, price may become
the ultimate allocator of these commodities. Additionally, the
aggressively accommodative central bank monetary policies recently
announced coupled with measures already in place globally are
likely to make commodities and other real assets more attractive
over time as currencies, including the US Dollar, may decline
in value.
Robert Hyman
Portfolio Manager
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is a composite index of 500 stocks, a
widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices which
does not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes. An
investor may not invest directly in an index.
The Standard & Poor’s Global Natural Resources Index includes 90
of the largest publicly-traded companies in natural resources and
commodities businesses that meet specific investability requirements,
offering investors diversified and investable equity exposure across 3
primary commodity-related sectors: agribusiness, energy, and
metals & mining.
The views of the author and information discussed in this
commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change,
and may not reflect the writer's current views. The views expressed
are those of the author only, and represent an assessment of market
conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should
not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular
investment or markets in general. Such information does not
constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or
investment vehicles.
It should not be assumed that any investment will
be profitable or will equal the performance of the fund(s) or any
securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter. The subject matter
contained in this letter has been derived from several sources
believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation.
Neither ALPS Advisors, Inc., CoreCommodity Management, LLC,
nor the Fund accepts any liability for losses either direct or
consequential caused by the use of this information.
Diversification cannot guarantee gain or prevent losses.
17 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$16k
$14k
$12k
ALPS | CoreCommodity
Management CompleteCommodities®
Strategy Fund Class A (NAV) - $8,203
$10k
ALPS | CoreCommodity
Management CompleteCommodities®
Strategy Fund Class A (MOP) - $7,754
$8k
TR/CC CRB Total Return Index - $7,659
Bloomberg Commodity TR Index - $7,062
10/31/15
10/31/14
10/31/13
10/31/12
10/31/11
10/31/10
6/29/10^
$6k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
6 Month
3 Year
5 Year
Since
Inception^
â€25.21%
â€12.60%
â€7.23%
â€3.64%
â€20.47%
â€29.35%
â€14.25%
â€8.26%
â€4.65%
â€16.21%
â€25.67%
â€13.14%
â€7.82%
â€4.20%
â€17.04%
â€26.41%
â€13.14%
â€7.82%
â€4.20%
â€15.68%
1
1 Year
â€15.88%
Class A (NAV)
Class A (MOP)
Class C (NAV)
Class C (CDSC)
Class I
â€24.88%
â€12.31%
â€6.96%
â€3.33%
TR/CC CRB Total Return Index
â€14.75%
â€28.05%
â€12.84%
â€8.19%
â€4.87%
Bloomberg Commodity TR Index1
â€15.72%
â€25.72%
â€15.04%
â€9.85%
â€6.31%
Total
Expense Ratio
What You Pay*
1.46%
1.45%
2.07%
2.05%
1.16%
1.15%
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%.
Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account. If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load). A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million.
The Fund imposes a 2.00% redemption fee on shares
held for less than 30 days.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
18 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
1
Thomson Reuters/CC CRB Total Return Index and the Bloomberg Commodity TR Index (formerly the Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index) are
unmanaged indices used as a measurement of change in commodity market conditions based on the performance of a basket of different
commodities. Each index is composed of a different basket of commodities, a different weighting of the commodities in the basket, and a different
re-balancing schedule. The indices are not actively managed and do not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor may not
invest directly in an index.
^
Fund Inception date of June 29, 2010.
* What You Pay reflects the Advisor’s decision to contractually limit expenses through February 29, 2016.
Please see the prospectus for
additional information.
Investments in securities of MLPs involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock. MLPs are controlled by their general partners, which
generally have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary duties to the MLP, which may permit the general partner to favor its own interests over the
MLPs. The benefit you are expected to derive from the Fund’s investment in MLPs depends largely on the MLPs being treated as partnerships for
federal income tax purposes.
As a partnership, an MLP has no federal income tax liability at the entity level. Therefore, treatment of one or more
MLPs as a corporation for federal income tax purposes could affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective and would reduce the amount
of cash available to pay or distribute to you. Legislative, judicial, or administrative changes and differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive
basis, could negatively impact the value of an investment in MLPs and therefore the value of your investment in the Fund.
Investing in commodity-related securities involves risk and considerations not present when investing in more conventional securities.
The Fund may
be more susceptible to high volatility of commodity markets.
Derivatives generally are more sensitive to changes in economic or market conditions than other types of investments; this could result in losses that
significantly exceed the Fund's original investment.
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors, and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company. The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change. Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Asset Type Allocation (as a % of Net Assets) †
†
Government Bonds
Common Stocks
Master Limited Partnerships
Purchased Options
Short Term Investments and Other Assets
Total
61.25%
34.97%
0.50%
0.00%
3.28%
100.00%
Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current
or future position of the portfolio.
Table presents approximate
values only.
19 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Consolidated Statement of Investments
Shares
COMMON STOCKS (34.97%)
Argentina (0.11%)
YPF SA, Sponsored ADR
Australia (0.83%)
BHP Billiton, Ltd.
BlueScope Steel, Ltd.
Fortescue Metals Group, Ltd.
GrainCorp, Ltd., Class A
Iluka Resources, Ltd.
Incitec Pivot, Ltd.
Nufarm, Ltd.
Regis Resources, Ltd.
Sandfire Resources NL
South32, Ltd.(a)
South32, Ltd., ADR(a)
Woodside Petroleum, Ltd.
Austria (0.13%)
OMV AG
Voestalpine AG
Bermuda (0.25%)
Kosmos Energy, Ltd.(a)
Nabors Industries, Ltd.
Seadrill, Ltd.(a)
Brazil (0.54%)
BRF SA, ADR(a)
Cia de Saneamento Basico do
Estado de Sao Paulo, ADR(a)
Cia Siderurgica Nacional SA,
Sponsored ADR
Gerdau SA, Sponsored ADR
Petroleo Brasileiro SA, Sponsored
ADR(a)
Vale SA, Sponsored ADR
Canada (5.90%)
Advantage Oil & Gas, Ltd.(a)
Agnicoâ€Eagle Mines, Ltd.
Alamos Gold, Inc., Class A
ARC Resources, Ltd.
Argonaut Gold, Inc.(a)
AuRico Metals, Inc.(a)
B2Gold Corp.(a)
Barrick Gold Corp.
Baytex Energy Corp.(a)
Birchcliff Energy, Ltd.(a)
Bonavista Energy Corp.
Cameco Corp.
Value
(Note 2)
21,316 $
455,310
402,263
400,991
46,668
366,252
276,650
529,692
369,447
306,350
188,777
71,895
6,631
372,910
3,338,526
24,505
126,081
31,313
56,752
60,429
188,051
61,898
206,540
41,755
68,819
1,290
17,661
425,412
83,299
508,711
15,986
2,300
462,696
119,637
418,117
1,000,450
67,844
11,916
64,624
31,540
483,508
241,150
1,058,649
1,580
190,337
1,943
264,568
35,152
42,979
171,542
187,389
2,167,599
35,400
40,269
96,038
69,987
14,775
42,229
168,500
5,870
113,300
51,600
84,800
22,228
196,817
1,139,163
369,203
1,031,928
15,254
25,513
181,695
45,140
460,964
224,931
189,367
314,971
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Canada (continued)
Canadian Energy Services &
Technology Corp.
Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.
Canadian Oil Sands, Ltd.
Cenovus Energy, Inc.
Centerra Gold, Inc.
Crescent Point Energy Corp.
Detour Gold Corp.(a)
Eldorado Gold Corp.
Encana Corp.
Endeavour Silver Corp.(a)
Enerplus Corp.
Ensign Energy Services, Inc.
First Quantum Minerals, Ltd.
Francoâ€Nevada Corp.
Freehold Royalties, Ltd.
Goldcorp, Inc.
HudBay Minerals, Inc.
Husky Energy, Inc.
IAMGOLD Corp.(a)
Imperial Oil, Ltd.
Maple Leaf Foods, Inc.
MEG Energy Corp.(a)
Mullen Group, Ltd.
New Gold, Inc.(a)
Osisko Gold Royalties, Ltd.
Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp.
Pan American Silver Corp.
Paramount Resources, Ltd.,
Class A(a)
Parex Resources, Inc.(a)
Pason Systems, Inc.
Pengrowth Energy Corp.(a)
Peyto Exploration & Development
Corp.
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.
Precision Drilling Corp.
Primero Mining Corp.(a)
Raging River Exploration, Inc.(a)
Sandstorm Gold, Ltd.(a)
Secure Energy Services, Inc.
SEMAFO, Inc.(a)
Seven Generations Energy, Ltd.,
Class A(a)
ShawCor, Ltd.
Silver Standard Resources, Inc.(a)
Silver Wheaton Corp.
SunCoke Energy, Inc.
Suncor Energy, Inc.
Tahoe Resources, Inc.
Teck Resources, Ltd., Class B
TORC Oil & Gas, Ltd.
Tourmaline Oil Corp.(a)
Turquoise Hill Resources, Ltd.(a)
Vermilion Energy, Inc.
20 | October 31, 2015
57,800 $
5,741
197,808
105,029
78,900
10,981
16,587
65,346
118,905
18,980
90,600
27,700
33,447
9,227
22,900
31,061
23,000
10,586
456
25,209
10,500
48,000
20,800
69,617
2,569
28,200
8,431
249,748
133,306
1,493,090
1,564,672
444,099
149,649
184,441
228,711
907,245
31,317
427,502
174,131
178,541
467,717
177,757
398,202
119,433
143,052
821
838,822
166,943
399,388
277,736
170,562
26,680
54,994
63,823
19,800
43,000
13,400
164,500
200,332
322,928
197,167
161,028
10,500
58,870
89,606
37,900
62,300
39,467
42,200
110,100
216,809
1,190,940
353,944
87,243
395,450
104,588
280,451
250,074
24,900
12,700
44,960
88,221
16,171
46,695
110,700
10,972
35,600
21,200
81,758
18,900
265,262
269,520
310,224
1,198,923
80,208
1,389,243
924,475
64,385
180,505
441,153
222,382
665,027
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Consolidated Statement of Investments
Shares
Canada (continued)
Yamana Gold, Inc.
Chile (0.45%)
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de
Chile SA, Sponsored ADR
China (0.66%)
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.,
ADR
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.,
Class H
China Shenhua Energy Co., Ltd.,
Class H
CNOOC, Ltd.
CNOOC, Ltd., Sponsored ADR
Jiangxi Copper Co., Ltd., Class H
PetroChina Co., Ltd., ADR
PetroChina Co., Ltd., Class H
Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd., Class
H
Colombia (0.12%)
Ecopetrol SA, Sponsored ADR
Denmark (0.06%)
FLSmidth & Co. A/S
Finland (0.07%)
Kemira OYJ
Outotec OYJ
France (0.14%)
TOTAL SA
TOTAL SA, Sponsored ADR
Germany (0.21%)
Aurubis AG
K+S AG
Salzgitter AG
Great Britain (0.08%)
Amec Foster Wheeler PLC
John Wood Group PLC
India (0.01%)
Vedanta, Ltd., ADR
Israel (0.06%)
The Israel Corp., Ltd.
Value
(Note 2)
92,948 $
203,537
23,643,126
92,915
1,800,693
464
33,445
308,358
220,807
95,369
193,001
10,885
50,082
4,087
330,045
161,438
216,393
1,237,407
66,297
321,361
258,054
560,331
151,097
2,666,299
50,903
474,416
6,011
227,594
10,739
43,438
127,303
149,509
276,812
4,886
6,996
237,186
337,417
574,603
639
20,353
10,429
42,723
513,760
301,099
857,582
13,636
18,458
149,461
169,876
319,337
9,014
53,904
785
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Israel (continued)
Tower Semiconductor, Ltd.(a)
Japan (2.31%)
Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
Inpex Corp.
Iseki & Co., Ltd.
Japan Petroleum Exploration Co.,
Ltd.
JFE Holdings, Inc.
Kubota Corp.
Kurita Water Industries, Ltd.
Maruichi Steel Tube, Ltd.
Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd.
Nihon Trim Co., Ltd.
Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd.
Nisshin Steel Co., Ltd.
Osaka Titanium Technologies Co.,
Ltd.
Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd.
Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.
Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co.,
Ltd.
Yamato Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Jersey (0.45%)
Petrofac, Ltd.
Randgold Resources, Ltd., ADR
Luxembourg (0.07%)
ArcelorMittal
Subsea 7 SA(a)
Tenaris SA, ADR
Marshall Islands (0.07%)
Seadrill Partners LLC
Mexico (0.25%)
Grupo Lala SAB de CV
Grupo Mexico SAB de CV, Series B
Industrias Penoles SAB de CV
Netherlands (0.24%)
Frank's International NV
Fugro N.V.(a)
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A,
Sponsored ADR
202,258
21 | October 31, 2015
1,846 $
25,233
227,491
17,900
8,931
135,133
20,907
204,559
147,209
1,293,993
34,651
10,600
12,600
112,000
70,016
20,000
105,300
4,101
200,600
29,000
319,748
200,063
1,755,134
1,591,563
515,455
689,376
153,613
676,591
300,887
8,500
37,659
21,000
232,804
454,080
262,870
248,977
179,896
9,261,469
37,000
6,700
165,162
1,649,884
1,815,046
12,709
24,673
150,776
42,182
69,316
262,274
26,951
5,410
2,743
25,493
285,776
267,937
547,880
173,627
989,444
104,900
224,783 $
13,107
27,242
7,518
467,473
142,609
6,890
361,449
971,531
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Consolidated Statement of Investments
Shares
Norway (1.56%)
Aker Solutions ASA
Bakkafrost P/F
Det Norske OLJ ASA(a)
DNO ASA(a)
Marine Harvest ASA(a)
Norsk Hydro ASA
Petroleum Geoâ€Services ASA
Statoil ASA
TGS Nopec Geophysical Co. ASA
Yara International ASA
Peru (0.11%)
Cia de Minas Buenaventura SAA,
ADR
Singapore (0.32%)
First Resources, Ltd.
Golden Agriâ€Resources, Ltd.
Olam International, Ltd.
Wilmar International, Ltd.
South Africa (0.50%)
Anglo Platinum, Ltd.(a)
Exxaro Resources, Ltd.
Gold Fields, Ltd., Sponsored ADR
Harmony Gold Mining Co., Ltd.,
Sponsored ADR(a)
Impala Platinum Holdings, Ltd.(a)
Kumba Iron Ore, Ltd.
Sasol, Ltd.
Sibanye Gold, Ltd., Sponsored ADR
South Korea (0.03%)
POSCO, Sponsored ADR
Spain (0.03%)
Acerinox SA
Sweden (0.34%)
Boliden AB
Holmen AB, B Shares
Lundin Petroleum AB(a)
SSAB AB, A Shares(a)
Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B
Switzerland (0.53%)
Glencore PLC(a)
Noble Corp. PLC
Syngenta AG
Transocean, Ltd.
Value
(Note 2)
44,620 $
178,548
3,986
128,070
28,431
174,499
295,286
296,094
108,913 1,459,993
104,109
373,220
64,335
267,887
17,750
284,527
35,976
709,210
52,450 2,380,906
6,252,954
71,096
455,725
102,200
893,758
46,254
366,661
137,152
248,815
66,035
819,223
1,271,225
5,831
35,057
489,941
102,265
145,583
1,239,551
38,989
39,295
22,220
8,185
2,515
26,368
107,388
96,208
262,116
16,423
1,995,902
2,859
114,446
10,270
111,172
7,842
11,000
16,470
41,117
16,465
150,166
331,794
238,080
148,759
485,650
1,354,449
28,003
9,174
4,716
8,890
48,566
123,574
1,587,824
140,729
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Switzerland (continued)
Weatherford International, Ltd.(a)
United Kingdom (0.84%)
Anglo American PLC
Antofagasta PLC
BG Group PLC
BHP Billiton PLC, ADR
BP PLC, Sponsored ADR
CNH Industrial N.V.
Fresnillo PLC
Kazakhmys PLC(a)
Lonmin PLC(a)
Severn Trent PLC
United Utilities Group PLC
United States (17.70%)
AGCO Corp.
Allegheny Technologies, Inc.
Allied Nevada Gold Corp.(a)(b)
American States Water Co.
American Vanguard Corp.
American Water Works Co., Inc.
The Andersons, Inc.
Antero Resources Corp.(a)
Apache Corp.
Aqua America, Inc.
Archerâ€Danielsâ€Midland Co.
Atwood Oceanics, Inc.
Baker Hughes, Inc.
Boulder Brands, Inc.(a)
BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust
Bristow Group, Inc.
Bunge, Ltd.
Calgon Carbon Corp.
California Resources Corp.
California Water Service Group
Calâ€Maine Foods, Inc.
Cameron International Corp.(a)
Carpenter Technology Corp.
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.(a)
Century Aluminum Co.(a)
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
Chesapeake Energy Corp.
Chevron Corp.
Cimarex Energy Co.
Civeo Corp.
Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc.
Coeur Mining, Inc.(a)
Commercial Metals Co.
ConocoPhillips
Continental Resources, Inc.(a)
Core Laboratories N.V.
CST Brands, Inc.
22 | October 31, 2015
20,498 $
209,899
2,110,592
6,469
13,306
17,867
3,227
21,309
36,636
14,550
11,431
32,588
18,234
64,416
54,510
107,999
282,324
104,071
760,731
248,758
163,741
20,459
12,811
630,498
981,618
3,367,520
33,294
5,767
28,885
12,117
9,167
3,695
23,477
17,644
4,465
18,258
13,777
25,676
3,155
106,740
5,689
9,527
2,390
20,375
5,559
12,143
33,172
17,026
5,307
1,829
28,070
15,723
39,687
8,502
3,872
14,255
7,741
22,697
24,641
5,846
143
9,180
1,278
1,611,097
84,775
1,127
493,768
122,929
211,945
831,086
415,869
210,435
522,179
629,058
424,938
166,205
945,716
223,578
330,873
174,374
350,450
22,458
271,518
1,773,375
1,157,938
176,776
68,825
101,613
798,257
282,968
772,662
457,128
26,514
21,365
61,282
354,091
311,884
4,849
1,067,909
45,919
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Consolidated Statement of Investments
Shares
United States (continued)
Darling Ingredients, Inc.(a)
Deere & Co.
Devon Energy Corp.
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
Diamondback Energy, Inc.(a)
Drilâ€Quip, Inc.(a)
Energen Corp.
Ensco PLC, Class A
EOG Resources, Inc.
EP Energy Corp., Class A(a)
EQT Corp.
Exterran Holdings, Inc.
Exxon Mobil Corp.
First Majestic Silver Corp.(a)
FMC Corp.
FMC Technologies, Inc.(a)
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.(a)
Freeportâ€McMoRan, Inc.
Halliburton Co.
Harsco Corp.
Hecla Mining Co.
Helix Energy Solutions Group,
Inc.(a)
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
Hess Corp.
HollyFrontier Corp.
Hormel Foods Corp.
Ingredion, Inc.
Intrepid Potash, Inc.(a)
Joy Global, Inc.
Kaiser Aluminum Corp.
Kinder Morgan, Inc.
Laredo Petroleum, Inc.(a)
Lindsay Corp.
Marathon Oil Corp.
Marathon Petroleum Corp.
Matador Resources Co.(a)
McEwen Mining, Inc.
Memorial Resource Development
Corp.(a)
Monsanto Co.
The Mosaic Co.
Murphy Oil Corp.
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.
Newfield Exploration Co.(a)
Newmont Mining Corp.
Newpark Resources, Inc.(a)
Noble Energy, Inc.
NOW, Inc.(a)
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
Oceaneering International, Inc.
Oil States International, Inc.(a)
Paragon Offshore PLC
Pattersonâ€UTI Energy, Inc.
PDC Energy, Inc.(a)
Peabody Energy Corp.
Value
(Note 2)
18,472 $
186,937
6,627
516,906
5,560
233,131
3,190
63,417
2,929
216,277
27,052 1,665,321
12,697
738,331
9,480
157,652
3,824
328,290
39,837
219,502
230,783
3,493
18,986
412,756
13,502 1,117,155
40,390
133,691
15,273
621,764
26,399
893,078
25,706
340,605
6,163
72,539
564
21,646
21,983
235,878
101,198
209,480
73,603
9,209
13,655
28,340
72,879
9,393
32,370
19,293
1,761
5,763
39,853
17,871
56,926
31,343
18,153
29,851
425,425
518,190
767,548
1,387,810
4,922,976
892,899
124,948
331,454
143,152
157,618
457,512
1,211,296
1,046,300
1,623,567
466,714
26,872
31,199
39,699
37,615
29,118
17,661
15,964
84
24,549
4,222
1,643
5,631
32,913
32,770
3,058
17,623
5,676
491
551,910
3,700,741
1,271,011
827,825
664,760
641,593
1,635
138,947
151,317
27,126
419,735
1,383,004
983,428
734
262,406
342,490
6,280
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
United States (continued)
Phillips 66
Pilgrim's Pride Corp.
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc. REIT
Potash Corp. REIT
Rayonier, Inc. REIT
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.
Royal Gold, Inc.
RPC, Inc.
RSP Permian, Inc.(a)
Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Schlumberger, Ltd.
Seventy Seven Energy, Inc.(a)
Southern Copper Corp.
Southwestern Energy Co.(a)
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
Stillwater Mining Co.(a)
Superior Energy Services, Inc.
Synergy Resources Corp.(a)
Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A
Valero Energy Corp.
Walter Energy, Inc.(a)
Weyerhaeuser Co. REIT
Whiting Petroleum Corp.(a)
Worthington Industries, Inc.
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $168,537,684)
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (0.50%)
United States (0.50%)
Alliance Resource Partners LP
Breitburn Energy Partners LP
Buckeye Partners LP
CVR Partners LP
Energy Transfer Partners LP
11/10/15
Enterprise Products Partners LP
Magellan Midstream Partners LP
MarkWest Energy Partners LP
Memorial Production Partners LP
Plains All American Pipeline LP
Rentech Nitrogen Partners LP
Vanguard Natural Resources LLC
Williams Partners LP
TOTAL MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS
(Cost $2,603,105)
23 | October 31, 2015
10,779 $
959,870
228,386 4,337,050
1,605
220,110
4,614
187,974
31,180
974,063
36,867
835,038
3,847
230,666
2,115
101,182
107,192 1,182,328
14,082
386,128
76,894 5,344,902
12,112
946,674
592
675
12,204
338,783
12,696
140,164
17,923
331,038
112
1,046
13,527
191,542
41,496
464,340
4,769
211,553
20,330 1,340,154
68,768
4,298
56,586 1,659,667
2,961
51,018
15,573
478,091
70,940,449
140,152,427
14,363
63,482
977
19,930
307,943
145,374
66,270
181,761
2,591
10,676
2,054
1,427
37,657
3,090
7,631
34,876
1,242
114,418
294,978
131,066
62,331
210,126
98,015
90,427
275,172
41,980
2,019,861
2,019,861
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Consolidated Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
(d)
Principal
Amount
Value
(Note 2)
GOVERNMENT BONDS (61.25%)
U.S. Treasury Bonds (61.25%)
United States Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds
2.000%, 1/15/16
$ 16,270,569 $ 16,259,017
0.125%, 4/15/16(c)
68,022,360 67,610,076
2.500%, 7/15/16
2,183,222 2,225,494
0.875%, 11/30/16
25,000,000 25,107,100
2.375%, 1/15/17(c)
10,340,750 10,638,584
1.000%, 3/31/17(c)
36,000,000 36,211,860
0.125%, 4/15/17(c)
15,214,705 15,209,745
0.750%, 6/30/17(c)
45,000,000 45,072,945
2.625%, 7/15/17(c)
14,661,353 15,382,676
1.625%, 1/15/18
11,376,200 11,791,773
245,509,270
TOTAL GOVERNMENT BONDS
245,509,270
(Cost $247,612,383)
Expiration Exercise Number of
Value
Date
Price
Contracts
(Note 2)
PURCHASED OPTIONS (0.00%)
Purchased Call Options (0.00%)
WTI Crude Future:
11/17/15 $80.00
500 $
5,000
2,250
11/17/15 100.00
225
7,250
Total Purchased Call Options
(Cost $1,373,465)
7,250
7-Day
Value
Yield
Shares
(Note 2)
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.20%)
Money Market Fund (1.20%)
Dreyfus Treasury Prime
Cash Management
Fund, Institutional
Shares
0.00004%
4,793,239 $ 4,793,239
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
4,793,239
(Cost $4,793,239)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (97.92%)
(Cost $424,919,876)
$ 392,482,047
Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities (2.08%)(d)
8,327,400
NET ASSETS †100.00%
$ 400,809,447
Includes cash which is being held as collateral for total return
swap contracts, future contracts and written options in the
amount of $595,033.
Common Abbreviations:
A/S - Aktieselskab is the Danish equivalent for the term Stock
Company.
AB - Aktiebolag is the Swedish equivalent of the term corporation.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
AG - Aktiengesellschaft is a German term that refers to a
corporation that is limited by shares, i.e., owned by
shareholders.
ASA - Allmennaksjeselskap is the Norwegian term for public limited
company.
Ltd. - Limited.
LP - Limited Partnership.
N.V. - Naamloze vennootschap is the Dutch term for a public limited
liability corporation.
OYJ - Osakeyhtio is the Finnish equivalent of a public limited
company.
PLC - Public Limited Co.
REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust.
SA - Generally designated corporations in various countries, mostly
those employing the civil law.
SAA - Sociedad Anonima Abierta is the Peruvian term used for
companies with 20 or more shareholders.
SAB de CV - A variable capital company.
SCA - Societe en commandite pe actiuni is the Romanian term for
limited liability partnership.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry and
geographical classifications refer to any one or more of the industry
sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market
indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund
management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this
report, which may combine sub-classifications for reporting
ease.
Industries and regions are shown as a percent of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Non-Income Producing Security.
Fair valued security; valued by management in accordance with
procedures approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees. As of
October 31, 2015, these securities had a total value of $1,127 or
0.0003% of total net assets.
Security, or portion of security, is being held as collateral for
total return swap contracts, futures contracts and written
options aggregating a total market value of $48,658,925.
24 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Consolidated Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
SCHEDULE OF
WRITTEN OPTIONS
Expiration
Date
Written Call Options
Sugar #11 Future
Sugar (WRLD) Future:
WTI Crude Future:
TOTAL WRITTEN CALL OPTIONS
(Premiums received $802,326)
Exercise Price
Value
(Note 2)
Contracts
1/16/16
$
15.50
(20)
$
(10,080)
2/16/16
2/16/16
15.00
15.50
(50)
(50)
(41,440)
(31,920)
11/17/15
11/17/15
90.00
100.00
(500)
(225)
(5,000)
(2,250)
(90,690)
(36,562)
(2,341,000)
(2,377,562)
$
(2,468,252)
Written Put Options
Coffee 'C' Future
WTI Crude Future
TOTAL WRITTEN PUT OPTIONS
(Premiums received $339,723)
TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS
(Premiums received $1,142,049)
1/23/16
11/17/15
115.00
70.00
(30)
(100)
Position
Contracts
Expiration
Date
Value
(Note 2)
Long
Long
Short
Long
265
25
(39)
10
11/14/15
12/21/15
12/30/15
12/15/15
FUTURES CONTRACTS
Description
Brent Crude Future
Coffee 'C' Future
Copper Future
LME Nickel Future
Description
Gold 100 Oz Future
LME Zinc Future
Natural Gas Future
Platinum Future
Silver Future
Sugar #11 (World)
WTI Crude Futures
Contracts
Expiration
Date
Long
Long
Long
Long
Long
Long
Short
35
2
15
61
39
140
(244)
12/30/15
12/15/15
11/26/15
1/28/16
12/30/15
3/01/16
11/20/15
Position
$
$
25 | October 31, 2015
13,133,400 $
1,133,906
(2,259,563)
602,729
12,610,472 $
Unrealized
Appreciation
Value
(Note 2)
$
$
3,994,900 $
84,893
348,150
3,016,755
3,035,565
2,276,736
(11,367,960)
1,389,039 $
728,750
34,219
38,513
2,583
804,065
Unrealized
Depreciation
(86,915)
(5,673)
(4,800)
(25,620)
(65,910)
(18,816)
(827,160)
(1,034,894)
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Consolidated Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS(a)
Swap Counterparty
Reference Obligation
Notional Dollars
UBS
CRB 3m Fwd TR Index* $ 14,375,255
Citigroup
CRB 3m Fwd TR Index*
65,690,265
Societe Generale
CRB 3m Fwd TR Index*
78,798,197
Bank of America †Merrill Lynch CRB 3m Fwd TR Index*
73,722,783
Bank of America †Merrill Lynch LME Copper Future
3,070,800
Bank of America †Merrill Lynch ML eXtra Coffee GA6
2,780,847
Bank of America †Merrill Lynch ML eXtra Silver GA6
465,253
Swap Counterparty
Reference Obligation
Bank of America †Merrill Lynch MLCS Coffee Jâ€F3
Bank of America †Merrill Lynch MLCS Copper Jâ€F3
Bank of America †Merrill Lynch MLCS Aluminum Jâ€F3
Floating Rate/Fixed
Amount Paid by Fund
USB3MTA + 40 bps**
USB3MTA + 27 bps**
USB3MTA + 35 bps**
USB3MTA + 35 bps**
n/a
USB3MTA + 10 bps**
USB3MTA + 10 bps**
Notional Dollars
$ (2,685,887)
(3,895,657)
(3,832,047)
Swap Counterparty
Reference Obligation
Bank of America †Merrill Lynch ML Nickel
Bank of America †Merrill Lynch ML Aluminum GA6
Bank of America †Merrill Lynch ML eXtra Copper GA6
Notional Dollars
612,600
3,907,193
3,911,311
Swap Counterparty
Reference Obligation
Bank of America †Merrill Lynch MLCS Silver Jâ€F3
Notional Dollars
$
(462,236)
Floating Rate/Fixed
Amount Paid by Fund
USB3MTA**
USB3MTA**
USB3MTA**
Termination
Date
6/30/2016
6/30/2016
6/30/2016
Total Appreciation
Floating Rate/Fixed
Amount Paid by Fund
n/a
USB3MTA + 10 bps**
USB3MTA + 10 bps**
Floating Rate/Fixed
Amount Paid by Fund
USB3MTA**
(a)
Termination
Date
11/30/2015
9/19/2016
11/30/2015
6/30/2016
11/10/2015
6/30/2016
6/30/2016
Unrealized Appreciation
$
209,260
956,253
1,147,065
1,073,182
8,100
4,785
33,504
$
3,432,149
Unrealized Appreciation
$
3,218
30,705
262,512
$
296,435
$
3,728,584
Termination
Date
Unrealized Depreciation
12/24/2015 $
(9,375)
6/30/2016
(270,815)
6/30/2016
(28,306)
$
(308,496)
Termination
Date
Unrealized Depreciation
06/30/2016 $
(33,292)
$
(33,292)
Total Depreciation $
(341,788)
The Fund receives payments based on any positive return of the Reference Obligation less the rate paid by the Fund. The Fund makes payments
on any negative return of such Reference Obligations plus the rate paid by the fund
*
CRB - Commodity Research Bureau
** United States Auction Results 3 Month Treasury Bill High Discount
See Notes to Financial Statements.
26 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2015
ASSETS
Investments, at value
Cash
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $80,812)
Unrealized appreciation on total return swap contracts
Receivable for investments sold
Receivable for shares sold
Cash collateral pledged for written options (Note 3)
Deposit with broker for futures contracts (Note 3)
Cash collateral pledged for total return swap contracts (Note 3)
Deposit with broker for futures and options
Dividends and interest receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total Assets
$
392,482,047
111,046
80,559
3,728,584
1,972,578
340,749
298,349
137,486
159,198
4,466,289
933,754
32,290
404,742,929
$
2,468,252
3,058
31,852
592,660
341,788
264,451
57,974
29,825
22,526
121,096
3,933,482
400,809,447
LIABILITIES
Written options, at value (premiums received $1,142,049)
Payable for variation margin on futures contracts
Payable due to broker for total return swap contracts
Payable for shares redeemed
Unrealized depreciation on total return swap contracts
Investment advisory fees payable
Administration and transfer agency fees payable
Distribution and services fees payable
Professional fees payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total Liabilities
NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
Paidâ€in capital
Accumulated net investment loss
Accumulated net realized loss on investments, written options, futures contracts, total return swap contracts and foreign
currency transactions
Net unrealized depreciation on investments, written options, futures contracts, total return swap contracts and translation
of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
$ 460,840,912
(1,662,022)
(27,755,417)
(30,614,026)
$ 400,809,447
NET ASSETS
INVESTMENTS, AT COST
$ 424,919,876
PRICING OF SHARES
Class A:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Maximum offering price per share ((NAV/0.9450), based on maximum sales charge of 5.50% of the offering price)
Class C:
(a)
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Class I:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
$
$
$
$
$
(a)
6.98
8,334,922
1,193,810
7.15
30,085,290
4,205,925
7.57
$
7.15
$ 362,389,235
50,715,990
Redemption price per share may be reduced for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. For a description of a possible sales charge,
please see the Fund's Prospectus.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
27 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended October 31, 2015
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends
Foreign taxes withheld on dividends
Interest and other income, net of premium amortization and accretion of discount
Total Investment Income
$
3,735,923
(230,971)
(1,799,534)
1,705,418
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fees
Investment advisory fees †subsidiary
Administrative fees
Transfer agency fees
Distribution and service fees
Class A
Class C
Professional fees
Networking fees
Class I
Reports to shareholders and printing fees
State registration fees
SEC registration fees
Insurance fees
Custody fees
Trustees' fees and expenses
Miscellaneous expenses
Total Expenses
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment advisor (Note 8)
Waiver of investment advisory fees †subsidiary
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Expenses
Net Investment Loss
Net realized loss on investments
Net realized gain on written options
Net realized loss on futures contracts
Net realized loss on total return swap contracts
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
Net change in unrealized depreciation on written options
Net change in unrealized appreciation on futures contracts
Net change in unrealized appreciation on total return swap contracts
Net change in unrealized depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
See Notes to Financial Statements.
28 | October 31, 2015
140,662
94,219
73,093
389,977
78,413
58,580
8,859
5,618
60,439
16,991
26,107
5,791,071
3,575,556
668,490
496,960
97,107
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
(668,490)
(6,800)
(1,838)
(86,129)
5,027,814
(3,322,396)
(23,188,518)
1,666,342
(2,057,904)
(88,888,724)
1,478
(16,223,361)
(1,573,724)
926,594
9,468,760
(43)
(119,869,100)
$ (123,191,496)
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
OPERATIONS
Net investment loss
$ (3,322,396) $ (225,381) $ (1,332,666)
Net realized loss on investments, written options, futures contracts, total return
swap contracts and foreign currency transactions
(112,467,326) (21,185,447) (4,722,374)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, written
options, futures contracts, total return swap contracts and translation of assets
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
(7,401,774) (36,830,011) 20,918,827
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
(123,191,496) (58,240,840) 14,863,787
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class I
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(1,912,471)
(1,912,471)
–
–
–
–
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends reinvested
Class I
Shares redeemed, net of redemption fees
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Increase in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment income/(loss) of:
(a)
18,414,093
4,099,809
316,791,938
1,791,360
(17,894,431)
(5,305,252)
(238,107,077)
79,790,440
(45,313,527)
446,122,974
$ 400,809,447
$ (1,662,022)
21,322,142
3,307,759
225,598,695
–
(86,135,268)
(3,037,985)
(49,542,035)
111,513,308
53,272,468
392,850,506
$ 446,122,974
$ 1,837,073
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
29 | October 31, 2015
78,069,155
5,689,512
234,370,555
–
(73,729,663)
(11,437,221)
(165,799,406)
67,162,932
82,026,719
310,823,787
$ 392,850,506
$ 1,681,334
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund – Class A
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$9.56
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$10.40
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013(b)
$11.18
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$14.28
For the
Period
June 29,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
(0.09)
(2.32)
(2.41)
–
–
–
–
0.00(e)
(1.31)
(1.31)
–
–
–
–
(0.06)
0.53
0.47
–
–
–
–
(0.03)
(0.69)
(0.72)
–
–
(0.06)
(0.06)
0.04
(2.29)
(2.25)
(0.83)
(0.02)
–
(0.85)
0.12
4.87
4.99
(0.71)
–
–
(0.71)
0.00(e)
(2.41)
$7.15
0.00(e)
(1.31)
$9.56
0.00(e)
0.47
$10.87
0.00(e)
(0.78)
$10.40
0.00(e)
(3.10)
$11.18
0.00(e)
4.28
$14.28
(25.21)%
(12.05)%
4.52%
(6.44)%
(15.77)%
51.41%
$30,085
(c)
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$10.87
$39,971
$112,562
$104,234
$85,805
$37,060
1.50%
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Tax return of capital
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(f)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(i)
1.47%
1.50%
1.45%
1.46% (g)
1.45%
(g)
1.45%
(1.12)%
52%
(g)
0.09%
12%
(0.60)%
28%
(a)
(h)
2.59% (g)
1.40%
1.64%
1.45%
1.45%
(0.30)%
117%
0.36%
264%
1.08%(g)
59%
(g)
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to April 30, 2013 the ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund was known as the Jefferies Asset
Management Commodity Strategy Allocation Fund.
(c)
Per share amounts and ratios to average net assets include income and expenses of the CoreCommodity Management Cayman Commodity
Fund Ltd. (wholly-owned subsidiary).
(d)
Calculated using the average shares method.
(e)
Less than $0.005 per share.
(f)
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
(g)
Annualized.
(h)
According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Class A shares, any amount of such payment not paid during the
Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical after the end of the fiscal year. Fees were
reimbursed to the Fund during the year ended April 30, 2013, for the prior fiscal year in the amount of 0.05% of average net assets of Class A
shares.
(i)
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
(b)
30 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund – Class C
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$9.39
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$10.31
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013(b)
$11.15
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$14.19
For the
Period
June 29,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
(0.14)
(2.27)
(2.41)
–
–
–
–
(0.04)
(1.28)
(1.32)
–
–
–
–
(0.12)
0.52
0.40
–
–
–
–
(0.10)
(0.69)
(0.79)
–
–
(0.05)
(0.05)
(0.05)
(2.26)
(2.31)
(0.71)
(0.02)
–
(0.73)
0.08
4.87
4.95
(0.76)
–
–
(0.76)
0.00(e)
(2.41)
$6.98
0.00(e)
(1.32)
$9.39
0.00(e)
0.40
$10.71
0.00(e)
(0.84)
$10.31
0.00(e)
(3.04)
$11.15
0.00(e)
4.19
$14.19
(25.67)%
(12.32)%
3.88%
(7.10)%
(16.26)%
50.90%
$8,335
(c)
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$10.71
$12,534
$13,996
$19,444
$18,095
$7,352
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Tax return of capital
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(f)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(h)
2.07%
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(f)
(e)
(g)
(h)
2.10%
2.14%
2.24%
4.00% (g)
2.05%
2.07% (g)
2.05%
(g)
2.05%
2.05%
2.05%
2.05%
(1.16)%
28%
(0.92)%
117%
(0.42)%
264%
0.72%(g)
59%
(1.74)%
52%
(g)
(0.82)%
12%
(g)
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to April 30, 2013 the ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund was known as the Jefferies Asset
Management Commodity Strategy Allocation Fund.
Per share amounts and ratios to average net assets include income and expenses of the CoreCommodity Management Cayman Commodity
Fund Ltd. (wholly-owned subsidiary).
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
31 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund – Class I
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$9.57
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$10.37
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013(b)
$11.12
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$14.25
For the
Period
June 29,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
(0.06)
(2.31)
(2.37)
(0.05)
–
–
(0.05)
(0.01)
(1.29)
(1.30)
–
–
–
–
(0.03)
0.53
0.50
–
–
–
–
(0.00)(e)
(0.69)
(0.69)
–
–
(0.06)
(0.06)
0.10
(2.32)
(2.22)
(0.89)
(0.02)
–
(0.91)
0.13
4.89
5.02
(0.77)
–
–
(0.77)
0.00(e)
(2.42)
$7.15
0.00(e)
(1.30)
$9.57
0.00(e)
0.50
$10.87
0.00(e)
(0.75)
$10.37
0.00(e)
(3.13)
$11.12
0.00(e)
4.25
$14.25
(24.88)%
(11.96)%
4.82%
(6.16)%
(15.53)%
51.74%
$362,389
$393,618
$266,293
$187,146
$83,497
$73,630
1.17%
1.16% (g)
1.16%
1.17%
1.33%
2.04% (g)
1.15%
(c)
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$10.87
1.15%
(g)
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
(0.26)%
28%
(0.02)%
117%
0.82%
264%
1.19%(g)
59%
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Tax return of capital
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(f)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(h)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(f)
(e)
(g)
(h)
(0.73)%
52%
(g)
(0.12)%
12%
(g)
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to April 30, 2013 the ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund was known as the Jefferies Asset
Management Commodity Strategy Allocation Fund.
Per share amounts and ratios to average net assets include income and expenses of the CoreCommodity Management Cayman Commodity
Fund Ltd. (wholly-owned subsidiary).
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
32 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund (the “Fund”) was launched on
February 14, 2011. During the 12â€month period ended October 31,
2015 (hereinafter also referred to as “the period”), the Fund’s
Class A Shares, INDAX, delivered a total return of â€0.65% at Net Asset
Value, Class C, INFCX, delivered â€2.29% with CDSC, and Class I, INDIX,
delivered â€0.23%. The Fund outperformed the benchmark CNX 500
Index (“CNX 500”) which returned â€4.00% during the period (without
taking into account sales charges for Class A Shares).
Some key global events led to higher volatility in the emerging
markets during the year. A key macroeconomic event for the year
was around worries of a possible sovereign default from Greece and
in the dire event, a possible “Grexit” – or exit from the European
Union in order to be able to devalue and dig itself out of the piles of
debt. Global markets turned extremely volatile on concerns
emanating from the Greek crisis. After months of brinkmanship
between Greece and the troika, Greece went in for a referendum on
July 5, and eventually agreeing to enact the reforms package which
comprised of sweeping austerity measures as demanded by lenders.
However, the capping of the European Central Bank’s (the “ECB”)
Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) led to liquidity shock and thus,
capital controls in Greece.
The period also saw worries on the Chinese economy as the stock
market saw a precipitous correction from its peak of June 12th and
has entered the bear market territory. The People’s Bank of China
(the “PBOC”) cut both base lending and base deposit rates multiple
times during the first half of 2015 and injected liquidity via rate/RRR
(Reserve Requirement Ratio) cuts by as many as 3 times. The deposit
rate ceiling was also widened from a previous base of 130% to now
150%. The volatility in Chinese stock market has raised concerns
around (a) an investment bubble in China with the investment share
of Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) already being higher than it ever
was in Japan and Korea, (b) a real estate bubble with the real estate
(directly and indirectly) being around 23% of GDP as per Moody’s,
and (c) very high indebtedness with China’s private sector debt to
GDP now at 196% (40% higher than the trend rate). Direct fallout of
the slowdown in Chinese economic growth has been a collapse in
global commodities which have entered a bear market.
The US Federal Reserve incrementally moved closer through the
year to policy rate normalization as the labor market continued to
improve and the US economic recovery stabilized. The ECB, BOE
(Bank of England) and BOJ (Bank of Japan), on the other hand
continued on their dovish stance – reaffirming their preparedness to
persist with monetary easing to support flagging growth and nearâ€
deflation in their economies.
In India, during the year NIFTY, CNXMCAP, and CNX500 Index
returned â€9.01%, 4.96%, and â€4.00% respectively. On the currency
side, the Indian Rupee (INR) depreciated moderately by ~6.0% to
65.26/USD on 30 Oct 2015 from 61.36/USD on 31 Oct 2014. The INR,
however, did relatively better than other commodityâ€linked
currencies as well as currencies of economies with strong trade
linkages to China – Brazilian Real depreciated ~36%, Russian Ruble
down ~33%, South African Rand down ~20% and Australian Dollar
down ~19% and Singapore Dollar down ~8.3%. The period saw net
foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows to the tune of USD 300
million (mn) from the Indian equity market, while the domestic
institutional investors (DIIs) poured in close to USD 8.0 billion (bn) to
buy Indian equities. Some key highlights of the investment
environment during the period are as follows:
ï‚· Macro: India clearly emerged in a situation whereby macro
parameters have improved and are on a strong footing on the
back of the improvement in the Current Account Deficit (aided
by lower oil, gold and commodity prices), higher forex reserves
and steady inflation.
ï‚· Oil: Brent oil declined from USD 90/barrel (bbl) to USD 50.2/bbl
on 30 Oct 2015. We estimate that every USD 1 fall in oil price
leads to a saving of close to USD 1 bn on the trade deficit,
leading to a cumulative savings of about USD 40bn ~1.8% GDP.
This has led to a significant contraction of India’s current
account deficit. During the year India removed subsidies on the
principal fuel †diesel, and also reduced subsidies on cooking gas
leading to significant benefit on the fiscal deficit side. Oil
decline is a key macro variable which is benefiting India on
multiple fronts – namely current account deficit, fiscal deficit,
inflation and currency.
ï‚· Corporate earnings: On the corporate earnings front, the
picture has been quite different and the performance has been
mixed and patchy. The sectors that beat estimates were
materials and consumer discretionary. Trends in the
information technology (IT) sector were mixed with large cap IT
services companies exhibiting resilience in terms of revenue
growth whereas mid cap IT services companies have been
plagued by client specific issues which have hampered growth.
Public sector banks continued to report muted core operating
performance trends and there are few signs of improvement in
asset quality.
ï‚· Banking Reforms: The Indian government announced the PSB
(Public Sector Bank) revamp planâ€named “Indradhanush” (or
rainbow). The government announced a seven point agenda
which includes: (1) Appointments of top management, (2)
setting up of the Bank Board Bureau, (3) Capitalization of the
banks, (4) Deâ€stressing banks and improving NPA disclosures,
(5) Empowerment, (6) framework of accountability, and (7)
Governance reforms.
ï‚· Monetary policy: The Reserve Bank of India (the “RBI”) cut key
policy rates during the period by 125 basis points (“bps”)
including a 50bps cut in September 2015. The Repo Rate now
stands at 6.75% and the Reverse Repo rate at 5.75%. We feel
the overall tone of the RBI has also turned mildly dovish in
recent months and monetary policy will be likely stay
accommodative to the extent possible given that inflation is
under control (with stable food prices despite poor monsoons),
global commodity prices are likely to remain weak. Domestic
demand is needed to substitute weakening global demand so as
to ensure pick up in the investment cycle. In fiscal year (FY) 17,
given that RBI expects inflation to fall to around 4.8% †5%
33 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
ï‚·
ï‚·
ï‚·
ï‚·
range and keeping real rate at ~1.5%, there is room for RBI to
cut rates by another 25â€50bps.
Inflation: India’s Wholesale Price Inflation (WPI) continued to
be in a secular decline all through the year, being (â€) 4.54% in
Sep 2015. The deceleration in the headline inflation was largely
driven by a contraction in energy (petrol and diesel) and
manufactured goods (chemicals and base metals). Core
inflation, however, picked up to 4.41% in Sep 2015 after being
in a declining trajectory for many months prior to that.
Index of Industrial Production (IIP): In terms of economic
activity, IIP growth has picked up in recent months –
accelerating to 6.4% in Aug 2015, with the underlying
momentum remaining healthy. Sectorâ€wise, mining,
manufacturing and electricity have printed good recovery
growth numbers in recent months. Within manufacturing, there
are encouraging signs of some domestic recovery in
components such as fabricated metal products and electrical
machinery showing signs of strength.
U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed): In its September policy review
meeting the Fed maintained its 0â€0.25% target range for the
federal funds rate, expressing its concerns over recent
developments in global economy as it may “restrain economic
activity somewhat” and risk pushing inflation down in the near
term. The Fed did acknowledge the improvement in economic
conditions, particularly the diminishing labor market slack, and
expects inflation to rise gradually to 2% target due to the
transitory effects of the fall in energy and imported inflation.
The European Central Bank (ECB) in its policy meeting signaled
that it stands ready to deploy another stimulus program which
could include more bond purchases and additional cuts to the
already negative deposit rate as the region remains stuck in
ultraâ€low inflation and the recovery was tepid. ECB’s Draghi
blamed the slowdown in emerging markets, including China, for
the renewed weakness in Eurozone.
Portfolio Composition
We believe the portfolio continues to be positioned in a way as to
benefit from a revival in the economy and improving
macroeconomic tailwinds from the four broad investment themes in
India – consumption lead by favourable demographics, financial
services, infrastructure and outsourcing. The Fund mandate is
flexible to invest across the spectrum of market capitalizations in
order to take advantage of any opportunistic mispricing arising from
market conditions, valuation differential, earnings growth or
liquidity flows.
As of 31st Oct 2015, Banking & Finance remains the largest sector
(26.91% wt.), followed by Information Technology (12.98%) and
Auto & Auto Ancillary (10.61%). The top 5 holdings in the portfolio
are Infosys Ltd, HDFC Bank, TCS, ICICI Bank and ITC Ltd. Large active
deviations in the portfolio are in Cement & Cement Products (+6.1%
deviation from benchmark), Auto & Auto Ancillary (+1.2% deviation),
Oil & Gas (â€3.1% deviation) and Utilities (â€2.4% deviation). In terms
st
of market capitalization focus, as of 31 Oct, the Fund is invested
69.3% in large caps, 26.93% in midcaps and 2.39% in smallâ€caps.
Thematically, Consumption (at ~34% of portfolio) and Financials
(at ~26% of portfolio) constitute the most bullish themes, while
Infrastructure (at ~11.2% of exposure) is the smallest thematic bet in
the portfolio as of the period end.
During the period, some of the names within our favored sectors
where we initiated new positions and continue to hold on are Akzo
India, Bayer Crop Sciences, Colgate Palmolive, Gulf Oil, Just Dial,
Gateway Distriparks, Finolex Cables, TVS Motors and Solar
Industries. Some of the stocks where we booked profit and exited
completely include Bata India, Bajaj Auto, Emami, Hindustan Zinc,
Bharti Airtel, KSK Energy and Tata Chemical.
Outlook
After a volatile last few months, global investor sentiment has
stabilized on the back of a delay in Fed's rate hike and policy
announcement by China, especially the rate cut. The monetary
stimulus in China is assuaging some concerns over the outlook of
Chinese economy. The ECB under Mr. Mario Draghi is expected to
evaluate the need for further easing in the month of December. The
Fed is expected to ascertain the need for first rate hike in almost a
decade in their scheduled December meeting. Currently, the
expectation of a rate hike is 50:50.
Domestic corporate earnings have been below expectations for the
Jul†Sep quarter so far. While the season started on a decent note,
overall we see revenue weakness leading to disappointing earnings
and also the banking sector continues to see asset quality
challenges. Significant part of the weakness can be attributed to
weak rural economy which is seeing stress on the back of weak
monsoons. However, margins continued to expand on the back of
continued fall in commodity prices.
While the earnings have been disappointing, we are seeing some
encouraging data points which suggest some turnaround in the
current quarter. We have seen very robust grown in passenger car
sales and recently even two wheeler sales have picked up. Domestic
airline passenger traffic has been robust for many months running
now. Even cement dispatches have shown some uptick in recent
months. Coal production and offâ€take both have seen strong growth
and suggests an improving energy demand. Some of the uptick could
be seasonal and festive demand and follow up in the next 2â€3
months will only tell whether this is a trend change or just
festive demand.
NIFTY is presently trading at 15.3x Mar 2017 earnings (source: Kotak
Securities) and markets need earnings support to make the next
move up. We feel that Octâ€Dec quarter could well be the first
quarter of better earnings. In the near term, risk appetite will likely
turn volatile on account of the midâ€December Fed decision on
the liftâ€off.
Nitin Jain – Portfolio Manager
Important Notice
Investments in India are subject to a number of risks including, but
not limited to, risk of losing some or all of the capital invested, high
34 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
market volatility, variable market liquidity, geopolitical risks
(including political instability), exchange rate fluctuations (between
the currency of the fund’s share class and the Indian Rupee),
changes in tax regime and restrictions on investment activities of
foreign investors.
Basis Point – a unit that is equal to 1/100th of 1% and is used to
denote the change in a financial instrument.
NIFTY – NIFTY is an Index computed from performance of top stocks
from different sectors listed on NSE (National stock exchange).
NIFTY consists of 50 companies from 24 different sectors. NIFTY
stands for National Stock Exchange’s fifty. The companies which
form index of NIFTY may vary from time to time based on many
factors considered by NSE.
CNXMCAP – The CNX Midcap Index comprises 100 tradable stocks
listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The primary objective
of the CNX Midcap Index is to capture the movement of the midcap
segment of the market.
CNX Midcap Index is computed using free
float market capitalization method, wherein the level of the index
reflects the total free float market value of all the stocks in the index
relative to particular base market capitalization value.
The views of the author and information discussed in this
commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change,
and may not reflect the writer's current views. The views expressed
are those of the author only, and represent an assessment of market
conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should
not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular
investment or markets in general. Such information does not
constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or
investment vehicles.
It should not be assumed that any investment will
be profitable or will equal the performance of the fund or any
securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter. The subject matter
contained in this letter has been derived from several sources
believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation.
Neither ALPS Advisors, Inc., Kotak Mahindra (UK) Limited, nor the
Fund accepts any liability for losses either direct or consequential
caused by the use of this information.
Diversification cannot guarantee gain or prevent losses.
35 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$16k
$14k
ALPS | Kotak India
Growth Fund
Class A (NAV) - $13,113
ALPS | Kotak India
Growth Fund
Class A (MOP) - $12,394
CNX 500 Index - $11,578
$12k
$10k
MSCI India Index
Total Return - $10,459
$8k
10/31/15
10/31/14
10/31/13
10/31/12
10/31/11
2/14/11^
$6k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
Class A (NAV)
Class A (MOP)
Class C (NAV)
Class C (CDSC)
Class I
CNX 500 Index1
MSCI India Index Total Return2
6 Month
â€1.10%
â€6.54%
â€1.37%
â€2.36%
â€0.93%
â€1.72%
1 Year
â€0.65%
â€6.13%
â€1.34%
â€2.29%
â€0.23%
â€4.00%
3 Year
13.72%
11.59%
12.99%
12.99%
14.16%
9.30%
Since
Inception^
5.92%
4.66%
5.24%
5.24%
6.31%
3.16%
Total
Expense Ratio
What You Pay*
5.02%
2.00%
5.57%
2.60%
4.49%
1.60%
â€2.28%
â€8.03%
6.19%
0.96%
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%. Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account.
If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load). A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million. The Fund imposes a 2.00% redemption fee on shares
held for less than 30 days.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
36 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Derivatives generally are more sensitive to changes in economic or market conditions than other types of investments; this could result in losses that
significantly exceed the funds original investment.
1
CNX 500 Index - India's first broad based benchmark of the Indian capital market. The CNX 500 companies are disaggregated into 72 industry
indices. Industry weightages in the index reflect the industry weightages in the market. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes.
An investor may not invest directly in an index.
2
MSCI India Index - designed to measure the performance of the large and mid cap segments of the Indian market. With 64 constituents, the index
covers approximately 85% of the Indian equity universe.
^
Fund inception date of February 14, 2011.
* What You Pay reflects the Advisor's and Sub-Advisor’s decision to contractually limit expenses through February 29, 2016. Please see the prospectus
for additional information.
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company.
The composition of
the Fund's top holdings is subject to change. Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested distributions, changes in
net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Investing in India involves risk and considerations not present when investing in more established securities markets. The Fund may be more
susceptible to economic, market, political and local risks of the region than a fund that is more geographically diversified.
Investments in India are
subject to a number of risks including, but not limited to, risk of losing some or all of the capital invested, high market volatility, variable market
liquidity, geopolitical risks (including political instability), exchange rate fluctuations (between the currency of the fund’s share class and the Indian
Rupee), changes in tax regime and restrictions on investment activities of foreign investors.
Industry Sector Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)
Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets) †
Infosys, Ltd.
HDFC Bank, Ltd.
Tata Consultancy Services, Ltd.
ICICI Bank, Ltd.
ITC, Ltd.
Axis Bank, Ltd.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.
Maruti Suzuki India, Ltd.
Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.
Larsen & Toubro, Ltd.
Top Ten Holdings
Financials - 27.89%
Materials - 13.08%
5.57%
4.90%
4.23%
3.60%
3.58%
3.46%
3.18%
3.15%
2.90%
2.71%
37.28%
Information Technology - 13.05%
Industrials - 12.09%
Consumer Discretionary - 10.92%
Consumer Staples - 9.49%
Health Care - 7.26%
Energy - 3.77%
Telecommunication Services - 1.51%
Cash, Cash Equivalents
& Other Net Assets - 0.94%
†
Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the
current or future position of the portfolio. Table presents
approximate values only.
37 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Consolidated Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
COMMON STOCKS (99.06%)
Consumer Discretionary (10.92%)
Auto Components (2.39%)
Motherson Sumi Systems, Ltd.
MRF, Ltd.
45,520 $
171,221
363
220,859
392,080
Automobiles (6.87%)
Maruti Suzuki India, Ltd.
Tata Motors, Ltd., Class A(a)
TVS Motor Co., Ltd.
Media (1.66%)
(a)
Dish TV India, Ltd.
7,600
517,244
96,894
384,496
56,000
227,205
1,128,945
273,342
12,500
22,360
326,177
115,011
587,743
TOTAL CONSUMER STAPLES
136,114
1,559,720
Energy (3.77%)
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (3.77%)
Hindustan Petroleum Corp., Ltd.
24,500
287,645
Reliance Industries, Ltd.
22,959
332,515
620,160
78,364
101,240
48,033
140,000
29,135
110,900
567,926
246,653
804,826
591,989
405,641
400,776
191,453
148,110
477,278
4,584,484
174,916
226,738
268,113
523,527
1,193,294
1,193,294
Health Care (7.26%)
Pharmaceuticals (7.26%)
Cadila Healthcare, Ltd.
27,445
Cipla, Ltd.
21,500
Lupin, Ltd.
9,100
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. 38,500
TOTAL HEALTH CARE
Industrials (12.09%)
Construction & Engineering (3.60%)
Larsen & Toubro, Ltd.
20,700
446,129
MBL Infrastructures, Ltd.
45,800
146,498
592,627
620,160
23,750
TOTAL FINANCIALS
Financials (27.89%)
Commercial Banks (19.91%)
Axis Bank, Ltd.
Bank of Baroda
HDFC Bank, Ltd.
ICICI Bank, Ltd.
IndusInd Bank, Ltd.
State Bank of India
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance (2.90%)
Housing Development Finance
Corp., Ltd.
24,900
TOTAL ENERGY
Real Estate Management & Development (0.90%)
The Phoenix Mills, Ltd.
29,000
179,038
29,000
Personal Products (1.98%)
Colgateâ€Palmolive India, Ltd.
Tobacco (3.58%)
ITC, Ltd.
132,476
1,794,367
330,648
Insurance (1.16%)
MAX India, Ltd.
6,700
Household Products (0.83%)
Jyothy Laboratories, Ltd.
Food Products (2.01%)
Britannia Industries, Ltd.
Consumer Staples (9.49%)
Beverages (1.09%)
United Breweries, Ltd.
254,453
3,272,264
Diversified Financial Services (0.81%)
Multi Commodity Exchange of
India, Ltd.
9,750
22,002 $
Consumer Finance (2.21%)
Shriram Transport Finance Co., Ltd. 12,815
184,459
SKS Microfinance, Ltd.(a)
27,200
178,444
362,903
TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY
Commercial Banks (continued)
Yes Bank, Ltd.
169,000
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Electrical Equipment (4.03%)
Amara Raja Batteries, Ltd.
Crompton Greaves, Ltd.
Finolex Cables, Ltd.
Vâ€Guard Industries, Ltd.
231,765
189,173
168,850
72,074
661,862
117,393
163,750
281,143
Machinery (1.71%)
Thermax, Ltd.
Timken India, Ltd.
38 | October 31, 2015
9,021
18,200
16,800
71,200
44,000
5,257
. ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Consolidated Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Shares
Miscellaneous Manufacturing (0.62%)
Solar Industries India, Ltd.
2,000 $
Value
(Note 2)
TOTAL INDUSTRIALS
IT Services (12.90%)
HCL Technologies, Ltd.
Infosys, Ltd.
Tata Consultancy Services, Ltd.
Tech Mahindra, Ltd.
2,400
20,300
52,750
18,248
29,000
23,663
270,377
915,670
695,709
239,117
2,120,873
2,144,536
TOTAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Materials (13.08%)
Auto Parts&Equipment (0.48%)
Gulf Oil Lubricants India, Ltd.
10,628
10,100
1,810
44,470
18,000
Chemicals (3.83%)
Akzo Nobel India, Ltd.
Bayer CropScience, Ltd.
Berger Paints India, Ltd.
Supreme Industries, Ltd.
79,546
208,430
96,410
150,793
173,097
628,730
228,812
162,464
282,442
77,071
287,696
182,344
220,781
1,441,610
Telecommunication Services (1.51%)
Diversified Telecommunication (0.91%)
Tata Communications, Ltd.
22,970
Construction Materials (8.77%)
ACC, Ltd.
10,860
Century Textiles & Industries, Ltd. 19,200
JK Cement, Ltd.
27,000
Orient Cement, Ltd.
30,974
The Ramco Cements, Ltd.
52,119
Shree Cement, Ltd.(a)
970
Ultratech Cement, Ltd.
5,000
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $15,810,828)
7-Day
Yield
16,283,580
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Money Market Fund (0.29%)
Dreyfus Cash Advantage
Fund, Institutional
Class
0.091% 46,969
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $46,969)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.35%)
(Cost $15,857,797)
Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities (0.65%)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
46,969
46,969
$ 16,330,549
107,171
$ 16,437,720
(a)
Non-Income Producing Security.
Common Abbreviations:
Ltd. - Limited.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
249,119
TOTAL MATERIALS
150,580
98,539
TOTAL TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
2,149,886
8,050 $
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.29%)
Information Technology (13.05%)
Computers (0.15%)
Persistent Systems, Ltd.
1,988,014
Internet (0.60%)
Just Dial, Ltd.
102,859
Transportation Infrastructure (2.13%)
Gateway Distriparks, Ltd.
49,500
252,476
IL&FS Transportation Networks,
Ltd.
67,843
97,047
349,523
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
39 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2015
ASSETS
Investments, at value
Cash
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $187,631)
Receivable for investments sold
Receivable for shares sold
Dividends receivable
Receivable due from advisor
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total Assets
$
16,330,549
5,955
186,532
2,320
28,395
3,331
213
14,026
16,571,321
$
23,680
572
26,331
8,602
2,000
44,522
27,894
133,601
16,437,720
$
$
14,075,259
(70,722)
1,961,507
471,676
16,437,720
LIABILITIES
Payable for shares redeemed
Investment advisory fees payable
Administration and transfer agency fees payable
Distribution and services fees payable
Trustees' fees and expenses payable
Professional fees payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total Liabilities
NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
Paidâ€in capital
Accumulated net investment loss
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
NET ASSETS
INVESTMENTS, AT COST
PRICING OF SHARES
$ 15,857,797
Class A:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Maximum offering price per share ((NAV/0.9450), based on maximum sales charge of 5.50% of the offering price)
Class C:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share(a)
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Class I:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
$
$
$
(a)
12.57
5,905,574
469,992
13.30
$
$
12.23
1,965,461
160,731
$
$
12.76
8,566,685
671,528
Redemption price per share may be reduced for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. For a description of a possible sales charge,
please see the Fund's Prospectus.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
40 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended October 31, 2015
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends
Total Investment Income
$
169,827
169,827
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fees
Administrative fees
Transfer agency fees
Distribution and service fees
Class A
Class C
Professional fees
Reports to shareholders and printing fees
State registration fees
SEC registration fees
Insurance fees
Custody fees
Trustees' fees and expenses
Miscellaneous expenses
Total Expenses
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment advisor (Note 8)
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Expenses
Net Investment Loss
Net realized gain on investments
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
Net change in unrealized depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
See Notes to Financial Statements.
41 | October 31, 2015
25,217
19,425
33,027
5,692
43,361
310
2,562
83,376
4,428
20,951
612,557
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
228,768
143,097
2,343
$
(97,837)
(29,402)
(150,329)
334,989
(165,162)
2,490,210
(57,755)
(2,668,780)
(822)
(237,147)
(402,309)
. ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
OPERATIONS
Net investment income/(loss)
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and
translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
(165,162) $
2,432,455
(2,669,602)
(402,309)
15,803 $
804,742
2,192,910
3,013,455
(19,677)
(99,022)
449,502
330,803
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends to shareholders from net realized gains
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(79,832)
(13,011)
(89,195)
(174,473)
(45,295)
(266,183)
(667,989)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(9,601)
–
–
–
(9,601)
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Shares redeemed, net of redemption fees
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment income/(loss) of:
(a)
$
$
3,689,065
1,063,029
4,898,712
225,433
55,484
348,314
(3,230,457)
(551,771)
(4,977,421)
1,520,388
450,090
15,987,630
16,437,720
(70,722)
$
$
2,894,035
545,448
6,266,320
–
–
–
(3,972,790)
(211,571)
(577,957)
4,943,485
7,956,940
8,030,690
15,987,630
63,475
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
42 | October 31, 2015
$
$
2,368,871
348,482
325,772
–
–
8,639
(2,090,462)
(419,549)
(586,477)
(44,724)
276,478
7,754,212
8,030,690
(37,846)
. ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund – Class A
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$13.20
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$9.47
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$8.22
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$10.35
For the
Period
February 14,
2011
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
(0.14)
0.06
(0.08)
(0.17)
(0.38)
(0.55)
0.01
3.20
3.21
–
–
–
(0.02)
0.54
0.52
–
–
–
(0.07)
1.32
1.25
–
–
–
(0.08)
(2.04)
(2.12)
–
(0.01)
(0.01)
(0.04)
0.39
0.35
–
–
–
0.00(d)
(0.63)
$12.57
0.00(d)
3.21
$13.20
0.00(d)
0.52
$9.99
0.00(d)
1.25
$9.47
0.00(d)
(2.13)
$8.22
0.00(d)
0.35
$10.35
(0.65)%
32.13%
5.49%
15.21%
(20.44)%
3.40%
$5,906
(b)
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$9.99
$5,536
$5,211
$4,681
$2,404
$935
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(c)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(e)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets
(h)
Portfolio turnover rate
(a)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(b)
(f)
(g)
(h)
7.99%
6.51%
12.42%
69.96% (f)
2.00%(f)
1.96%(g)
4.92% (f)
3.51%
1.90%(f)(g)
1.88%(g)
2.00%
2.00%
(1.03)%
58%
(f)
0.19%
28%
(0.27)%
65%
(0.82)%
93%
(0.89)%
114%
(1.82)%(f)
9%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Per share amounts and ratios to average net assets include income and expenses of the Kotak Mauritius Portfolio (wholly-owned subsidiary).
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Class A shares, any amount of such payment not paid during the
Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical after the end of the fiscal year.
Fees were
reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended October 31, 2015, for the prior fiscal year in the amount of 0.04% of average net assets of
Class A shares, during the period ended October 31, 2014, for the prior fiscal year in the amount of 0.10% (annualized) of average net assets
of Class A shares and during the year ended April 30, 2014, for the prior fiscal year in the amount of 0.12% of average net assets of Class A
shares.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
43 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund – Class C
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$12.88
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$9.77
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$9.34
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$8.15
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$10.32
For the
Period
February 14,
2011
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
(0.21)
0.05
(0.16)
(0.11)
(0.38)
(0.49)
(0.03)
3.14
3.11
–
–
–
(0.09)
0.52
0.43
–
–
–
(0.12)
1.31
1.19
–
–
–
(0.13)
(2.03)
(2.16)
–
(0.01)
(0.01)
(0.05)
0.37
0.32
–
–
–
–
(0.65)
$12.23
0.00(d)
3.11
$12.88
–
0.43
$9.77
–
1.19
$9.34
0.00(d)
(2.17)
$8.15
–
0.32
$10.32
(1.34)%
31.83%
4.60%
14.60%
(20.97)%
3.20%
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$1,965
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
4.11%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
2.60%
Ratio of net investment loss to average net
(1.67)%
assets
(g)
58%
Portfolio turnover rate
$1,497
$875
$924
$435
$466
5.57% (f)
7.26%
8.54%
13.39%
69.64% (f)
2.60%(f)
2.60%
2.60%
2.60%
2.60%(f)
(1.00)%
65%
(1.42)%
93%
(1.49)%
114%
(b)
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment loss(c)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(e)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(b)
(f)
(g)
(f)
(0.50)%
28%
(2.42)%(f)
9%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Per share amounts and ratios to average net assets include income and expenses of the Kotak Mauritius Portfolio (wholly-owned subsidiary).
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
44 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund – Class I
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$13.29
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$9.55
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$8.25
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$10.34
For the
Period
February 14,
2011
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
(0.09)
0.06
(0.03)
(0.13)
(0.38)
(0.51)
0.03
3.22
3.25
–
–
–
0.00(d)
0.54
0.54
(0.05)
–
(0.05)
(0.04)
1.34
1.30
–
–
–
(0.04)
(2.04)
(2.08)
–
(0.01)
(0.01)
(0.03)
0.37
0.34
–
–
–
0.01
(0.53)
$12.76
0.00(d)
3.25
$13.29
–
0.49
$10.04
0.00(d)
1.30
$9.55
0.00(d)
(2.09)
$8.25
–
0.34
$10.34
(0.23)%
32.37%
5.70%
15.76%
(20.23)%
3.50%
$8,567
(b)
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$10.04
$8,955
$1,945
$2,149
$1,609
$568
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(c)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(e)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets
(h)
Portfolio turnover rate
(c)
(d)
(e)
(b)
(f)
(h)
(g)
4.49% (f)
6.28%
7.65%
12.05%
96.67% (f)
1.60%
(a)
3.10%
1.60%(f)
1.60%
1.60%
1.60%
1.60%(f)
(0.67)%
58%
(f)
0.50%
28%
0.00%(g)
65%
(0.42)%
93%
(0.49)%
114%
(1.36)%(f)
9%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Per share amounts and ratios to average net assets include income and expenses of the Kotak Mauritius Portfolio (wholly-owned subsidiary).
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Less than 0.005%
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
45 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Overview
Conundrum: Volatility, slow growth and asset inflation
After a brief hint of volatility in December 2014 and January 2015,
the next several months turned out to be quite benign – that is until
the end of June, at which time, something changed. And then in
August things really changed; China’s central bank deâ€valued the
yuan on August 11th taking the world by surprise. From that point
through midâ€October it was not much fun to be a portfolio manager.
Emerging markets, commodities and currencies were volatile. In
some cases extremely volatile. For those of us hoping for a quiet end
to summer and a relaxed entry into fall, the last few months have
been anything but quiet and relaxed. A slowing China, with some
wellâ€known prognosticators suggesting much worse is yet to come,
has demanded everyone’s attention of late. China’s sheer size and
the fact that it has exhibited strong growth over the last couple of
decades, has economists and financial types wondering what to
make of all this. Add to that the neverâ€ending guessing game around
when the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) will raise interest rates.
Not in September. Or October. By how much? For how long? And
what will that mean for the broader capital markets? All very good
questions. And yet no one really knows the answers.
All of this uncertainty has led to volatility in the capital markets.
Yes, it’s hard to forecast certain input costs. Energy and most
commodities garner much of the attention; they’re significantly
cheaper than they were a year ago. And exportâ€based businesses are
having a difficult time managing their foreign currency exposure. Yet
this uncertainty has not filtered down to a change in core consumer
demand in the developed world. Hmmm.
Turning to private equity, while the aforementioned developments
are quite relevant, not much has changed here. Businesses continue
to operate. Industries continue to evolve. Management teams
continue to strive for growth, albeit muted, both top line (revenue)
and bottom line (cash flow). From what we can see, private equity
backed businesses have adapted to the slow growth environment
and are doing just fine. Private equity fund managers like that.
A broader challenge for private equity is that buyout valuations
continue to be high by historical measures, and they are trending
higher. It is the same phenomena we’ve witnessed for the past few
years. That’s good if you’re a seller of a private equity backed
business, but not so good if you’re a buyer. And if you are sitting on
large amounts of undrawn commitments/cash (“dry powder”),
which most private equity firms are, a lower valuation environment
is preferred; better to buy low and hopefully sell high. However, that
probably doesn’t change anytime soon. Why? Because the world
continues to be awash in liquidity; the Fed and other Central Banks
being the drivers behind this condition since the Great Financial
Crisis began in 2008. And yet liquidity does not equal growth, much
to the chagrin of policy makers and governments. It can equal asset
inflation or inflation in the form of business valuations; private
equity being keenly aware of this. It is a real conundrum.
Portfolio Review
For the twelve months ended October 31, 2015, the ALPS Red Rocks
Listed Private Equity Fund's ("Fund") Class A shares, LPEFX, returned
6.01%, (Class A delivered a net return of 0.25% at MOP), compared
with 2.33% and 7.97% for the MSCI World Index and the Red Rocks
Global Listed Private Equity Index, respectively .
During the period, we added APAX Global Alpha LTD, Ares
Management LP, Fifth Street Senior Floating, Graphite Enterprise
Trust PLC and Ratos AB (two securities that we have previously
owned) and Sofina, while we exited AP Alternative Assets LP, Better
Capital PCC LTD, Capital Southwest Corp, Intermediate Capital Group
PLC and Melrose Industries PLC.
At the end of the period the Fund had 38 holdings in what we
believe are some of the top performing private equity funds/firms
from around the globe. We believe that finding, researching and
analyzing these investments is what Red Rocks Capital does best; it is
partly intellectual curiosity and partly competitive. It’s why we come
to work excited. And with that, our objective remains a constant: to
assemble the best global portfolio of listed private equity companies
for the benefit of our shareholders.
Net contributors to performance for the period included:
• Aurelius SE & CO KGaA (previously known as Aurelius AG)
• 3I Group PLC
• The Blackstone Group LP
Net detractors to performance for the period included:
• Hosken Consolidate Investments LTD
• Grand Parade Investments LTD
• The Carlyle Group
Outlook
What does all of the volatility, slow growth and asset inflation add
up to? How will it affect the private equity business model: raising
capital in a fund/vehicle, investing that capital in promising
companies, improving the value of those companies,
exiting/realizing value, and returning capital to investors? I’m not
exactly sure. One thing I am fairly certain of is that when the Fed and
the other Central Banks begin to close the liquidity spigot (raise
interest rates), it will have a profound effect on the capital markets,
private equity included. It will be a big reâ€set for the cost of capital,
return expectations and risk. There will be natural winners and
losers. Based on prior experience, I believe that private equity will be
on the winning side of the ledger once things settle down.
Until then, as the saying goes, stay tuned.
As always, we appreciate your continued support and interest in Red
Rocks and the Listed Private Equity strategy.
Adam Goldman
Coâ€Portfolio Manager
46 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
The views of the author and information discussed in this
commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change,
and may not reflect the writer's current views. The views expressed
are those of the author only, and represent an assessment of market
conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should
not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular
investment or markets in general. Such information does not
constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or
investment vehicles. It should not be assumed that any investment will
be profitable or will equal the performance of the fund(s) or any
securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter.
The subject matter
contained in this letter has been derived from several sources
believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation.
Neither ALPS Advisors, Inc., Red Rocks Capital LLC, nor the Fund
accepts any liability for losses either direct or consequential caused
by the use of this information.
Diversification cannot guarantee gain or prevent losses.
47 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$14k
MSCI World Index - $13,285
$12k
Red Rocks Global Listed
Private Equity Index - $10,959
$10k
ALPS|Red Rocks Listed
Private Equity Fund
Class A (NAV) - $10,141
$8k
ALPS|Red Rocks Listed
Private Equity Fund
Class A (MOP) - $9,585
$6k
$4k
10/31/15
10/31/14
10/31/13
10/31/12
10/31/11
10/31/10
10/31/09
10/31/08
12/31/07^
$2k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
6 Month
5 Year
Since
Inception^
Total
Expense Ratio
What
You Pay*
6.01%
15.33%
10.19%
0.18%
0.25%
13.17%
8.96%
â€0.54%
2.35%
2.35%
â€4.51%
5.14%
14.57%
9.39%
â€0.61%
â€5.47%
4.14%
14.57%
9.39%
â€0.61%
2.85%
2.85%
â€4.06%
6.30%
15.74%
10.50%
0.47%
1.95%
1.95%
â€4.16%
MSCI World Index
Red Rocks Global Listed Private
2
Equity Index
3 Year
â€9.37%
1
1 Year
â€4.10%
Class A (NAV)
Class A (MOP)
Class C (NAV)
Class C (CDSC)
Class I
Class R
5.87%
15.47%
10.15%
â€0.05%
2.33%
2.33%
â€2.89%
2.33%
12.24%
9.76%
3.69%
â€4.70%
7.97%
15.07%
10.11%
1.18%
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%. Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account.
If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load). A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million. The Fund imposes a 2.00% redemption fee on shares
held for less than 90 days.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
48 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance shown for Class C shares prior to June 30, 2010 reflects the historical performance of the Fund’s Class A shares, calculated using the
fees and expenses of Class C shares.
1
MSCI World Index: Morgan Stanley Capital International’s market capitalization weighted index is composed of companies representative of the
market structure of 22 developed market countries in North America, Europe and the Asia/Pacific Region. The index is not actively managed and
does not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor may not invest directly in an index.
2
The Red Rocks Global Listed Private Equity Index includes securities, ADRs and GDRs of 40 to 75 private equity companies, including business
development companies, master limited partnerships and other vehicles whose principal business is to invest in, lend capital to or provide services
to privately held companies. The Red Rocks Global Listed Private Equity Index is managed by the Fund’s Sub-Advisor.
An investor may not invest
directly in an index.
^
Fund inception date of December 31, 2007 for Classes A, I, and R; Fund inception date 6/30/10 for Class C.
* What You Pay reflects the Advisor's and Sub-Advisor’s decision to contractually limit expenses through February 28, 2017 and Acquired Fund
Fees and Expenses of 0.70%. Please see the current prospectus for additional information.
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
Listed Private Equity Companies are subject to various risks depending on their underlying investments, which could include, but are not limited to,
additional liquidity risk, industry risk, non-U.S. security risk, currency risk, credit risk, managed portfolio risk and derivatives risk (derivatives risk is
the risk that the value of the Listed Private Equity Companies’ derivative investments will fall because of pricing difficulties or lack of correlation
with the underlying investment).
There are inherent risks in investing in private equity companies, which encompass financial institutions or vehicles whose principal business is to
invest in and lend capital to privately held companies.
Generally, little public information exists for private and thinly traded companies, and there is
a risk that investors may not be able to make a fully informed investment decision.
Listed Private Equity Companies may have relatively concentrated investment portfolios, consisting of a relatively small number of holdings. A
consequence of this limited number of investments is that the aggregate returns realized may be adversely impacted by the poor performance of a
small number of investments, or even a single investment, particularly if a company experiences the need to write down the value of an investment.
Certain of the Fund’s investments may be exposed to liquidity risk due to low trading volume, lack of a market maker or legal restrictions limiting the
ability of the Fund to sell particular securities at an advantageous price and/or time. As a result, these securities may be more difficult to value.
Foreign investing involves special risks, such as currency fluctuations and political uncertainty.
The Fund invests in derivatives and is subject to the
risk that the value of those derivative investments will fall because of pricing difficulties or lack of correlation with the underlying investment.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company. The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change. Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
49 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Industry Sector Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)
Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets) †
HarbourVest Global Private Equity, Ltd.
Aurelius AG
Brookfield Asset Management, Inc., Class A
The Blackstone Group LP
3i Group PLC
Ackermans & van Haaren N.V.
Onex Corp.
Eurazeo SA
SVG Capital PLC
Schouw & Co.
Top Ten Holdings
†
6.31%
5.51%
4.95%
4.57%
4.56%
4.54%
4.17%
3.82%
3.76%
3.51%
45.70%
Holdings are subject to change and my not reflect the
current or future position of the portfolio. Table presents
indicative values only.
Financials - 67.99%
Diversified - 14.55%
Closed End Funds - 12.92%
Industrials - 2.70%
Cash, Cash Equivalents
& Other Net Assets - 1.84%
50 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
CLOSEDâ€END FUNDS (12.92%)
Apax Global Alpha, Ltd.(a)
Graphite Enterprise Trust PLC
HBM Healthcare Investments
AG, Class A(a)
HgCapital Trust PLC
Oakley Capital Investments,
(a)
Ltd.
Pantheon International
Participations PLC,
Ordinary Shares(a)
Pantheon International
Participations PLC,
Redeemable Shares(a)
4,415,779 $
677,006
8,202,884
6,402,937
139,507
1,043,999
13,041,071
17,220,907
3,990,546
8,858,639
217,971
4,569,933
357,700
6,768,814
65,065,185
TOTAL CLOSEDâ€END FUNDS
(Cost $63,921,111)
65,065,185
COMMON STOCKS (85.24%)
Diversified (14.55%)
Holding Companiesâ€Diversified Operations (14.55%)
Ackermans & van Haaren N.V. 150,099 22,860,313
Remgro, Ltd.
417,397
8,362,417
Schouw & Co.
337,708 17,676,224
Sofina SA
69,249
7,786,305
Wendel SA
138,185 16,585,908
73,271,167
TOTAL DIVERSIFIED
73,271,167
Financials (67.99%)
Diversified Financial Services (11.93%)
Apollo Global Management
LLC, Class A
248,971
Ares Management LP
340,917
The Blackstone Group LP
696,330
The Carlyle Group LP
720,629
KKR & Co. LP
788,231
Shares
Investment Companies (continued)
Hosken Consolidated
Investments, Ltd.
784,890
Investor AB, B Shares
433,882
IP Group PLC(a)
1,435,880
mutares AG
241,548
Onex Corp.
346,739
(a)
2,587,474
SVG Capital PLC
$
8,025,286
16,119,078
5,263,834
4,741,287
21,022,842
18,947,058
170,767,133
5,814,161
17,489,577
31,772,045
5,028,881
10,980,266
15,582,095
86,667,025
Private Equity (17.21%)
(a)
361,447
Castle Private Equity, Ltd.
Electra Private Equity PLC
305,797
HarbourVest Global Private
(a)
2,433,266
Equity, Ltd.
Ratos AB, B Shares
859,290
Riverstone Energy, Ltd.(a)
868,614
Standard Life European Private
Equity Trust PLC, Ordinary
Shares
4,859,486
Real Estate (4.95%)
Brookfield Asset Management,
Inc., Class A
713,024
24,934,449
342,480,172
Industrials (2.70%)
Miscellaneous Manufacturers (2.70%)
Danaher Corp.
145,799
13,604,505
TOTAL FINANCIALS
13,604,505
TOTAL INDUSTRIALS
429,355,844
4,548,700
5,519,446
23,020,670
13,504,587
13,518,162
60,111,565
Investment Companies (33.90%)
3i Group PLC
2,976,393
Altamir
777,365
Ares Capital Corp.
711,392
Aurelius AG
622,153
Eurazeo SA
273,077
Fifth Street Senior Floating
Rate Corp.
428,100
Grand Parade Investments,
Ltd.
8,990,517
Value
(Note 2)
22,987,946
8,762,004
10,834,500
27,762,837
19,242,532
3,660,255
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $389,864,360)
7-Day
Yield
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.84%)
Money Market Fund (1.84%)
Morgan Stanley
Institutional
Liquidity Fund â€
Prime Portfolio 0.096% 9,262,230
3,397,674
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $9,262,230)
51 | October 31, 2015
9,262,230
9,262,230
.
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.00%)
(Cost $463,047,701)
$ 503,683,259
Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets (0.00%)(b)
(14,167)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
$ 503,669,092
(a)
(b)
Non-Income Producing Security.
Less than 0.005%.
Common Abbreviations:
AB - Aktiebolag is the Swedish equivalent of the term corporation.
AG - Aktiengesellschaft is a German term that refers to a
corporation that is limited by shares, i.e., owned by
shareholders.
LLC - Limited Liability Company.
LP - Limited Partnership.
Ltd. - Limited.
N.V. - Naamloze Vennootschap is the Dutch term for a public
limited liability corporation.
PLC - Public Limited Company.
SA - Generally designates corporations in various countries,
mostly those employing the civil law.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease.
Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
52 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2015
ASSETS
Investments, at value
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $13,811)
Receivable for investments sold
Receivable for shares sold
Dividends receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total Assets
$
503,683,259
13,811
491,242
450,191
713,039
29,452
505,380,994
$
191,825
816,702
359,741
80,197
146,874
15,751
14,342
86,470
1,711,902
503,669,092
$
$
LIABILITIES
Payable for investments purchased
Payable for shares redeemed
Investment advisory fees payable
Administration and transfer agency fees payable
Distribution and services fees payable
Professional fees payable
Custody fees payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total Liabilities
NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
Paidâ€in capital
Accumulated net investment loss
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
NET ASSETS
INVESTMENTS, AT COST
PRICING OF SHARES
$ 463,047,701
Class A:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Maximum offering price per share ((NAV/0.9450), based on maximum sales charge of 5.50% of the offering price)
Class C:
(a)
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Class I:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Class R:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
$
$
$
6.76
193,560,508
28,650,579
7.15
$
6.53
$ 19,299,831
2,953,420
$
6.83
$ 287,740,949
42,118,570
(a)
448,817,078
(10,280,498)
24,527,341
40,605,171
503,669,092
$
$
5.96
3,067,804
515,105
Redemption price per share may be reduced for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. For a description of a possible sales charge,
please see the Fund's Prospectus.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
53 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended October 31, 2015
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends
Foreign taxes withheld on dividends
Total Investment Income
$ 11,783,440
(950,327)
10,833,113
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fees
Administrative fees
Transfer agency fees
Distribution and service fees
Class A
Class C
Class R
Professional fees
Networking fees
Class C
Class I
Class R
Reports to shareholders and printing fees
State registration fees
Insurance fees
Custody fees
Trustees' fees and expenses
Repayment of previously waived fees
Class A
Class I
Miscellaneous expenses
Total Expenses
Net Investment Income
Net realized gain on investments
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions
Net realized gain distributions from other investment companies
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
Net change in unrealized depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
See Notes to Financial Statements.
54 | October 31, 2015
771,456
186,425
8,987
52,132
10,677
244,882
518
98,768
75,537
5,959
87,786
10,901
$
58,222
14,669
23,082
6,572,621
4,260,492
36,491,629
(51,056)
6,673
(13,166,886)
(16,464)
23,263,896
27,524,388
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
4,215,806
399,519
307,295
. ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
OPERATIONS
Net investment income
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions
Net realized gain distributions from other investment companies
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and
translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$ 4,260,492 $
36,440,573
6,673
(13,183,350)
27,524,388
1,777,483 $ 2,203,871
9,109,785 30,962,396
–
7,133
(39,532,683)
(28,638,282)
36,517,980
69,684,247
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class R
Dividends to shareholders from net realized gains
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class R
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(6,787,971)
(546,212)
(8,199,257)
(38,970)
(640,746)
(55,244)
(732,422)
(3,531)
(17,004,353)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(11,258,970)
(444,823)
(11,570,862)
(25,293)
–
–
–
–
(23,299,948)
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class R
Dividends reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class R
Shares redeemed, net of redemption fees
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class R
Net Increase in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment loss of:
(a)
75,334,373
5,854,839
130,086,390
2,675,544
6,770,481
409,526
4,364,013
41,018
(97,968,261)
(4,331,209)
(101,036,008)
(487,437)
21,713,269
32,233,304
471,435,788
$ 503,669,092
$ (10,280,498)
61,140,590
7,348,056
99,388,072
453,224
–
–
–
–
(50,641,540)
(1,176,895)
(36,901,005)
(78,846)
79,531,656
50,893,374
420,542,414
$ 471,435,788
$ (13,757,302)
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
55 | October 31, 2015
$
$
104,537,580
7,052,467
93,622,391
330,734
10,565,914
357,600
4,362,094
23,238
(36,821,447)
(554,548)
(57,218,383)
(52,283)
126,205,357
172,589,656
247,952,758
420,542,414
(21,142,940)
. ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$6.61
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$6.05
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$4.67
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$6.44
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2011
$5.17
0.05
0.34
0.39
(0.22)
(0.02)
(0.24)
0.02
(0.41)
(0.39)
–
–
–
0.03
1.37
1.40
(0.45)
–
(0.45)
0.08
1.39
1.47
(0.09)
–
(0.09)
0.07
(1.41)
(1.34)
(0.43)
–
(0.43)
0.04
1.61
1.65
(0.38)
–
(0.38)
0.00(c)
0.15
$6.76
0.00(c)
(0.39)
$6.61
0.00(c)
0.95
$7.00
0.00(c)
1.38
$6.05
0.00(c)
(1.77)
$4.67
0.00(c)
1.27
$6.44
6.01%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$7.00
(5.57)%
23.54%
31.75%
(19.68)%
33.22%
$203,996
$205,727
$105,488
$85,807
$124,874
1.59% (f)
1.64%
1.53%
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$193,561
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
(e)
1.47%
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
(e)
1.47%(g)
reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income to average
(e)
0.72%
net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(i)
37%
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
(h)
(i)
1.71%
1.70%
1.59%(f)(g)
1.64%(g)
1.51%(h)
1.50%
1.50%
0.71%(f)
11%
0.46%
40%
1.54%
32%
1.34%
72%
0.67%
43%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
The ratios exclude the impact of expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests as represented in the Statement of Investments.
Annualized.
According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Class A shares, any amount of such payment not paid during the
Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical after the end of the fiscal year.
Fees were
reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended October 31, 2015, for the prior fiscal year in the amount of 0.02% of average net assets of
Class A shares, during the period ended October 31, 2014, for the prior fiscal year in the amount of 0.06% (annualized) of average net assets
of Class A shares and during the year ended April 30, 2014, for the prior fiscal year in the amount of 0.01% of average net assets of Class A
shares.
Contractual expense limitation changed from 1.50% to 1.65% effective September 1, 2012.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
56 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund – Class C
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$6.43
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$5.92
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$4.59
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$6.37
For the
Period
July 2, 2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$4.39
0.00(c)
0.32
0.32
(0.20)
(0.02)
(0.22)
(0.00)(c)
(0.40)
(0.40)
–
–
–
(0.00)(c)
1.33
1.33
(0.42)
–
(0.42)
0.04
1.35
1.39
(0.06)
–
(0.06)
0.03
(1.39)
(1.36)
(0.42)
–
(0.42)
(0.01)
2.36
2.35
(0.37)
–
(0.37)
0.00(c)
0.10
$6.53
0.00(c)
(0.40)
$6.43
0.00(c)
0.91
$6.83
0.00(c)
1.33
$5.92
0.00(c)
(1.78)
$4.59
0.00(c)
1.98
$6.37
5.14%
(5.86)%
22.97%
30.55%
(20.33)%
55.32%
$19,300
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$6.83
$17,193
$12,200
$4,417
$2,838
$2,566
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements(e)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements(e)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
(e)
average net assets
(g)
Portfolio turnover rate
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(h)
(f)
2.15% (f)
2.20%
2.25%
2.37%
2.31% (f)
2.12%
(a)
2.12%
2.15%(f)
2.20%
2.25%
2.25%
2.25%(f)
0.06%
37%
(0.13)%(f)
11%
(0.04)%
40%
0.79%
32%
0.59%
72%
(0.19)%(f)
(h)
43%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
The ratios exclude the impact of expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests as represented in the Statement of Investments.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate is calculated at the Fund Level and represents the year ended April 30, 2011.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
57 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$6.67
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$6.08
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$4.69
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$6.47
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2011
$5.19
0.07
0.34
0.41
(0.23)
(0.02)
(0.25)
0.03
(0.41)
(0.38)
–
–
–
0.06
1.37
1.43
(0.46)
–
(0.46)
0.12
1.36
1.48
(0.09)
–
(0.09)
0.08
(1.42)
(1.34)
(0.44)
–
(0.44)
0.05
1.62
1.67
(0.39)
–
(0.39)
0.00(c)
0.16
$6.83
0.00(c)
(0.38)
$6.67
0.00(c)
0.97
$7.05
0.00(c)
1.39
$6.08
0.00(c)
(1.78)
$4.69
0.00(c)
1.28
$6.47
6.30%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$7.05
(5.39)%
24.02%
31.99%
(19.52)%
33.47%
$249,375
$202,076
$137,856
$77,750
$66,854
1.25% (f)
1.25%
1.27%
1.41%
1.36%
1.25%(f)
1.25%
1.25%
1.25%
1.25%
0.85%(f)
11%
0.91%
40%
2.27%
32%
1.60%
72%
0.91%
43%
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$287,741
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements(e)
1.16%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements(e)
1.16%
Ratio of net investment income to average
(e)
1.02%
net assets
(g)
37%
Portfolio turnover rate
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
The ratios exclude the impact of expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests as represented in the Statement of Investments.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
58 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund – Class R
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$5.87
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$5.41
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$4.17
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$5.82
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2011
$4.73
0.03
0.31
0.34
(0.23)
(0.02)
(0.25)
0.01
(0.36)
(0.35)
–
–
–
0.02
1.22
1.24
(0.44)
–
(0.44)
0.08
1.24
1.32
(0.08)
–
(0.08)
0.05
(1.27)
(1.22)
(0.43)
–
(0.43)
0.03
1.43
1.46
(0.37)
–
(0.37)
0.00(c)
0.09
$5.96
0.01
(0.34)
$5.87
–
0.80
$6.21
–
1.24
$5.41
–
(1.65)
$4.17
–
1.09
$5.82
5.87%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$6.21
(5.48)%
23.50%
32.05%
(19.93)%
32.47%
$872
$540
$191
$46
$125
1.63% (f)
1.72%
1.85%
1.89%
1.87%
1.63%(f)
1.72%
1.75%
1.75%
1.75%
0.46%(f)
11%
0.36%
40%
1.80%
32%
1.10%
72%
0.66%
43%
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$3,068
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements(e)
1.60%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements(e)
1.60%
Ratio of net investment income to average
(e)
0.52%
net assets
(g)
37%
Portfolio turnover rate
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
The ratios exclude the impact of expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests as represented in the Statement of Investments.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
59 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
During the twelve month period ending October 31, 2015 the ALPS
ETF Tactical Rotation Fund’s ("Fund") Class I Shares produced a
negative return of â€3.30% compared to a 3.04% return for the
S&P 500 and a negative â€0.92% return for the Morningstar Global
Allocation Index.
The Fund rotates between six asset classes using ETFs for exposure.
The Fund attempts to avoid asset classes that are experiencing
prolonged declining values by using momentum to both allocate and
equally weight the top two asset classes on a monthly basis. The
rulesâ€based approach includes commodities, U.S. and international
equities, U.S. bonds, REITs and cash. At the end of October, the Fund
was allocated approximately 50% to U.S. bonds and 50% to cash.
Over the period, the Fund paid one dividend: $0.076 per share on
December 29, 2014.
Across the 12 month period, the Fund owned REITs for six months
for an overall exposure of 25%, U.S. bonds for six months or 25%
exposure, International equities for five months or 20.83% exposure,
cash for five months or 20.84% exposure and U.S. bonds for two
months for an overall exposure of 8.33%. The Fund did not allocate
to commodities during this period as they were the worst
performing asset class. The DB Commodity Index fell â€31.89%
through the 12 months ending October 31, 2015.
The Fund uses momentum to allocate 50% allocations to the top two
asset classes. The theory behind the investment methodology is
that, under normal market conditions, a couple of asset classes
should be trending higher, while a couple of asset classes are
trending lower. The process is designed to invest in the strongest
two asset classes that are trending higher over the longâ€term and to
avoid the asset classes exhibiting less strength on a relative basis.
Cash is utilized as a safety net in the event that everything is
dropping in unison. While the investment process works well during
normal market cycles, the past year has been anything but normal.
Since our Sterling Tactical Rotation Index went live on June 23, 2010,
the past year has been the first sideways trading cycle we
have encountered.
Asset classes have trended higher for very short periods of time and
then reversed course lower for short periods of time, and so on,
which has caused the Fund to underperform the Morningstar Global
Allocation benchmark during the period. We believe this period has
been a market anomaly that will soon reverse course as markets
begin to behave in a more normal fashion.
The Fund uses two distinct risk management tools to seek to
dampen downside. Both were employed during this 12â€month
period. The first was the utilization of cash as an asset class.
Throughout the 3rd quarter of 2015 the Fund’s cash exposure was
66.67%, during which the Fund fell â€2.43% compared to the S&P 500
negative return of â€6.93%. The second is avoiding asset classes in
prolonged downâ€trends. As previously mentioned, the Fund avoided
the â€31.89% collapse of commodities entirely.
The period has been uncharacteristically driven by “will the Fed,
won’t the Fed” rhetoric which has also negatively impacted the
Fund. We anticipate that once the Fed begins to raise interest rates
investors will once again become more focused on economic and
corporate growth and less on Federal Reserve rhetoric.
Mark W. Eicker
Chief Investment Officer
Sterling Global Strategies
The views of the author and information discussed in this
commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change,
and may not reflect the writer's current views. The views expressed
are those of the author only, and represent an assessment of market
conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should
not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular
investment or markets in general. Such information does not
constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or
investment vehicles. It should not be assumed that any investment will
be profitable or will equal the performance of the fund(s) or any
securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter.
The subject matter
contained in this letter has been derived from several sources believed to
be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation. Neither ALPS
Advisors, Inc., Sterling Global Strategies, nor the Fund accepts any
liability for losses either direct or consequential caused by the use of this
information.
Diversification cannot guarantee gain or prevent losses.
60 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$11k
$10.5k
$9.5k
Sterling Tactical
Rotation Index - TR - $9,814
Morningstar Global
Allocation Index - $9,775
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation
Fund Class A (NAV) - $9,593
$9k
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation
Fund Class A (MOP) - $9,068
10/31/15
4/30/15
10/31/14
6/30/14^
$10k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not guarantee
future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
Class A (NAV)
6 Month
â€4.60%
1 Year
â€3.78%
Since Inception^
â€3.06%
Class A (MOP)
â€9.84%
â€9.07%
â€7.06%
Class C (NAV)
â€4.92%
â€4.37%
â€3.65%
Class C (CDSC)
â€5.88%
â€5.32%
â€3.65%
Class I (NAV)
Morningstar Global Allocation Index1
â€4.39%
â€3.20%
â€2.55%
â€3.42%
â€0.92%
â€1.69%
Total Expense
Ratio
What You Pay*
1.85%
1.75%
2.45%
2.35%
1.45%
1.35%
2
Sterling Tactical Rotation Index TR
â€3.90%
â€2.30%
â€1.40%
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%. Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account.
If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load). A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after purchase in excess of $1 million. The Fund imposes a 2.00% redemption fee on shares
held less than 30 days.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
61 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
1
Morningstar Global Allocation Index: Global allocation portfolios seek to provide both capital appreciation and income by investing across three
areas: global equities, global bonds, and cash. The Morningstar Global Allocation Index represents a multi-asset-class portfolio of 60% global
equities and 40% global bonds. An investor may not invest directly in an index.
2
The Sterling Tactical Rotation Index - seeks to provide absolute returns during any market cycle or condition by employing an equally weighted
strategic rotation model, trading between commodities, REITs, bonds, international and domestic equities. An investor may not invest directly in
an index.
^ Fund inception date of June 30, 2014.
* What You Pay reflects the Advisor’s decision to contractually limit expenses through February 29, 2016 and estimated Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses of 0.20%.
Please see the prospectus for additional information.
The Fund is “non-diversified” and will generally be more volatile than diversified funds.
Investments in small and mid-cap companies generally will experience greater price volatility. International and Emerging markets are riskier than
more developed markets because they tend to develop unevenly and may never fully develop. Prices of fixed income securities generally increase
when interest rates decline and decrease when interest rates increase and may cause losses.
Real estate investments are subject to specific risks, such
as risks related to general and local economic conditions and risks related to individual properties.
The Fund invests in Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”) and the Fund could lose money by investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by
the ETF go down. The Fund’s shareholders will indirectly incur the fees and expenses charged by the underlying ETFs held by the Fund, in addition
to the expense charged by the Fund.
Commodities and futures generally are volatile and involve a high degree of risk. This fund enters into a short sale by selling a security it has
borrowed.
If the market price of a security increases after the Fund borrows the security, the Fund will suffer a potentially unlimited loss when it
replaces the borrowed security at the higher price. The use of derivatives exposes the Fund to additional risks including increased volatility, lack of
liquidity, and possible losses greater than the Fund’s initial investment as well as increased transaction.
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company. The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change.
Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
The ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund is new and has limited operating history.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Portfolio Composition (as a % of Net Assets) *
REITs - 49.86%
Bonds - 49.86%
Cash, Cash Equivalents
& Other Net Assets - 0.28%
*
Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio.
62 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (99.73%)
Vanguard® REIT ETF
217,363 $ 17,365,130
Vanguard® Total Bond Market ETF 212,313 17,365,080
34,730,210
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
(Cost $34,763,995)
34,730,210
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.73%)
(Cost $34,763,995)
Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities (0.27%)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
$ 34,730,210
94,797
$ 34,825,007
Common Abbreviations:
ETF - Exchange Traded Fund.
REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
63 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2015
ASSETS
Investments, at value
Receivable for investments sold
Receivable for shares sold
Dividends and interest receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total Assets
$
34,730,210
17,406,794
168,111
11
17,828
52,322,954
$
17,366,760
27,190
41,240
14,261
9,653
14,858
24
15,669
8,292
17,497,947
34,825,007
$
$
36,579,355
124,311
(1,844,874)
(33,785)
34,825,007
LIABILITIES
Payable for investments purchased
Payable for shares redeemed
Payable due to custodian †overdraft
Investment advisory fees payable
Administration and transfer agency fees payable
Distribution and services fees payable
Trustees' fees and expenses payable
Professional fees payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total Liabilities
NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
Paidâ€in capital
Accumulated net investment income
Accumulated net realized loss on investments
Net unrealized depreciation on investments
NET ASSETS
INVESTMENTS, AT COST
PRICING OF SHARES
$ 34,763,995
Class A:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Maximum offering price per share ((NAV/0.9450), based on maximum sales charge of 5.50% of the offering price)
Class C:
(a)
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Class I:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
$
$
$
$
$
(a)
9.46
2,530,009
267,357
9.53
14,233,597
1,493,094
10.08
$
9.59
$ 18,061,401
1,883,473
Redemption price per share may be reduced for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. For a description of a possible sales charge,
please see the Fund's Prospectus.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
64 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended October 31, 2015
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends
Total Investment Income
$
570,633
570,633
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fees
Administrative fees
Transfer agency fees
Distribution and service fees
Class A
Class C
Professional fees
Networking fees
Class A
Class C
Class I
Reports to shareholders and printing fees
State registration fees
SEC registration fees
Insurance fees
Custody fees
Trustees' fees and expenses
Offering costs
Miscellaneous expenses
Total Expenses
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment advisor (Note 8)
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Expenses
Net Investment Income
Net realized loss on investments
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
See Notes to Financial Statements.
65 | October 31, 2015
16
4
8,545
6,297
28,650
2,582
74
5,301
685
47,768
8,434
550,241
$
(78,926)
(8,258)
(86,740)
376,317
194,316
(1,696,139)
(273,084)
(1,969,223)
(1,774,907)
51,076
14,151
16,346
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
256,993
100,886
2,433
. ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Period
July 1, 2014
(Commencement) to
October 31, 2014
For the Year Ended
October 31, 2015
OPERATIONS
Net investment income
Net realized loss on investments
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Total Distributions
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
194,316
(1,696,139)
(273,084)
(1,774,907)
$
(55,630)
(4,086)
(67,213)
(126,929)
(126,929)
13,776
(148,734)
239,299
104,341
–
–
–
–
–
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Shares redeemed, net of redemption fees
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Increase in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of period
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment income of:
See Notes to Financial Statements.
66 | October 31, 2015
$
$
16,208,475
2,475,711
14,687,621
50,265
3,473
56,161
(6,305,132)
(352,476)
(3,228,985)
23,595,113
21,693,277
13,131,730
34,825,007
124,311
$
$
5,280,333
540,462
7,423,186
–
–
–
(85,902)
(8,249)
(122,441)
13,027,389
13,131,730
–
13,131,730
21,251
. ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$9.97
0.06
(0.43)
(0.37)
(0.07)
(0.07)
0.00(b)
(0.44)
$9.53
Net investment income(a)
Net realized and unrealized loss
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net (decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(c)
0.02
(0.05)
(0.03)
–
–
0.00(b)
(0.03)
$9.97
(3.78)%
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
For the Period
July 1, 2014
(Commencement)
to
October 31, 2014
$10.00
(0.30)%
$14,234
2.16%
1.55%
0.58%
465%
$5,262
5.01% (d)
(d)
1.55%
0.67% (d)
181%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(e)
(a)
(c)
(b)
(d)
(e)
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
67 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund – Class C
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$9.95
(0.00)(b)
(0.43)
(0.43)
(0.06)
(0.06)
(0.49)
$9.46
Net investment income(a)
Net realized and unrealized loss
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
Total distributions
Net (decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(c)
–
(0.05)
(0.05)
–
–
(0.05)
$9.95
(4.37)%
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
For the Period
July 1, 2014
(Commencement)
to
October 31, 2014
$10.00
(0.50)%
$2,530
2.73%
2.15%
(0.05%)
465%
$530
(d)
9.70%
2.15% (d)
0.12% (d)
181%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(e)
(a)
(c)
(b)
(d)
(e)
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
68 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$9.98
0.09
(0.40)
(0.31)
(0.08)
(0.08)
0.00(b)
(0.39)
$9.59
Net investment income(a)
Net realized and unrealized loss
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net (decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(c)
0.03
(0.05)
(0.02)
–
–
–
(0.02)
$9.98
(3.20)%
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
For the Period
July 1, 2014
(Commencement)
to
October 31, 2014
$10.00
(0.20)%
$18,061
1.83%
1.15%
0.95%
465%
$7,340
5.93% (d)
(d)
1.15%
0.94% (d)
181%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(e)
(a)
(c)
(b)
(d)
(e)
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
69 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Portfolio Review – October 2015
The ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund’s (the
“Fund”) Class I shares declined 0.89% for the fiscal year ended
October 31, 2015, net of fees. The Fund has outperformed the
average of the Morningstar Nonâ€Traditional Bond Universe by 0.40%
for the year. The Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index advanced 1.95%
for the same period in what has been a very volatile period. The 30â€
day SEC yield for the Fund at month end was 7.27% with an average
weighted duration of 1.3 years.
The Fund is invested in three subâ€strategies: the Senior Loan Floating
Rate Strategy, the Short Duration High Yield Strategy, and the
Relative Value Long/Short Debt Strategy. Fund assets are allocated
approximately oneâ€third to each subâ€strategy.
The Senior Loan Floating Rate Strategy has been the strongest
contributor to the Fund’s performance for the past year with
consistent positive returns for ten of the last twelve months. Its
return of 5.16% exceeds its benchmark, the Credit Suisse Leverage
Loan Index, by more than 400 basis points. The Relative Value
Long/Short Debt Strategy and the Short Duration High Yield Strategy
had negative returns for the period, â€0.68% and â€0.92%, respectively.
Calendar year to date, all three strategies are posting positive
returns. All individual strategy returns are gross of fees.
As noted in the past, the softness in performance has created
greater opportunities within different sectors, as Treasury yields
remain low and range bound. The ability of our subâ€advisors to
exploit different sectors of the credit markets should provide
opportunities to add alpha through sector and issue selection. The
Fund’s combination of the three active hedged credit strategies
should make the navigation a much smoother ride through what
has, and continues to be, a volatile market environment.
Economic and Fixed Income Review
The consensus among the Fund’s subâ€advisors is that even after the
recent rally in spreads, the broad corporate credit valuations are
reasonable when coupled with their outlook for trending modest
domestic economic growth. Investment Grade corporate spreads
offer compensation well in excess of fundamental credit risks. They
remain constructive on spreads even in the face of a potential
Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (the “FOMC”) “liftâ€off.”
The solid performance of the labor market and robust private
domestic demand, was reflected by the latest upward revision to
second quarter GDP that was in large part spurred by private
consumption. That said, inflation indicators remain soft and well
below target. The Fed, however, appears prepared to see through
the disinflationary oneâ€off effects from lower commodity prices and
dollar strength. Though the gap within the leveraged finance space
has recently narrowed, High Yield bonds remain moderately
attractive versus Leveraged Loans. They view the 7.5% allâ€inâ€yield on
offer by the U.S. High Yield market as attractive for incomeâ€seeking
investors. The loan market continues to be a buyer’s market as new
issue supply outweighs investor inflows and secondary market prices
remain soft. This technical dynamic allowed investors to drive wellâ€
structured deals with attractive yield opportunities in companies
with strong business fundamentals. CLO (Collateralized Loan
Obligation) new issuance was $7.3 billion in October and retail
outflows were $0.7 billion, whereas the loan market grew $10.4
billion to $855 billion of outstanding loans. Defaults decreased 2
basis points in October to 1.33% and they expect loan defaults
outside of the energy and metals/mining sectors to remain low for
the remainder of 2015. Given the significant M&A forward calendar
of $56.8 billion and the moderate projection for CLO issuance,
expectations for the market are to remain investor friendly for the
remainder of the year.
Outlook and Current Positioning Themes:
ï‚·
ï‚·
ï‚·
ï‚·
GDP growth expected to rebound to around 3% in Q4 2015
and build slowly into next year.
U.S consumers are spending with real final sales
forecasted to remain above 3%.
Low global growth and inflation expectations translate into
low global yields.
Most indicators of domestic labor market conditions have
recovered to preâ€recession levels.
Macro and Rates:
ï‚·
FOMC monetary normalization process expected to start
in December.
ï‚·
Pace of rate hikes will be much slower and lower than
prior cycles.
ï‚·
Modest long duration bias and scaling back on short
intermediate swap spreads.
Corporate Credit: Net Long Bias
ï‚·
Valuations are attractive on a long term basis after
recovering in October.
ï‚·
U.S. corporate market spreads offer value relative to
global alternatives.
ï‚·
Market technicals will play a large role in asset pricing.
Securitized Credit: Long Bias
ï‚·
Outlook for U.S. housing is positive.
ï‚·
Securitized credit sector offers an attractive alternative to
higher yielding corporate credit.
ï‚·
Underlying mortgage loan performance reflects better
credit underwriting.
Mark R. Tonucci, Coâ€Portfolio Manager
Michael E. Portnoy, Coâ€Portfolio Manager
The views of the author and information discussed in this commentary
are as of the date of publication, are subject to change, and may not
reflect the writer's current views. The views expressed are those of the
author only, and represent an assessment of market conditions at a
specific point in time, are opinions only and should not be relied upon as
investment advice regarding a particular investment or markets in
general. Such information does not constitute a recommendation to buy
or sell specific securities or investment vehicles. It should not be assumed
that any investment will be profitable or will equal the performance of the
fund(s) or any securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter.
The
subject matter contained in this letter has been derived from several
sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation.
Neither ALPS Advisors, Inc., Westport Resources Management, Inc. nor
the Fund accepts any liability for losses either direct or consequential
caused by the use of this information.
Diversification cannot guarantee gain or prevent loss.
The Credit Suisse Leverage Loan Index is an index designed to mirror the
investable universe of the US-denominated leveraged loan market.
70 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$11k
Barclays U.S. Aggregate
Bond Index - $10,718
$10.5k
ALPS | Westport Resources
Hedged High Income Fund
Class A, (NAV) - $10,079
$10k
ALPS | Westport Resources
Hedged High Income Fund
Class A, (MOP) - $9,526
$9.5k
10/31/15
4/30/15
10/31/14
4/30/14
12/31/13^
$9k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
Class A (NAV)
Class A (MOP)
Class C (NAV)
Class C (CDSC)
Class I
Barclays U.S. Aggregate
Bond Index1
6 Month
â€1.76%
â€7.19%
â€2.15%
â€3.11%
â€1.63%
1 Year
â€1.32%
â€6.71%
â€1.90%
â€2.83%
â€0.89%
Since Inception^
0.43%
â€2.61%
â€0.23%
â€0.23%
0.80%
â€0.10%
1.96%
3.85%
Total Expense
Ratio
What You Pay*
3.64%
2.39%
4.25%
2.99%
3.39%
1.99%
Performance data quoted represents past performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results. 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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%.
Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account. If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load). A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
71 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Performance Update
1
^
*
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond 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
passthroughs), ABS, and CMBS. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.
An investor
may not invest directly in an index.
Fund inception date of December 31, 2013.
What You Pay reflects the Advisor’s decision to contractually limit expenses through February 29, 2016. Please see the prospectus for
additional information.
This table does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund Shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks including possible loss of the principal invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company. The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change.
Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Derivatives generally are more sensitive to changes in economic or market conditions than other types of investments; this could result in losses that
significantly exceed the Fund's original investment.
All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. The risks associated with higher-yielding, lower-rated securities include higher risk
of default and loss of principal. Changes in the financial strength of a bond issuer or in a bond’s credit rating may affect its value.
In addition,
interest rate movements will affect the fund’s share price and yield. Credit risk refers to the possibility the bond issuer will not be able to make
principal and interest payments. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates.
Thus, as the prices of bonds in the fund adjust
to a rise in interest rates, the fund’s share price may decline. These and other risk considerations are discussed in the fund’s prospectus. The
principal on mortgage or asset-backed securities normally may be prepaid at any time, which will reduce the yield and market value of those
securities.
US obligations are supported by varying degrees of credit but generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the US government.
Investments in non-investment-grade debt securities (“high yield” or “junk” bonds) may be subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of default
or loss of income and principal than securities in higher rating categories.
Senior-secured and second lien loans and bonds: Assets pledged as security for these loans and bonds would first be made available to senior lenders
before other investors’ demands were met when settling a bankruptcy.
The Fund is not required to invest with any minimum number of sub-advisors, and does not have minimum or maximum limitations with respect to
the allocations of the assets to any sub-advisor or investment option.
Diversification cannot guarantee gain or prevent losses.
Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets) †
Broadview Networks Holdings,
Inc., Sec. Notes
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.,
Conv. Sr. Unsec. Notes
Global Investments Group Finance
Ltd., Sr. Unsec. Notes
American Gilsonite Co., Second
Lien Notes
Creditcorp, Sec. Notes
Boardriders SA, Sr. Unsec. Notes
Nebraska Book Holdings, Inc.,
Sec. Notes
Tempel Steel Co., Sec. Notes
Alion Science & Technology Corp.,
First Lien Term Loan
ION Geophysical Corp., Second
Lien Notes
Top Ten Holdings
Portfolio Composition (as a % of Net Assets)
2.09%
Corporate Bonds - 44.36%
Bank Loans - 28.89%
Mortgage Backed Securities - 9.05%
Convertible Corporate Bonds - 4.60%
Exchange Traded Funds - 1.04%
Cash, Cash Equivalents
& Other Net Assets - 12.06%
1.97%
1.87%
1.82%
1.67%
1.67%
1.65%
1.64%
1.54%
1.45%
17.37%
† Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the
current or future position of the portfolio. Table presents
indicative values only.
72 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Shares
6,100
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
(Cost $236,028)
$
234,179
Principal
Amount
234,179
Value
(Note 2)
BANK LOANS (28.89%)(b)
Communications (4.55%)
Quincy Newspapers, Inc., Term B
Loan
L+4.50% 10/19/2022 (c)
$ 40,000 $
RentPath LLC, First Lien Term Loan
6.250% 12/17/2021
38,678
TCHâ€2 Holdings LLC (TravelClick, Inc.),
First Lien Initial Term Loan
5.500% 05/06/2021
98,782
Total Communications
39,767
34,616
98,349
1,025,694
Consumer, Cyclical (4.93%)
Basic Materials (0.41%)
Tensar Corp., First Lien Term Loan
5.750% 07/09/2021
Value
(Note 2)
Communications (continued)
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (1.04%)
ProShares UltraShort Russell
2000®(a)
Principal
Amount
Value
(Note 2)
$ 101,107
93,271
Ancestry.com, Inc., Initial Term Loan
5.000% 08/29/2022
49,500
Answers Corporation, First Lien
Term Loan
6.250% 10/01/2021
61,535
Auction.com LLC, Existing Term Loan
6.000% 05/12/2019
53,730
ConvergeOne Holdings Corp., First
Lien Initial Term Loan
6.000% 06/17/2020
50,363
CSC Holdings LLC (fka CSC Holdings
Inc. (Cablevision)), Term B Loan
L+4.00% 10/09/2022 (c)
26,000
Emerging Markets Communications
LLC, First Lien Initial Term Loan
6.750% 07/01/2021
34,913
Encompass Digital Media, Inc.,
Second Lien Tranche B Term
Loan
8.750% 06/06/2022
164,000
Extreme Reach, Inc., Second Lien
Initial Term Loan
10.500% 01/22/2021
160,000
Global Healthcare Exchange LLC,
Initial Term Loan
5.500% 08/15/2022
38,000
iParadigms Holdings LLC, First Lien
Initial Term Loan
5.000% 07/30/2021
19,745
MediArena Acquisition BV, (fka AP
NMT Acquisition BV), First Lien
Dollar Term B Loan
6.750% 08/13/2021
98,010
Miller Heiman, Inc., Term Loan
6.750% 09/30/2019
33,906
NextGen Networks Pty Ltd. (Nextgen
Finance LLC), Term B Loan
5.000% 05/31/2021
68,826
Numericableâ€SFR SA, USD Term Loan
L+4.00% 01/20/2023 (c)
31,000
49,537
45,638
53,327
50,079
26,132
34,040
161,540
159,200
37,988
19,252
93,600
31,533
Agrofresh, Inc., Term Loan
5.750% 07/31/2021
80,798
Amaya Holdings BV, First Lien Initial
Term B Loan
5.000% 08/01/2021
110,882
AMF Bowling Centers, Inc., Term B
Loan
L+6.25% 09/18/2021 (c)
91,580
BDF Acquisition Corp., Initial Term
Loan
5.250% 02/12/2021
123,438
BDF Acquisition Corp., Second Lien
Initial Term Loan
9.000% 02/12/2022
23,000
Big Jack Holdings LP, Initial Term
Loan
5.750% 07/01/2022
57,000
CDS U.S. Intermediate Holdings, Inc.
(Cirque Du Soleil Canada, Inc.),
Second Lien Initial Loan
9.250% 07/10/2023
24,000
Deluxe Entertainment Services
Group, Inc., Initial Term Loan
6.500% 02/28/2020
93,854
Fullbeauty Brands Holdings Corp.,
First Lien Initial Term Loan
5.750% 10/14/2022
21,000
GST AutoLeather, Inc., Term B Loan
6.500% 07/10/2020
99,000
PlayPower, Inc., First Lien Initial Term
Loan
5.750% 06/23/2021
66,833
Twin River Management Group, Inc.
(fka BLB Management Services,
Inc.), Closing Date Term Loan
5.250% 07/10/2020
237,798
World Triathlon Corp., Initial Term
Loan
5.250% 06/25/2021
98,750
Total Consumer, Cyclical
80,730
108,684
90,779
121,740
21,735
56,145
23,670
87,754
20,055
97,515
66,833
238,578
98,318
1,112,536
Consumer, Nonâ€cyclical (5.50%)
60,395
30,701
AF Borrower LLC (aka Accuvant
Finance LLC), First Lien Initial
Term Loan
6.250% 01/28/2022
73 | October 31, 2015
73,630
73,492
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Investments
Principal
Amount
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Consumer, Nonâ€cyclical (continued)
Candy Intermediate Holdings, Inc.,
Initial Term Loan
7.500% 06/18/2018
$ 15,877 $
Central Security Group, Inc., First Lien
Initial Term Loan
6.250% 10/06/2020
46,648
Coty, Inc., USD Term B Loan
L+3.00% 10/27/2022 (c)
15,667
CPI Buyer LLC, First Lien Initial Term
Loan
5.500% 08/16/2021
77,527
DAE Aviation Holdings, Inc., Initial
Term Loan
5.250% 07/07/2022
55,000
FHC Health Systems, Initial Term
Loan
5.000% 12/23/2021
99,749
Galleria Co., USD Term B Loan
L+3.00% 10/21/2022 (c)
31,333
GK Holdings, Inc. (aka Global
Knowledge), First Lien Initial
Term Loan
6.500% 01/20/2021
18,858
Global Cash Access, Inc., Term B Loan
6.250% 12/18/2020
21,670
Jackson Hewitt, Inc., Initial Term Loan
8.000% 07/30/2020
76,000
Kronos Acquisition Intermediate, Inc.
(aka KIK Custom Products, Inc.),
Initial Term Loan
6.000% 08/26/2022
11,000
Mister Car Wash Holdings, Inc., Term
Loan
5.000% 08/20/2021
41,475
Navex Global, Inc., First Lien Term
Loan
5.750% 11/19/2021
3,970
Navex Global, Inc., Second Lien Term
Loan
9.750% 11/18/2022
46,000
Prime Security Services Borrower LLC
(aka Protection 1 Security
Solutions), First Lien Term B
Loan
5.000% 07/01/2021
58,000
Prime Security Services Borrower LLC
(aka Protection 1 Security
Solutions), Second Lien Term B
Loan
9.750% 07/01/2022
30,000
Ryan LLC, Tranche B Term Loan
6.750% 08/07/2020
20,738
Sitel Worldwide Corporation, First
Lien Term Bâ€1 Loan
L+5.50% 09/18/2021 (c)
81,000
Principal
Amount
Value
(Note 2)
Consumer, Nonâ€cyclical (continued)
15,718
45,831
15,750
77,042
54,977
98,253
31,417
18,810
21,142
Sun Products Corp. (fka Huish
Detergents, Inc.), Tranche B
Term Loan
5.500% 03/23/2020
Sundial Group Holdings LLC, Initial
Term Loan
L+6.25% 10/19/2021 (c)(d)
Team Health, Inc., Bridge Term Loan
L+5.00% 09/24/2016 (c)(d)
USAGM Holdco LLC, First Lien
Delayed Draw Term Loan
4.750% 07/28/2022
USAGM Holdco LLC, First Lien Initial
Term Loan
4.750% 07/28/2022
Vestcom International, Inc. (fka
Vector Investment Holdings,
Inc.), Term Loan
5.250% 09/30/2021
Weight Watchers International, Inc.,
Initial Tranche Bâ€1 Term Loan
L+3.00% 04/02/2016 (c)
Wyle Services Corp., Term Loan
5.000% 05/23/2021
Total Consumer, Nonâ€cyclical
Diversified (1.96%)
$ 97,800 $
97,000
39,000
94,707
95,060
39,000
2,371
2,302
33,629
32,648
115,345
114,769
10,000
33,987
9,838
33,881
1,239,043
74,860
10,918
41,319
3,930
Emerald 2 Ltd., Facility B1 Loan
5.000% 05/14/2021
First Eagle Investment Management
LLC, Term Loan
L+4.00% 10/30/2022 (c)
Koosharem LLC, Term Loan
7.500% 05/15/2020
LBM Holdings LLC, First Lien Initial
Term Loan
6.250% 08/20/2022
Total Diversified
Energy (0.20%)
100,000
250,000
57,565
42,000
99,750
245,000
56,630
40,661
442,041
45,310
57,761
Expro Financial Services, S.a.r.l.,
Initial Term Loan
5.750% 09/02/2021
44,550
Preferred Proppants LLC, Term Loan
6.750% 07/27/2020
13,808
Total Energy
36,937
8,106
45,043
Financials (3.34%)
29,588
20,530
AmeriLife Group LLC, First Lien Initial
Term Loan
5.750% 07/10/2022
14,963
AmeriLife Group LLC, Second Lien
Initial Term Loan
9.750% 01/10/2023
22,000
Aptean, Inc., First Lien Term Loan
5.250% 02/26/2020
98,500
80,190
74 | October 31, 2015
14,925
21,670
96,530
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Investments
Principal
Amount
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Principal
Amount
Financials (continued)
Industrials (continued)
Asurion LLC (fka Asurion Corp.), Bâ€4
Term Loan
5.000% 08/04/2022
$ 32,918 $
Asurion LLC (fka Asurion Corp.),
Second Lien Term Loan
8.500% 03/03/2021
85,000
BATS Global Markets, Inc.,
Incremental Bâ€2 Term Loan
5.750% 01/31/2020
10,989
Confie Seguros Holding II Co., First
Lien Term B Loan
5.750% 11/09/2018
11,969
DTZ U.S. Borrower LLC (DTZ AUS
Holdco PTY Limited), First Lien
2015â€1 Additional Term Loan
4.250% 11/04/2021
69
Duff & Phelps Corporation, Second
Lien Initial Term Loan
9.500% 04/23/2021
29,000
IG Investments Holdings LLC,
Extended Tranche B Term Loan
6.000% 10/31/2021
49,617
Liquidnet Holdings, Inc., Term Loan
7.750% 05/22/2019
93,750
LTCG Holdings Corp., Initial Term
Loan
6.000% 06/06/2020
70,964
NXT Capital, Inc. (NXT Capital LLC),
Facility Term Loan
6.250% 09/04/2018
98,492
RCS Capital Corp., First Lien Term
Loan
7.500% 04/29/2019
97,025
Vistra Group Limited, USD Term Loan
L+3.75% 07/21/2022 (c)
8,000
Walter Investment Management
Corp., Tranche B Term Loan
4.750% 12/18/2020
59,443
Total Financials
Jeldâ€Wen, Inc. (Onex BP Finance LP),
Term Bâ€1 Loan
5.000% 07/01/2022
$ 17,000 $
Lully Finance S.a.r.l. (Lully Finance
LLC), First Lien Initial Bâ€1 Term
Loan
5.000% 10/14/2022
14,000
Mirion Technologies (Finance) LLC
(Mirion Technologies, Inc.), First
Lien Initial Term Loan
5.750% 03/31/2022
28,855
NVLX Acquisition LLC, Second Lien
Closing Date Term Loan
L+8.75% 06/05/2022 (c)
69,123
Plaze, Inc., Term Loan
5.250% 07/31/2022
98,000
Prolampac Holdings, Inc., First Lien
Initial Term Loan
5.000% 08/18/2022
19,000
Quality Home Brands Holdings LLC,
First Lien Initial Term Loan
7.750% 12/17/2018
49,125
Quanex Building Products Corp.,
Initial Term Loan
L+5.25% 11/02/2022 (c)
22,000
U.S. Farathane LLC, Initial Term Loan
6.750% 12/23/2021
44,141
XPO Logistics, Inc., Term Loan
L+4.50% 11/01/2021 (c)
125,000
Total Industrials
Value
(Note 2)
31,189
76,925
11,057
11,999
69
28,746
49,656
90,938
65,642
98,739
13,860
28,906
68,777
97,633
18,917
49,288
21,780
44,500
124,063
676,071
Technology (4.90%)
92,477
7,970
54,390
752,922
Industrials (3.00%)
ABG Operating LLC, Term Loan
6.250% 06/12/2020
65,175
Builders FirstSource, Inc., Term B
Loan
6.000% 07/29/2022
45,000
C.H.I. Overhead Doors, Inc., First Lien
Initial Term Loan
4.750% 07/29/2022
31,000
DI Purchaser, Inc., First Lien Initial
Term Loan
6.000% 12/15/2021
32,753
Gruden Acquisition, Inc. (aka Quality
Distributions), First Lien Term
Loan
5.750% 08/18/2022
19,000
17,053
65,256
44,761
30,903
31,770
Alion Science & Technology Corp.,
First Lien Term Loan
5.500% 08/19/2021
349,125
Computer Sciences Government
Services, Inc., Term B Loan
L+3.00% 10/06/2022 (c)
59,000
Compuware Corp., First Lien
Tranched Bâ€1 Term Loan
L+5.25% 12/15/2019 (c)
75,000
Novetta Solutions LLC, First Lien
Initial Term Loan
6.000% 10/17/2022
86,000
P2 Lower Acquisition LLC (aka
Progressive Solutions), First Lien
Initial Term Loan
5.500% 10/22/2020
85,739
QBS Holding Company, Inc., Term
Loan
5.750% 08/07/2021
191,535
Regit Eins GmbH (TV Borrower US
LLC), First Lien Dollar Term Loan
6.000% 01/08/2021
99,000
18,604
75 | October 31, 2015
347,379
59,221
71,906
85,570
86,008
189,620
98,753
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Principal
Amount
Value
(Note 2)
Principal
Amount
Technology (continued)
Basic Materials (continued)
STG †Fairway Acquisitions, Inc., First
Lien Term Loan
6.250% 06/30/2022
$ 54,697 $
54,253
Stratus Technologies Bermuda Ltd.
(Stratus Technologies, Inc.),
Initial Term Loan
L+5.00% 04/28/2021 (c)
47,313
46,928
Vencore, Inc. (fka SI Organization,
Inc.), First Lien Initial Term Loan
5.750% 11/23/2019
64,924
64,810
1,104,448
Total Technology
ArcelorMittal, Sr. Unsec. Notes
6.125% 06/01/2025
$ 30,000 $
Barminco Finance Pty Ltd., Sr. Unsec.
Notes, Series AI
9.000% 06/01/2018
40,000
BlueScope Steel Finance Ltd. /
BlueScope Steel Finance USA
LLC, Sr. Unsec. Notes
7.125% 05/01/2018 (e)
55,000
Eco Services Operations LLC / Eco
Finance Corp., Sr. Unsec. Notes
8.500% 11/01/2022 (e)
26,000
Optima Specialty Steel, Inc., First Lien
Notes
12.500% 12/15/2016 (e)
165,000
Total Basic Materials
Value
(Note 2)
Utilities (0.10%)
Invenergy Thermal Operating I LLC,
Term Loan
6.500% 10/19/2022
22,000
21,890
25,940
31,400
54,450
23,270
147,675
692,735
TOTAL BANK LOANS
Communications (5.72%)
(Cost $6,561,732)
6,512,959
CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS (4.60%)
Communications (3.35%)
Alaska Communications Systems
Group, Inc., Conv. Sub. Notes
6.250% 05/01/2018
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc.,
Conv. Sr. Unsec. Notes
5.250% 03/01/2019
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.,
Conv. Sr. Unsec. Notes
7.750% 06/30/2018
Total Communications
Consumer, Cyclical (0.30%)
250,000
251,719
75,000
60,422
450,000
443,250
755,391
Iconix Brand Group, Inc., Sr. Sub.
Notes
2.500% 06/01/2016
Consumer, Nonâ€cyclical (0.65%)
70,000
67,069
PDL BioPharma, Inc., Conv. Sr. Unsec.
Notes
4.000% 02/01/2018
175,000
Financials (0.30%)
146,453
Pinetree Capital Ltd., Conv. Sub.
Notes
10.000% 05/31/2016
80,719
67,453
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $1,029,678)
1,036,366
CORPORATE BONDS (44.36%)
Blue Coat Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsec.
Notes
8.375% 06/01/2023 (e)
Broadview Networks Holdings, Inc.,
Sec. Notes
10.500% 11/15/2017
CCO Safari II LLC, First Lien Notes
4.908% 07/23/2025 (e)
EarthLink Holdings Corp., Sr. Unsec.
Notes
8.875% 05/15/2019
Frontier Communications Corp., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
10.500% 09/15/2022 (e)
11.000% 09/15/2025 (e)
iHeartCommunications, Inc., First
Lien Notes
9.000% 12/15/2019
Interactive Network, Inc. /
FriendFinder Networks, Inc.,
First Lien Notes
14.000% 12/20/2018
Postmedia Network, Inc., Second
Lien Notes
12.500% 07/15/2018
Sprint Communications, Inc., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
7.000% 08/15/2020
Visant Corp., Sr. Unsec. Notes
10.000% 10/01/2017
Windstream Services LLC, Sr. Unsec.
Notes
7.750% 10/01/2021
Total Communications
Consumer, Cyclical (10.13%)
40,000
500,000
25,000
41,600
471,250
25,511
75,000
77,813
35,000
70,000
36,400
73,543
75,000
63,750
238,363
133,483
40,000
37,800
125,000
100,000
125,000
116,250
102,900
108,399
1,288,699
Basic Materials (3.07%)
American Gilsonite Co., Second Lien
Notes
11.500% 09/01/2017 (e)
500,000
410,000
Boardriders SA, Sr. Unsec. Notes,
Series REGS
8.875% 12/15/2017 (f)
76 | October 31, 2015
390,000
376,542
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Investments
Principal
Amount
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Consumer, Cyclical (continued)
Value
(Note 2)
Consumer, Nonâ€cyclical (3.48%)
Bonâ€Ton Department Stores, Inc.,
Second Lien Notes
10.625% 07/15/2017
$ 115,000 $
108,100
Brookfield Residential Properties,
Inc., Sr. Unsec. Notes
6.375% 05/15/2025 (e)
65,000
62,725
Caesars Entertainment Operating
Co., Inc., Sr. Unsec. Notes
10.750% 02/01/2016 (g)
250,000
71,250
Caesars Entertainment Resort
Properties LLC / Caesars
Entertainment Resort
Properties, First Lien Notes
8.000% 10/01/2020
12,000
11,970
Ferrellgas LP / Ferrellgas Finance
Corp., Sr. Unsec. Notes
6.750% 06/15/2023 (e)
50,000
46,375
General Motors Financial Co., Inc.,
Sr. Unsec. Notes
4.300% 07/13/2025
100,000
102,007
Gibson Brands, Inc., Sec. Notes
8.875% 08/01/2018 (e)
90,000
79,425
Icon Health & Fitness, Inc., First Lien
Notes
11.875% 10/15/2016 (e)
238,000
237,702
K Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
8.000% 11/01/2019 (e)
55,000
42,625
KB Home, Sr. Unsec. Notes
8.000% 03/15/2020
100,000
109,250
L Brands, Inc., Sr. Unsec. Notes
6.875% 11/01/2035 (e)
45,000
47,081
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority,
Sr. Unsec. Notes
9.750% 09/01/2021 (e)
95,000
98,325
Nebraska Book Holdings, Inc., Sec.
Notes
15.000% 06/30/2016 (e)
374,500
372,628
Toll Brothers Finance Corp., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
4.875% 11/15/2025
110,000
110,138
Tops Holding LLC / Tops Markets II
Corp., Sec. Notes
8.000% 06/15/2022 (e)
40,000
41,700
Tunicaâ€Biloxi Gaming Authority, Sr.
Unsec. Notes
9.000% 11/15/2015 (e)(g)
400,000
231,500
United Airlines 2014â€1 Class B Pass
Through Trust, Second Lien
Notes, Series B
4.750% 04/11/2022
95,209
95,745
Viking Cruises Ltd., Sr. Unsec. Notes
6.250% 05/15/2025 (e)
40,000
39,500
2,284,588
Total Consumer, Cyclical
Principal
Amount
Avon Products, Inc., Sr. Unsec. Notes
4.200% 07/15/2018
6.500% 03/01/2019
Carolina Beverage Group LLC /
Carolina Beverage Group
Finance, Inc., Sec. Notes
10.625% 08/01/2018 (e)
DJO Finco, Inc. / DJO Finance LLC /
DJO Finance Corp., Second Lien
Notes
8.125% 06/15/2021 (e)
Fresenius US Finance II, Inc., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
4.500% 01/15/2023 (e)
HealthSouth Corp., Sr. Unsec. Notes
5.750% 09/15/2025 (e)
JBS USA LLC / JBS USA Finance, Inc.,
Sr. Unsec. Notes
5.750% 06/15/2025 (e)
Kraft Heinz Food Co., Sr. Unsec.
Notes
3.950% 07/15/2025 (e)
5.200% 07/15/2045 (e)
Vantage Oncology LLC / Vantage
Oncology Finance Co., Sec.
Notes
9.500% 06/15/2017 (e)
Total Consumer, Nonâ€cyclical
Energy (5.01%)
$ 45,000 $
25,000
39,150
22,375
103,000
104,802
100,000
99,500
50,000
45,000
51,313
44,775
30,000
29,175
60,000
35,000
61,668
37,060
325,000
294,125
783,943
Antero Resources Corp., Sr. Unsec.
Notes
5.125% 12/01/2022
Blue Racer Midstream LLC / Blue
Racer Finance Corp., Sr. Unsec.
Notes
6.125% 11/15/2022 (e)
Calumet Specialty Products Partners
LP / Calumet Finance Corp., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
7.750% 04/15/2023 (e)
CONSOL Energy, Inc., Sr. Unsec.
Notes
5.875% 04/15/2022
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
4.875% 11/01/2043
EV Energy Partners LP / EV Energy
Finance Corp., Sr. Unsec. Notes
8.000% 04/15/2019
ION Geophysical Corp., Second Lien
Notes
8.125% 05/15/2018
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP,
Sr. Unsec. Notes
5.400% 09/01/2044
77 | October 31, 2015
100,000
90,250
30,000
28,200
50,000
47,750
75,000
49,125
50,000
35,476
161,000
112,700
560,000
327,600
100,000
82,513
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Investments
Principal
Amount
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Principal
Amount
Energy (continued)
Financials (continued)
MarkWest Energy Partners LP /
MarkWest Energy Finance
Corp., Sr. Unsec. Notes
4.875% 06/01/2025
$ 85,000 $
79,687
Newfield Exploration Co., Sr. Unsec.
Notes
5.375% 01/01/2026
75,000
71,625
Petroleum Geoâ€Services ASA, Sr.
Unsec. Notes
7.375% 12/15/2018 (e)
63,000
51,424
Pioneer Energy Services Corp., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
6.125% 03/15/2022
100,000
58,000
Polarcus Ltd., Sr. Unsec. Notes
8.000% 06/07/2018 (e)
400,000
60,000
Sunoco LP / Sunoco Finance Corp., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
6.375% 04/01/2023 (e)
35,000
35,438
1,129,788
Total Energy
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Jr. Sub.
Notes, Series V
5.000% Perpetual Maturity (b)(h) $ 50,000 $
KKR Group Finance Co. III LLC, Sr.
Unsec. Notes
5.125% 06/01/2044 (e)
75,000
Morgan Stanley, Jr. Sub. Notes,
Series J
5.550% Perpetual Maturity (b)(h) 45,000
Quicken Loans, Inc., Sr. Unsec. Notes
5.750% 05/01/2025 (e)
25,000
Wells Fargo & Co., Jr. Sub. Notes,
Series S
5.900% Perpetual Maturity (b)(h) 100,000
Total Financials
Value
(Note 2)
Aircastle Ltd., Sr. Unsec. Notes
5.500% 02/15/2022
35,000
CNO Financial Group, Inc., Sr. Unsec.
Notes
5.250% 05/30/2025
25,000
Communications Sales & Leasing,
Inc., First Lien Notes
6.000% 04/15/2023 (e)
27,000
Constellation Enterprises LLC, First
Lien Notes
10.625% 02/01/2016 (e)
120,000
Corrections Corporation of America,
Sr. Unsec. Notes
5.000% 10/15/2022
10,000
Creditcorp, Sec. Notes
12.000% 07/15/2018 (e)
510,000
Fly Leasing Ltd., Sr. Unsec. Notes
6.375% 10/15/2021
200,000
Global Investments Group Finance
Ltd., Sr. Unsec. Notes
11.000% 09/24/2017 (e)
400,000
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Jr. Sub.
Notes, Series L
5.700% Perpetual Maturity (b)(h) 100,000
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Jr. Sub.
Notes, Series M
5.375% Perpetual Maturity (b)(h) 70,000
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
4.750% 10/21/2045
55,000
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Sub.
Notes
5.150% 05/22/2045
35,000
37,100
26,656
26,325
88,200
10,175
376,762
206,500
421,000
101,500
69,388
55,990
35,307
74,366
45,000
24,906
102,500
1,751,038
Industrials (7.24%)
Financials (7.77%)
49,363
Air Medical Merger Sub Corp., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
6.375% 05/15/2023 (e)
75,000
Anixter, Inc., Sr. Unsec. Notes
5.500% 03/01/2023 (e)
20,000
ATS Automation Tooling Systems,
Inc., Sr. Unsec. Notes
6.500% 06/15/2023 (e)
35,000
Builders FirstSource, Inc., Sr. Unsec.
Notes
10.750% 08/15/2023 (e)
100,000
CTP Transportation Products LLC /
CTP Finance, Inc., Sec. Notes
8.250% 12/15/2019 (e)
100,000
Dispensing Dynamics International,
Sec. Notes
12.500% 01/01/2018 (e)
115,000
GEO Debt Finance SCA, First Lien
Notes, Series REGS
7.500% 08/01/2018 (f)
120,000
Global Ship Lease, Inc., First Lien
Notes
10.000% 04/01/2019 (e)
40,000
Kemet Corp., First Lien Notes
10.500% 05/01/2018
145,000
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions,
Inc., First Lien Notes
7.000% 05/15/2019
36,000
NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul Services,
Inc., Second Lien Notes
9.500% 08/15/2019 (e)
100,000
OPE KAG Finance Sub, Inc., Sr. Unsec.
Notes
7.875% 07/31/2023 (e)
150,000
Optimas OE Solutions Holding LLC /
Optimas OE Solutions, Inc., Sec.
Notes
8.625% 06/01/2021 (e)
85,000
78 | October 31, 2015
68,625
20,700
35,963
103,750
107,000
113,850
126,027
40,200
131,587
27,090
58,500
156,375
81,175
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Principal
Amount
Value
(Note 2)
Principal
Amount
Value
(Note 2)
Industrials (continued)
Real Alloy Holding, Inc., First Lien
Notes
10.000% 01/15/2019 (e)
Tempel Steel Co., Sec. Notes
12.000% 08/15/2016 (e)
Total Industrials
Technology (1.94%)
$ 186,000 $
190,650
368,000
370,226
1,631,718
DynCorp International, Inc., Sr.
Unsec. Notes
10.375% 07/01/2017
65,000
First Data Corp., Sr. Unsec. Notes
12.625% 01/15/2021
150,000
Hutchinson Technology, Inc., Second
Lien Notes
8.500% 01/15/2017
120,000
Interface Security Systems Holdings,
Inc. / Interface Security
Systems LLC, Second Lien
Notes
9.250% 01/15/2018
20,000
MSCI, Inc., Sr. Unsec. Notes
5.250% 11/15/2024 (e)
20,000
Seagate HDD Cayman, Sr. Unsec.
Notes
5.750% 12/01/2034 (e)
60,000
Total Technology
51,675
172,312
121,200
20,175
21,100
50,952
437,414
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $11,656,676)
9,999,923
MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES (9.05%)
American Homes 4 Rent, Series
2014â€SFR1
3.500% 06/17/2016 (b)(e)
American Residential Properties
Trust, Series 2014â€SFR1
4.127% 09/17/2016 (b)(e)
4.627% 09/17/2016 (b)(e)
150,000
144,073
Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue
Securities, Series 2014â€C04
5.094% 11/25/2024 (b)
Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue
Securities, Series 2014â€C02
2.794% 05/25/2024 (b)
Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue
Securities, Series 2014â€C03
3.194% 07/25/2024 (b)
Invitation Homes Trust, Series 2014â€
SFR1
3.957% 06/17/2016 (b)(e)
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage
Securities Trust, Series 2015â€
C31
4.273% 08/15/2025 (b)
Luminent Mortgage Trust, Series
2006â€2 A1A
0.394% 02/25/2046 (b)
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage
Trust, Series 2015â€NXS2
4.394% 07/15/2058 (b)
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage
Trust, Series 2015â€SG1
4.620% 12/15/2047 (b)
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage
Trust, Series 2015â€C27
3.768% 03/15/2025 (e)
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage
Trust, Series 2015â€C29
4.365% 06/15/2048 (b)
WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust,
Series 2014â€LC14
4.586% 02/15/2024 (b)(e)
$ 120,000 $
120,399
50,000
44,677
190,000
171,505
200,000
191,249
100,000
77,880
72,788
50,781
100,000
81,623
53,000
44,892
100,000
80,326
50,000
40,693
125,000
109,809
100,000
100,000
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage
Trust, Series 2014â€GC25
3.548% 10/10/2024 (e)
100,000
Colony American Homes, Series
2014â€1A
3.050% 05/17/2017 (b)(e)
125,000
Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust,
Series 2006â€6CB
5.750% 05/25/2036
250,850
Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue
Securities, Series 2015â€C02
4.194% 05/25/2025 (b)
85,000
Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue
Securities, Series 2015â€C04
5.744% 04/25/2028 (b)
45,000
155,000
5.894% 04/25/2028 (b)
TOTAL MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES
(Cost $2,084,757)
98,519
97,672
Yield
79,906
119,527
201,528
80,774
45,773
158,234
Principal
Amount
2,039,840
Value
(Note 2)
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.35%)
Government (0.35%)
U.S. Treasury Bills
Discounted Notes,
06/23/2016(i)
U.S. Treasury Bills
Discounted Notes,
(i)
03/03/2016
0.056% 50,000
49,909
0.061% 30,000
29,990
79,899
79,899
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $79,910)
79 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (88.29%)
(Cost $21,648,781)
Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities (11.71%)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
$ 19,903,166
2,641,020 (j)
$ 22,544,186
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
Non-Income Producing Security.
Floating or variable rate security. Interest rate disclosed is that
which is in effect at October 31, 2015.
All or a portion of this position has not settled as of October 31,
2015. The interest rate shown represents the stated spread over
the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR" or "L") or the
applicable LIBOR floor; the Fund will not accrue interest until
the settlement date, at which point LIBOR will be established.
Fair valued security under the procedures approved by the
Fund's Board of Trustees.
Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the
Securities Act of 1933. These securities have been deemed liquid
under procedures approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees
and may normally be sold to qualified institutional buyers in
transactions exempt from registration.
Total market value of
Rule 144A securities amounts to $6,408,971, which represents
approximately 28.43% of net assets as of October 31, 2015.
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.
These securities have been deemed liquid under guidelines
approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees. As of October 31,
2015 the aggregate market value of those securities was
$502,569, representing 2.23% of net assets.
Security is in default and therefore is non-income producing.
This security has no contractual maturity date, is not
redeemable and contractually pays an indefinite stream of
interest.
All or a portion of the security is pledged as collateral on
futures.
The aggregate market value of the collateralized
securities totals $79,899 as of October 31, 2015. See Note 3 in
Notes to Financial Statements.
Portion of Assets in Excess of Liabilities is held as collateral for
futures contracts and credit default swap contracts in the
amount of $236,123. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial
Statements.
Common Abbreviations:
aka - Also known as.
ASA - Allmennaksjeselskap is the Norwegian term for public
limited company.
BV - Besloten Vennootschap is the Dutch term for private limited
liability company.
Conv.
- Convertible.
fka - Formerly known as.
GmbH - Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftungis the German term
for limited liability company.
Jr. Sub. - Junior Subordinated.
LLC - Limited Liability Company.
LP - Limited Partnership.
Ltd.
- Limited.
PIK - Payment in-kind.
Pty. - Proprietary.
SA - Generally designates corporations in various countries,
mostly those employing the civil law.
S.a.r.l. - Societe Anonyme a Responsabilite Limitee is the French
term for limited liability company.
Sec.
- Secured.
Sr. Unsec. - Senior Unsecured.
Sub.
- Subordinated.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
80 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
FUTURES CONTRACTS
Position
Contracts
Expiration
Date
Long
Long
1
6
12/22/15
01/01/16
Description
CME Ultra Long Term U.S. Treasury Bond
Future
U.S. 5 Year Treasury Note Future
Description
10 Year USD Deliverable Interest Rate Swap
Future
5 Year USD Deliverable Interest Rate Swap
Future
U.S. 10 Year Treasury Note Future
U.S. Long Bond Future
Value
(Note 2)
$
$
Position
Contracts
Expiration
Date
Short
(9)
12/15/15
$
Short
Long
Short
(45)
7
(1)
12/15/15
12/22/15
12/22/15
$
Unrealized
Appreciation
159,750 $
718,641
878,391 $
Value
(Note 2)
1,380
427
1,807
Unrealized
Depreciation
(931,781) $
(4,594,219)
893,813
(156,438)
(4,788,625) $
(12,453)
(28,954)
(2,323)
(1,901)
(45,631)
CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP CONTRACTS
Centrally cleared
swap
TOTAL
Buy Credit
Notional
Clearing House
Reference Obligation
Protection
Amount
Intercontinental CDX North American High
Exchange
Yield Index Series 25
Buy
$ 2,000,000
Rate Paid Termination Upfront
Unrealized
by Fund
Date
Payment Depreciation
5.00%
12/20/2020 $ (10,975) $ (52,685)
$ (10,975) $ (52,685)
OUTSTANDING FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS
Foreign
Currency
EUR
Contracted
Amount*
450,000
Purchase/Sale
Contract
Sale
Settlement
Date
11/05/15
Counterparty
State Street Bank & Trust Co.
State Street Bank & Trust Co.
CAD
115,000
Sale
11/05/15
* The contracted amount is stated in the currency in which the contract is denominated.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
81 | October 31, 2015
$
Current
Value
494,880
$
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
$
10,439
$
10,439
87,943
$
$
(879)
(879)
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2015
ASSETS
Investments, at value
Cash
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $32,423)
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts
Receivable for investments sold
Receivable for shares sold
Deposit with broker for credit default swap contracts (Note 3)
Interest receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total Assets
$
19,903,166
2,669,175
32,652
10,439
589,937
25,000
131,368
356,344
6,225
23,724,306
$
1,093,179
2,242
10,975
5,747
879
17,236
11,903
4,373
5,188
28,398
1,180,120
22,544,186
LIABILITIES
Payable for investments purchased
Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swap contracts
Payable for upfront premium on centrally cleared swap contracts
Payable due to broker for futures contracts
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts
Investment advisory fees payable
Administration and transfer agency fees payable
Distribution and services fees payable
Professional fees payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total Liabilities
NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
Paidâ€in capital
Accumulated net investment income
Accumulated net realized loss on investments, futures contracts, credit default swap contracts and foreign currency
transactions
Net unrealized depreciation on investments, futures contracts, credit default swap contracts and translation of assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and forward foreign currency contracts
NET ASSETS
INVESTMENTS, AT COST
$ 24,687,160
43,126
(353,377)
(1,832,723)
$ 22,544,186
$ 21,648,781
See Notes to Financial Statements.
82 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2015
PRICING OF SHARES
Class A:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Maximum offering price per share ((NAV/0.9450), based on maximum sales charge of 5.50% of the offering price)
Class C:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share(a)
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Class I:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
9.16
3,090,222
337,244
9.69
$
$
9.16
719,783
78,580
(a)
$
$
$
$
9.16
$ 18,734,181
2,045,334
Redemption price per share may be reduced for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. For a description of a possible sales charge,
please see the Fund's Prospectus.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
83 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended October 31, 2015
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest and other income
Total Investment Income
$
1,765,967
1,765,967
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fees
Administrative fees
Transfer agency fees
Distribution and service fees
Class A
Class C
Professional fees
Networking fees
Class I
Reports to shareholders and printing fees
State registration fees
SEC registration fees
Insurance fees
Custody fees
Trustees' fees and expenses
Offering costs
Miscellaneous expenses
Total Expenses
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment advisor (Note 8)
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Expenses
Net Investment Income
Net realized loss on investments
Net realized loss on futures contracts
Net realized gain on credit default swap
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
Net change in unrealized depreciation on futures contracts
Net change in unrealized depreciation on credit default swap
Net change in unrealized appreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and forward
foreign currency contracts
See Notes to Financial Statements.
84 | October 31, 2015
8,130
3,221
38,982
968
334
21,125
660
12,451
37,253
699,635
(34,235)
(11,798)
(191,137)
462,465
1,303,502
(254,089)
(149,102)
6,183
13,860
(1,186,926)
(15,041)
(42,011)
10,342
11,252
37,663
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
447,261
69,858
135
10,485
(1,616,641)
$
(313,139)
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Period
January 1, 2014
(Commencement) to
October 31, 2014
For the Year Ended
October 31, 2015
OPERATIONS
Net investment income
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency
transactions
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments, futures contracts and
translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and
forward foreign currency contracts
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
1,303,502
$
774,512
(383,148)
138,936
(1,233,493)
(313,139)
(599,230)
314,218
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends to shareholders from net realized gains
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(183,098)
(54,950)
(1,058,483)
(17,220)
(5,789)
(82,396)
(1,401,936)
(126,416)
(45,997)
(661,379)
–
–
–
(833,792)
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Shares redeemed
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment income of:
$
$
See Notes to Financial Statements.
85 | October 31, 2015
604,963
–
6,681,709
175,165
60,739
1,123,436
(1,632,559)
(844,906)
(6,601,183)
(432,636)
(2,147,711)
24,691,897
22,544,186
$
43,126 $
4,376,893
1,732,540
20,102,463
84,424
33,245
450,245
(176,024)
(142,172)
(1,250,143)
25,211,471
24,691,897
–
24,691,897
10,674
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$9.86
0.54
(0.67)
(0.13)
(0.53)
(0.04)
(0.57)
(0.70)
$9.16
Net investment income(a)
Net realized and unrealized loss
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net (decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(b)
0.36
(0.14)
0.22
(0.36)
–
(0.36)
(0.14)
$9.86
(1.32)%
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
For the Period
January 1, 2014
(Commencement)
to
October 31, 2014
$10.00
2.13%
$3,090
3.35% (c)
2.30% (c)(e)
(c)
5.66%
91%
$4,190
3.64% (c)(d)
2.39% (c)(d)
4.33% (c)(d)
108%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(f)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Expense ratios before reductions for startup periods may not be representative of longer term operating periods.
Annualized.
According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Class A shares, any amount of such payment not paid during the
Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical after the end of the fiscal year.
Fees were
reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended October 31, 2015, for the prior fiscal year in the amount of 0.09% of average net assets of
Class A shares.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
86 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund – Class C
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$9.85
0.48
(0.67)
(0.19)
(0.46)
(0.04)
(0.50)
(0.69)
$9.16
Net investment income(a)
Net realized and unrealized loss
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net (decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(b)
0.31
(0.16)
0.15
(0.30)
–
(0.30)
(0.15)
$9.85
(1.90)%
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
For the Period
January 1, 2014
(Commencement)
to
October 31, 2014
$10.00
1.51%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
$720
4.04% (c)
2.99% (c)
4.98% (c)
91%
$1,587
4.25% (c)(d)
2.99% (c)(d)
3.70% (c)(d)
108%
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Expense ratios before reductions for startup periods may not be representative of longer term operating periods.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
87 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$9.85
0.57
(0.66)
(0.09)
(0.56)
(0.04)
(0.60)
(0.69)
$9.16
Net investment income(a)
Net realized and unrealized loss
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net (decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(b)
0.38
(0.14)
0.24
(0.39)
–
(0.39)
(0.15)
$9.85
(0.89)%
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
For the Period
January 1, 2014
(Commencement)
to
October 31, 2014
$10.00
2.38%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers and reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
$18,734
3.07% (c)
1.99% (c)
5.98% (c)
91%
$18,915
3.39% (c)(d)
1.99% (c)(d)
4.59% (c)(d)
108%
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Expense ratios before reductions for startup periods may not be representative of longer term operating periods.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
88 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Market Commentary
The twelve month period ended October 31, 2015 was defined by
significant volatility in the global markets, causing flat to modest gains
for broad market indices, with the S&P 500® Index returning 5.20%
and the Russell 1000® Value Index returning 0.53% during the
twelveâ€month period. The period began strong as 2014 closed the
year on a relative upswing. Accommodative global monetary policy
continued to be a central theme. The Bank of Japan expanded its
quantitative easing (QE) policy, the People's Bank of China surprised
markets with its first rate cut in two years, and the European Central
Bank continued to hint of sovereign QE for early 2015. The US Federal
Reserve (Fed) helped to support riskier assets after it stated it can be
"patient" with regards to starting its policy normalization process. US
equities outperformed nonâ€US equities and emerging market equities
underperformed their developed market counterparts.
Despite the year beginning on a sour note, with January recording
the worst monthly return for US stocks in a year, the first quarter of
2015 ended positive. However, earnings sentiment was fairly
negative among many investors, in part due to currency headwinds
and some accompanying highâ€profile guidance disappointments. The
second quarter of 2015 was defined by strong merger and
acquisition activity, a rebound in hiring, and solid housing data. May
was the secondâ€best month ever for deals involving US companies
with US $234 billion in M&A announcements. News of an economic
contraction and comments from US Federal Reserve Chair Janet
Yellen that equity valuations were "quite high" were not enough to
quell bullish sentiment. As the twelveâ€month period came to a close,
the markets were marred with volatility caused by geopolitical and
macroeconomic conditions. US equities retreated for the first time in
eleven quarters during Q3, as the S&P 500 experienced its first
correction, a 10% decline from its recent high, since October 2011.
The Fed’s statement appeared to spook some investors as it
acknowledged that “recent global economic and financial
developments may restrain economic activity somewhat and are
likely to put further downward pressure on inflation in the near
term.” The period ended with US equities rallying in October as the
Fed left interest rates unchanged, though changes to its policy
statement were more hawkish than expected. Overall, the US
economy remained on solid footing, with a sharp rebound in GDP, a
sevenâ€year low in unemployment, and a healthy housing market.
Within the Russell 1000 Value Index, six of ten sectors posted
positive returns during the period, with the health care and
consumer discretionary sectors gaining the most. The energy sector
declined the most during the period, followed by the
materials sector.
Fund Review
On a grossâ€ofâ€fee basis, the ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund (the
“Fund”) outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index,
for the period.
During the period, the Fund achieved positive relative results in
seven out of the ten broad market sectors. Overall, stock selection
was additive relative to the Russell 1000 Value Index, as decisions in
the consumer staples, information technology, and consumer
discretionary more than offset weaker stock selection in the health
care and industrials sectors.
Top contributors to relative performance included Newfield
Exploration (energy), Lowe’s (consumer discretionary), and Advance
Auto Parts (consumer discretionary). Our position in Newfield
Exploration, an oil and gas exploration and production company,
delivered strong results driven by higherâ€thanâ€estimated domestic
production and higher lifting from its assets in China. Lowe’s, a home
improvement retailer, contributed to relative performance based on
better home improvement trends, dividend growth around 20% per
year, and sharpening execution. We eliminated our position in
Lowe’s during the period on strength. Our position in Advance Auto
Parts, an automotive aftermarket parts and accessories retailer, was
helped by their recent acquisition of General Parts. We believe the
acquisition will prove to be a transformative move with much
greater profit enhancement over time than the market expects. We
maintained positions in both Newfield Exploration and Advance
Auto Parts at the end of the period.
Detractors from relative performance for the period included
Halliburton (energy) and General Electric (industrials). Shares of
Halliburton, a global oilfield services company, fell during the period
amid the precipitous drop in oil prices We believe Halliburton is in a
stronger position to recover than many other oil services names if oil
prices rise, and coupled with a strong balance sheet and a good
management team, we continue to hold our position. An
underweight in General Electric detracted from relative
performance. Shares of this diversified multinational conglomerate
rose after the firm announced a transformational new plan to sell
most of GE Capital and essentially become a pureâ€play industrial
company. Not owning strong benchmark constituent Pfizer, a large
US pharmaceutical company, also detracted from relative
performance during the period.
Strategy and Outlook
The portfolio takes a predominantly bottomâ€up approach to
investing, with valueâ€added primarily from stock selection. As a
result, we maintain industry neutrality in relation to the benchmark
and do not look to add value through sector rotation. At the security
level, however, we do take active positions which reflect our outlook
for a specific company. Amid the recent market turbulence, our
Global Industry Analysts remain focused on fundamental stock
selection and believe now is a good time to add to quality names
across many sectors.
At the end of the period, the portfolio had several large overweight
positions in the financials sector. We remain positive on several US
banks due to (1) upside to higher rates but relatively good returns if
rates stay low, (2) valuations at low levels relative to returns and (3)
late innings of regulation/litigation. One stock we were overweight
in is Bank of America, a USâ€based bank and financial services
provider. We believe Bank of America has more upside from rising
US short rates than some of its peers given its $1.1 trillion deposit
base and $2.5 trillion in Merrill Lynch assets under custody. Further,
89 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
we believe the market underappreciates the company's ability to
improve returns on equity through cost reductions associated with
the runâ€off business, more efficient underwriting, and an increase in
net interest income in the event of rising short term rates.
Within energy, we prefer stocks with leverage to rising oil prices and
attractive valuations, and believe the recent selloff in the sector is a
good opportunity to add to names with access to high quality assets.
We view the current oil price as unsustainable, and believe that
selfâ€correcting forces are already on their way to rebalance the oil
market. A top overweight here was Pioneer Natural Resources, a
USâ€based oil and gas exploration company. We believe the
opportunity in Pioneer continues to be driven by the market's fixation
on shortâ€term results for what we believe is the best longâ€term asset
in the industry. Over the next several years we think Pioneer's wells
are likely to get better and cost less than they do today.
We believe the consumer discretionary sector has some clear
fundamental tailwinds for consumers today, including lower fuel
prices and improvement in unemployment, wages, and housing. Our
stance is that the market as a whole is underappreciating these
impacts on many stocks. A name we liked in the retailing segment
was Advance Auto Parts, one of the aforementioned top contributors
over the period. Sales and margin trends have stabilized and
management has indicated that the company should achieve its
operating profit target earlier than expected. We continued to own a
sizeable position in the portfolio during the period.
Effective February 28, 2015 the Fund's Board approved the
transition from the Disciplined US Value strategy to the Research
Value strategy. Similar to Disciplined US Value, the Research Value
approach seeks to achieve longâ€term total return in excess of the
Russell 1000 Value Index by investing primarily in value oriented
equity securities of US companies, emphasizing those with
aboveâ€average potential for capital appreciation. The Research
Value approach employs fundamental, bottomâ€up security analysis.
The Research Value portfolio consists of multiple subportfolios, each
of which is actively managed by one or more of Wellington
Management’s Global Industry Analysts. The allocation of assets to
the subportfolios corresponds to the relative weights of the analysts'
coverage universes within the index. In addition, individual analysts
have developed investment frameworks that have proven most
relevant to their particular philosophy, process, and industry. Thus,
the portfolio combines a blend of investment disciplines, which we
believe diversifies investment style risk. The portfolio is rebalanced
regularly to maintain industry weights that are close to the index
and to maintain style diversification.
Cheryl M. Duckworth, CFA
Senior Managing Director and Associate Director, Global
Industry Research
Mark Mandel, CFA
Senior Managing Director and Director, Global Industry Research
The views of the author and information discussed in this
commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change,
and may not reflect the writer's current views. The views expressed
are those of the author only, and represent an assessment of market
conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should
not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular
investment or markets in general. Such information does not
constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or
investment vehicles. It should not be assumed that any investment will
be profitable or will equal the performance of the fund(s) or any
securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter.
The subject matter
contained in this letter has been derived from several sources
believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation.
Neither ALPS Advisors, Inc., Wellington Management Company,
LLP, nor the Fund accepts any liability for losses either direct or
consequential caused by the use of this information.
Diversification cannot guarantee gain or prevent losses.
90 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$25k
$20k
S&P 500® Total
Return Index - $21,289
$15k
Russell 1000®
Value Index - $19,226
ALPS | WMC Research
Value Fund Class A (NAV) - $18,581
ALPS | WMC Research
Value Fund Class A (MOP) - $17,565
$10k
10/31/15
10/31/14
10/31/13
10/31/12
10/31/11
10/31/10
10/31/09
10/31/08
10/31/07
10/31/06
10/31/05
$5k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
6 Month
Class A (NAV)
Class A (MOP)
Class C (NAV)
Class C (CDSC)
Class I
Russell 1000®
1
Value Index
S&P 500® Total
Return Index2
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Since
Inception
Total
Expense Ratio
What You Pay*
â€1.70%
2.57%
12.98%
6.39%
9.74%
â€7.14%
â€3.07%
11.70%
5.79%
9.60%
1.48%
1.15%
â€2.08%
1.87%
12.14%
5.61%
8.93%
â€3.06%
0.96%
12.14%
5.61%
8.93%
2.24%
1.90%
â€1.59%
2.86%
13.26%
6.63%
9.99%
1.23%
0.90%
â€2.29%
0.53%
13.26%
6.75%
–
0.77%
5.20%
14.33%
7.85%
–
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%. Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account.
If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load). A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
91 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance shown for Class C shares prior to June 30, 2010 reflects the historical performance of the Fund’s Class A shares, calculated using the
fees and expenses of Class C shares.
Effective February 28, 2015 the Fund changed its name from the ALPS | WMC Disciplined Value Fund to the ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund.
The performance shown for the ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund (the “Fund”) for periods prior to August 29, 2009, reflects the performance of
the Activa Mutual Funds Trust – Activa Value Fund (as result of a prior reorganization of Activa Mutual Funds Trust – Activa Value Fund into
the Fund).
1
The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 1000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted
growth values. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor may not invest directly
in an index.
2
The S&P 500® Index is the Standard & Poor’s composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. The
index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes.
An investor may not invest directly in
an index.
* What You Pay reflects the Advisor’s decision to contractually limit expenses through February 28, 2017. Please see the prospectus for
additional information.
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company. The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change.
Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets) †
Industry Sector Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)
Wells Fargo & Co.
Bank of America Corp.
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A
Medtronic PLC
American International Group, Inc.
Newfield Exploration
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
Microsoft Corp.
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Top Ten Holdings
3.52%
3.50%
2.44%
2.09%
2.05%
2.03%
2.01%
1.93%
1.87%
1.86%
23.30%
Financials - 32.05%
Health Care - 12.52%
Energy - 10.68%
Information Technology - 10.13%
Industrials - 9.33%
Utilities - 7.31%
Consumer Discretionary - 6.44%
Consumer Staples - 6.41%
Materials - 3.43%
Cash, Cash Equivalents,
& Other Net Assets - 1.70%
†
Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect
the current or future position of the portfolio. Table
presents indicative values only.
92 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Energy (continued)
Cobalt International Energy,
Inc.(a)
Continental Resources, Inc.(a)
Enbridge, Inc.
Ensco PLC, Class A
EOG Resources, Inc.
Forum Energy Technologies,
(a)
Inc.
Halliburton Co.
Hess Corp.
(a)
Newfield Exploration
ONEOK, Inc.
Pattersonâ€UTI Energy, Inc.
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
(a)
Southwestern Energy Co.
Tesco Corp.
TransCanada Corp.
COMMON STOCKS (98.30%)
Consumer Discretionary (6.44%)
Consumer Services (2.02%)
Las Vegas Sands Corp.
McDonald's Corp.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings,
(a)
Ltd.
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
Media (2.47%)
Comcast Corp., Class A
DreamWorks Animation SKG,
Inc., Class A(a)
The Interpublic Group of
Companies., Inc.
Twentyâ€First Century Fox, Inc.,
Class A
Retailing (1.95%)
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
The Priceline Group, Inc.(a)
5,310 $
7,820
262,898
877,795
9,745
619,977
2,060
202,601
1,963,271
20,270
1,269,307
11,420
231,141
6,770
155,236
24,414
749,266
2,404,950
6,386 1,267,174
437
635,503
1,902,677
Consumer Staples (6.41%)
Food & Staples Retailing (0.85%)
CVS Health Corp.
8,385
6,270,898
828,270
244,992
618,417
927,240
1,975,379
160,442
283,357
1,883,618
161,957
183,920
410,470
10,399,704
202,890
46,725
4,640
3,404,494
1,135,418
556,104
20,120
63,270
1,816,031
3,425,438
10,337,485
478,720
1,230,792
956,750
138,702
2,804,964
6,247,517
Energy (10.68%)
Energy (10.68%)
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
Cheniere Energy, Inc.(a)
Chevron Corp.
Household & Personal Products (2.88%)
Avon Products, Inc.
118,789
Colgateâ€Palmolive Co.
18,550
The Estee Lauder Companies.,
Inc., Class A
11,891
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Class A
3,630
TOTAL CONSUMER STAPLES
18,490
16,113
16,496
49,151
4,730
19,030
13,735
14,670
22,990
12,220
Financials (32.05%)
Banks (10.61%)
Bank of America Corp.
Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
M&T Bank Corp.
The PNC Financial Services
Group, Inc.
Wells Fargo & Co.
Food Beverage & Tobacco (2.68%)
Mondelez International, Inc.,
Class A
51,414 2,373,270
Post Holdings, Inc.(a)
3,750
241,013
2,614,283
670,089
657,854
86,661
215,857
977,831
$
87,365
19,400
2,030
12,980
11,390
TOTAL ENERGY
TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
4,480
2,500
5,702
299,622
123,800
518,198
Diversified Financials (6.29%)
American Express Co.
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
BlackRock, Inc.
Invesco, Ltd.
MSCI, Inc.
Northern Trust Corp.
Raymond James Financial, Inc.
Santander Consumer USA
(a)
Holdings, Inc.
Springleaf Holdings, Inc.(a)
UBS Group AG
WisdomTree Investments, Inc.
Insurance (9.65%)
Alleghany Corp.(a)
The Allstate Corp.
American International Group,
Inc.
Assured Guaranty, Ltd.
93 | October 31, 2015
16,410
5,543
1,580
12,450
6,634
12,920
5,710
1,202,197
639,440
556,113
412,966
444,478
909,439
314,678
61,110
6,130
5,028
8,110
1,100,591
287,558
100,711
155,955
6,124,126
1,210
6,380
600,487
394,794
31,690
56,240
1,998,372
1,543,226
. ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Insurance (continued)
The Hartford Financial Services
Group, Inc.
Marsh & McLennan Companies,
Inc.
Principal Financial Group, Inc.
Prudential Financial, Inc.
XL Group PLC
Real Estate (5.50%)
American Tower Corp.
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
Douglas Emmett, Inc.
Essex Property Trust, Inc.
Extra Space Storage, Inc.
Federal Realty Investment Trust
Forest City Enterprises, Inc.,
(a)
Class A
InfraREIT, Inc.
Public Storage
SL Green Realty Corp.
18,413 $
21,230
14,820
8,434
36,360
851,785
1,183,360
743,371
695,805
1,384,589
9,395,789
3,290
6,090
23,990
1,755
3,750
4,634
336,337
1,064,715
732,894
386,872
297,150
664,933
41,093
5,010
1,280
4,670
908,155
119,639
293,709
553,955
5,358,359
Industrials (9.33%)
Capital Goods (6.74%)
Danaher Corp.
Eaton Corp. PLC
General Electric Co.
Honeywell International, Inc.
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corp.
Owens Corning
Pentair PLC
Raytheon Co.
United Technologies Corp.
(a)
WESCO International, Inc.
31,215,759
Health Care (12.52%)
Health Care Equipment & Services (7.96%)
Abbott Laboratories
15,980
Becton Dickinson and Co.
2,288
Boston Scientific Corp.(a)
65,720
(a)
8,710
HCA Holdings, Inc.
McKesson Corp.
2,841
Medtronic PLC
27,540
St Jude Medical, Inc.
11,920
Stryker Corp.
6,678
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
8,200
715,904
326,086
1,201,362
599,161
507,971
2,035,757
760,615
638,550
965,796
7,751,202
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences (4.56%)
(a)
2,430
174,766
Alkermes PLC
(a)
Allergan PLC
3,024
932,813
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)
2,790
239,800
Bristolâ€Myers Squibb Co.
17,114 1,128,668
Merck & Co., Inc.
30,382 1,660,680
Mylan N.V.(a)
6,840
301,576
4,438,303
TOTAL HEALTH CARE
12,189,505
10,960
5,100
43,340
3,966
3,560
2,276
12,860
4,260
6,216
10,012
4,560
$
1,022,678
285,141
1,253,393
409,608
327,306
500,333
585,516
238,219
729,758
985,281
223,121
6,560,354
226,888
73,899
265,978
687,850
48,188
59,133
1,361,936
1,960
305,858
Commercial & Professional Services (1.40%)
Equifax, Inc.
2,129
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.(a)
1,530
ManpowerGroup, Inc.
2,898
Nielsen N.V.
14,478
Towers Watson & Co., Class A
390
TransUnion(a)
2,300
TOTAL FINANCIALS
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Transportation (1.19%)
FedEx Corp.
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc., Class
(a)
A
JetBlue Airways Corp.(a)
Kansas City Southern
Knight Transportation, Inc.
Swift Transportation Co.(a)
(a)
XPO Logistics, Inc.
247,868
70,546
106,760
252,039
75,712
103,267
1,162,050
3,694
2,840
1,290
9,915
4,844
3,720
9,084,340
TOTAL INDUSTRIALS
Information Technology (10.13%)
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (2.10%)
Avago Technologies, Ltd.
137
16,869
(a)
4,752
271,197
First Solar, Inc.
Intel Corp.
38,751
1,312,109
Micron Technology, Inc.(a)
9,525
157,734
ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)
4,400
48,400
SunEdison Semiconductor,
Ltd.(a)
7,960
85,570
SunPower Corp.(a)
5,840
156,745
2,048,624
Software & Services (4.97%)
Accenture PLC, Class A
94 | October 31, 2015
1,244
133,357
. ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Software & Services (continued)
Alliance Data Systems Corp.(a)
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)
Alphabet, Inc., Class C(a)
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
CACI International, Inc., Class
(a)
A
Genpact, Ltd.(a)
Global Payments, Inc.
Heartland Payment Systems,
Inc.
Microsoft Corp.
SS&C Technologies Holdings,
Inc.
Visa, Inc., A Shares
585
1,130
417
2,146
$
227,656
312,228
185,381
1,790
34,683
132,460
1,825,713
6,140
455,281
1,060
82,235
4,844,576
14,837
76,986
1,958,050
926,595
2,976,468
9,869,668
3,460
6,100
5,530
4,220
5,600
4,425
7,223
7,780
237,010
182,573
198,748
299,831
153,216
234,702
373,212
332,128
2,580
839
6,100
1,980
5,150
1,960
710
2,633
239,708
130,171
206,119
83,754
110,983
117,522
189,449
254,295
3,343,421
8,150
7,280
355,992
417,581
Materials (3.43%)
Materials (3.43%)
Ball Corp.
Boise Cascade Co.(a)
Cabot Corp.
Celanese Corp., Series A
CRH PLC, Sponsored ADR
Crown Holdings, Inc.(a)
The Dow Chemical Co.
International Paper Co.
LyondellBasell Industries N.V.,
Class A
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
The Mosaic Co.
Nucor Corp.
(a)
Owensâ€Illinois, Inc.
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.
The Sherwinâ€Williams Co.
Vulcan Materials Co.
TOTAL MATERIALS
Utilities (7.31%)
Utilities (7.31%)
Ameren Corp.
American Water Works Co., Inc.
656,085
399,791
566,757
478,713
379,712
261,433
194,635
1,357,884
466,556
342,319
2,646
29,400
980
109,253
1,078,098
49,970
$
7,114,779
95,735,591
TOTAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
9,185
4,900
7,930
7,910
13,600
7,990
10,320
13,227
8,737
5,390
TOTAL UTILITIES
Technology Hardware & Equipment (3.06%)
(a)
230
Arista Networks, Inc.
Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a)
1,400
Cisco Systems, Inc.
67,870
QUALCOMM, Inc.
15,594
Utilities (continued)
Dominion Resources, Inc.
DTE Energy Co.
Duke Energy Corp.
Edison International
Exelon Corp.
ITC Holdings Corp.
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
NextEra Energy, Inc.
PG&E Corp.
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.
Public Service Enterprise Group,
Inc.
UGI Corp.
UIL Holdings Corp.
173,926
833,251
296,408
186,680
2,346
12,600
1,359
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $88,936,619)
7-Day
Yield
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.69%)
Money Market Fund (1.69%)
Morgan Stanley
Institutional
Liquidity Fund â€
Prime Portfolio 0.082% 1,643,620
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $1,643,620)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.99%)
(Cost $90,580,239)
Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities (0.01%)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
1,643,620
1,643,620
$
97,379,211
13,587
$
97,392,798
(b)
(a)
(b)
Non-Income Producing Security.
Includes cash which is being held as collateral for futures
contracts in the amount of $46,000.
Common Abbreviations:
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
AG - Aktiengesellschaft is a German term that refers to a
corporation that is limited by shares, i.e., owned by
shareholders.
Ltd. - Limited.
95 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
N.V. - Naamloze Vennootschap is the Dutch term for a public
limited liability corporation.
PLC - Public Limited Company.
REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FUTURES CONTRACTS
Description
S&P 500 Emini Future
Position
Long
Expiration
Date
12/21/15
Contracts
10
96 | October 31, 2015
$
$
Value
Unrealized
(Note 2)
Appreciation
1,036,850 $
55,456
1,036,850 $
55,456
.
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2015
ASSETS
Investments, at value
Receivable for investments sold
Receivable for shares sold
Deposit with broker for futures contracts (Note 3)
Dividends receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total Assets
$
97,379,211
596,713
57,000
46,000
64,559
21,384
98,164,867
$
617,419
4,650
30,100
62,947
20,268
12,278
13
13,868
10,526
772,069
97,392,798
$
$
65,051,658
25,486,712
6,854,428
97,392,798
LIABILITIES
Payable for investments purchased
Payable for variation margin on futures contracts
Payable for shares redeemed
Investment advisory fees payable
Administration and transfer agency fees payable
Distribution and services fees payable
Trustees' fees and expenses payable
Professional fees payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total Liabilities
NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
Paidâ€in capital
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and futures contracts
Net unrealized appreciation on investments, futures contracts
NET ASSETS
INVESTMENTS, AT COST
PRICING OF SHARES
$ 90,580,239
Class A:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Maximum offering price per share ((NAV/0.9450), based on maximum sales charge of 5.50% of the offering price)
Class C:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share(a)
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Class I:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
$
$
$
$
$
(a)
11.32
870,034
76,869
11.57
55,608,171
4,804,911
12.24
$
11.75
$ 40,914,593
3,483,172
Redemption price per share may be reduced for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. For a description of a possible sales charge,
please see the Fund's Prospectus.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
97 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended October 31, 2015
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends
Foreign taxes withheld on dividends
Total Investment Income
$
1,982,623
(5,384)
1,977,239
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fees
Administrative fees
Transfer agency fees
Distribution and service fees
Class A
Class C
Professional fees
Reports to shareholders and printing fees
State registration fees
SEC registration fees
Insurance fees
Custody fees
Trustees' fees and expenses
Miscellaneous expenses
Total Expenses
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment advisor (Note 8)
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Expenses
Net Investment Income
Net realized gain on investments
Net realized gain on futures contracts
Net realized gain distributions from other investment companies
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
Net change in unrealized appreciation on futures contracts
See Notes to Financial Statements.
98 | October 31, 2015
145,892
11,456
23,475
10,421
48,377
169
1,230
14,738
2,308
12,807
1,425,901
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
972,834
160,111
22,083
$
(51,771)
(1,084)
(38,056)
1,334,990
642,249
28,988,753
103,218
15,732
(26,973,905)
55,456
2,189,254
2,831,503
. ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(b)
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015(a)
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
OPERATIONS
Net investment income
Net realized gain on investments, futures contracts
Net realized gain distributions from other investment companies
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, futures
contracts
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
642,249 $
29,091,971
15,732
310,060 $
5,958,826
–
(26,918,449)
2,831,503
(874,500)
5,394,386
612,825
6,559,877
13,515
12,117,145
19,303,362
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends to shareholders from net realized gains
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(280,500)
(1,366)
(222,337)
(5,704,627)
(35,924)
(4,142,646)
(10,387,400)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(528,474)
(670)
(470,800)
(642,398)
(1,397)
(488,619)
(2,132,358)
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Shares redeemed
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment income/(loss) of:
(a)
(b)
$
$
1,824,143
1,632,083
3,318,615
5,488,048
19,609
4,362,161
(6,874,850)
(1,003,097)
(7,204,797)
1,561,915
(5,993,982)
103,386,780
97,392,798
(0)
154,740
114,228
1,715,713
–
–
–
(2,625,164)
–
(5,297,693)
(5,938,176)
(543,790)
103,930,570
$ 103,386,780
$
214,377
$
$
2,472,682
28,068
5,245,365
1,120,556
2,067
958,847
(4,195,516)
(16,613)
(8,515,750)
(2,900,294)
14,270,710
89,659,860
103,930,570
(138,735)
Effective February 28, 2015 the Fund changed its name from the ALPS | WMC Disciplined Value Fund to the ALPS | WMC Research Value
Fund.
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
99 | October 31, 2015
. ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015(a)
$12.54
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$10.01
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013(c)
$8.42
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$8.64
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2011(d)
$7.43
0.06
0.23
0.29
(0.06)
(1.20)
(1.26)
(0.97)
$11.57
0.03
0.59
0.62
–
–
–
0.62
$12.54
0.06
2.09
2.15
(0.11)
(0.13)
(0.24)
1.91
$11.92
0.08
1.61
1.69
(0.10)
–
(0.10)
1.59
$10.01
0.06
(0.23)
(0.17)
(0.05)
–
(0.05)
(0.22)
$8.42
0.06
1.22
1.28
(0.07)
–
(0.07)
1.21
$8.64
2.57%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(b)
$11.92
5.20%
21.70%
20.17%
(1.81)%
17.34%
$59,628
$59,069
$50,142
$44,989
$48,899
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(e)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(f)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$55,608
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
1.49%
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.40%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
0.53%
(h)
114%
Portfolio turnover rate
(a)
(b)
(d)
(c)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
1.48% (g)
1.51%
1.58%
1.71%
1.40%(g)
1.47%
1.40%
1.40%
1.40%
1.40%
0.48%(g)
13%
0.52%
19%
0.95%
34%
0.83%
46%
0.77%
44%
Effective February 28, 2015 the Fund changed its name from the ALPS | WMC Disciplined Value Fund to the ALPS | WMC Research Value
Fund.
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to August 31, 2012, the ALPS | WMC Disciplined Value Fund was known as the ALPS | WMC Value Intersection Fund.
Prior to August 31, 2010, the ALPS | WMC Value Intersection Fund was known as the Activa Value Fund (as a result of the reorganization of
Activa Mutual Funds Trust - Activa Value Fund into the fund).
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
100 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund – Class C
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015(a)
$12.36
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$9.93
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013(c)
$8.39
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$8.62
For the
Period
July 2, 2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011(d)
$6.40
(0.03)
0.24
0.21
(0.05)
(1.20)
(1.25)
(1.04)
$11.32
(0.02)
0.58
0.56
–
–
–
0.56
$12.36
(0.02)
2.08
2.06
(0.06)
(0.13)
(0.19)
1.87
$11.80
0.02
1.57
1.59
(0.05)
–
(0.05)
1.54
$9.93
(0.01)
(0.20)
(0.21)
(0.02)
–
(0.02)
(0.23)
$8.39
(0.01)
2.27
2.26
(0.04)
–
(0.04)
2.22
$8.62
1.87%
4.75%
20.97%
19.07%
(2.45)%
35.44%
$870
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(b)
$11.80
$257
$133
$100
$79
$14
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(e)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(f)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets
(h)
Portfolio turnover rate
2.24%
(a)
(b)
(d)
(c)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(i)
(h)
2.22%
2.26%
2.38%
2.49% (g)
2.15%
2.24% (g)
2.15%(g)
2.15%
2.15%
2.15%
2.15%(g)
(0.23)%
19%
0.19%
34%
(0.16)%
46%
(0.22)%
114%
(0.30)%(g)
13%
(0.09)%(g)
44%(i)
Effective February 28, 2015 the Fund changed its name from the ALPS | WMC Disciplined Value Fund to the ALPS | WMC Research Value
Fund.
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to August 31, 2012, the ALPS | WMC Disciplined Value Fund was known as the ALPS | WMC Value Intersection Fund.
Prior to August 31, 2010, the ALPS | WMC Value Intersection Fund was known as the Activa Value Fund (as a result of the reorganization of
Activa Mutual Funds Trust - Activa Value Fund into the fund).
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate is calculated at the Fund Level and represents the year ended April 30, 2011.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
101 | October 31, 2015
.
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015(a)
$12.69
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$10.10
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013(c)
$8.49
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$8.71
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2011(d)
$7.48
0.09
0.23
0.32
(0.06)
(1.20)
(1.26)
(0.94)
$11.75
0.05
0.59
0.64
–
–
–
0.64
$12.69
0.09
2.12
2.21
(0.13)
(0.13)
(0.26)
1.95
$12.05
0.11
1.61
1.72
(0.11)
–
(0.11)
1.61
$10.10
0.09
(0.24)
(0.15)
(0.07)
–
(0.07)
(0.22)
$8.49
0.07
1.24
1.31
(0.08)
–
(0.08)
1.23
$8.71
2.86%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(b)
$12.05
5.31%
22.11%
20.43%
(1.62)%
17.67%
$43,502
$44,729
$39,417
$34,636
$29,251
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(e)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(f)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$40,915
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
1.24%
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.15%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
0.78%
(h)
114%
Portfolio turnover rate
(a)
(b)
(d)
(c)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
1.23% (g)
1.26%
1.33%
1.46%
1.15%(g)
1.22%
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
0.74%(g)
13%
0.77%
19%
1.20%
34%
1.08%
46%
0.95%
44%
Effective February 28, 2015 the Fund changed its name from the ALPS | WMC Disciplined Value Fund to the ALPS | WMC Research Value
Fund.
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to August 31, 2012, the ALPS | WMC Disciplined Value Fund was known as the ALPS | WMC Value Intersection Fund.
Prior to August 31, 2010, the ALPS | WMC Value Intersection Fund was known as the Activa Value Fund (as a result of the reorganization of
Activa Mutual Funds Trust - Activa Value Fund into the fund).
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
102 | October 31, 2015
. Clough China Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
The Clough China Fund’s (the “Fund”) Class A NAV fell â€3.49% for the
fiscal year ended on October 31, 2015, while the MSCI China Index
fell â€0.70%.
Market Review
This was a volatile year for Chinese stocks. Markets soared about
30% in the first half until April 2015 before losing more than 25% in
the second half between May and the end of October. The initial
rally was liquidity driven as investors began to discount lower
interest rates after the first interest rate cut in November 2014
when the central bank (PBOC) relaxed its policy stance from
“neutral” to active easing. The rally accelerated with the launch of
the Hong Kong†Shanghai Connect system which opened both
domestic and Hong Kong equity markets to biâ€directional, cross
border investment. That attracted mainland Chinese investors to
Hong Kong listed stocks which were much less expensive than
Chinese stocks listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen. Investor enthusiasm
eventually drove stocks to excessive valuations, particularly on the
mainland bourses where the strong rally was at least partially driven
by a steep rise in margin borrowing. Leveraged stock purchases
reached unsustainable levels, leading market authorities to
intervene to curb speculation. Curbs on margin lending contributed
to a market reversal and the subsequent correction was almost as
violent as the prior rally. Further interest rate cuts and commercial
banks’ reserve requirements cuts by the Central Bank did not
interrupt the fall until the margin leverage was cleared. This was
only made possible by supportive policy measures being adopted by
the PBOC, The China Securities Regulatory Commission and the
Ministry of Finance. Together, these “Three Musketeers” created
stock purchase vehicles and the major brokerage firms joined their
efforts to calm down panicked individual investors in July. Just as
markets looked to have reached a bottom and had started to
stabilize, the PBOC surprised everybody on August 11th by
announcing an 1.8% depreciation of the Chinese currency reference
rate against the US dollar. This unexpected and unexplained decision
spread questions and investor sentiment turned sharply lower once
again. Share prices continued to dive until the beginning of
September. From the top at the end of April to the trough on
September 4th, the MSCI China index fell 35%.
Meanwhile, international investors remained skeptical about the
macroeconomic scenario as China’s growth continued to weaken
gradually and monthly indicators of fixed asset investments,
industrial production and global trade did not show any sign of
improvement. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth has slowed
from 7.4% last year to 6.9% for the first nine months 2015. Industrial
production growth has decelerated from 7.9% last December to
5.7% in September. Fixed asset investments, up 15.7% last year have
risen just 10.3% through the first nine months of 2015. Chinese
exports are under pressure due to softer international demand and
imports are now declining due partly to lower energy and
commodity prices, whereas they were up 2 – 3% in 2014.
Deflationary pressures persist given weak growth both domestically
and abroad and excessive industrial capacity. Indeed, the producer
price index (PPI) has been in negative territory for more than 30
months, hurting corporate profits and margins.
However, as negative as they are, this data tells only part of the
story. They do not mean that everything is going down in China and
they certainly don’t signal a hard landing. These developments
reflect the changing nature of China’s economic structure and
landscape with a shift in the growth drivers far away from industrial
engines towards consumption and services. The services sector
reached 49.5% of GDP in the first half of 2015, up from 47.4% a year
ago (and 44.3% in 2011) and it expanded by 8.4% in real term in the
third quarter – versus a 6% increase for manufacturing. Household
income continues to gain share in national income. Retail sales, that
gained 10.7% over the first 2 months of this year are still up 10.6%
over 10 months and accelerated to 11% growth in October, helped
by a reacceleration in auto sales. While the manufacturing PMI
(purchasing managers’ index) has declined below 50 since last
August – signaling a contraction of the manufacturing sector – the
nonâ€manufacturing PMI is still healthy above 53. Money supply (M2)
remains reasonably strong, picking up 13.5% in October, from 12.2%
last December.
The widening gap between the different components of the
economy is reflected in their diverging earnings trends. The market
is a twoâ€tier market. From an industry perspective, the securities,
insurance, airlines, media, and environmental services sectors are
reporting faster earnings growth than the steel, building materials,
oil and gas and coal sectors, whose earnings are actually falling. In
the first eight months of this year, total profits of industrial
enterprises fell 1.9% yearâ€overâ€year. However, the picture was very
much contrasted between two camps. While profits in coal mining
plunged 64.9% and ferrous metal smelting company earnings fell
51.6%, profits jumped 13.2% in the pharmaceutical equipment,
29.3% in water treatment, 13.9% in telecoms, and 12% in electrical
equipment sectors1.
Portfolio Composition
Over the last twelve months, the best contributors to the Fund’s
return were Tencent, CRRC and Man Wah.
Tencent is the largest weighting in the MSCI China Index and has
been the largest holding in the Fund for a number of years now. It is
a privately owned group, founded in 1998 and listed in Hong Kong
since 2004. Tencent is a leading provider of premium messaging
services, Internet value added services and online games. It is highly
profitable, with a return on equity (ROE) above 30% and a 30% net
profit margin. Its balance sheet is very strong with a net cash
position. Recently reported third quarter earnings showed revenue
up 34%, boosted by mobile games and advertising (up 102%
yearâ€overâ€year) and earnings per share surged 31% higher. Their
instant messenger service, known as “QQ”, has the largest online
community base with more than 800 million active users. Tencent is
expanding into mobile payments and its powerful ecosystem
continues to expand via cooperation with strategic partners.
CRRC is China’s only rolling stock manufacturer, formed from the
merger of two previously competing companies, CSR and CNR in
June 2015. It manufactures railway equipment, locomotives, high
speed trains and freight wagons. The share price surged in
103 | October 31, 2015
. Clough China Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
December 2014 and again in April 2015 when details and terms of
the merger were announced, on high expectations of cost savings
synergy to be realized after the merger. The stock is no longer in the
portfolio as its valuation appeared to have discounted more of the
earnings upside potential.
Established in 1992, Man Wah is the leading motion recliner sofa
manufacturer in China where its brand Cheers holds a 29.2% market
share, while it is number three in the USA with a 10.2% market
share. It is also a privatelyâ€owned company operating four
production facilities in mainland China. It’s most recent results – for
the first half of their fiscal year 2016 – show revenue up 15.1% and
core profits grew 21%. Man Wah's financial position is very healthy
with net cash on the balance sheet, 22% ROE and a 17% net
profit margin.
On the other hand, the major detractors on the Fund’s performance
were Sinotrans, China Fiber Optic System and CNOOC.
Sinotrans is one of the largest logistic service providers in China,
covering multiple segments of the supply chain; freight forwarding,
logistics, storage and other related businesses. Its 63% subsidiary
Sinoair holds a very profitable 50/50 joint venture with DHL.
Sinotrans has transformed itself over the years to become a more
dynamic group than in the past, for instance by disposing of their
lossâ€making marine segment. It is a Stateâ€owned group. The share
price was pressured several times this year by disappointing
earnings releases. The Fund had trimmed the size of the holding, but
is maintaining a position as this group is a target of the reform policy
on Stateâ€owned enterprises, which should improve its fundamental
quality and earnings outlook. We expect better days for Sinotrans if
a successful restructuring is achieved.
As China’s largest offshore oil explorer and producer, CNOOC
suffered from falling oil prices. The stock was sold out at the end of
August and is no longer in the portfolio. The same observation
applies to China Fiber Optic, a manufacturer of fiber optic patch
cords for telecom operators that was sold out at the end of July.
Outlook
We expect China to continue to transform and to transition from the
old “workshop of the world” model towards a more consumptionâ€
driven economy. It is worth highlighting that Chinese consumers are
also among the major actors of these changes. Consumption patterns
in China are changing faster than ever; becoming a very dynamic area
where new products and new segments are enjoying very strong
growth. One of the best examples of this is the spectacular rise of
eâ€commerce. Over 361 million internet users (56% of the total)
2
shopped online in 2014 . Eâ€commerce continued to boom this year as
online sales of goods and services jumped 35% in the first ten months
of 2015. Online sales of physical goods now account for around 10% of
total retail sales – higher than the 6.8% proportion recorded in the
United States. Another example is the takeoff experienced in leisure
and entertainment spending. China's movie box office garnered a 48%
increase in revenue over the last 12 months3. China is expected to
become the world’s largest movie market by 2017, overtaking the
4
massive US market in box office revenues .
The deep changes in Chinese consumers’ lifestyle are entrenched in
the fast urbanization of the country. These developments create
new investment opportunities not only in ecommerce and
entertainment but also in sportswear, travel (airline passenger
traffic increased 15% on the first nine months of 2015), insurance,
healthcare and environmental services. Of course, mobile
communications plays a key role in efficiently opening many of these
markets. Online gaming, messaging services, online to offline (O2O)
transactions are being driven by the rapid build out and deployment
of 4G mobile data networks. The number of 4G mobile subscribers is
rising very rapidly, with more than 20 million new highâ€speed data
subscribers added every month. 4G penetration has now reached
302.4 million people, or 23.3% of the total number of mobile
5
subscribers through October 2015.
There is a “New China” emerging with rapid growth, while the “Old
China” of heavy industry, construction, and traditional retail networks
slow down or even decline in relevance, as it was highlighted in the
profitability divergences above in the first part of this report. Beijing
has released its first communications of the recently approved
13th Five Year Plan which covers the years 2016 to 2020. The policy
initiative from Beijing shows a target of at least 6.5% economic growth
over the next five years in order to achieve the goal of “moderately
prosperous society” with growth dividends to be shared by all citizens.
This growth strategy is squarely focused on helping to improve the
quality of life of China's citizens which, of course, will help to boost
household consumption. The government also placed a high priority
on green and ecoâ€friendly growth and on education, the establishment
of a more equitable healthcare and social security systems and finally
announced that it is abandoning the oneâ€child policy introduced 36
years ago to allow all couples to have two children6. The relaxation of
the oneâ€child policy intends to address and hopefully turn around
China’s demographic challenge. It may not have as strong an impact as
hoped. For instance, a partial relaxation of this policy in November
2013 had actually very modest results with only 5% of qualified
couples following the new rule and having a second child by the end of
2014. So if we applied the same 5% to the current number of couples
who can have a second child, it implies the number of new births
could reach 3 million per year, or a 17.7% increase from the 16.9mn
7
new babies born in 2014 . This may not look huge and the policy will
not have a material impact on China’s labor force profile before two
decades. However, assuming an average Rmb 30,000 annual spending
to raise a child, this leads to some additional private consumption
anyway. If the government later decides to provide financial support
and better social security assistance to families, it will help the new
policy to be much more efficient.
Two movements converge at the same time to push in the new
direction: bottom up, the society is changing fast; top down, the
policy is backing the changes and goes along with them. There is no
turnaround. People are no longer workers first – they are consumers
first. China has fortunately built massive infrastructure in the last
thirty years. The people are moving from builders of infrastructure
104 | October 31, 2015
. Clough China Fund
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
to users of the roads, high speed rail, buses and airports. This, again,
creates new investment opportunities.
As China transforms, so do Chinese equity markets and market
indices. MSCI recently announced the inclusion of fourteen New
Yorkâ€listed Chinese ADRs effective on November 30. This is merely
recognizing the rising importance taken by these eâ€commerce and
internet sectors in the real economy. Technologyâ€related stocks will
account for 24% of your China Fund benchmark vs. 14% last month.
On the other hand, the weighting of all financials will fall from 42 to
37%. Also note the weightings of New Economy and private sector
companies will rise again next May since their inclusion takes place
in two steps. In turn, the influence and importance of Stateâ€owned
enterprises (SOEs) and Old Economy stocks will continue to wane.
When investors stop focusing and obsessing on the surface of the
slowdown of China’s GDP growth in volume and start looking a bit
more in depth at the changes in the nature of GDP growth, we
believe that they will find reasons for optimism in the new growth
engines and investment themes. Our view is that China’s
fundamentals are not as dangerous as the volatility of markets. That
is where Beijing's economic reform agenda must continue to focus.
A successful rebalancing requires the growth of financial markets
which will be the key driver of funding the private sector led growth
model. This is staunchly different than the bankâ€fund SOE led growth
model of the past. The recommendation of the IMF to include the
Chinese currency in Special Drawing Rights (SDR) likely at the end of
November 2015 will encourage the Chinese government to continue
to reform the financial system, which includes initiatives to establish
a sustainable and healthy stock market. While some fret over the
value of the Chinese Yuan exchange rate in the near term, China's
growth prospects combined with Beijing's continued reform agenda
is like to surprise on the upside and a stronger Yuan could emerge
over the intermediate to longâ€term.
Francoise Vappereau, Coâ€Portfolio Manager
Eric Brock, Coâ€Portfolio Manager
Sources:
1
BBG and Citics Secs : Mining dragged down the growth.
26 Sept 2015.
2
CICC China Consumer Sector. 6 Nov 2015, p.6.
3
Bernstein: Strategy Blast, Nov 13, 2015.
4
Nomura, Sept 7, 2015: China Movie.
5
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
6
Barclays: China, Fifth Plenum emphasizes social spending and
green growth; two-child policy adopted. Oct 30, 2015 + Nomura
Economics. Oct 29, 2015.
7
Morgan Stanley: China: How many Babies? Oct 30, 2015.
Investments in international and emerging markets securities include
exposure to risks such as currency fluctuations, foreign taxes and
regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets and
political instability.
The views of the author and information discussed in this commentary
are as of the date of publication, are subject to change, and may not
reflect the writer's current views.
The views expressed are those of the
author only, and represent an assessment of market conditions at a
specific point in time, are opinions only and should not be relied upon
as investment advice regarding a particular investment or markets in
general. Such information does not constitute a recommendation to buy
or sell specific securities or investment vehicles. It should not be
assumed that any investment will be profitable or will equal the
performance of the fund(s) or any securities or any sectors mentioned
in this letter.
The subject matter contained in this letter has been
derived from several sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the
time of compilation. Neither ALPS, Advisors, Inc., Clough Capital
Partners, LP, nor the Fund accepts any liability for losses either direct
or consequential caused by the use of this information.
105 | October 31, 2015
. Clough China Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$40k
$35k
Clough China Fund
Class A (NAV) - $29,379
Clough China Fund
Class A (MOP) - $27,769
MSCI
China Index - $27,493
$30k
$25k
$20k
$15k
$10k
10/31/15
10/31/14
10/31/13
10/31/12
10/31/11
10/31/10
10/31/09
10/31/08
10/31/07
10/31/06
12/30/05^
$5k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
6 Month
1 Year
3 Year
5 Year
Since
Inception^
Total
Expense Ratio
What You Pay*
Class A (NAV)
â€20.89%
â€3.49%
7.01%
2.22%
11.58%
Class A (MOP)
â€25.24%
â€8.80%
5.00%
1.07%
10.94%
2.06%
1.95%
Class C (NAV)
â€21.19%
â€4.25%
6.21%
1.45%
10.75%
Class C (CDSC)
â€21.97%
â€5.16%
6.21%
1.45%
10.75%
2.87%
2.70%
Class I
1
â€20.57%
â€2.99%
7.43%
2.55%
12.06%
MSCI China Index2
â€23.38%
â€0.70%
4.91%
0.98%
10.83%
1.82%
1.70%
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%. Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account.
If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load). A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million. The Fund imposes a 2.00% redemption fee on shares
held for less than 30 days.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
The performance shown for the Clough China Fund for periods prior to January 15, 2010, reflects the performance of the Old Mutual China Fund, a
series of Old Mutual Funds I (as a result of a prior reorganization of the Old Mutual China Fund into the Clough China Fund).
1
Prior to close of business on January 15, 2010, Class I was known as Institutional Class of the Old Mutual China Fund.
106 | October 31, 2015
.
Clough China Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
2
The Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) China Index is constructed according to the MSCI Global Investable Market Index (GIMI)
family. The MSCI China Index is part of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deduction
for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor may not invest directly in an index.
^
Fund Inception date of December 30, 2005.
* What You Pay reflects the Advisor’s decision to contractually limit expenses through February 29, 2016.
Please see the prospectus for
additional information.
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company. The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change. Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Investing in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan involves risk and considerations not present when investing in more established securities markets.
The
Fund may be more susceptible to the economic, market, political and local risks of these regions than a fund that is more geographically diversified.
Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets) †
Industry Sector Allocation (as a % of Net Assets)
China Mobile, Ltd.
Tencent Holdings, Ltd.
China Construction Bank Corp., Class H
Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China,
Ltd., Class H
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China,
Ltd., Class H
Bank of China, Ltd., Class H
Byd Co., Ltd., Class H
Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd., Class H
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.,
Class H
Pacific Textile Holdings, Ltd.
Top Ten Holdings
Financials - 28.29%
Consumer, Cyclical - 19.13%
Communications - 14.48%
Technology - 12.12%
Industrials - 8.84%
Consumer, Non-cyclical - 4.97%
Energy - 3.79%
Utilities - 0.87%
Consumer Discretionary - 0.72%
Cash, Cash Equivalents
& Other Net Assets - 6.79%
10.14%
10.14%
7.12%
5.26%
4.92%
4.51%
2.47%
2.42%
2.36%
2.34%
51.68%
†
Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the
current or future position of the portfolio. Table presents
indicative values only. Excludes cash & cash equivalents.
107 | October 31, 2015
.
Clough China Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
COMMON STOCKS (89.42%)
Communications (14.48%)
Internet (1.19%)
Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.,
Sponsored ADR(a)
Telecommunications (13.29%)
China Mobile, Ltd.
621,000
China Telecom Corp., Ltd., Class
H
1,758,000
China Unicom Hong Kong, Ltd.
644,000
ZTE Corp., Class H
255,800
871,832
7,445,725
917,012
784,835
615,990
9,763,562
TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS
10,635,394
TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY
750,000
12,418,964
461,500
520,240
Consumer, Nonâ€Cyclical (4.17%)
Biotechnology (0.71%)
3SBio, Inc.(a)(b)
Food (0.40%)
China Mengniu Dairy Co., Ltd.
80,000
China Modern Dairy Holdings,
Ltd.
462,000
531,433
531,433
722,412
Auto Manufacturers (4.50%)
BAIC Motor Corp., Ltd., Class
(b)
H
Brilliance China Automotive
Holdings, Ltd.
Byd Co., Ltd., Class H(a)
Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd., Class
H
Retail (4.52%)
Baoxin Auto Group, Ltd.
Giordano International, Ltd.
(a)
Li Ning Co., Ltd.
21,500
138,970
293,930
232,166
Pharmaceuticals (2.42%)
Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd.,
Class H
154,960
236,467
432,000
1,780,322
3,063,125
TOTAL CONSUMER, NONâ€CYCLICAL
Household Products & Wares (0.32%)
Biostime International Holdings,
Ltd.
106,500
Apparel (1.83%)
Best Pacific International
Holdings, Ltd.
370,000
158,014
Shenzhou International Group
170,000
837,755
Holdings, Ltd.
Texhong Textile Group, Ltd.
470,500
348,966
1,344,735
439,500
387,406
214,000
292,000
296,742
1,815,571
660,500
802,087
3,301,806
701,500
1,412,000
1,642,500
Energy (3.79%)
Oil & Gas (3.79%)
China Petroleum & Chemical
Corp., Class H
PetroChina Co., Ltd., Class H
2,400,120
1,730,112
1,344,000
1,052,223
2,782,335
TOTAL ENERGY
2,782,335
Auto Parts & Equipment (0.68%)
Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co.,
Ltd., Class H(a)(b)
232,800
Healthcare Products (0.32%)
Hengan International Group Co.,
Ltd.
Consumer, Cyclical (16.91%)
Airlines (0.98%)
Air China, Ltd., Class H
377,000
1,054,593
1,202,000
1,715,855
476,000
463,234
3,233,682
TOTAL CONSUMER, CYCLICAL
Consumer Discretionary (0.72%)
Specialty Retail (0.72%)
China ZhengTong Auto Services
1,187,500
Holdings, Ltd.
Textiles (4.40%)
Anta Sports Products, Ltd.
Pacific Textile Holdings, Ltd.
Texwinca Holdings, Ltd.
1,239,112 $
1,415,526
3,318,644
Retail (continued)
Man Wah Holdings, Ltd.
10,400 $
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
497,685
289,631
757,690
855,797
Financials (28.29%)
Banks (17.97%)
Bank of China, Ltd., Class H
7,030,437
China Construction Bank Corp.,
Class H
7,216,080
China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd.,
Class H
396,000
108 | October 31, 2015
3,315,283
5,229,897
1,033,923
. Clough China Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Banks (continued)
Industrial & Commercial Bank of
China, Ltd., Class H
5,698,967 $ 3,614,888
13,193,991
Real Estate (2.90%)
China Overseas Land &
Investment, Ltd.
China Resources Land, Ltd.
332,000 1,072,316
408,000 1,060,224
2,132,540
Industrials (8.07%)
Building Materials (1.17%)
Anhui Conch Cement Co., Ltd.,
Class H
281,500
20,777,931
1,009,222
Engineering & Construction (3.28%)
China Communications
Construction Co., Ltd.,
559,000
771,525
Class H
China Railway Construction
Corp., Ltd., Class H
1,097,000 1,639,780
2,411,305
287,305
Electrical Components & Equipment (1.38%)
Xinjiang Goldwind Science &
Technology Co., Ltd.
537,400
858,941
Construction & Engineering (0.39%)
China Railway Group, Ltd., Class
H
305,000
Transportation Infrastructure (1.85%)
Cosco International Holdings,
Ltd.
1,382,000
795,257
Sinotrans, Ltd., Class H
1,037,000
563,100
1,358,357
5,925,130
784,000
Technology (12.12%)
Computers (1.40%)
PAX Global Technology, Ltd.
7,443,620
431,181
8,900,007
Utilities (0.87%)
Electric (0.87%)
China Power International
Development, Ltd.
1,011,000
635,345
TOTAL TECHNOLOGY
635,345
65,669,664
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $56,988,470)
PARTICIPATION NOTES (3.79%)
Consumer, Cyclical (2.22%)
Auto Manufacturers (2.22%)
Chongqing Changan Automobile
Co., Ltd., Class A (Loan
Participation Notes issued
by Morgan Stanley Asia
Products), expiring
(a)(b)
02/04/16
234,700
571,750
Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd.,
Class A (Loan Participation
Notes issued by Morgan
Stanley Asia Products),
(a)(b)
305,635
1,060,470
expiring 10/27/17
1,632,220
1,632,220
70,600
TOTAL CONSUMER, CYCLICAL
587,262
587,262
Consumer, Nonâ€Cyclical (0.80%)
Pharmaceuticals (0.80%)
Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co.,
Ltd., Class A (Loan
Participation Notes issued
by Morgan Stanley Asia
Products), expiring
(a)(b)
03/16/17
TOTAL CONSUMER, NONâ€CYCLICAL
Internet Software & Services (0.59%)
Baidu, Inc., Sponsored ADR(a)
2,300
1,025,206
TOTAL INDUSTRIALS
394,900 $
TOTAL UTILITIES
TOTAL FINANCIALS
Internet (10.13%)
Tencent Holdings, Ltd.
Insurance (7.42%)
China Life Insurance Co., Ltd.,
Class H
440,000 1,586,677
Ping An Insurance Group Co. of
China, Ltd., Class H
688,500 3,864,723
5,451,400
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
109 | October 31, 2015
. Clough China Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Shares
Industrials (0.77%)
Engineering & Construction (0.77%)
Shanghai International Airport
Co., Ltd., Class A (Loan
Participation Notes issued
by Morgan Stanley Asia
Products), expiring
11/18/15(a)(b)
118,665 $
Value
(Note 2)
567,639
TOTAL INDUSTRIALS
567,639
Common Abbreviations:
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
Ltd. - Limited.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
TOTAL PARTICIPATION NOTES
(Cost $2,086,714)
7-Day
Yield
2,787,121
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.23%)
Money Market Fund (0.23%)
Morgan Stanley
Institutional
Liquidity Funds â€
Prime Portfolio 0.096% 170,634
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $170,634)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (93.44%)
(Cost $59,245,818)
Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities (6.56%)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
170,634
170,634
$ 68,627,419
4,816,068
$ 73,443,487
(a)
(b)
Non-Income Producing Security.
Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the
Securities Act of 1933.
This security may be resold in
transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified
institutional buyers. As of October 31, 2015, the aggregate
market value of those securities was $4,192,452, representing
5.71% of net assets.
110 | October 31, 2015
. Clough China Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2015
ASSETS
Investments, at value
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $4,053,719)
Receivable for investments sold
Receivable for shares sold
Dividends receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total Assets
$
68,627,419
4,053,438
4,365,047
45,565
5,450
15,666
77,112,585
$
3,489,203
24,104
69,536
15,874
14,193
26,737
29,451
3,669,098
73,443,487
$
$
66,982,750
1,041,894
(3,962,411)
9,381,254
73,443,487
LIABILITIES
Payable for investments purchased
Payable for shares redeemed
Investment advisory fees payable
Administration and transfer agency fees payable
Distribution and services fees payable
Professional fees payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total Liabilities
NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
Paidâ€in capital
Accumulated net investment income
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
NET ASSETS
INVESTMENTS, AT COST
PRICING OF SHARES
$ 59,245,818
Class A:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Maximum offering price per share ((NAV/0.9450), based on maximum sales charge of 5.50% of the offering price)
Class C:
(a)
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
Class I:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares, no par value common stock authorized)
$
$
$
$
20.72
$ 10,395,052
501,691
(a)
21.74
25,276,032
1,162,817
23.01
$
22.28
$ 37,772,403
1,695,228
Redemption price per share may be reduced for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. For a description of a possible sales charge,
please see the Fund's Prospectus.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
111 | October 31, 2015
. Clough China Fund
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended October 31, 2015
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends
Foreign taxes withheld on dividends
Total Investment Income
$
2,460,152
(182,064)
2,278,088
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fees
Administrative fees
Transfer agency fees
Distribution and service fees
Class A
Class C
Professional fees
Networking fees
Class A
Class C
Class I
Reports to shareholders and printing fees
State registration fees
Insurance fees
Custody fees
Trustees' fees and expenses
Miscellaneous expenses
Total Expenses
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment advisor (Note 8)
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Expenses
Net Investment Income
Net realized loss on investments
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
Net change in unrealized depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
See Notes to Financial Statements.
112 | October 31, 2015
8,953
8,443
30,077
14,899
41,307
984
48,940
2,068
13,617
1,759,906
$
(10,535)
(9,198)
(30,012)
1,710,161
567,927
(1,783,943)
(2,052)
(5,134,658)
(3,357)
(6,924,010)
(6,356,083)
77,090
120,646
37,960
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
1,201,044
149,602
4,276
. Clough China Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
OPERATIONS
Net investment income
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and
translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
567,927 $
(1,785,995)
1,526,148 $
2,049,534
(5,138,015)
(6,356,083)
6,054,295
9,629,977
500,278
2,061,432
(5,382,680)
(2,820,970)
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends to shareholders from net realized gains
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(646,687)
(212,498)
(889,808)
(599,361)
(236,066)
(777,420)
(3,361,840)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(300,642)
(39,515)
(359,841)
–
–
–
(699,998)
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Shares redeemed, net of redemption fees
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment income of:
(a)
9,834,811
4,114,019
39,761,433
858,834
247,634
1,031,976
(13,529,955)
(4,280,998)
(36,894,860)
1,142,894
(8,575,029)
82,018,516
$ 73,443,487
$ 1,041,894
$
$
3,360,623
896,076
8,345,000
–
–
–
(7,865,957)
(1,541,832)
(6,269,825)
(3,075,915)
6,554,062
75,464,454
82,018,516
1,699,179
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
113 | October 31, 2015
13,818,283
4,109,696
17,778,504
401,410
21,934
167,997
(14,337,423)
(4,986,624)
(8,919,474)
8,054,303
4,533,335
70,931,119
$ 75,464,454
$
173,708
. Clough China Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$23.50
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$21.45
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$18.43
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$21.02
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2011
$18.21
0.12
(0.92)
(0.80)
(0.50)
(0.46)
(0.96)
0.45
2.33
2.78
–
–
–
0.12
(0.69)
(0.57)
(0.17)
–
(0.17)
0.15
2.90
3.05
(0.03)
–
(0.03)
0.02
(2.61)
(2.59)
–
–
–
(0.04)
2.94
2.90
(0.09)
–
(0.09)
0.00(c)
(1.76)
$21.74
0.00(c)
2.78
$23.50
0.01
(0.73)
$20.72
0.00(c)
3.02
$21.45
0.00(c)
(2.59)
$18.43
0.00(b)(c)
2.81
$21.02
(3.49)%
13.42%
(2.69)%
16.54%
(12.32)%
16.00%
$25,276
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$20.72
$30,526
$31,164
$32,709
$30,542
$44,616
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(g)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
2.06% (e)
2.06%
2.14%
2.08%
1.95%
(a)
1.98%
(e)
1.95%
1.95%
1.95%
1.95%
1.89%(f)
0.50%
193%
(e)
3.96%
76%
0.55%
232%
0.78%
221%
0.13%
174%
(0.22)%
170%
2.07%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Contractual expense limitation changed from 1.85% to 1.95% effective January 1, 2011.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
114 | October 31, 2015
.
Clough China Fund – Class C
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$22.53
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$20.71
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$17.90
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$20.58
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2011
$17.89
(0.04)
(0.89)
(0.93)
(0.42)
(0.46)
(0.88)
0.33
2.26
2.59
–
–
–
(0.02)
(0.68)
(0.70)
(0.07)
–
(0.07)
0.01
2.80
2.81
–
–
–
(0.11)
(2.57)
(2.68)
–
–
–
(0.21)
2.90
2.69
(c)
(0.00)
–
(0.00)(c)
0.00(c)
(1.81)
$20.72
0.00(c)
2.59
$22.53
0.00(c)
(0.77)
$19.94
0.00(c)
2.81
$20.71
0.00(c)
(2.68)
$17.90
0.00(c)
2.69
$20.58
(4.25)%
12.99%
(3.43)%
15.70%
(13.02)%
15.13%
$10,395
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$19.94
$11,575
$10,866
$12,251
$11,674
$16,848
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets
(f)
Portfolio turnover rate
2.78%
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(f)
2.86%
2.94%
2.88%
2.86%
2.70%
2.87% (e)
2.70%(e)
2.70%
2.70%
2.70%
2.70%
(0.18)%
193%
(e)
3.08%
76%
(0.09)%
232%
0.07%
221%
(0.62)%
174%
(1.10)%
170%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 and ($0.005) per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
115 | October 31, 2015
.
Clough China Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$23.97
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$21.82
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$18.71
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$21.30
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2011
$18.41
0.23
(1.00)
(0.77)
(0.53)
(0.46)
(0.99)
0.45
2.41
2.86
–
–
–
0.19
(0.69)
(0.50)
(0.21)
–
(0.21)
0.13
3.02
3.15
(0.06)
–
(0.06)
0.06
(2.65)
(2.59)
–
–
–
(0.01)
3.03
3.02
(0.13)
–
(0.13)
0.07
(1.69)
$22.28
0.00(c)
2.86
$23.97
0.00(c)
(0.71)
$21.11
0.02
3.11
$21.82
0.00(c)
(2.59)
$18.71
0.00(c)
2.89
$21.30
(2.99)%
13.55%
(2.41)%
16.95%
(12.16)%
16.45%
$37,772
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$21.11
$39,917
$33,435
$25,972
$28,868
$41,054
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAIDâ€IN
CAPITAL (NOTE 6)
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets
(g)
Portfolio turnover rate
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
1.82% (e)
1.81%
1.94%
1.85%
1.70%
(a)
1.77%
1.70%(e)
1.70%
1.70%
1.70%
1.53%(f)
0.95%
193%
(e)
3.89%
76%
0.83%
232%
0.69%
221%
0.33%
174%
(0.03)%
170%
1.85%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Contractual expense limitation changed from 1.40% to 1.70% effective January 1, 2011.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
116 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Allocation Series
Management Commentary
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Year in Review for RiverFront Funds:
The past twelve months ended October 31, 2015 have proved
volatile for our strategy positioning. At the end of 2014, we saw oil
prices plunge, high yield spreads widen, and Treasury yields fall to
lows of the year while Europe continued to struggle with deflation
pressures. As we transitioned into 2015, the first several months
became the first act of a currency story as the European Central
Bank (ECB) began its Quantitative Easing (QE) policy, the Federal
Reserve (Fed) stated its intent to raise interest rates, and the Bank of
Japan (BOJ) slowed the rate of yen depreciation. The ECB's
announcement of a €60 billion per month purchase program of
covered bonds, sovereign debt, and asset backed securities caused
the euro to depreciate relative to the dollar. The US economy
showed signs of strength, with a falling unemployment rate and the
Fed removing "patient" from its commentary; the resulting
expectation of higher interest rates caused further dollar strength.
RiverFront responded to the ECB’s announcement by making a
currencyâ€hedged investment in Europe; this move enabled our US
investors to experience the return of the local European market
without experiencing the effect of the depreciating euro in dollar
terms. Additionally, we continued to hold hedged investments
in Japan.
Following the unsettling August/September decline in stocks around
the world, the recovery in October was rewarding for those who
held their nerve. However, even with October’s rebound,
uncertainty continues to loom. The fact remains that investor
confidence is shaken, and skepticism remains high. China, interest
rates in the US, oil prices, and earnings (both in the US and abroad)
all continue to dominate headlines and raise valid questions about
growth as we move into 2016.
As we look back over the past several months, there have been
plenty of reasons for uncertainty. The announcement that the
Chinese government had devalued the yuan prompted another
round of fears of a global slowdown. Further concerns mounted
after the Federal Open Market Committee failed to raise interest
rates for the first time in 9 years. The market went into riskâ€off
mode in both instances, and the yen and euro rallied versus the
dollar over the quarter. These developments negatively impacted
our fund performance for a period because we had a proâ€dollar
investment thesis, whereby we invested in Europe and Japan on a
currencyâ€hedged basis. Additionally, the riskâ€off sentiment in the
market helped investors that had invested in longer duration
Treasuries. However, our funds have avoided making long duration
investments due to our anticipation of the Fed starting liftoff in
2015, and thus our funds did not participate in the Treasury rally.
Going into the fourth quarter of calendar 2015, we no longer believe
that the Fed will initiate a rate increase prior to yearâ€end. However,
we believe that Europe and Japan will continue to benefit from
Quantitative Easing, which in turn should cause their currencies to
depreciate. Given our thesis for the remainder of the year, we will
monitor U.S. economic data closely to determine whether
adjustments need to be made to the current strategy positioning.
The portfolios will continue to be overweight developed
international at the expense of domestic U.S. equities. Additionally,
we believe the slowdown in China will continue to have a profound
effect on emerging markets, as these economies struggle with
slowing demand for commodities, depreciating currencies, and
repaying dollarâ€denominated debt. We believe that when the Fed
raises rates in the US, emerging markets economies will experience
even greater capital outflows. Hence, we will continue to avoid
owning emerging markets in the funds because we do not foresee a
catalyst to create growth in this asset class in the near term.
Performance Discussion for the Balanced Funds (RiverFront
Conservative Income Builder Fund, RiverFront Moderate
Growth & Income Fund):
In discussing the performance of the RiverFront funds, it is
important to keep in mind their global allocation mandate. All of the
RiverFront offerings have exposure to multiâ€cap, global equities; our
balanced funds have the addition of fixed income. The table below
illustrates the disparity of returns across the major indices during
the most recent quarter, which resulted in varying degrees of
relative performance when compared to the traditional single index,
mutual fund benchmark.
Twelve months
ended 10/31/2015
Returns**
Benchmark Indexes*
S&P 500 Total Return
S&P 1000 Total Return
MSCI EAFE (Net)
MSCI Emerging Markets (Net)
MSCI All Country World Index (Net)
Barclays US Aggregate
Barclays US Treasury Index
Barclays US Short Treasury Index (1â€3M)
5.20%
3.26%
â€0.07%
â€14.53%
â€0.03%
1.96%
2.39%
0.01%
Data as of 10/31/2015
*
**
For index definitions see footnotes at the end of the Management
Commentary and below the performance data on the
following pages.
For a complete presentation of RiverFront Mutual Fund and
relevant benchmark performance, please refer to the Performance
Update on the following pages.
The RiverFront balanced funds underperformed their benchmarks
over the trailing twelve month period, largely due to the fact that
these funds were overweight developed international equity relative
to US equity. Additionally, these funds were underweight fixed
income, given our preference for equity over fixed income.
Contributors:
ï‚·
Despite the allocation drag from being overweight in
developed international, positive selection helped keep
the category positive with positions in both Europe and
Japan that hedged out the respective currencies.
117 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Allocation Series
Management Commentary
ï‚·
ï‚·
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Core US equity contributed positively as a result of both
allocation and selection.
Positive sectors included exposure to real estate investment
trusts (REITs), food and drug retailing within consumer
staples, and large pharmaceuticals within healthcare.
Detractors:
ï‚·
ï‚·
ï‚·
ï‚·
The underweight to traditional fixed income in favor of
high yield impacted the portfolio negatively.
Although our bias towards securities that hedge currency
exposure helped keep developed international positive as
a category, there were several country selections that had
a negative impact on performance including Spain,
Norway, and Germany.
Within US equity, Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) had
a negative impact.
Energy was one of the worst performing sectors over the
period. We were neutral energy which impacted negatively
from an allocation standpoint; however, there was also
negative selection due to our exposure to the oil
services sector.
Performance Discussion for Growth Funds (RiverFront
Global Growth Fund, RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income
Fund, RiverFront Global Allocation Fund):
The RiverFront growth funds outperformed their benchmarks over
the trailing twelve month period, largely due to the positions that
hedged currencies that are discussed above. The following points
detail more specific contributors and detractors:
Contributors:
ï‚·
ï‚·
ï‚·
ï‚·
ï‚·
ï‚·
ï‚·
The views of the author and information discussed in this
commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change,
and may not reflect the writer's current views. The views expressed
are those of the author only, and represent an assessment of market
conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should
not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular
investment or markets in general. Such information does not
constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or
investment vehicles. It should not be assumed that any investment will
be profitable or will equal the performance of the fund(s) or any
securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter.
The subject matter
contained in this letter has been derived from several sources
believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation.
Neither ALPS Advisors, Inc., RiverFront Investment Group, LLC, nor
the Funds accepts any liability for losses either direct or
consequential caused by the use of this information.
The S&P 1000® Index combines the S&P MidCap 400® and the S&P
SmallCap 600® to form an investable benchmark for the mid- to
small-cap segment of the U.S. equity market.
The MSCI EAFE Index is recognized as the pre-eminent benchmark
in the United States to measure international equity performance.
It comprises the MSCI country indices that represent developed
markets outside of North America: Europe, Australasia and the
Far East.
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market
capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market
performance in the global emerging markets.
Selection within developed international markets
outweighed the negative allocation impact – specifically
the allocations to Europe and Japan (both on a currency
hedged basis).
Allocation to micro†and small†cap contributed positively.
Within US equity, underweights to oil sensitive sectors
such as energy and materials contributed positively.
The Barclays U.S. Treasury Index includes public obligations of the
U.S.
Treasury, excluding Treasury bills and certain special issues,
such as state and local government series bonds (SLGs) and U.S.
Treasury TIPS.
The Barclays U.S. Short Treasury Index is composed of bonds of
investment grade with a maturity between one and three years.
An investor may not invest directly in an index.
Detractors:
ï‚·
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Dividends are not
guaranteed and are subject to change or elimination.
Investments in
international and emerging markets securities include exposure to
risks such as currency fluctuations, foreign taxes and regulations,
and the potential for illiquid markets and political instability.
Diversification cannot guarantee gain or prevent losses.
The overall underweight to US equity had a slightly
negative allocation impact.
Within US equity, Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs)
impacted negatively.
Our underweight to tech, specifically large cap tech names,
negatively impacted returns.
We also had negative impact from the underweight to
consumer discretionary and negative selection impact
within specialty retail.
Within developed international, several country selections
impacted performance negatively, including Spain,
Norway, and Germany.
118 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$12k
$11k
30% S&P 500®/
70% Barclays U.S.
Aggregate Bond - $11,949
RiverFront Conservative
Income Builder Fund
Class A (NAV) - $11,399
$10k
RiverFront Conservative
Income Builder Fund
Class A (MOP) - $10,774
Barclays U.S.
Aggregate Bond Index - $10,538
10/31/15
10/31/14
10/31/13
8/31/12^
$9k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
Class A (NAV)
Class A (MOP)
Class C (NAV)
Class C (CDSC)
Class I
Barclays U.S. Aggregate
1
Bond Index
30% S&P 500® and 70%
Barclays U.S.
1,2
Aggregate Bond
6 Month
â€1.66%
â€7.05%
â€1.97%
â€2.95%
â€1.48%
1 Year
0.40%
â€5.11%
â€0.39%
â€1.35%
0.60%
3 Years
4.29%
2.36%
3.52%
3.52%
4.53%
Since
Inception^
4.22%
2.38%
3.46%
3.46%
4.48%
â€0.10%
1.96%
1.65%
1.67%
0.29%
3.13%
5.95%
5.78%
Total Expense Ratio
What You Pay*
2.71%
1.47%
3.46%
2.22%
2.44%
1.22%
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%.
Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account. If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load). A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
119 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
1
The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond 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 passthroughs),
ABS, and CMBS. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.
An investor may not invest
directly in an index.
2
The S&P 500® Index is the Standard & Poor's composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices.
^
Fund inception date of August 31, 2012.
* What You Pay reflects the Advisor's and Sub-Advisor's decision to contractually limit expenses through February 29, 2016 and Acquired Fund
Fees and Expenses of 0.32%. Please see the prospectus for additional information.
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company. The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change.
Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets) †
†
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund
Guggenheim BulletShares 2018
Corporate Bond ETF
Guggenheim BulletShares 2017
Corporate Bond ETF
Guggenheim BulletShares 2016
Corporate Bond ETF
WisdomTree® Europe Hedged
Equity Fund
WisdomTree® LargeCap Dividend Fund
iShares® MSCI Japan ETF
iShares® Core S&P 500® ETF
iShares® Barclays 1â€3 Year Credit
Bond ETF
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity
Active ETF
Top Ten Holdings
Portfolio Composition (as a % of Net Assets)
9.82%
Fixed Income - 54.88%
8.50%
International Developed Equities - 20.88%
Domestic Core Equities - 17.51%
8.49%
Domestic MLPs - 0.03%
8.47%
6.23%
5.11%
4.95%
4.74%
Domestic Small-Cap Equities - 0.02%
Other - 0.02%
Cash, Cash Equivalents
& Other Net Assets - 6.66%
4.32%
3.39%
64.02%
Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the
current or future position of the portfolio. Table presents
indicative values only. Excludes cash & cash equivalents.
120 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$17k
$16k
MSCI ACWI - $15,491
$15k
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
Class A (NAV) - $14,649
70% MSCI ACWI/30% Barclays
U.S. Aggregate Bond - $14,458
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
Class A (MOP) - $13,846
$14k
$13k
$12k
$11k
$10k
10/31/15
10/31/14
10/31/13
10/31/12
10/31/11
8/2/10^
$9k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
Class A (NAV)
Class A (MOP)
Class C (NAV)
Class C (CDSC)
Class I
1
MSCI All Country World Index
70% MSCI ACWI and 30%
Barclays U.S.
Aggregate Bond1,2
6 Month
â€4.03%
â€9.30%
â€4.41%
â€5.36%
â€3.91%
â€4.77%
1 Year
1.64%
â€3.94%
0.86%
â€0.10%
1.83%
â€0.03%
3 Years
8.18%
6.18%
7.36%
7.36%
8.45%
9.92%
5 Years
6.64%
5.44%
5.84%
5.84%
6.91%
7.68%
Since
Inception^
7.55%
6.40%
6.74%
6.74%
7.81%
8.70%
â€3.26%
0.77%
7.51%
6.48%
7.28%
Total Expense
Ratio
What You
Pay*
1.78%
1.54%
2.54%
2.29%
1.54%
1.29%
Performance data quoted represents past performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results. 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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%. Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account. If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load).
A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
121 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
1
The MSCI ACWI (All Country World Index) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity
market performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI consists of 45 country indices comprising 24 developed and 21
emerging market country indices. The index includes reinvestment of dividends, net of foreign withholding taxes. The index is not actively managed
and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.
An investor may not invest directly in an index.
2
The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond 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
passthroughs), ABS, and CMBS.
The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor may
not invest directly in an index.
^
Fund inception date of August 2, 2010.
* What You Pay reflects the Advisor's and Sub-Advisor's decision to contractually limit expenses through February 29, 2016 and Acquired Fund
Fees and Expenses of 0.39%. Please see the prospectus for additional information.
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company.
The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change. Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets) †
Portfolio Composition (as a % of Net Assets)
†
WisdomTree® Europe Hedged
Equity Fund
iShares® MSCI Japan ETF
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund
PowerShares® S&P 500® High
Dividend Portfolio
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
Germany ETF
WisdomTree® Japan Hedged
Equity Fund
SPDR® Barclays Short Term High Yield
Bond ETF
SPDR® Morgan Stanley Technology ETF
Market Vectors® Oil Service ETF
PowerShares® KBW Bank Portfolio
Top Ten Holdings
International Developed Equities - 49.44%
19.47%
7.94%
6.87%
Domestic Core Equities - 36.24%
Fixed Income - 10.90%
Domestic Small-Cap Equities - 0.46%
6.52%
Other - 0.04%
Domestic MLPs - 0.02%
6.16%
Cash, Cash Equivalents
& Other Net Assets - 2.90%
4.24%
4.17%
3.66%
3.66%
3.34%
66.03%
Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the
current or future position of the portfolio. Table presents
indicative values only.
Excludes cash & cash equivalents.
122 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$17k
$16k
MSCI ACWI - $15,491
80% MSCI ACWI/20% Barclays
U.S. Aggregate Bond - $14,811
RiverFront Global Allocation
Fund Class A (NAV) - $14,109
RiverFront Global Allocation
Fund Class A (MOP) - $13,335
$15k
$14k
$13k
$12k
$11k
$10k
$9k
10/31/15
10/31/14
10/31/13
10/31/12
10/31/11
8/2/10^
$8k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
Class A (NAV)
Class A (MOP)
Class C (NAV)
Class C (CDSC)
Class I
MSCI All Country
1
World Index
80% MSCI ACWI and
20% Barclays U.S.
Aggregate Bond1,2
6 Month
â€4.91%
â€10.16%
â€5.30%
â€6.24%
â€4.77%
1 Year
1.23%
â€4.31%
0.46%
â€0.46%
1.49%
3 Years
8.39%
6.36%
7.59%
7.59%
8.66%
5 Years
5.95%
4.74%
5.14%
5.14%
6.18%
Since
Inception^
6.78%
5.64%
5.99%
5.99%
7.02%
â€4.77%
â€0.03%
9.92%
7.68%
8.70%
â€3.75%
0.52%
8.32%
6.90%
7.77%
Total Expense
Ratio
What You Pay*
1.89%
1.54%
2.64%
2.29%
1.65%
1.29%
Performance data quoted represents past performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results. 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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%. Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account. If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load).
A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
123 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
1
The MSCI ACWI (All Country World Index) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity
market performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI consists of 45 country indices comprising 24 developed and 21
emerging market country indices. The index includes reinvestment of dividends, net of foreign withholding taxes. The index is not actively managed
and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.
An investor may not invest directly in an index.
2
The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond 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
passthroughs), ABS, and CMBS.
The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor may
not invest directly in an index.
^
Fund inception date of August 2, 2010.
* What You Pay reflects the Advisor's and Sub-Advisor’s decision to contractually limit expenses through February 29, 2016 and Acquired Fund
Fees and Expenses of 0.39%. Please see the prospectus for additional information.
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company.
The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change. Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets) †
Portfolio Composition (as a % of Net Assets)
†
WisdomTree® Europe Hedged
Equity Fund
iShares® MSCI Japan ETF
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
Germany ETF
SPDR® Morgan Stanley Technology ETF
WisdomTree® Japan Hedged
Equity Fund
Deutsche Xâ€trackers MSCI EAFE
Hedged Equity ETF
Vanguard® FTSE Developed
Markets ETF
Market Vectors® Oil Service ETF
iShares® U.S. Consumer Goods ETF
Vanguard® FTSE Europe ETF
Top Ten Holdings
International Developed Equities - 58.48%
Domestic Core Equities - 32.89%
20.87%
8.57%
Fixed Income - 2.06%
Domestic Small-Cap Equities - 0.47%
6.56%
5.34%
International Emerging
Market Equities - 0.14%
Other - 0.06%
4.74%
Domestic MLPs - 0.02%
Cash, Cash Equivalents
& Other Net Assets - 5.88%
3.64%
3.54%
3.43%
3.18%
2.89%
62.76%
Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the
current or future position of the portfolio. Table presents
indicative values only.
Excludes cash & cash equivalents.
124 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Growth Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$22k
S&P 500® Total Return
Index - $20,269
$20k
$18k
$16k
MSCI ACWI - $15,026
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
Class A (NAV) - $14,220
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
Class A (MOP) - $13,434
$14k
$12k
$10k
10/31/15
10/31/14
10/31/13
10/31/12
9/27/10
10/31/11
$8k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
Class A (NAV)
Class A (MOP)
Class C (NAV)
Class C (CDSC)
Class I
1
Class L
Investor Class
MSCI All Country World Index2
S&P 500® Total Return Index3
6 Month
â€5.42%
â€10.63%
â€5.79%
â€6.73%
â€5.33%
1 Year
1.34%
â€4.24%
0.59%
â€0.31%
1.51%
3 Years
9.38%
7.35%
8.56%
8.56%
9.62%
5 Years
6.50%
5.29%
5.73%
5.73%
6.78%
Since
Inception^
10.12%
10.12%
9.31%
9.31%
10.39%
â€5.34%
â€5.45%
â€4.77%
0.77%
1.59%
1.28%
â€0.03%
5.20%
9.66%
9.36%
9.92%
16.20%
6.78%
6.52%
7.68%
14.33%
10.39%
10.10%
11.85%
14.45%
Total
Expense
Ratio
What You
Pay*
1.78%
1.55%
2.53%
2.30%
1.76%
1.30%
1.42%
1.78%
1.30%
1.55%
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%.
Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account. If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load). A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
125 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
1
Prior to close of business on September 24, 2010, Class L was known as Institutional Class of the Baird Funds, Inc. - RiverFront Long-Term
Growth Fund.
2
The MSCI ACWI (All Country World Index) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity
market performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI consists of 45 country indices comprising 24 developed and 21
emerging market country indices. The index includes reinvestment of dividends, net of foreign withholding taxes.
The index is not actively managed
and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor may not invest directly in an index.
3
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 not actively managed and does not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes.Cash, Cash Equivalents invest directly in
An investor may not & Other Net Assets
an index.
^
Fund inception date of October 28, 2008.
Other
* What You Pay reflects the Advisor's and Sub-Advisor's decision to contractually limit expenses through February 29, 2016 and Acquired Fund
Fees and Expenses of 0.40%.
Please see the prospectus for additional information.
International Emerging Market Equities
The Class A, C, I and L shares performance shown for periods prior to September 27, 2010 reflects the performance of the Baird Funds,
Domestic Small-Cap Equities
Inc. – RiverFront Long-Term Growth Fund’s Institutional Class shares (as result of the reorganization of the Baird Funds, Inc. – RiverFront
Long-Term Growth Fund into the Fund).
Domestic Core Equities
The Investor Class performance shown for periods prior to September 27, 2010 reflects the performance of the Baird Funds, Inc.
– RiverFront
Long-Term Growth Fund’s Investor Class shares (as result of the reorganization of the Baird Funds, Inc. – RiverFront Long-Term Growth Fund
International Developed Equities
into the Fund).
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company. The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change.
Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets) †
Portfolio Composition (as a % of Net Assets)
WisdomTree® Europe Hedged
Equity Fund
iShares® MSCI Japan ETF
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
Germany ETF
Deutsche Xâ€trackers MSCI EAFE
Hedged Equity ETF
WisdomTree® Japan Hedged
Equity Fund
SPDR® Morgan Stanley Technology ETF
Market Vectors® Oil Service ETF
Vanguard® FTSE Developed
Markets ETF
Vanguard® FTSE Europe ETF
PowerShares® KBW Bank Portfolio
Top Ten Holdings
†
International Developed Equities - 64.09%
22.10%
9.80%
Domestic Core Equities - 31.92%
Domestic Small-Cap Equities - 0.54%
6.62%
International Emerging
Market Equities - 0.16%
6.10%
Other - 0.08%
Cash, Cash Equivalents
& Other Net Assets - 3.21%
5.38%
5.36%
3.89%
3.83%
2.95%
2.76%
68.79%
Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the
current or future position of the portfolio. Table presents
indicative values only. Excludes cash & cash equivalents.
126 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment (as of October 31, 2015)
Comparison of change in value of a $10,000 investment (includes maximum sales charges of 5.50%)
$22k
S&P 500® Total Return
Index - $20,638
$20k
$18k
$16k
50% S&P 500®/50% Barclays
U.S. Aggregate Bond - $15,821
$14k
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income
Fund Class A (NAV) - $13,777
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income
Fund Class A (MOP) - $13,022
$12k
$10k
10/31/15
10/31/14
10/31/13
10/31/12
10/31/11
8/2/10^
$8k
The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not
guarantee future results. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of
Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns (as of October 31, 2015)
Class A (NAV)
Class A (MOP)
Class C (NAV)
Class C (CDSC)
Class I
S&P 500® Total
1
Return Index
50% S&P 500® and 50%
Barclays U.S.
Aggregate Bond1,2
6 Month
â€2.27%
â€7.67%
â€2.72%
â€3.69%
â€2.30%
1 Year
1.33%
â€4.26%
0.52%
â€0.42%
1.50%
3 Years
6.83%
4.83%
6.00%
6.00%
7.04%
5 Years
5.85%
4.66%
5.03%
5.03%
6.09%
Since
Inception^
6.30%
5.16%
5.50%
5.50%
6.55%
Total Expense
Ratio
What You Pay*
1.66%
1.50%
2.42%
2.25%
1.42%
1.25%
0.77%
5.20%
16.20%
14.33%
14.81%
0.48%
3.82%
8.86%
8.76%
9.14%
Performance data quoted represents past performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results. 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
call 1-866-759-5679.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%. Performance shown at NAV does not
include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account. If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or
through the Fund’s accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (load).
A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to Class C shares redeemed within the first 12 months after a purchase, and on
Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million.
Performance less than 1 year is cumulative.
127 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
Performance Update
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
1
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 not actively managed and does not reflect any deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor may not invest directly in
an index.
2
The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond 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
passthroughs), ABS, and CMBS. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor
may not invest directly in an index.
^
Fund inception date of August 2, 2010.
* What You Pay reflects the Advisor's and Sub-Advisor’s decision to contractually limit expenses through February 29, 2016 and Acquired Fund
Fees and Expenses of 0.35%.
Please see the prospectus for additional information.
The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
This Fund is not suitable for all investors and is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will continue to hold any one particular security or stay invested in any one particular company. The
composition of the Fund's top holdings is subject to change. Performance figures are historical and reflect the change in share price, reinvested
distributions, changes in net asset value, sales charges and capital gains distributions, if any.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Top Ten Holdings (as a % of Net Assets) †
Portfolio Composition (as a % of Net Assets)
†
WisdomTree® Europe Hedged
Equity Fund
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund
iShares® MSCI Japan ETF
PowerShares® Europe Currency
Hedged Low Volatility Portfolio
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity
Active ETF
Market Vectors® Oil Service ETF
SPDR® Morgan Stanley Technology ETF
iShares® Core S&P 500® ETF
PIMCO 0â€5 Year High Yield Corporate
Bond Index ETF
Consumer Staples Select Sector
SPDR® Fund
Top Ten Holdings
11.86%
9.79%
6.09%
Fixed Income - 35.23%
Domestic Core Equities - 31.08%
International Developed Equities - 30.63%
Domestic Small-Cap Equities - 0.42%
3.63%
Domestic MLPs - 0.02%
Other - 0.02%
3.63%
3.58%
3.48%
3.40%
Cash, Cash Equivalents
& Other Net Assets - 2.60%
3.16%
3.12%
51.74%
Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the
current or future position of the portfolio.
Table presents
indicative values only. Excludes cash & cash equivalents.
128 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Equity (continued)
WisdomTree® Japan Hedged Equity
Fund
5,458 $
290,857
WisdomTree® Japan SmallCap
Dividend Fund
1,633
91,546
WisdomTree® LargeCap Dividend
Fund
8,318
603,720
4,743,902
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (97.37%)
Debt (57.23%)
Guggenheim BulletShares 2016
Corporate Bond ETF
45,121
Guggenheim BulletShares 2017
44,118
Corporate Bond ETF
Guggenheim BulletShares 2018
Corporate Bond ETF
47,381
iShares® 0â€5 Year High Yield
Corporate Bond ETF
5,930
iShares® 1â€3 Year Treasury Bond
ETF
3,384
iShares® Barclays 1â€3 Year Credit
Bond ETF
4,854
PIMCO 0â€5 Year High Yield
3,629
Corporate Bond Index ETF
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity
Active ETF
3,967
(a)
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 47,086
SPDR® Barclays Short Term
Corporate Bond ETF
12,466
SPDR® Barclays Short Term High
Yield Bond ETF
14,223
Equity (40.14%)
Consumer Staples Select Sector
2,415
SPDR® Fund
Deutsche Xâ€trackers MSCI EAFE
Hedged Equity ETF
11,566
iShares® Core S&P 500® ETF
2,681
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
Germany ETF
8,936
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
(b)
7,567
Italy ETF
iShares® MSCI Japan ETF
47,472
iShares® U.S. Consumer Goods ETF 1,514
Market Vectors® Oil Service ETF
3,113
PowerShares® Aerospace &
Defense Portfolio
2,360
PowerShares® Europe Currency
Hedged Low Volatility
Portfolio
6,800
PowerShares® KBW Bank Portfolio 3,910
PowerShares® S&P 500® Exâ€Rate
Sensitive Low Volatility
4,762
Portfolio
PowerShares® S&P 500® High
Dividend Portfolio
3,454
SPDR® Morgan Stanley Technology
ETF
2,309
WisdomTree® Europe Hedged
Equity Fund
12,122
$ 1,000,784
1,003,243
1,004,477
276,694
287,065
510,932
351,686
400,191
1,160,199
381,085
388,288
6,764,644
120,460
322,460
560,463
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
(Cost $11,417,697)
11,508,546
7-Day
Value
Yield Shares
(Note 2)
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (6.80%)
Money Market Fund (6.80%)
Morgan Stanley
Institutional Liquidity
Fund †Prime
Portfolio
0.097% 804,170
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $804,170)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (104.17%)
(Cost $12,221,867)
Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets (â€4.17%)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
804,170
804,170
$ 12,312,716
(492,624)
$ 11,820,092
225,009
182,092
584,855
165,798
95,164
84,370
171,428
146,430
120,957
114,846
126,672
(a)
(b)
Affiliated Company. See Note 7 in Notes to Financial
Statements.
Non-Income Producing Security.
Common Abbreviations:
EAFE - Europe, Australia, and Far East.
ETF - Exchange Traded Fund.
KBW- Keefe, Bruyette, & Woods.
MSCI - Morgan Stanley Capital International.
PIMCO - Pacific Investment Management Company.
S&P - Standard and Poor's.
SPDR - Standard and Poor's Depositary Receipt.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease.
Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
736,775
129 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
COMMON STOCKS (4.68%)
Consumer, Cyclical (0.78%)
Retail (0.78%)
Costco Wholesale Corp.
3,796
TOTAL CONSUMER, CYCLICAL
Consumer, Nonâ€Cyclical (2.31%)
Beverages (0.50%)
PepsiCo, Inc.
3,742
Pharmaceuticals (1.81%)
Bristolâ€Myers Squibb Co.
11,907
Pfizer, Inc.
18,223
TOTAL CONSUMER, NONâ€CYCLICAL
Industrial (1.10%)
Machinery, Construction & Mining (0.50%)
Caterpillar, Inc.
5,365
Miscellaneous Manufacturers (0.60%)
3M Co.
2,944
TOTAL INDUSTRIAL
Technology (0.49%)
Software (0.49%)
Paychex, Inc.
7,418
TOTAL TECHNOLOGY
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $3,373,821)
$
600,224
600,224
382,395
785,266
616,302
1,401,568
1,783,963
391,592
462,826
854,418
382,620
382,620
3,621,225
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (92.51%)
Debt (11.05%)
RiverFront Strategic Income
(a)
215,714 5,315,193
Fund
SPDR® Barclays Short Term High
Yield Bond ETF
118,235 3,227,815
8,543,008
Equity (81.46%)
Consumer Staples Select Sector
SPDR® Fund
49,964 2,492,204
Deutsche Xâ€trackers MSCI EAFE
Hedged Equity ETF
80,974 2,257,555
Global X FTSE Nordic Region ETF 14,623
325,069
iShares® Core S&P 500® ETF
10,764 2,250,214
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Equity (continued)
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
Germany ETF
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
Italy ETF(b)
iShares® MSCI Japan ETF
iShares® MSCI United Kingdom
ETF
iShares® U.S. Home
Construction ETF
Market Vectors® Oil Service ETF
PowerShares® Aerospace &
Defense Portfolio
PowerShares® Europe Currency
Hedged Low Volatility
Portfolio
PowerShares® KBW Bank
Portfolio
PowerShares® S&P 500® Exâ€
Rate Sensitive Low
Volatility Portfolio
PowerShares® S&P 500® High
Dividend Portfolio
SPDR® Morgan Stanley
Technology ETF
Vanguard® FTSE Europe ETF
Vanguard® Information
Technology ETF
Vanguard® Telecommunication
Services ETF
WisdomTree® Europe Hedged
Equity Fund
WisdomTree® Japan Hedged
Equity Fund
WisdomTree® Japan SmallCap
Dividend Fund
WisdomTree® LargeCap
Dividend Fund
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
(Cost $69,870,044)
130 | October 31, 2015
188,991 $
4,758,793
48,243
497,997
1,160,920
6,135,323
53,784
939,606
28,614
92,605
778,015
2,830,935
22,076
789,217
68,209
1,719,549
69,039
2,585,511
58,994
1,498,477
151,724
5,044,823
51,617
42,681
2,831,709
2,222,826
3,716
410,469
16,020
1,372,433
247,643
15,051,742
61,495
3,277,069
13,408
751,653
20,584
1,493,987
62,978,099
71,521,107
. RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
7-Day
Yield
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (2.51%)
Money Market Fund (2.51%)
Morgan Stanley
Institutional
Liquidity Fund â€
Prime Portfolio 0.097% 1,939,710 $
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $1,939,710)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.70%)
(Cost $75,183,575)
Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities (0.30%)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
1,939,710
1,939,710
$ 77,082,042
233,478
$ 77,315,520
Common Abbreviations:
EAFE - Europe, Australia, and Far East.
ETF - Exchange Traded Fund.
FTSE - Financial Times and the London Stock Exchange.
KBW- Keefe, Bruyette, & Woods.
MSCI - Morgan Stanley Capital International.
S&P - Standard and Poor's.
SPDR - Standard and Poor's Depositary Receipt.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
(a)
(b)
Affiliated Company. See Note 7 in Notes to Financial
Statements.
Non-Income Producing Security.
131 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
COMMON STOCKS (4.67%)
Consumer, Cyclical (0.79%)
Retail (0.79%)
Costco Wholesale Corp.
2,214
TOTAL CONSUMER, CYCLICAL
Consumer, Nonâ€Cyclical (2.27%)
Beverages (0.50%)
PepsiCo, Inc.
2,160
Pharmaceuticals (1.77%)
Bristolâ€Myers Squibb Co.
6,520
Pfizer, Inc.
10,520
TOTAL CONSUMER, NONâ€CYCLICAL
Industrial (1.11%)
Machinery, Construction & Mining (0.51%)
Caterpillar, Inc.
3,092
Miscellaneous Manufacturers (0.60%)
3M Co.
1,685
TOTAL INDUSTRIAL
Technology (0.50%)
Software (0.50%)
Paychex, Inc.
4,255
TOTAL TECHNOLOGY
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $1,941,181)
$
350,077
350,077
220,730
429,994
355,787
785,781
1,006,511
225,685
264,899
490,584
219,473
219,473
2,066,645
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (92.95%)
Debt (2.19%)
RiverFront Strategic Income
(a)
39,386
Fund
Equity (90.76%)
Deutsche Xâ€trackers MSCI EAFE
Hedged Equity ETF
57,838
Financial Select Sector SPDR®
Fund
43,321
First Trust NYSE Arca
Biotechnology Index Fund
5,088
Global X FTSE Nordic Region ETF
8,511
iShares® Core S&P 500® ETF
5,485
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
Germany ETF
115,372
970,471
1,612,523
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
(Cost $39,830,443)
530,780
189,200
1,146,639
Equity (continued)
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
Italy ETF(b)
27,659 $
665,586
iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF
9,210
562,823
iShares® MSCI Japan ETF
308,144
3,796,334
iShares® MSCI Switzerland
Capped ETF
13,475
428,101
iShares® MSCI United Kingdom
71,223
1,244,266
ETF
iShares® U.S. Consumer Goods
ETF
12,860
1,408,299
iShares® U.S. Home
Construction ETF
33,893
921,551
Market Vectors® Oil Service ETF 49,671
1,518,442
PowerShares® Aerospace &
Defense Portfolio
11,200
400,400
PowerShares® Europe Currency
Hedged Low Volatility
46,738
1,178,265
Portfolio
PowerShares® KBW Bank
Portfolio
24,750
926,887
PowerShares® S&P 500® Exâ€
Rate Sensitive Low
Volatility Portfolio
34,121
866,690
SPDR® Morgan Stanley
Technology ETF
43,102
2,364,576
Vanguard® FTSE Developed
41,156
1,565,574
Markets ETF
24,548
1,278,460
Vanguard® FTSE Europe ETF
Vanguard® Telecommunication
Services ETF
7,483
641,069
WisdomTree® Europe Hedged
Equity Fund
152,080
9,243,422
WisdomTree® Japan Hedged
Equity Fund
39,422
2,100,798
WisdomTree® Japan SmallCap
Dividend Fund
7,711
432,279
WisdomTree® LargeCap
Dividend Fund
16,789
1,218,546
40,189,747
1,043,170
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
2,905,067
132 | October 31, 2015
41,160,218
. RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
7-Day
Yield
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (5.48%)
Money Market Fund (5.48%)
Morgan Stanley
Institutional
Liquidity Fund â€
Prime Portfolio 0.097% 2,428,247 $
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $2,428,247)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (103.10%)
(Cost $44,199,871)
Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets (â€3.10%)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
2,428,247
2,428,247
$ 45,655,110
(1,371,141)
$ 44,283,969
Common Abbreviations:
EAFE - Europe, Australia, and Far East.
ETF - Exchange Traded Fund.
FTSE - Financial Times and the London Stock Exchange.
KBW- Keefe, Bruyette, & Woods.
MSCI - Morgan Stanley Capital International.
NYSE - New York Stock Exchange
S&P - Standard and Poor's.
SPDR - Standard and Poor's Depositary Receipt.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
(a)
(b)
Affiliated Company. See Note 7 in Notes to Financial
Statements.
Non-Income Producing Security.
133 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
COMMON STOCKS (4.81%)
Consumer, Cyclical (0.80%)
Retail (0.80%)
Costco Wholesale Corp.
4,085
TOTAL CONSUMER, CYCLICAL
Consumer, Nonâ€Cyclical (2.40%)
Beverages (0.50%)
PepsiCo, Inc.
3,948
Pharmaceuticals (1.90%)
Bristolâ€Myers Squibb Co.
13,245
Pfizer, Inc.
19,440
TOTAL CONSUMER, NONâ€CYCLICAL
Industrial (1.11%)
Machinery, Construction & Mining (0.51%)
Caterpillar, Inc.
5,661
Miscellaneous Manufacturers (0.60%)
3M Co.
3,089
TOTAL INDUSTRIAL
Technology (0.50%)
Software (0.50%)
Paychex, Inc.
7,781
TOTAL TECHNOLOGY
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $3,600,785)
$
645,920
645,920
403,446
873,508
657,461
1,530,969
1,934,415
413,196
485,622
898,818
401,344
401,344
3,880,497
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (92.61%)
Equity (92.61%)
Consumer Staples Select Sector
SPDR® Fund
11,833
Deutsche Xâ€trackers MSCI EAFE
Hedged Equity ETF
176,432
Financial Select Sector SPDR®
Fund
62,736
First Trust NYSE Arca
Biotechnology Index Fund
10,635
Global X FTSE Nordic Region ETF 15,827
iShares® Core S&P 500® ETF
5,841
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
212,207
Germany ETF
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
(a)
51,066
Italy ETF
590,230
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Equity (continued)
iShares® MSCI Japan ETF
iShares® MSCI Pacific ex Japan
ETF
iShares® MSCI United Kingdom
ETF
iShares® U.S. Consumer Goods
ETF
iShares® U.S. Home
Construction ETF
Market Vectors® Oil Service ETF
PowerShares® Aerospace &
Defense Portfolio
PowerShares® Europe Currency
Hedged Low Volatility
Portfolio
PowerShares® KBW Bank
Portfolio
PowerShares® S&P 500® Exâ€
Rate Sensitive Low
Volatility Portfolio
SPDR® Morgan Stanley
Technology ETF
Vanguard® FTSE Developed
Markets ETF
Vanguard® FTSE Europe ETF
Vanguard® Information
Technology ETF
Vanguard® Telecommunication
Services ETF
WisdomTree® Europe Hedged
Equity Fund
WisdomTree® Japan Hedged
Equity Fund
WisdomTree® Japan SmallCap
Dividend Fund
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
(Cost $70,831,203)
4,918,924
1,510,683
1,109,443
351,834
1,221,061
5,343,372
1,228,852
134 | October 31, 2015
641,759 $
7,906,471
16,868
659,033
102,410
1,789,103
13,993
1,532,373
66,416
102,627
1,805,851
3,137,307
27,747
991,955
79,280
1,998,649
59,362
2,223,107
63,678
1,617,453
78,872
4,326,918
81,212
45,688
3,089,305
2,379,431
6,387
705,508
15,350
1,315,035
293,310
17,827,382
81,492
4,342,709
13,951
782,093
74,704,082
74,704,082
. RiverFront Global Growth Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
7-Day
Yield
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (2.84%)
Money Market Fund (2.84%)
Morgan Stanley
Institutional
Liquidity Fund â€
Prime Portfolio 0.097% 2,288,635 $
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $2,288,635)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.26%)
(Cost $76,720,623)
Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets (â€0.26%)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
2,288,635
2,288,635
$ 80,873,214
(212,330)
$ 80,660,884
Common Abbreviations:
EAFE - Europe, Australia, and Far East.
ETF - Exchange Traded Fund.
FTSE - Financial Times and the London Stock Exchange.
KBW- Keefe, Bruyette, & Woods.
MSCI - Morgan Stanley Capital International.
NYSE - New York Stock Exchange.
S&P - Standard and Poor's.
SPDR - Standard and Poor's Depositary Receipt.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
(a)
Non-Income Producing Security.
135 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Shares
COMMON STOCKS (4.56%)
Consumer, Cyclical (0.77%)
Retail (0.77%)
Costco Wholesale Corp.
6,893
TOTAL CONSUMER, CYCLICAL
Consumer, Nonâ€Cyclical (2.18%)
Beverages (0.50%)
PepsiCo, Inc.
6,904
Pharmaceuticals (1.68%)
Bristolâ€Myers Squibb Co.
21,053
Pfizer, Inc.
29,420
TOTAL CONSUMER, NONâ€CYCLICAL
Industrial (1.11%)
Machinery, Construction & Mining (0.51%)
Caterpillar, Inc.
9,899
Miscellaneous Manufacturers (0.60%)
3M Co.
5,427
TOTAL INDUSTRIAL
Technology (0.50%)
Software (0.50%)
Paychex, Inc.
13,672
TOTAL TECHNOLOGY
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $5,987,068)
$
1,089,921
1,089,921
705,520
1,388,445
994,984
2,383,429
3,088,949
722,528
853,179
1,575,707
705,202
705,202
6,459,779
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (92.83%)
Debt (35.15%)
Guggenheim BulletShares 2016
Corporate Bond ETF
165,990
Guggenheim BulletShares 2017
Corporate Bond ETF
162,267
Guggenheim BulletShares 2018
Corporate Bond ETF
174,054
iShares® 0â€5 Year High Yield
Corporate Bond ETF
76,041
iShares® 1â€3 Year Treasury Bond
ETF
48,562
iShares® Barclays 1â€3 Year
10,832
Credit Bond ETF
PIMCO 0â€5 Year High Yield
Corporate Bond Index ETF
46,181
3,681,658
3,689,952
3,689,945
3,548,073
Debt (continued)
PIMCO Enhanced Short
Maturity Active ETF
RiverFront Strategic Income
Fund(a)
SPDR® Barclays Short Term
Corporate Bond ETF
SPDR® Barclays Short Term High
Yield Bond ETF
Equity (57.68%)
Consumer Staples Select Sector
SPDR® Fund
Deutsche Xâ€trackers MSCI EAFE
Hedged Equity ETF
iShares® Core S&P 500® ETF
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
Germany ETF
iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI
Italy ETF(b)
iShares® MSCI Japan ETF
iShares® U.S. Home
Construction ETF
Market Vectors® Oil Service ETF
PowerShares® Aerospace &
Defense Portfolio
PowerShares® Europe Currency
Hedged Low Volatility
Portfolio
PowerShares® KBW Bank
Portfolio
PowerShares® S&P 500® Exâ€
Rate Sensitive Low
Volatility Portfolio
PowerShares® S&P 500® High
Dividend Portfolio
SPDR® Morgan Stanley
Technology ETF
Vanguard® Telecommunication
Services ETF
WisdomTree® Europe Hedged
Equity Fund
WisdomTree® Japan Hedged
Equity Fund
WisdomTree® Japan SmallCap
Dividend Fund
4,119,514
1,140,176
4,475,401
136 | October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
50,887 $
5,133,481
562,358
13,856,501
78,678
2,405,186
146,509
3,999,696
49,739,583
88,626
4,420,665
123,129
22,988
3,432,837
4,805,641
106,845
2,690,357
88,989
699,557
2,141,431
8,618,542
42,893
165,641
1,166,261
5,063,645
33,013
1,180,215
203,650
5,134,017
105,140
3,937,493
98,210
2,494,583
112,629
3,744,914
89,784
4,925,550
27,607
2,365,092
276,109
16,781,905
73,610
3,922,677
18,717
1,049,275
. RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
Statement of Investments
October 31, 2015
Value
(Note 2)
Shares
Equity (continued)
WisdomTree® LargeCap
Dividend Fund
51,773 $ 3,757,684
81,632,784
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
(Cost $128,809,380)
131,372,367
7-Day
Value
Yield
Shares
(Note 2)
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (2.81%)
Money Market Fund (2.81%)
Morgan Stanley
Institutional
Liquidity Fund â€
Prime Portfolio 0.097% 3,970,144
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $3,970,144)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.20%)
(Cost $138,766,592)
Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets (â€0.20%)
NET ASSETS (100.00%)
Common Abbreviations:
EAFE - Europe, Australia, and Far East.
ETF - Exchange Traded Fund.
KBW- Keefe, Bruyette, & Woods.
MSCI - Morgan Stanley Capital International.
PIMCO - Pacific Investment Management Company.
S&P - Standard and Poor's.
SPDR - Standard and Poor's Depositary Receipt.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications
refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by
one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group
indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition
may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine
industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are
shown as a percent of net assets.
3,970,144
See Notes to Financial Statements.
3,970,144
$ 141,802,290
(279,056)
$ 141,523,234
(a)
(b)
Affiliated Company. See Note 7 in Notes to Financial
Statements.
Non-Income Producing Security.
137 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Allocation Series
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2015
RiverFront
Conservative
Income Builder
Fund
ASSETS
Investments, at value
Investments in affiliates, at value
Receivable for shares sold
Dividends and interest receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total Assets
RiverFront
Dynamic Equity
Income
Fund
RiverFront
Global Allocation
Fund
$ 11,152,517 $ 71,766,849 $ 44,684,639
1,160,199 5,315,193
970,471
–
288,823
122,618
59
10,409
5,570
25,705
27,741
25,608
12,338,480 77,409,015 45,808,906
RiverFront
Moderate Growth
& Income
Fund
RiverFront
Global Growth
Fund
$ 80,873,214 $ 127,945,789
– 13,856,501
45,577
79,679
11,448
19,005
39,650
36,206
80,969,889 141,937,180
LIABILITIES
Payable for investments purchased
Payable for shares redeemed
Investment advisory fees payable
Administration and transfer agency fees
payable
Distribution and services fees payable
Professional fees payable
Custody fees payable
Printing fees payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total Liabilities
NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
Paidâ€in capital
Accumulated net investment income
Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) on
investments
Net unrealized appreciation in value on
investments
NET ASSETS
INVESTMENTS, AT COST
INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES, AT COST
503,873
–
364
1,946
6,701
3,503
781
358
862
518,388
$ 11,820,092 $
–
50
40,444
8,813
32,512
4,007
1,096
3,693
2,880
93,495
77,315,520 $
1,462,516
11,788
20,040
5,553
15,881
3,744
930
2,158
2,327
1,524,937
44,283,969
–
235,524
35,367
9,571
15,995
4,049
995
4,153
3,351
309,005
$ 80,660,884 $
–
235,169
82,949
15,214
63,728
4,605
1,419
6,652
4,210
413,946
141,523,234
$ 11,741,051 $ 73,728,146 $ 42,468,604 $ 75,330,241 $ 135,145,049
7,336
92,674
200,285
463,691
206,858
(19,144)
1,596,233
159,841
714,361
3,135,629
90,849 1,898,467 1,455,239 4,152,591 3,035,698
$ 11,820,092 $ 77,315,520 $ 44,283,969 $ 80,660,884 $ 141,523,234
$ 11,049,593 $ 69,776,840 $ 43,218,055 $ 76,720,623 $ 124,648,429
$ 1,172,274 $ 5,406,735 $
981,816 $
– $ 14,118,163
See Notes to Financial Statements.
138 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Allocation Series
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
RiverFront
Conservative
Income Builder
Fund
October 31, 2015
RiverFront
Dynamic Equity
Income
Fund
RiverFront
Global Allocation
Fund
RiverFront
Moderate Growth
& Income
Fund
RiverFront
Global Growth
Fund
PRICING OF SHARES
Class A:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption
price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding
(unlimited number of shares, no par
value common stock authorized)
Maximum offering price per share
((NAV/0.9450), based on maximum
sales charge of 5.50% of the offering
price)
Class C:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption
price per share(a)
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding
(unlimited number of shares, no par
value common stock authorized)
Class I:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption
price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding
(unlimited number of shares, no par
value common stock authorized)
Class L:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption
price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding
(unlimited number of shares, no par
value common stock authorized)
Investor Class:
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption
price per share
Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding
(unlimited number of shares, no par
value common stock authorized)
$
$
$
$
$
(a)
99,265
11.07 $
1,565,429
$
$
693,306
13.37 $
12.91 $
10.37 $
12.44 $
11.98
8,610,383 $ 34,766,471 $ 17,089,385
830,464
2,795,628
1,312,776
2,126,560
14.76 $
12.15
13.67 $
11.39
$
$ 12,907,768 $ 70,770,665
1,426,451
944,172
6,212,065
10.30 $
12.56 $
11.99 $
14.03 $
11.47
2,171,225 $ 22,780,107 $ 18,738,956 $ 16,411,902 $ 46,350,137
210,881
1,813,902
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1,169,862
N/A
N/A $
N/A $
13.87
6,924,249
N/A
N/A
1,863,673
N/A
N/A
4,039,603
N/A $
14.01
N/A $ 26,108,513
N/A
N/A
1,562,833
12.20 $
13.95 $
11.48
8,455,628 $ 18,308,452 $ 24,402,432
10.46 $
12.63 $
1,038,484 $ 19,768,942 $
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
499,084
N/A
Redemption price per share may be reduced for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. For a description of a possible sales charge,
please see the Fund's Prospectus.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
139 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Allocation Series
Statements of Operations
For
the Year Ended October 31, 2015
RiverFront
Conservative
Income Builder
Fund
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends
Dividends from affiliated securities
Total Investment Income
$
(10,923)
(47,971)
(20,408)
–
–
134,508
108,661
(49,727)
337,579
42,328
3,731
21,782
158,029
–
18,409
6,944
42,208
437
5,083
880
11,933
649,343
617,344
75,739
5,826
(24,491)
(44,563)
(43,041)
–
–
537,248
575,330
(79,726)
(40,534)
(29,002)
(36,381)
(60,547)
(17,309)
894,807
1,290,107
109,174
2,184,914 $
–
2,184,914
3,812,380
495,767
4,308,147
669,233
82,236
5,201
1,196,494
145,269
8,804
67,008
685,345
–
23,676
20,549
48,019
1,642
8,387
3,096
20,710
2,228,999
(39,744)
(102,129)
(67,897)
–
–
2,019,229
2,288,918
2,496,740
45,519
326,033
–
19,945
12,447
45,023
844
5,858
1,602
14,278
1,170,458
(36,445)
(65,254)
(43,549)
–
–
1,025,210
1,229,120
1,166,295
(7,360)
(30,319)
(33,482)
–
(38,996)
42,226
506,364
277,874
640,999
678,016
(58,335)
(2,136,654)
(750,472) (1,412,507)
(4,017,171)
(73,196)
(585,806)
(881,411)
734,806 $
(10,476) $
627,773 $
1,407,507
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS
ON INVESTMENTS
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET
ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS
2,997
52,835
–
17,007
1,634
41,255
109
4,154
195
8,062
213,810
$
74,304
10,247
1,011
1,061,571
51,007
1,112,578
RiverFront
Moderate Growth
& Income
Fund
RiverFront
Global Growth
Fund
2,072,430 $
181,900
2,254,330
Investment advisory fees
Administrative fees
Transfer agency fees
Distribution and service fees
Class A
Class C
Investor Class
Professional fees
Reports to shareholders and printing fees
State registration fees
Insurance fees
Custody fees
Trustees' fees and expenses
Miscellaneous expenses
Total Expenses
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment
advisor (Note 8)
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class L
Investor Class
Net Expenses
Net Investment Income
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments
Net realized loss on investments †affiliated
securities
Net realized gain distributions from other
investment companies
Net change in unrealized depreciation on
investments
RiverFront
Global Allocation
Fund
210,970 $
32,199
243,169
EXPENSES
RiverFront
Dynamic Equity
Income
Fund
$
35,465 $
(494,314)
See Notes to Financial Statements.
140 | October 31, 2015
43,481
123,978
18,749
25,222
15,433
66,938
893
6,397
1,730
19,089
1,078,580
(662,334)
. RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
For the Year
Ended
October 31, 2015
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
OPERATIONS
Net investment income
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments
Net realized loss on investments †affiliated securities
Net realized gain distributions from other investment companies
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
108,661 $
(49,727)
(7,360)
42,226
(58,335)
35,465
29,975 $
110,437
(42)
–
(67,675)
72,695
44,780
173,828
(270)
1,636
107,775
327,749
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends to shareholders from net realized gains
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(18,043)
(50,246)
(34,644)
(33,682)
(128,451)
(53,269)
(318,335)
(7,517)
(14,233)
(13,957)
–
–
–
(35,707)
(7,713)
(26,587)
(11,868)
(16,067)
(47,172)
(27,911)
(137,318)
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Shares redeemed
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Increase in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment income of:
(a)
$
$
724,894
5,025,196
1,756,806
23,644
152,720
77,128
(750,894)
(1,445,157)
(2,401,248)
3,163,089
2,880,219
8,939,873
11,820,092 $
7,336 $
224,208
546,840
1,216,347 2,524,709
1,817,467 1,927,846
3,697
8,715
12,819
68,221
13,270
39,779
(244,851)
(92,120)
(336,045)
(825,324)
(392,394) (1,387,092)
2,314,518 2,811,574
2,351,506 3,002,005
6,588,367 3,586,362
8,939,873 $ 6,588,367
1,621 $
7,353
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
141 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
For the Year
Ended
October 31, 2015
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
OPERATIONS
Net investment income
Net realized gain on investments
Net realized loss on investments †affiliated securities
Net realized gain distributions from other investment companies
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
1,229,120 $
1,166,295
(30,319)
506,364
(2,136,654)
734,806
354,835 $
495,747
(2,968)
–
59,792
907,406
501,040
2,992,680
–
14,904
1,272,714
4,781,338
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends to shareholders from net realized gains
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(311,063)
(447,108)
(392,630)
(621,663)
(1,102,933)
(746,196)
(3,621,593)
(111,022)
(86,202)
(158,721)
–
–
–
(355,945)
(135,855)
(134,304)
(236,905)
(365,030)
(742,929)
(549,797)
(2,164,820)
3,938,297
7,076,964
3,502,112
102,697
79,328
138,648
(2,263,648)
(3,022,626)
(1,075,996)
8,475,776
9,027,237
59,414,303
68,441,540 $
14,068 $
7,646,945
10,756,383
9,923,982
464,335
824,340
679,588
(1,433,618)
(3,025,374)
(3,656,006)
22,180,575
24,797,093
34,617,210
59,414,303
15,178
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Shares redeemed
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Increase in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment income of:
(a)
6,311,410
11,151,002
8,108,354
877,483
1,445,580
1,008,028
(3,907,536)
(6,667,665)
(6,565,889)
11,760,767
8,873,980
68,441,540
$ 77,315,520 $
92,674 $
$
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
142 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
For the Year
Ended
October 31, 2015
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
OPERATIONS
Net investment income
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments
Net realized loss on investments †affiliated securities
Net realized gain distributions from other investment companies
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
575,330 $
(79,726)
(33,482)
277,874
(750,472)
(10,476)
166,583 $
1,047,052
(14,540)
–
(814,242)
384,853
170,637
2,148,570
–
9,169
958,395
3,286,771
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends to shareholders from net realized gains
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(135,563)
(171,705)
(234,337)
(560,595)
(1,028,926)
(892,615)
(3,023,741)
(60,721)
(29,814)
(77,225)
(225,948)
(315,722)
(241,798)
(951,228)
704,281
1,706,825
3,218,570
–
–
–
(1,557,221)
(1,700,105)
(975,931)
1,396,419
1,781,272
34,243,504
36,024,776 $
166,583 $
1,828,903
5,733,154
4,414,127
278,213
333,197
312,410
(1,969,635)
(2,060,625)
(1,566,346)
7,303,398
9,638,941
24,604,563
34,243,504
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Shares redeemed
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Increase in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment income of:
(a)
$
$
2,396,224
5,539,210
9,024,905
673,030
1,146,839
1,105,082
(2,319,283)
(3,108,530)
(3,164,067)
11,293,410
8,259,193
36,024,776
44,283,969 $
200,285 $
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
143 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Growth Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
For the Year
Ended
October 31, 2015
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
OPERATIONS
Net investment income
Net realized gain on investments
Net realized gain distributions from other investment companies
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
1,290,107 $
422,375 $
109,174 3,579,076
640,999
–
(1,412,507) (3,270,391)
627,773
731,060
549,575
6,157,817
24,369
1,314,672
8,046,433
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class L
Investor Class
Dividends to shareholders from net realized gains
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class L
Investor Class
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(284,353)
(141,119)
(243,129)
(453,248)
(133,236)
(1,555,258)
(1,077,170)
(1,217,027)
(2,207,236)
(716,298)
(8,028,074)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(87,390)
(28,977)
(101,824)
(216,395)
(65,366)
(1,086,883)
(878,168)
(1,050,842)
(2,201,623)
(797,894)
(6,515,362)
4,307,345
1,088,318
2,214,171
1,420,447
66,568
–
–
–
–
–
(4,115,225)
(1,282,840)
(852,301)
(2,447,309)
(760,465)
(361,291)
369,769
73,248,621
73,618,390 $
424,637 $
10,986,353
5,045,220
4,759,222
3,180,517
270,199
1,095,779
892,977
1,130,451
2,347,791
782,525
(4,352,368)
(1,765,523)
(2,075,170)
(4,553,986)
(2,130,007)
15,613,980
17,145,051
56,103,570
73,248,621
2,262
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class L
Investor Class
Dividends reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class L
Investor Class
Shares redeemed
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class L
Investor Class
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment income of:
(a)
$
$
6,592,837
4,246,346
7,804,363
5,499,526
265,259
1,781,624
1,189,292
1,360,312
2,618,006
762,580
(5,222,204)
(2,728,617)
(4,622,386)
(3,969,239)
(1,134,904)
14,442,795
7,042,494
73,618,390
80,660,884 $
463,691 $
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
144 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
For the Year
Ended
October 31, 2015
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
OPERATIONS
Net investment income
Net realized gain on investments
Net realized loss on investments †affiliated securities
Net realized gain distributions from other investment companies
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$
2,288,918 $
849,869 $ 1,294,023
2,496,740 3,635,670 7,624,458
(38,996)
–
–
678,016
–
33,187
(4,017,171) (1,889,311) 1,671,672
1,407,507 2,596,228 10,623,340
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends to shareholders from net realized gains
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
(416,464)
(361,379)
(539,349)
(1,461,687)
(2,693,789)
(1,636,155)
(7,108,823)
4,319,229 4,201,326
17,073,579 7,712,589
14,370,768 6,525,980
1,734,135
187,752
3,832,260
220,912
2,896,869
325,977
(7,673,351) (8,283,862)
(12,583,566) (5,318,273)
(10,528,810) (3,079,334)
13,441,113 2,493,067
5,398,727 4,228,331
136,124,507 131,896,176
$ 141,523,234 $ 136,124,507 $
206,858 $
49,688 $
$
11,020,034
18,772,301
16,516,197
1,531,756
2,692,375
2,004,990
(11,453,882)
(12,685,999)
(7,559,841)
20,837,931
24,352,448
107,543,728
131,896,176
60,631
(463,745)
(831,484)
(836,519)
(1,452,046)
(3,504,594)
(2,361,505)
(9,449,893)
(220,828)
(267,118)
(373,018)
–
–
–
(860,964)
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 6)
Shares sold
Class A
Class C
Class I
Dividends reinvested
Class A
Class C
Class I
Shares redeemed
Class A
Class C
Class I
Net Increase in Net Assets Derived from Beneficial Interest Transactions
Net increase in net assets
NET ASSETS
Beginning of year
End of year *
*Including accumulated net investment income of:
(a)
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
145 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$10.86
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(c)
0.07
0.04
0.11
(0.08)
–
(0.08)
0.03
$10.86
0.13
0.53
0.66
(0.12)
(0.19)
(0.31)
0.35
$10.83
0.09
0.48
0.57
(0.09)
–
(0.09)
0.48
$10.48
0.40%
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
$10.48
0.18
(0.14)
0.04
(0.15)
(0.29)
(0.44)
(0.40)
$10.46
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$10.83
For the Period
September 4,
2012
(Commencement)
to
April 30, 2013
$10.00
0.98%
6.35%
5.72%
$1,038
$1,089
$1,101
$607
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(b)
(d)
(f)
(e)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers
and reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers
and reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(f)
2.06%
2.39% (d)
2.94%
5.65% (d)(e)
1.15%
1.74%
186%
1.15% (d)
1.22% (d)
34%
1.15%
1.27%
125%
1.15% (d)(e)
1.37% (d)(e)
73%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Expense ratios before reductions for startup periods may not be representative of longer term operating periods.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
146 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund – Class C
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$10.81
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(c)
0.03
0.04
0.07
(0.03)
–
(0.03)
0.04
$10.81
0.06
0.51
0.57
(0.12)
(0.19)
(0.31)
0.26
$10.77
0.06
0.47
0.53
(0.02)
–
(0.02)
0.51
$10.51
(0.39)%
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
$10.51
0.09
(0.13)
(0.04)
(0.11)
(0.29)
(0.40)
(0.44)
$10.37
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$10.77
For the Period
September 4,
2012
(Commencement)
to
April 30, 2013
$10.00
0.68%
5.49%
5.29%
$8,610
$5,021
$4,106
$2,264
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(b)
(d)
(f)
(e)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers
and reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers
and reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(f)
2.81%
3.14% (d)
3.73%
6.53% (d)(e)
1.90%
0.88%
186%
1.90% (d)
0.47% (d)
34%
1.90%
0.53%
125%
1.90% (d)(e)
0.90% (d)(e)
73%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Expense ratios before reductions for startup periods may not be representative of longer term operating periods.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
147 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$10.70
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(c)
0.07
0.06
0.13
(0.09)
–
(0.09)
0.04
$10.70
0.15
0.51
0.66
(0.10)
(0.19)
(0.29)
0.37
$10.66
0.12
0.46
0.58
(0.29)
–
(0.29)
0.29
$10.29
0.60%
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
For the Year
Ended
April 30, 2014
$10.29
0.19
(0.13)
0.06
(0.17)
(0.29)
(0.46)
(0.40)
$10.30
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$10.66
For the Period
September 4,
2012
(Commencement)
to
April 30, 2013
$10.00
1.19%
6.53%
5.95%
$2,171
$2,830
$1,381
$715
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(b)
(d)
(f)
(e)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding fee waivers
and reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets including fee waivers
and reimbursements
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(f)
1.80%
2.12% (d)
2.66%
7.74% (d)(e)
0.90%
1.84%
186%
0.90% (d)
1.34% (d)
34%
0.90%
1.49%
125%
0.90% (d)(e)
1.84% (d)(e)
73%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Expense ratios before reductions for startup periods may not be representative of longer term operating periods.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
148 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$13.10
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$12.24
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$11.24
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012(b)
$11.73
For the
Period
August 2,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
0.25
(0.04)
0.21
(0.22)
(0.46)
–
(0.68)
(0.47)
$12.63
0.09
0.13
0.22
(0.09)
–
–
(0.09)
0.13
$13.10
0.17
1.17
1.34
(0.17)
(0.44)
–
(0.61)
0.73
$12.97
0.25
0.99
1.24
(0.24)
–
–
(0.24)
1.00
$12.24
0.16
(0.49)
(0.33)
(0.15)
–
(0.01)
(0.16)
(0.49)
$11.24
0.12
1.67
1.79
(0.06)
(d)
(0.00)
(0.00)(d)
(0.06)
1.73
$11.73
1.64%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$12.97
1.66%
11.15%
11.22%
(2.80)%
17.99%
$17,275
$15,374
$8,087
$7,114
$5,723
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(c)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Tax return of capital
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(e)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(b)
(f)
(h)
(g)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$19,769
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.35%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.15%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
1.98%
(h)
75%
Portfolio turnover rate
1.39% (f)
1.15%(f)
1.42%
1.15%
1.33%(f)
45%
1.38%
99%
1.73%
2.17% (f)
1.20%(g)
1.30%
1.30%(f)
2.17%
136%
1.50%
133%
1.48%(f)
66%
1.58%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to January 1, 2012, the RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund was known as the RiverFront Long-Term Growth & Income Fund.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than ($0.005) per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Contractual expense limitation change from 1.30% to 1.15% effective September 1, 2012.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
149 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund – Class C
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$12.97
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$12.13
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$11.14
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012(b)
$11.67
For the
Period
August 2,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
0.15
(0.04)
0.11
(0.18)
(0.46)
–
(0.64)
(0.53)
$12.44
0.04
0.13
0.17
(0.04)
–
–
(0.04)
0.13
$12.97
0.08
1.15
1.23
(0.08)
(0.44)
–
(0.52)
0.71
$12.84
0.16
0.98
1.14
(0.15)
–
–
(0.15)
0.99
$12.13
0.09
(0.51)
(0.42)
(0.10)
–
(0.01)
(0.11)
(0.53)
$11.14
0.05
1.67
1.72
(0.05)
(d)
(0.00)
(0.00)(d)
(0.05)
1.67
$11.67
0.86%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$12.84
1.30%
10.34%
10.41%
(3.60)%
17.32%
$30,170
$25,787
$16,070
$13,729
$9,223
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(c)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Tax return of capital
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(e)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(b)
(f)
(h)
(g)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$34,766
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
2.10%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.90%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
1.18%
(h)
75%
Portfolio turnover rate
2.15% (f)
1.90%(f)
2.18%
1.90%
0.60%(f)
45%
0.61%
99%
2.49%
3.10% (f)
1.95%(g)
2.05%
2.05%(f)
1.44%
136%
0.84%
133%
0.65%(f)
66%
2.33%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to January 1, 2012, the RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund was known as the RiverFront Long-Term Growth & Income Fund.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than ($0.005) per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Contractual expense limitation change from 2.05% to 1.90% effective September 1, 2012.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
150 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$13.02
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$12.16
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$11.17
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012(b)
$11.64
For the
Period
August 2,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
0.28
(0.05)
0.23
(0.23)
(0.46)
–
(0.69)
(0.46)
$12.56
0.10
0.14
0.24
(0.10)
–
–
(0.10)
0.14
$13.02
0.20
1.16
1.36
(0.20)
(0.44)
–
(0.64)
0.72
$12.88
0.27
0.99
1.26
(0.27)
–
–
(0.27)
0.99
$12.16
0.20
(0.50)
(0.30)
(0.16)
–
(0.01)
(0.17)
(0.47)
$11.17
0.12
1.68
1.80
(0.15)
(d)
(0.00)
(0.01)
(0.16)
1.64
$11.64
1.83%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$12.88
1.88%
11.40%
11.47%
(2.58)%
18.21%
$20,997
$18,254
$10,460
$6,897
$3,301
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(c)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Tax return of capital
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(e)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(b)
(f)
(h)
(g)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$22,780
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.10%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
0.90%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
2.21%
(h)
75%
Portfolio turnover rate
1.15% (f)
0.90%(f)
1.17%
0.90%
1.57%(f)
45%
1.61%
99%
1.49%
2.44% (f)
0.95%(g)
1.05%
1.05%(f)
2.36%
136%
1.88%
133%
1.49%(f)
66%
1.33%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to January 1, 2012, the RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund was known as the RiverFront Long-Term Growth & Income Fund.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than ($0.005) per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Contractual expense limitation change from 1.05% to 0.90% effective September 1, 2012.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
151 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Allocation Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$13.14
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$12.97
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$11.93
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$10.86
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012(b)
$11.66
For the
Period
August 2,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
0.22
(0.06)
0.16
(0.21)
(0.89)
(1.10)
(0.94)
$12.20
0.08
0.09
0.17
–
–
–
0.17
$13.14
0.10
1.36
1.46
(0.09)
(0.33)
(0.42)
1.04
$12.97
0.15
1.08
1.23
(0.16)
–
(0.16)
1.07
$11.93
0.12
(0.84)
(0.72)
(0.07)
(0.01)
(0.08)
(0.80)
$10.86
0.10
1.61
1.71
(0.05)
–
(0.05)
1.66
$11.66
1.23%
1.31%
12.32%
11.47%
(6.18)%
17.12%
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$8,456
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.43%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.15%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
1.71%
Portfolio turnover rate(g)
71%
$8,372
$9,098
$8,244
$5,791
$4,686
Net asset value, beginning of period
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(c)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
(e)
1.50%
1.15%(e)
1.51%
1.15%
1.21%(e)
47%
0.83%
95%
1.80%
3.00% (e)
1.19%(f)
1.30%
1.30%(e)
1.32%
113%
1.10%
163%
1.16%(e)
77%
1.68%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to January 1, 2012, the RiverFront Global Allocation Fund was known as the RiverFront Moderate Growth Fund.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Contractual expense limitation change from 1.30% to 1.15% effective September 1, 2012.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
152 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund – Class C
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$12.95
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$11.84
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$10.81
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012(b)
$11.64
For the
Period
August 2,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
0.12
(0.06)
0.06
(0.14)
(0.89)
(1.03)
(0.97)
$11.98
0.03
0.09
0.12
–
–
–
0.12
$12.95
0.01
1.34
1.35
(0.03)
(0.33)
(0.36)
0.99
$12.83
0.07
1.07
1.14
(0.11)
–
(0.11)
1.03
$11.84
0.02
(0.82)
(0.80)
(0.02)
(0.01)
(0.03)
(0.83)
$10.81
0.00(d)
1.65
1.65
(0.01)
–
(0.01)
1.64
$11.64
0.46%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$12.83
0.94%
11.48%
10.59%
(6.86)%
16.52%
$14,758
$14,624
$9,686
$9,891
$8,926
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(c)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(e)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(b)
(f)
(h)
(g)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$17,089
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
2.18%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.90%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
0.94%
Portfolio turnover rate(h)
71%
(f)
2.25%
1.90%(f)
2.26%
1.90%
0.40%(f)
47%
0.05%
95%
2.58%
3.21% (f)
1.95%(g)
2.05%
2.05%(f)
0.66%
113%
0.17%
163%
0.04%(f)
77%
2.44%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to January 1, 2012, the RiverFront Global Allocation Fund was known as the RiverFront Moderate Growth Fund.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Contractual expense limitation change from 2.05% to 1.90% effective September 1, 2012.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
153 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$12.92
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$11.72
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$10.66
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012(b)
$11.42
For the
Period
August 2,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
0.22
(0.04)
0.18
(0.22)
(0.89)
(1.11)
(0.93)
$11.99
0.09
0.08
0.17
–
–
–
0.17
$12.92
0.13
1.34
1.47
(0.11)
(0.33)
(0.44)
1.03
$12.75
0.17
1.07
1.24
(0.18)
–
(0.18)
1.06
$11.72
0.13
(0.80)
(0.67)
(0.08)
(0.01)
(0.09)
(0.76)
$10.66
0.08
1.62
1.70
(0.28)
–
(0.28)
1.42
$11.42
1.49%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$12.75
1.33%
12.61%
11.73%
(5.86)%
17.20%
$12,895
$10,521
$6,675
$3,496
$1,905
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(c)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$18,739
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.18%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
0.90%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
1.83%
Portfolio turnover rate(g)
71%
(e)
1.26%
0.90%(e)
1.26%
0.90%
1.41%(e)
47%
1.07%
95%
1.55%
4.68% (e)
0.94%(f)
1.05%
1.05%(e)
1.52%
113%
1.28%
163%
0.98%(e)
77%
1.43%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to January 1, 2012, the RiverFront Global Allocation Fund was known as the RiverFront Moderate Growth Fund.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Contractual expense limitation change from 1.05% to 0.90% effective September 1, 2012.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
154 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Growth Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$15.44
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$14.89
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$13.37
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012(b)
$15.65
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended April
30, 2011(c)
$14.66
0.24
(0.04)
0.20
(0.25)
(1.44)
(1.69)
(1.49)
$13.95
0.08
0.10
0.18
–
–
–
0.18
$15.44
0.12
1.88
2.00
(0.12)
(1.51)
(1.63)
0.37
$15.26
0.17
1.57
1.74
(0.22)
–
(0.22)
1.52
$14.89
0.14
(1.41)
(1.27)
(0.14)
(0.87)
(1.01)
(2.28)
$13.37
0.00(e)
0.99
0.99
–
–
–
0.99
$15.65
1.34%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$15.26
1.18%
13.66%
13.14%
(7.51)%
6.75%
$16,694
$16,440
$8,525
$5,241
$12,307
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(f)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(b)
(g)
(i)
(h)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$18,308
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
1.38%
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements(h)
1.15%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
1.67%
(i)
71%
Portfolio turnover rate
1.38% (g)
1.49%
1.52%
1.58% (g)
1.15%(g)
1.40%
1.15%
0.98%
0.92%
0.81%(g)
1.08%(g)
48%
0.76%
85%
1.23%
113%
0.99%
119%
0.06%(g)
34%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to January 1, 2012, the RiverFront Global Growth Fund was known as the RiverFront Long-Term Growth Fund.
Effective March 8, 2011, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from December 31 to April 30.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Prior to January 1, 2013, all acquired fund fees were reimbursed.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
155 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Global Growth Fund – Class C
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$15.19
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$14.76
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$13.29
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012(b)
$15.60
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended April
30, 2011(c)
$14.63
0.13
(0.04)
0.09
(0.17)
(1.44)
(1.61)
(1.52)
$13.67
0.03
0.09
0.12
–
–
–
0.12
$15.19
0.01
1.86
1.87
(0.05)
(1.51)
(1.56)
0.31
$15.07
0.08
1.54
1.62
(0.15)
–
(0.15)
1.47
$14.76
0.05
(1.42)
(1.37)
(0.07)
(0.87)
(0.94)
(2.31)
$13.29
(0.04)
1.01
0.97
–
–
–
0.97
$15.60
0.59%
0.80%
12.84%
12.31%
(8.22)%
6.63%
$12,908
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$15.07
$11,420
$11,511
$7,182
$6,808
$6,156
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(e)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements(g)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets
(h)
Portfolio turnover rate
(c)
(d)
(e)
(b)
(f)
(h)
(g)
2.13% (f)
2.15%
2.25%
2.29%
2.33% (f)
1.90%
(a)
2.13%
1.90%(f)
1.90%
1.73%
1.67%
1.55%(f)
0.88%
71%
0.38%(f)
48%
0.07%
85%
0.57%
113%
0.34%
119%
(0.72)%(f)
34%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to January 1, 2012, the RiverFront Global Growth Fund was known as the RiverFront Long-Term Growth Fund.
Effective March 8, 2011, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from December 31 to April 30.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Prior to January 1, 2013, all acquired fund fees were reimbursed.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
156 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Global Growth Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$15.52
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$14.92
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$13.40
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012(b)
$15.67
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended April
30, 2011(c)
$14.65
0.26
(0.03)
0.23
(0.28)
(1.44)
(1.72)
(1.49)
$14.03
0.10
0.10
0.20
–
–
–
0.20
$15.52
0.17
1.89
2.06
(0.15)
(1.51)
(1.66)
0.40
$15.32
0.20
1.57
1.77
(0.25)
–
(0.25)
1.52
$14.92
0.19
(1.51)
(1.32)
(0.16)
(0.79)
(0.95)
(2.27)
$13.40
0.01
1.01
1.02
–
–
–
1.02
$15.67
1.51%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$15.32
1.31%
14.01%
13.36%
(7.31)%
7.04%
$13,343
$11,845
$7,769
$6,022
$4,508
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(e)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(b)
(f)
(h)
(g)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$16,412
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
1.29%
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements(g)
0.90%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
1.77%
(h)
71%
Portfolio turnover rate
1.36% (f)
1.25%
1.30%
1.30% (f)
0.90%(f)
1.16%
0.90%
0.73%
0.67%
0.61%(f)
1.32%(f)
48%
1.13%
85%
1.45%
113%
1.44%
119%
0.23%(f)
34%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to January 1, 2012, the RiverFront Global Growth Fund was known as the RiverFront Long-Term Growth Fund.
Effective March 8, 2011, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from December 31 to April 30.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Prior to January 1, 2013, all acquired fund fees were reimbursed.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
157 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Growth Fund – Class L
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$15.49
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$14.90
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$13.37
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012(b)
$15.65
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended April
30, 2011(c)
$14.63
0.27
(0.03)
0.24
(0.28)
(1.44)
(1.72)
(1.48)
$14.01
0.11
0.09
0.20
–
–
–
0.20
$15.49
0.17
1.88
2.05
(0.15)
(1.51)
(1.66)
0.39
$15.29
0.22
1.56
1.78
(0.25)
–
(0.25)
1.53
$14.90
0.17
(1.41)
(1.24)
(0.14)
(0.87)
(1.04)
(2.28)
$13.37
0.01
1.01
1.02
–
–
–
1.02
$15.65
1.59%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$15.29
1.31%
13.98%
13.43%
(7.31)%
6.97%
$24,400
$25,092
$23,454
$24,765
$42,977
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(e)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(b)
(f)
(h)
(g)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$26,109
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
1.04%
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements (includes acquired
fund fee reimbursements)(g)
0.90%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements (excludes acquired
fund fee reimbursements)
0.90%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
1.86%
Portfolio turnover rate(h)
71%
1.02% (f)
1.08%
1.28% (f)
0.90%
0.73%
0.67%
0.64%(f)
(f)
0.90%
1.25%
0.90%(f)
1.15%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%(f)
(f)
1.37%
48%
1.11%
85%
1.59%
113%
1.26%
119%
0.19%(f)
34%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to January 1, 2012, the RiverFront Global Growth Fund was known as the RiverFront Long-Term Growth Fund.
Effective March 8, 2011, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from December 31 to April 30.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Prior to January 1, 2013, all acquired fund fees were reimbursed.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
158 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Global Growth Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$15.37
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$14.82
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$13.32
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012(b)
$15.59
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended April
30, 2011(c)
$14.59
0.26
(0.07)
0.19
(0.25)
(1.44)
(1.69)
(1.50)
$13.87
0.09
0.09
0.18
–
–
–
0.18
$15.37
0.13
1.87
2.00
(0.12)
(1.51)
(1.63)
0.37
$15.19
0.18
1.54
1.72
(0.22)
–
(0.22)
1.50
$14.82
0.13
(1.39)
(1.26)
(0.14)
(0.87)
(1.01)
(2.27)
$13.32
0.00(e)
1.00
1.00
–
–
–
1.00
$15.59
1.28%
1.18%
13.73%
13.07%
(7.47)%
6.79%
$6,924
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$15.19
$7,762
$8,361
$9,174
$10,133
$21,270
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(f)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of year (000s)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements (includes acquired
fund fee reimbursements)(h)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements (excludes acquired
fund fee reimbursements)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate(i)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(b)
(g)
(i)
(h)
1.41%
1.50%
1.93%
1.53% (g)
1.15%(g)
1.15%
0.98%
0.92%
0.89%(g)
1.15%
1.38% (g)
1.15%
(a)
1.38%
(g)
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%(g)
1.78%
71%
(g)
1.14%
48%
0.85%
85%
1.36%
113%
0.97%
119%
(0.08)%(g)
34%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Prior to January 1, 2012, the RiverFront Global Growth Fund was known as the RiverFront Long-Term Growth Fund.
Effective March 8, 2011, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Fund from December 31 to April 30.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than $0.005 per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Prior to January 1, 2013, all acquired fund fees were reimbursed.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
159 | October 31, 2015
. RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$12.15
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$11.66
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$10.96
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$11.08
For the
Period
August 2,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
0.23
(0.06)
0.17
(0.20)
(0.64)
–
(0.84)
(0.67)
$11.48
0.09
0.16
0.25
(0.09)
–
–
(0.09)
0.16
$12.15
0.16
0.89
1.05
(0.16)
(0.56)
–
(0.72)
0.33
$11.99
0.24
0.69
0.93
(0.23)
–
–
(0.23)
0.70
$11.66
0.17
(0.12)
0.05
(0.17)
–
(0.00)(c)
(0.17)
(0.12)
$10.96
0.15
1.01
1.16
(0.08)
(c)
(0.00)
–
(0.08)
1.08
$11.08
1.33%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$11.99
2.12%
9.16%
8.59%
0.55%
11.70%
$27,598
$31,033
$29,066
$20,754
$12,148
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Tax return of capital
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$24,402
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.30%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.15%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
1.97%
(g)
110%
Portfolio turnover rate
1.31% (e)
1.15%(e)
1.32%
1.15%
1.54%(e)
42%
1.35%
98%
1.50%
1.64% (e)
1.19%(f)
1.30%
1.30%(e)
2.17%
108%
1.65%
128%
1.89%(e)
69%
1.40%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than ($0.005) per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Contractual expense limitation change from 1.30% to 1.15% effective September 1, 2012.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
160 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund – Class C
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$12.10
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$11.62
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$10.92
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$11.06
For the
Period
August 2,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
0.13
(0.06)
0.07
(0.14)
(0.64)
–
(0.78)
(0.71)
$11.39
0.05
0.16
0.21
(0.05)
–
–
(0.05)
0.16
$12.10
0.07
0.89
0.96
(0.08)
(0.56)
–
(0.64)
0.32
$11.94
0.16
0.68
0.84
(0.14)
–
–
(0.14)
0.70
$11.62
0.09
(0.13)
(0.04)
(0.10)
–
(0.00)(c)
(0.10)
(0.14)
$10.92
0.10
1.02
1.12
(0.06)
(c)
(0.00)
–
(0.06)
1.06
$11.06
0.52%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$11.94
1.75%
8.33%
7.83%
(0.37)%
11.24%
$66,445
$63,031
$52,579
$39,015
$24,061
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Tax return of capital
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$70,771
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
2.05%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.90%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
1.14%
(g)
110%
Portfolio turnover rate
2.07% (e)
1.90%(e)
2.07%
1.90%
0.77%(e)
42%
0.59%
98%
2.25%
2.54% (e)
1.95%(f)
2.05%
2.05%(e)
1.43%
108%
0.88%
128%
1.22%(e)
69%
2.15%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than ($0.005) per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown exclude any applicable sales charges.
Annualized.
Contractual expense limitation change from 2.05% to 1.90% effective September 1, 2012.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
161 | October 31, 2015
.
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the periods indicated:
For the Year
Ended
October 31,
2015
$12.14
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2014
$11.65
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2013
$10.94
For the Year
Ended
April 30,
2012
$11.07
For the
Period
August 2,
2010
(Inception)
to April 30,
2011
$10.00
0.25
(0.06)
0.19
(0.22)
(0.64)
–
(0.86)
(0.67)
$11.47
0.11
0.16
0.27
(0.11)
–
–
(0.11)
0.16
$12.14
0.19
0.89
1.08
(0.19)
(0.56)
–
(0.75)
0.33
$11.98
0.26
0.70
0.96
(0.25)
–
–
(0.25)
0.71
$11.65
0.20
(0.13)
0.07
(0.19)
–
(0.01)
(0.20)
(0.13)
$10.94
0.17
1.01
1.18
(0.11)
(c)
(0.00)
–
(0.11)
1.07
$11.07
1.50%
Net asset value, beginning of period
For the
Fiscal
Period
Ended
October 31,
2014(a)
$11.98
2.25%
9.43%
8.94%
0.71%
11.92%
$42,081
$37,832
$25,898
$12,880
$7,535
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
Total from investment operations
DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains
Tax return of capital
Total distributions
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value
Net asset value, end of year
TOTAL RETURN(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
(a)
(c)
(d)
(b)
(e)
(g)
(f)
Net assets, end of year (000s)
$46,350
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
excluding fee waivers and
reimbursements
1.05%
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
including fee waivers and
reimbursements
0.90%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
2.16%
(g)
110%
Portfolio turnover rate
1.07% (e)
0.90%(e)
1.07%
0.90%
1.77%(e)
42%
1.59%
98%
1.26%
1.55% (e)
0.94%(f)
1.05%
1.05%(e)
2.39%
108%
1.91%
128%
2.16%(e)
69%
1.15%
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
Calculated using the average shares method.
Less than ($0.005) per share.
Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been
waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the
redemption of Fund shares.
Annualized.
Contractual expense limitation change from 1.05% to 0.90% effective September 1, 2012.
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
162 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
1. ORGANIZATION
Financial Investors Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an openâ€end management investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). As of October 31, 2015, the Trust had 34 registered funds. This annual report includes
the financial statements and financial highlights of the following 13 funds: ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund,
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund, ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund, ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private
Equity Fund, ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund, ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund, ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
(formerly the ALPS|WMC Disciplined Value Fund), Clough China Fund, RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund, RiverFront Dynamic Equity
Income Fund, RiverFront Global Allocation Fund, RiverFront Global Growth Fund and RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund (each, a “Fund”
and collectively, the “Funds”).
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield
performance of its underlying index, the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. The ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities®
Strategy Fund seeks to maximize real returns consistent with prudent investment management. ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund’s investment goal
is longâ€term capital appreciation. ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund seeks to maximize total return, which consists of appreciation on its
investments and a variable income stream. ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and
expenses) generally to the performance of the Sterling Tactical Rotation Index. ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund seeks to
provide high current income. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is to seek capital preservation, with the potential for capital appreciation.
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund seeks longâ€term capital appreciation: dividend income may be a factor in portfolio selection but is secondary to
the Fund’s principal objective. The Clough China Fund seeks to provide investors with longâ€term capital appreciation. The RiverFront Conservative
Income Builder Fund seeks to provide current income and potential for that income to grow over time. The RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
seeks to achieve longâ€term growth and income through a combination of capital appreciation and rising dividend payments that exceeds the
average yield on global stocks generally. The RiverFront Global Allocation Fund seeks to provide high total investment return through a fully
managed investment policy utilizing United States and foreign equity securities, debt and money market securities, the combination of which will
be varied from time to time both with respect to types of securities and markets in response to changing market and economic trends. Total
investment return means the combination of capital appreciation and investment income. The RiverFront Global Growth Fund seeks to achieve
longâ€term capital appreciation through a fully managed investment policy utilizing United States and foreign equity securities, debt and money
market securities, the combination of which will be varied from time to time both with respect to types of securities and markets in response to
changing market and economic trends. The RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund has two primary investment objectives: (1) seeks to
provide a level of current income that exceeds the average yield on U.S. stocks in general and (2) to provide a growing stream of income over the
years. The Funds secondary objective is to provide growth of capital.
The classes of each Fund differ principally in the applicable distribution and shareholder service fees. Shareholders of each class also bear certain
expenses that pertain to that particular class. All shareholders bear the common expenses of the Fund and earn income and realized gains/losses
from the Fund pro rata based on the average daily net assets of each class, without distinction between share classes. Dividends to shareholders
are determined separately for each class based on income and expenses allocable to each class. Realized gain distributions to shareholders are
allocated to each class pro rata based on the shares outstanding of each class on the date of distribution. Differences in per share dividend rates
generally result from differences in separate class expenses, including distribution and shareholder service fees, if applicable.
Basis of Consolidation for the ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
CoreCommodity Management Cayman Commodity Fund Ltd. (the “Subsidiary”), a Cayman Islands exempted company, was incorporated on April
23, 2010 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund (the
“CoreCommodity Fund”). The Subsidiary acts as an investment vehicle for the CoreCommodity Fund in order to effect certain commodityâ€related
investments on behalf of the CoreCommodity Fund. CoreCommodity Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary pursuant to a subscription
agreement dated as of June 14, 2010, and it is intended that the CoreCommodity Fund will remain the sole shareholder and will continue to wholly
own and control the Subsidiary. Under the Articles of Association of the Subsidiary, shares issued by the Subsidiary confer upon a shareholder the
right to vote at general meetings of the Subsidiary and certain rights in connection with any windingâ€up or repayment of capital, as well as the right
to participate in the profits or assets of the Subsidiary. The CoreCommodity Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in shares of the Subsidiary.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of the CoreCommodity Fund, the financial statements of the Subsidiary are included in the consolidated financial
statements and financial highlights of the CoreCommodity Fund. All investments held by the Subsidiary are disclosed in the accounts of the
CoreCommodity Fund. As of October 31, 2015, net assets of the CoreCommodity Fund were $400,809,447, of which $72,529,520 or 18.10%,
represented the CoreCommodity Fund’s ownership of all issued shares and voting rights of the Subsidiary.
Basis of Consolidation for the ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund, (the “Kotak Fund”) invests in the equity securities of Indian companies through its wholly owned, collective
investment vehicle, the India Premier Equity Portfolio (the “Portfolio”). The Portfolio is registered with and regulated by the Mauritius Financial
Services Commission. The Portfolio was formed for the purpose of facilitating the Kotak Fund’s purchase of securities of a wide selection of Indian
163 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
companies, consistent with the Kotak Fund’s investment strategies. The Portfolio is a private company limited by shares incorporated under the
Mauritius Companies Act 2001. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Kotak Fund, financial statements of the Portfolio are included in the
consolidated financial statements and financial highlights of the Kotak Fund. All investments held by the Portfolio are disclosed in the accounts of
the Kotak Fund.
The Portfolio established residency in Mauritius allowing the Kotak Fund to receive the beneficial tax treatment under the Treaty between India
and Mauritius. If the benefits of the Treaty are denied or if the Portfolio is held to have a permanent establishment in India, gains derived by the
Portfolio due to the sale of securities, may be subject to taxation in India. India’s Finance Act of 2012 had introduced legislation on General Antiâ€
Avoidance Rules (“GAAR”) into the Act which contains treaty override provisions. The GAAR may be used by the Indian tax authorities to declare
any arrangement whose main purpose or one of the main purposes is to obtain a tax benefit, as an “impermissible avoidance arrangement.”
Originally, GAAR was to be effective from April 1, 2012; however, subsequent to the 2013 amendments introduced to the Finance Act, GAAR had
been deferred until April 1, 2015. In the 2015 budget presentation, the Finance Minister (India) announced that the implementation of GAAR will
be delayed by two years.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by each Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. Each
Fund is considered an investment company for financial reporting purposes, and the following policies are in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”).The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the
Funds and subsidiaries, as applicable, in preparation of their financial statements.
Investment Valuation: The Funds generally value their securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New
York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. For equity securities and mutual funds
that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange.
The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent thirdâ€party pricing service approved by the Board, which
may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable
investments, market indices and yield curves. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed to be unreliable, the market
price may be determined using quotations received from one or more brokersâ€dealers that make a market in the security. Shortâ€term debt
obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost; unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an
investment’s fair value. Investments in nonâ€exchange traded funds are fair valued at their respective net asset values.
Futures contracts that are listed or traded on a national securities exchange, commodities exchange, contract market or comparable over the
counter market, and that are freely transferable, are valued at their closing settlement price on the exchange on which they are primarily traded or
based upon the current settlement price for a like instrument acquired on the day on which the instrument is being valued. A settlement price may
not be used if the market makes a limit move with respect to a particular commodity. Overâ€theâ€counter swap contracts for which market
quotations are readily available are valued based on quotes received from independent pricing services or one or more dealers that make markets
in such securities.
Equity securities that are primarily traded on foreign securities exchanges are valued at the closing values of such securities on their respective
foreign exchanges, except when an event occurs subsequent to the close of the foreign exchange and the close of the NYSE that was likely to have
changed such value. In such an event, the fair value of those securities are determined in good faith through consideration of other factors in
accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board. The Funds will use a fair valuation model provided by
an independent pricing service, which is intended to reflect fair value when a security’s value or a meaningful portion of the Fund’s portfolio is
believed to have been materially affected by an valuation event that has occurred between the close of the exchange or market on which the
security is traded and the close of the regular trading day on the NYSE.
Forward currency exchange contracts have a fair value determined by the prevailing foreign currency exchange daily rates and current foreign
currency exchange forward rates. The foreign currency exchange forward rates are calculated using an automated system that estimates rates on
the basis of the current day foreign currency exchange rates and forward foreign currency exchange rates supplied by a pricing service. Foreign
exchange rates and forward foreign currency exchange rates may generally be obtained at the close of the NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fund’s adviser or subâ€adviser, as applicable, believes that they are unreliable,
securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.
164 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements: The Funds disclose the classification of their fair value measurements following a threeâ€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.
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.
The following is a summary of each Fund’s investments/financial instruments in the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2015:
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Level 2 - Other Significant
Level 3 - Significant
Investments in Securities at Value
Quoted Prices
Observable Inputs
Unobservable Inputs
Total
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
Master Limited Partnerships(a)
$
26,696,934 $
– $
– $
26,696,934
Total
$
26,696,934 $
– $
– $
26,696,934
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Level 2 - Other Significant
Level 3 - Significant
Investments in Securities at Value
Quoted Prices
Observable Inputs
Unobservable Inputs
Total
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Common Stocks(a)
$
140,152,427 $
– $
– $
140,152,427
2,019,861
–
–
2,019,861
Master Limited Partnerships(a)
Government Bonds
–
245,509,270
–
245,509,270
Purchased Options
7,250
–
–
7,250
Short Term Investments
4,793,239
–
–
4,793,239
Total
$
146,972,777 $
245,509,270 $
– $
392,482,047
Other Financial Instruments
Assets
Futures Contracts
$
804,065 $
– $
– $
804,065
Total Return Swap Contracts
–
3,728,584
–
3,728,584
Liabilities
Written Options
(2,468,252)
–
–
(2,468,252)
Futures Contracts
(1,034,894)
–
–
(1,034,894)
Total Return Swap Contracts
–
(341,788)
–
(341,788)
Total
$
(2,699,081) $
3,386,796 $
– $
687,715
165 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Investments in Securities at Value
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
Common Stocks
Consumer Discretionary
Consumer Staples
Energy
Financials
Health Care
Industrials
Information Technology
Materials
Telecommunication Services
Short Term Investments
Total
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Quoted Prices
$
$
Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
– $
–
–
–
–
117,393
–
208,430
–
46,969
372,792 $
1,794,367
1,559,720
620,160
4,584,484
1,193,294
1,870,621
2,144,536
1,941,456
249,119
–
15,957,757
Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
$
$
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Total
$
$
1,794,367
1,559,720
620,160
4,584,484
1,193,294
1,988,014
2,144,536
2,149,886
249,119
46,969
16,330,549
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Investments in Securities at Value
Quoted Prices
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
Closedâ€End Funds
$
65,065,185
Common Stocks(a)
429,355,844
Short Term Investments
9,262,230
Total
$
503,683,259
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Investments in Securities at Value
Quoted Prices
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
Exchange Traded Funds
$
34,730,210
Total
$
34,730,210
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Investments in Securities at Value
Quoted Prices
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Exchange Traded Funds
$
234,179
(a)
–
Bank Loans
Convertible Corporate Bonds(a)
–
Corporate Bonds(a)
–
Mortgage Backed Securities
–
Short Term Investments
–
Total
$
234,179
Other Financial Instruments
Assets
Futures Contracts
$
1,807
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
–
Liabilities
Futures Contracts
(45,631)
–
Credit Default Swap Contracts
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
–
Total
$
(43,824)
Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
$
$
–
–
–
–
Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
$
$
Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
$
$
$
$
–
6,512,959
1,036,366
9,999,923
2,039,840
79,899
19,668,987
166 | October 31, 2015
$
$
$
$
– $
– $
$
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
65,065,185
429,355,844
9,262,230
503,683,259
Total
Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
– $
10,439
–
(52,685)
(879)
(43,125)
–
–
–
–
Total
Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
– $
– $
$
$
Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
34,730,210
34,730,210
Total
$
$
234,179
6,512,959
1,036,366
9,999,923
2,039,840
79,899
19,903,166
– $
–
1,807
10,439
–
–
–
–
$
(45,631)
(52,685)
(879)
(86,949)
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Investments in Securities at Value
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Common Stocks(a)
Short Term Investments
Total
Other Financial Instruments
Assets
Futures Contracts
Total
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Quoted Prices
Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
Total
$
$
95,735,591 $
1,643,620
97,379,211 $
– $
–
– $
– $
–
– $
95,735,591
1,643,620
97,379,211
$
$
55,456 $
55,456 $
– $
– $
– $
– $
55,456
55,456
Investments in Securities at Value
Clough China Fund
Common Stocks
Communications
Consumer Discretionary
Consumer, Cyclical
Consumer, Nonâ€Cyclical
Energy
Financials
Industrials
Technology
Utilities
Participation Notes(a)
Short Term Investments
Total
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Quoted Prices
$
$
Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
871,832 $
–
158,014
236,467
–
–
–
431,181
–
–
170,634
1,868,128 $
9,763,562
531,433
12,260,950
2,826,658
2,782,335
20,777,931
5,925,130
8,468,826
635,345
2,787,121
–
66,759,291
Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
$
$
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Total
$
$
10,635,394
531,433
12,418,964
3,063,125
2,782,335
20,777,931
5,925,130
8,900,007
635,345
2,787,121
170,634
68,627,419
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Investments in Securities at Value
Quoted Prices
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
Exchange Traded Funds(a)
$
11,508,546
Short Term Investments
804,170
Total
$
12,312,716
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Investments in Securities at Value
Quoted Prices
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
Common Stocks(a)
$
3,621,225
(a)
71,521,107
Exchange Traded Funds
Short Term Investments
1,939,710
Total
$
77,082,042
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Investments in Securities at Value
Quoted Prices
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
Common Stocks(a)
$
2,066,645
Exchange Traded Funds(a)
41,160,218
Short Term Investments
2,428,247
Total
$
45,655,110
Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
$
$
– $
–
– $
Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
$
$
–
–
–
–
Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
$
$
167 | October 31, 2015
Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
–
–
–
–
Total
– $
–
– $
Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
$
$
–
–
–
–
Total
$
$
Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
$
$
–
–
–
–
11,508,546
804,170
12,312,716
3,621,225
71,521,107
1,939,710
77,082,042
Total
$
$
2,066,645
41,160,218
2,428,247
45,655,110
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Investments in Securities at Value
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
Common Stocks(a)
(a)
Exchange Traded Funds
Short Term Investments
Total
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Quoted Prices
$
$
Level 2 - Other Significant
Observable Inputs
3,880,497 $
74,704,082
2,288,635
80,873,214 $
–
–
–
–
Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
$
$
–
–
–
–
Total
$
$
3,880,497
74,704,082
2,288,635
80,873,214
Level 1 - Unadjusted
Level 2 - Other Significant
Level 3 - Significant
Investments in Securities at Value
Quoted Prices
Observable Inputs
Unobservable Inputs
Total
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
Common Stocks(a)
$
6,459,779 $
– $
– $
6,459,779
(a)
131,372,367
–
–
131,372,367
Exchange Traded Funds
Short Term Investments
3,970,144
–
–
3,970,144
Total
$
141,802,290 $
– $
– $
141,802,290
(a)
For detailed descriptions of country, sector and/or industry, see the accompanying Statement of Investments or Consolidated Statement of
Investments.
The Funds recognize transfers between levels as of the end of the period. For the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015, the Funds did not have any
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities, except the ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund and the Clough China Fund. The ALPS | Kotak India
Growth Fund and Clough China Fund utilize a fair value evaluation service with respect to international securities with an earlier market closing
than the Funds’ net asset value computation cutoff. When events trigger the use of the fair value evaluation service on a reporting period date, it
results in certain securities transferring from a Level 1 to a Level 2 classification. The transfer amounts disclosed in the tables below represent the
value of the securities as of October 31, 2015 transferred in/(out) of Level 1 and Level 2 during the reporting period that were also held at
October 31, 2014.
The ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund had the following transfers between Levels 1 and 2 at October 31, 2015:
Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices
Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs
Transfers In
Transfers (Out)
Transfers In
Transfers (Out)
Common Stocks
$
–
$
(1,178,648) $
1,178,648
$
–
Total
$
–
$
(1,178,648) $
1,178,648
$
–
The Clough China Fund had the following transfers between Levels 1 and 2 at October 31, 2015:
Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices
Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs
Transfers In
Transfers (Out)
Transfers In
Transfers (Out)
Common Stocks
$
–
$
(1,715,855) $
1,715,855
$
–
Total
$
–
$
(1,715,855) $
1,715,855
$
–
168 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
The changes of the fair value of investments for which the Funds have used Level 3 inputs to determine the fair value are as follows:
Net change
in unrealized
appreciation/
(depreciation)
included in
the Statements
of Operations
attributable to
Level 3
investments
held at
Transfer Transfer Balance as
out of of October October 31,
into
Level 3 Level 3 31, 2015
2015
Change in
Unrealized
Balance as Accrued
Sales
Investments of November discount/ Return of
Realized Appreciation/
1, 2014
in Securities
premium
Capital Gain/(Loss) (Depreciation) Purchases Proceeds
Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Corporate
Bonds
$ 262,500 $ 13,424 $
– $ (44,093) $ 33,732 $
– $ (265,563) $ – $ – $
– $
–
Total
$ 262,500 $ 13,424 $
– $ (44,093) $ 33,732 $
– $ (265,653) $ – $ – $
– $
–
Due to the short term nature of the payable due to custodian †overdraft, face value approximates fair value at October 31, 2015. This fair value is
based on Level 2 inputs under the threeâ€tier fair valuation hierarchy described above.
Offering Costs: The ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund and ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund incurred offering costs
during their Fiscal Periods Ended October 31, 2014. These offering costs, including fees for printing initial prospectuses, legal, and registration fees,
were amortized over the first twelve months from the inception date of each Fund. Amounts amortized through October 31, 2015 are shown on
each Fund’s Statement of Operations.
Fund and Class Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a Fund or a specific share class of a Fund. Expenses which
cannot be directly attributed are apportioned among all Funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each share class within a Fund.
Federal Income Taxes: The Funds, except for ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund, comply with the requirements under Subchapter M
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) applicable to regulated investment companies and intend to distribute
substantially all of their net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year. Those Funds are not subject to income taxes to the extent such
distributions are made.
The ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund is taxed as a regular corporation (or soâ€called subchapter “C” corporation) for federal income tax
purposes, and will be subject to tax on its taxable income at rates applicable to corporations. Currently, the maximum marginal regular federal
income tax rate for a corporation is 35 percent, but the Fund expects to pay federal income tax at a rate of 34 percent. The ALPS | Alerian MLP
Infrastructure Index Fund may be subject to a 20 percent federal alternative minimum tax on its federal alternative taxable income to the extent
that its alternative minimum tax exceeds its regular federal income tax. This differs from most investment companies, which elect to be treated as
“regulated investment companies” under the Code in order to avoid paying entity level income taxes. Under current law, the ALPS | Alerian MLP
Infrastructure Index Fund is not eligible to elect treatment as a regulated investment company due to its investments, primarily in Master Limited
Partnerships (“MLPs”) invested in energy assets. As a result, the ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund will be obligated to pay applicable
federal and state corporate income taxes on its taxable income as opposed to most other investment companies which are not so obligated. As
discussed below, the ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund expects that a portion of the distributions it receives from MLPs may be treated
as a taxâ€deferred return of capital, thus reducing the Fund’s current tax liability. However, the amount of taxes currently paid by the ALPS | Alerian
MLP Infrastructure Index Fund will vary depending on the amount of income and gains derived from investments and/or sales of MLP interests and
such taxes will reduce the return from an investment in the Fund. See further disclosure regarding MLPs below.
As of and during the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015, the Funds, except the ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund, did not have a liability
for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds file U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to
examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations which is generally three years after the filing of
the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that
require a provision for income taxes.
169 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Distributions to Shareholders: Each Fund, except the ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund, ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High
Income Fund, RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund, RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund, and RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income
Fund normally pays dividends and distributes capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. The ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund,
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund, RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund, and RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund normally
pay dividends, if any, on a quarterly basis and distribute capital gains annually. The ALPS | Westport Hedged High Income Fund normally pays
dividends, if any, on a monthly basis and distributes capital gains annually. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest and other
income each Fund receives from its investments, including distributions of shortâ€term capital gains. Capital gain distributions are derived from gains
realized when the Fund sells a security it has owned for more than a year. Each Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other
times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes.
Distributions received from the ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund’s investments in MLPs generally are comprised of income and return
of capital. The Fund records investment income and return of capital based on estimates made at the time such distributions are received. Such
estimates are based on historical information available from each MLP and other industry sources. These estimates may subsequently be revised
based on information received from MLPs after their tax reporting periods are concluded. Return of capital distributions are not taxable income to
the shareholder, but reduce the investor’s tax basis in the investor’s Fund shares. Such a reduction in tax basis will result in larger taxable gains
and/or lower tax losses on a subsequent sale of Fund shares. Shareholders who periodically receive the payment of dividends or other distributions
consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits from the Fund when, in fact, they are not.
Shareholders should not assume that the source of the distributions is from the net profits of the Fund.
Commodityâ€Linked Notes: The ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund may invest in commodityâ€linked
notes which are derivative instruments that have characteristics of a debt security and of a commodityâ€linked derivative. A commodityâ€linked note
typically provides for interest payments and a principal payment at maturity linked to the price movement of the underlying commodity,
commodity index or commodity futures or option contract. Commodityâ€linked notes may be principal protected, partially protected, or offer no
principal protection. The value of these notes will rise and fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index or investment.
These notes are often leveraged, increasing the volatility of each note’s value relative to the change in the underlying linked index. Commodity
indexâ€linked investments may be more volatile and less liquid than the underlying index and their value may be affected by the performance of the
commodities as well as other factors, including liquidity, quality, maturity and other economic variables. Commodityâ€linked notes are typically
issued by a bank or other financial institution and are sometimes referred to as structured notes because the terms of the notes may be structured
by the issuer and the purchaser of the notes to accommodate the specific investment requirements of the purchaser.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or
sold (trade date basis). Net realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which
includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned. The character of distributions received from
investments in limited partnerships is estimated based off the best available information at period end. Dividend income is recognized on the
exâ€dividend date or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to each Fund.
Foreign Securities: Each Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not
typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible reevaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate
foreign currency, less complete financial information about companies and possible future adverse political and economic developments.
Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of securities of
comparable U.S. issuers.
Foreign Currency Translation: The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment valuations and other assets and
liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. The portion
of realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed and is
included in realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, when applicable.
Foreign Currency Spot Contracts: The Funds may enter into foreign currency spot contracts to facilitate transactions in foreign securities or to
convert foreign currency receipts into U.S. dollars. A foreign currency spot contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell currencies
at the current market rate, for settlement generally within two business days. The U.S. dollar value of the contracts is determined using current
currency exchange rates supplied by a pricing service. The contract is markedâ€toâ€market daily for settlements beyond one day and any change in
market value is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference
between the value on the open and close date. Losses may arise from changes in the value of the foreign currency, or if the counterparties do not
perform under the contract’s terms. The maximum potential loss from such contracts is the aggregate face value in U.S. dollars at the time the
contract was opened.
170 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”): The Funds may invest a portion of their assets in REITs and are subject to certain risks associated with
direct investment in REITs. REITs may be affected by changes in the value of their underlying properties and by defaults by borrowers or tenants.
REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to shareowners, and certain REITs have selfâ€liquidation
provisions by which mortgages held may be paid in full and distributions of capital returns may be made at any time. In addition, the performance
of a REIT may be affected by its failure to qualify for taxâ€free passâ€through of income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”), or its failure to maintain exemption from registration under the 1940 Act.
Treasury Inflation Protectedâ€Securities: The Funds may invest in treasury inflation protected securities (“TIPS”), including structured bonds in
which the principal amount is adjusted daily to keep pace with inflation, as measured by the U.S. Consumer Pricing Index for Urban Consumers. The
adjustments to principal due to inflation/deflation are reflected as increases/decreases to interest income with a corresponding adjustment to cost.
Such adjustments may have a significant impact on a Fund’s distributions and may result in a return of capital to shareholders. The repayment of
the original bond principal upon maturity is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
Loan Participations and Assignments: Certain Funds may invest in loan participations and assignments. The Fund considers loan participations
and assignments to be investments in debt securities. Loan participations typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with
the lender, not with the borrower. The Fund will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only
from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. Under a loan participation, the
Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of
setâ€off against the borrower, and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the
participation. As a result, the Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of
the insolvency of the lender selling a participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any setâ€off
between the lender and the borrower. When the Fund purchases assignments of loans from lenders, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the
borrower on the loan, except that under certain circumstances such rights may be more limited than those held by the assigning lender.
Master Limited Partnerships: MLPs are publicly traded partnerships engaged in the transportation, storage and processing of minerals and
natural resources. By confining their operations to these specific activities, their interests, or units, are able to trade on public securities exchanges
exactly like the shares of a corporation, without entity level taxation. To qualify as a MLP and to not be taxed as a corporation, a partnership must
receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources as set forth in Section 7704(d) of the Code. These qualifying sources include natural
resource based activities such as the processing, transportation and storage of mineral or natural resources. MLPs generally have two classes of
owners, the general partner and limited partners. The general partner of an MLP is typically owned by a major energy company, an investment
fund, the direct management of the MLP, or is an entity owned by one or more of such parties. The general partner may be structured as a private
or publicly traded corporation or other entity. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the MLP through an up to
2% equity interest in the MLP plus, in many cases, ownership of common units and subordinated units. Limited partners typically own the
remainder of the partnership, through ownership of common units, and have a limited role in the partnership’s operations and management. MLPs
are typically structured such that common units and general partner interests have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to an
established minimum amount (“minimum quarterly distributions” or “MQD”). Common and general partner interests also accrue arrearages in
distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common and general partner interests have been paid, subordinated units receive
distributions of up to the MQD; however, subordinated units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of the MQD is paid to both
common and subordinated units and is distributed to both common and subordinated units generally on a pro rata basis. The general partner is
also eligible to receive incentive distributions if the general partner operates the business in a manner which results in distributions paid per
common unit surpassing specified target levels. As the general partner increases cash distributions to the limited partners, the general partner
receives an increasingly higher percentage of the incremental cash distributions.
3. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
As a part of their investment strategy, the ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund, ALPS | Kotak India Growth
Fund and ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund are permitted to enter in various types of derivatives contracts. The other funds
including ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund, ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund, ALPS|Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund,
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund, Clough China Fund, RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund, RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund,
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund, RiverFront Global Growth Fund and RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund may invest to a lesser extent in
derivatives contracts. In doing so, the Funds will employ strategies in differing combinations to permit them to increase, decrease, or change the level
or types of exposure to market factors. Central to those strategies are features inherent in derivatives that make them more attractive for this purpose
than equity or debt securities; they require little or no initial cash investment, they can focus exposure on only certain selected risk factors, and they
may not require the ultimate receipt or delivery of the underlying security (or securities) to the contract. This may allow the Funds to pursue their
objectives more quickly and efficiently than if they were to make direct purchases or sales of securities capable of affecting a similar response to
market factors.
171 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover derivative obligations of the Funds and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, is reported
separately on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as cash pledged as collateral and cash received as collateral, respectively. Nonâ€cash collateral
pledged by the Funds, if any, is noted in the Statements of Investments.
Risk of Investing in Derivatives: The Funds’ use of derivatives can result in losses due to unanticipated changes in the market risk factors and
the overall market. In instances where the Funds are using derivatives to decrease, or hedge, exposures to market risk factors for securities held by
the Funds, there are also risks that those derivatives may not perform as expected resulting in losses for the combined or hedged positions.
Derivatives may have little or no initial cash investment relative to their market value exposure and therefore can produce significant gains or
losses in excess of their cost. This use of embedded leverage allows the Fund to increase its market value exposure relative to its net assets and can
substantially increase the volatility of the Funds’ performance.
Additional associated risks from investing in derivatives also exist and potentially could have significant effects on the valuation of the derivative
and the Funds. Typically, the associated risks are not the risks that the Funds are attempting to increase or decrease exposure to, per their
investment objectives, but are the additional risks from investing in derivatives.
Examples of these associated risks are liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Funds will not be able to sell or close out the derivative in a timely
manner, and counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Funds. In addition, use of derivatives
may increase or decrease exposure to the following risk factors:
Equity Risk: Equity risk relates to the change in value of equity securities as they relate to increases or decreases in the general market.
Associated risks can be different for each type of derivative and are discussed by each derivative type in the notes that follow.
Commodity Risk: Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Funds to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.
Prices of various commodities may also be affected by factors, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and other
regulatory developments, which are unpredictable. The prices of commodities can also fluctuate widely due to supply and demand disruptions in
major producing or consuming regions.
Foreign Currency Risk: Currency trading involves significant risks, including market risk, interest rate risk, country risk, counterparty credit risk
and short sale risk. Market risk results from the price movement of foreign currency values in response to shifting market supply and demand.
Interest rate risk arises whenever a country changes its stated interest rate target associated with its currency. Country risk arises because
virtually every country has interfered with international transactions in its currency.
Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates. As nominal
interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities held by the Funds are likely to decrease. Securities with longer durations tend to be more
sensitive to changes in interest rates, and are usually more volatile than securities.
Swap Contracts: Each Fund may enter into swap transactions for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. At the present time, the
CoreCommodity Fund primarily enters into swap transactions for the purpose of increasing total return and the ALPS Westport Hedged High
Income Fund for hedging purposes. Swap agreements may be executed in a multilateral or other trade facility program, such as a registered
exchange (“centrally cleared swaps”) or may be privately negotiated in the overâ€the counter market. The duration of a swap agreement typically
ranges from a few weeks to more than one year. In a centrally cleared swap, immediately following execution of the swap agreement, the swap
agreement is novated to a central counterparty (the “CCP”) and the Fund’s counterparty on the swap agreement becomes the CCP. Risks may arise
as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap contract to comply with the terms of the swap contract. The loss incurred by the failure of
a counterparty is generally limited to the net payment to be received by the Funds and/or the termination value at the end of the contract.
Therefore, the Funds consider the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a contract in evaluating potential credit risk. Although centrally cleared
swaps typically present less counterparty risk than nonâ€centrally cleared swaps, a Fund that has entered into centrally cleared swaps is subject to
the risk of the failure of the CCP.
Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying reference asset or index. Entering
into these agreements involves, to varying degrees, market risk, liquidity risk and elements of credit, legal and documentation risk that are not
directly reflected in the amounts recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
The Funds may pay or receive cash as collateral on these contracts which may be recorded as an asset and/or liability. The Funds must set aside
liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures, to cover its obligations under these contracts. Swaps are marked to market daily using
either pricing vendor quotations, counterparty prices or model prices and the change in value, if any, is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss.
172 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Upfront payments made and/or received by the Funds are recorded as an asset and/or liability and realized gains or losses are recognized ratably
over the contract’s term/event, with the exception of forward starting interest rate swaps, whose realized gains or losses are recognized ratably
from the effective start date. Periodic payments received or made on swap contracts are recorded as realized gains or losses. Gains or losses are
realized upon termination of a swap contract and are recorded on the Statement of Operations.
Total return swaps are agreements in which there is an exchange of cash flows whereby one party commits to make payments based on the total
return (coupons plus capital gains/losses) of an underlying instrument in exchange for fixed or floating rate interest payments. To the extent the
total return of the instrument or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest rate obligation, the Fund will
receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty. Credit default swaps ("CDS") are typically twoâ€party financial contracts that
transfer credit exposure between the two parties. Under a typical CDS, one party (the "seller") receives preâ€determined periodic payments from
the other party (the "buyer"). The seller agrees to make compensating specific payments to the buyer if a negative credit event occurs, such as the
bankruptcy or default by the issuer of the underlying debt instrument. Swap agreements held at October 31, 2015 are disclosed after the
Statement of Investments.
The average notional amount of the swap positions held in the ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund and the
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund for the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015 was $506,124 and $(1,409,583), respectively.
Futures: Each Fund may invest in futures contracts in accordance with their investment objectives. Each Fund does so for a variety of reasons
including for cash management, hedging or nonâ€hedging purposes in an attempt to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. A futures contract
provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified quantity of the security or other financial instrument at a
specified price and time. A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount
of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index
contract was originally written. Futures transactions may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract. There can be no
guarantee that there will be a correlation between price movements in the hedging vehicle and in the portfolio securities being hedged. An
incorrect correlation could result in a loss on both the hedged securities in a Fund and the hedging vehicle so that the portfolio return might have
been greater had hedging not been attempted. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when a Fund seeks to close out a
futures contract or a futures option position. Lack of a liquid market for any reason may prevent a Fund from liquidating an unfavorable position,
and the Fund would remain obligated to meet margin requirements until the position is closed. In addition, a Fund could be exposed to risk if the
counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts. With exchange traded futures, there is minimal counterparty credit
risk to the Funds since futures are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded futures, guarantees
the futures against default.
When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by a Fund, the Fund is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) a
specified amount of liquid assets (“initial margin”). The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded
and may be modified during the term of the contract. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the futures
contract that is returned to a Fund upon termination of the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Each day a Fund may
pay or receive cash, called “variation margin,” equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract. Such payments or receipts are recorded for
financial statement purposes as unrealized gains or losses by a Fund. Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by a Fund but is
instead a settlement between a Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures contract expired. When the contract is
closed, a Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at
the time it was closed.
The average number of futures contracts held in the ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund, the ALPS |
Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund and the ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund for the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015 was 246
contracts, 38 contacts and 4 contracts, respectively.
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts: The ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund (the “Fund”) invests in foreign currency exchange
contracts to reduce the risks of fluctuating exchange rates and to generate returns uncorrelated to the other strategies employed. A forward foreign
currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be a fixed number of days from the
date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. By entering into a forward foreign currency exchange
contract, the Fund “locks in” the exchange rate between the currency it will deliver and the currency it will receive for the duration of the contract. As a
result, the Fund reduces its exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will deliver and increases its exposure to changes in the value of the
currency it will exchange into. The Fund may enter into these contracts for the purpose of hedging against foreign exchange risk arising from the Fund’s
investment or anticipated investment in securities denominated in foreign currencies. The Fund also may enter into these contracts for purposes of
increasing exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. The Fund may use one
currency (or a basket of currencies) to hedge against adverse changes in the value of another currency (or a basket of currencies) when exchange rates
173 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
between the two currencies are positively correlated. The unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
as receivable or payable and in the Statement of Operations within the change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation). At contract close, the
difference between the original cost of the contract and the value at the close date is recorded as a realized gain/(loss) in the Statement of Operations.
As of October 31, 2015, the Fund held forward foreign currency contracts with net unrealized appreciation of $9,560.
For the fiscal year the average exposure for the Fund was $(4,336).
Option Contracts: Each Fund may enter into options transactions for hedging purposes and for nonâ€hedging purposes such as seeking to enhance
return. Each Fund may write covered put and call options on any stocks or stock indices, currencies traded on domestic and foreign securities
exchanges, or futures contracts on stock indices, interest rates and currencies traded on domestic and, to the extent permitted by the CFTC, foreign
exchanges. A written call option on an asset by a Fund obligates the Fund to sell the specified asset to the holder (purchaser) at a stated price (the
exercise price) if the option is exercised before a specified date (the expiration date). A written put option on an asset by a Fund obligates the Fund to
buy the specified asset from the purchaser at the exercise price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. Premiums received when writing
options are recorded as liabilities and are subsequently adjusted to the current value of the options written. Premiums received from writing options
that expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options, which are either exercised or closed, are offset against the proceeds
received or amount paid on the transaction to determine realized gains or losses which are recorded on the Statement of Operations.
The Funds had the following transactions in written covered call/put options during the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015:
Number of Contracts
Premiums Received
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Options Outstanding, at the beginning of the period
(536)
$
1,186,481
Options written
(1,765)
3,157,224
Options closed
1023
(2,861,660)
Options exercised
8
(9,999)
Options expired
295
(329,997)
Options Outstanding, at October 31, 2015
(975)
$
1,142,049
174 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Derivatives Instruments: The following tables disclose the amounts related to each Fund’s use of derivative instruments.
The effect of derivatives instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of October 31, 2015:
Risk Exposure
Asset Location
Fair Value
Liability Location
Fair Value
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund(a)
Equity Contracts
(Purchased Options)
Investments, at value
7,250 N/A
N/A
$
$
Equity Contracts
(Written Options)
N/A
N/A Written options, at value 2,468,252
Unrealized depreciation
Commodity Contracts
Unrealized appreciation on
(b)
804,065
on futures contracts (b) 1,034,894
(Futures Contracts)
futures contracts
Unrealized depreciation
Commodity Contracts
Unrealized appreciation on
on total return swap
(Total Return Swap Contracts)
total return swap contracts 3,728,584
contracts
341,788
Total
$ 4,539,899
$ 3,844,934
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Unrealized depreciation
Interest Rate Contracts
Unrealized appreciation on
(c)
$
1,807
on futures contracts (c) $
(45,631)
(Futures Contracts)
futures contracts
Unrealized depreciation
Interest Rate Contracts
on centrally cleared
(Credit Default Swap Contracts)
N/A
N/A
swap contracts (d)
(52,685)
Unrealized appreciation on
Unrealized depreciation
Foreign Exchange Rate Contracts
forward foreign currency
on forward foreign
(Forward Foreign Currency Contracts)
10,439
(879)
contracts
currency contracts
Total
$
12,246
$
(99,195)
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Equity Contracts
Unrealized depreciation
(Futures Contracts)
N/A
$
–
on futures contracts (c) $
55,456
Total
–
55,456
$
$
(a)
The ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund consolidates the statements of assets and liabilities.
(b)
Represents cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Investments. Only the
current day's net variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c)
Represents cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Statement of Investments. Only the current day's net
variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(d)
Represents cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of credit default swap contracts as reported in the Statement of Investments. Only the
current day's net variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
175 | October 31, 2015
.
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
The effect of derivatives instruments on the Statement of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015:
Realized
Gain/(Loss)
Change in Unrealized
on Derivatives
Appreciation/(Depreciation)
on Derivatives Recognized in
Recognized
Risk Exposure
Statement of Operations Location
in Income
Income
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund(a)
Equity Contracts
Net realized loss on investments/Net change in
(Purchased Options)
unrealized appreciation on investments
(1,219,808) $
(956,683)
$
Equity Contracts
Net realized gain on written options/Net change
(Written Options)
in unrealized (depreciation) on written
1,666,342
(1,573,724)
options
Commodity and Equity Contracts
Net realized loss on futures contracts/Net
(Futures Contracts)
change in unrealized appreciation on futures
contracts
(2,057,904)
926,594
Commodity Contracts
Net realized loss on total return swap
(Total Return Swap Contracts)
contracts/Net change in unrealized
appreciation on total return swap contracts
(88,888,724)
9,468,760
Total
$
(90,500,094) $
7,864,947
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
Interest Rate Contracts
Net realized loss on futures contracts/Net
(Futures Contracts)
change in unrealized depreciation on futures
contracts
(149,102) $
(15,041)
$
Interest Rate Contracts
Net realized gain on credit default swap
(Credit Default Swap Contracts)
contracts/Net change in unrealized
depreciation on credit default swap
6,183
(42,011)
contracts
Foreign Exchange Rate Contracts
Net realized gain on foreign currency
(Forward Foreign Currency
transactions/Net change in unrealized
Contracts)
depreciation on translation of assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
9,560
and forward foreign currency contracts
16,934
Total
$
(125,985) $
(47,492)
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Equity Contracts
Net realized loss on futures contracts/Net
(Futures Contracts)
change in unrealized depreciation on futures
contracts
103,218 $
55,456
$
Total
103,218 $
55,456
$
(a)
The ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund consolidates the statements of operations.
176 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Certain derivative contracts are executed under either standardized netting agreements or, for exchangeâ€traded derivatives, the relevant contracts
for a particular exchange which contain enforceable netting provisions. A derivative netting arrangement creates an enforceable right of setâ€off
that becomes effective, and affects the realization of settlement on individual assets, liabilities and collateral amounts, only following a specified
event of default or early termination. Default events may include the failure to make payments or deliver securities timely, material adverse
changes in financial condition or insolvency, the breach of minimum regulatory capital requirements, or loss of license, charter or other legal
authorization necessary to perform under the contract.
The following table presents financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements or other similar agreements as of
October 31, 2015:
Offsetting of Derivatives Asset
October 31, 2015
Gross Amounts
Net Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Presented in the
Statement of Assets
Assets and
Gross Amounts of
Financial
Liabilities
Description
Recognized Assets
and Liabilities
Instruments(a)
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Total Return Swap Contracts
$ 3,728,584 $
– $ 3,728,584 $ (341,788)
Total
$ 3,728,584 $
– $ 3,728,584 $ (341,788)
Offsetting of Derivatives Liability
October 31, 2015
Gross Amounts
Net Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Gross Amounts of
Presented in the
Statement of Assets
Assets and
Recognized
Financial
Liabilities
Liabilities
Description
and Liabilities
Instruments(a)
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
Total Return Swap Contracts
$
341,788 $
– $
341,788 $ (341,788)
Total
$
341,788 $
– $
341,788 $ (341,788)
(a)
Cash Collateral
Received(a)
$
$
Net Amount
– $
– $
3,386,796
3,386,796
Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial Position
Offset in the
Statement of
Financial Position
Gross Amounts Not
Cash Collateral
Pledged(a)
$
$
Net Amount
– $
– $
–
–
These amounts are limited to the derivative asset/liability balance and, accordingly, do not include excess collateral received/pledged.
4. TAX BASIS INFORMATION
Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized
gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year
in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by a Fund. The amounts and
characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal yearâ€end.
177 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds for the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015 were as follows:
Fund
Ordinary Income
Long-Term Capital Gain
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
$
8,391
$
–
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
–
1,912,471
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
422,790
245,199
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
15,572,410
1,431,943
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
–
126,929
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
–
1,387,817
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
2,088,939
8,298,461
Clough China Fund
1,612,835
1,749,005
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
95,413
222,922
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
1,736,888
1,884,705
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
2,042,515
981,226
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
5,687,960
2,340,114
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
4,753,671
4,696,222
$
Return of Capital
2,346,444
–
–
–
–
14,119
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds for the Fiscal Periods Ended October 31, 2014 were as follows:
Fund
Ordinary Income
Long-Term Capital Gain
Return of Capital
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
$
94,908
$
– $
828,416
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
833,792
–
–
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
–
–
35,707
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
–
–
355,945
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
860,964
–
–
Components of Distributable Earnings on a Tax Basis: At October 31, 2015, permanent differences in book and tax accounting were
reclassified. These differences had no effect on net assets and were primarily attributed to differences in the treatment of commodity related
exchangeâ€traded funds, the differing tax treatment of foreign currency, investments in partnerships, Passive Foreign Investment Companies
(“PFICs”) and certain other investments.
For the year ended October 31, 2015, the following reclassifications, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets, were recorded to
reflect tax character:
Accumulated Net
Accumulated Net Realized
Fund
Paid-in Capital
Investment Income/(Loss)
Gain/(Loss) on Investments
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
$
(96,036,033) $
1,735,772 $
94,300,261
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
–
213,003
(213,003)
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
(100)
14,788,722
(14,788,622)
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
35,673
(1)
(35,672)
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
25,481
1,089
(26,570)
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
–
(352,423)
352,423
Clough China Fund
–
523,781
(523,781)
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
–
(13)
13
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
–
287
(287)
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
–
(23)
23
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
–
4,032
(4,032)
178 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Included in the amounts reclassified was a net operating loss offset to Paidâ€in Capital as follows:
Fund
Amount
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
$
724,239
As of October 31, 2015, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Accumulated net Other cumulative
Net unrealized
Undistributed net realized gain/(loss) effect of timing appreciation/(depreciation)
Total
investment income on investments
differences
on investments
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund $
– $ (26,174,543) $ (1,597,295) $
(32,259,627) $ (60,031,465)
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
431,005 1,657,266
–
274,190 2,362,461
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund 17,032,280 20,597,219 (945,622)
18,168,137 54,852,014
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
124,311 (1,844,820)
–
(33,839) (1,754,348)
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High
Income Fund
– (387,189)
86,951
(1,842,736) (2,142,974)
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
– 25,731,923
(55,456)
6,664,673 32,341,140
Clough China Fund
1,041,894 (1,879,455)
–
7,298,298 6,460,737
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder
Fund
30,131
–
41,574
79,041
7,336
92,674 1,629,180
–
1,865,520 3,587,374
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
200,285
163,694
–
1,451,386 1,815,365
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
463,691
736,972
–
4,129,980 5,330,643
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income
Fund
386,905 2,955,582
–
3,035,698 6,378,185
Capital Losses: As of October 31, 2015 the following Funds had capital loss carryforwards which may reduce the Funds’ taxable income arising
from future net realized gains on investments, if any, to the extent permitted by the Code and thus may reduce the amount of the distributions to
shareholders which would otherwise be necessary to relieve the Funds of any liability for federal tax.
Under the recently enacted Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, capital losses incurred by each fund in tax years beginning
after December 22, 2010 will not be subject to expiration. In addition, such losses must be utilized prior to the losses incurred in the years
preceding enactment.
Capital loss carryovers utilized during the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015, were:
Fund
Amount
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
$
238,740
Postâ€Enactment Capital Losses*:
Capital losses deferred to next tax year were as follows:
Fund
Short-Term
Long-Term
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
$
15,065,672 $
11,108,871
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
–
1,844,820
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
195,569
191,620
Clough China Fund
–
1,879,455
*
Post-Enactment Capital Losses arise in fiscal years beginning after December 22, 2010, and exclude any election for late year capital loss
(during the period November 1st to December 31st) deferred for the current fiscal year. As a result of the enactment of the Regulated Investment
Company Act of 2010, pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital
losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term losses rather than being considered all short-term
as under previous law.
179 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund elected to defer to the period ending October 30, 2016, late year
ordinary losses in the amount of $1,479,156.
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments: As of October 31, 2015, the costs of investments for federal income tax
purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:
Gross
Cost of
Net Appreciation
Investments for
Appreciation Gross Depreciation
of Foreign
Income Tax
(excess of value (excess of tax cost Currency and
Net Unrealized
over value)
over tax cost)
Purposes
Derivatives
Appreciation/(Depreciation)
Fund
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index
Fund
$
11,060 $ (6,368,130) $
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund 7,331,351 (41,414,781)
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
1,705,497 (1,430,230)
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund 43,772,950 (25,574,426)
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
–
(33,839)
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High
190,564 (1,946,192)
Income Fund
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
10,970,611 (4,361,394)
Clough China Fund
9,421,116 (2,122,471)
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder
Fund
169,726 (128,152)
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
3,242,813 (1,377,293)
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
2,186,787 (735,401)
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
5,333,055 (1,203,075)
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund 4,801,817 (1,766,119)
– $
1,823,803
(1,076)
(30,387)
–
(32,259,627)
274,190
18,168,137
(33,839)
(87,108)
55,456
(347)
(1,842,736)
6,664,673
7,298,298
–
–
–
–
–
(6,357,070)
41,574
1,865,520
1,451,386
4,129,980
3,035,698
$ 33,054,004
426,565,477
16,055,283
485,484,735
34,764,049
21,658,794
90,769,994
61,328,774
12,271,142
75,216,522
44,203,724
76,743,234
138,766,592
Deferred Tax Asset/Liability for ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
Since the ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund (the “Fund” for purposes of this section) will be subject to taxation on its taxable income,
the NAV of Fund shares will also be reduced by the accrual of any deferred tax liabilities. The Index however is calculated without any adjustments
for taxes. As a result, the Fund’s after tax performance could differ significantly from the Index even if the pretax performance of the Fund and the
performance of the Index are closely correlated.
Cash distributions from MLPs to the ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund that exceed such Fund’s allocable share of such MLP’s net taxable
income are considered a taxâ€deferred return of capital that will reduce the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the equity securities of the MLP. These
reductions in such Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the MLP equity securities will increase the amount of gain (or decrease the amount of loss)
recognized by the Fund on a subsequent sale of the securities. The Fund will accrue deferred income taxes for any future tax liability associated
with (i) that portion of MLP distributions considered to be a taxâ€deferred return of capital as well as (ii) capital appreciation of its investments.
Upon the sale of an MLP security, the Fund may be liable for previously deferred taxes. The Fund will rely to some extent on information provided
by the MLPs, which is not necessarily timely, to estimate deferred tax liability for purposes of financial statement reporting and determining the
NAV. From time to time, ALPS Advisors, Inc. will modify the estimates or assumptions related to the Fund’s deferred tax liability as new information
becomes available. The Fund will generally compute deferred income taxes based on the marginal regular federal income tax rate applicable to
corporations and an assumed rate attributable to state taxes.
The Fund’s income tax expense/(benefit) consists of the following:
October 31, 2015
Current
Deferred
Total
Federal
$
$
(3,631,518) $
(3,637,172)
(5,654)
State
510
(213,335)
(212,825)
Valuation Allowance
–
2,724,889
2,724,889
Total tax expense
$
(1,119,964) $
(1,125,108)
(5,144) $
180 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Federal
State
Total tax expense
$
$
Current
6,396
262
6,658
$
$
Deferred
421,789
19,945
441,734
$
$
Total
428,185
20,207
448,392
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting and tax purposes.
Components of the Fund’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
As of October 31, 2015
Nonâ€current Deferred tax assets:
Net unrealized loss on investment securities
$
2,288,555
Net Operating Loss Carryforward
435,186
Other
1,147
Less Valuation Allowance
(2,724,888)
Net Deferred tax asset
$
–
As of October 31, 2014
Nonâ€current Deferred tax liabilities:
Net unrealized gain on investment securities
$
(1,121,336)
Other
1,370
Net Deferred tax liability
$
(1,119,966)
The net operating loss carryforward is available to offset future taxable income. The net operating loss can be carried forward for 20 years and,
accordingly, would begin to expire as of October 31, 2035. The Fund has net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes
as follows:
Year-Ended
Amount
Expiration
10/31/2015
$1,208,851
10/31/2035
The Fund reviews the recoverability of its deferred tax assets based upon the weight of available evidence. When assessing the recoverability of its
deferred tax assets, significant weight was given to the effects of potential future realized and unrealized gains on investments and the period over
which these deferred tax assets can be realized. Any capital losses that may be generated by the Fund are eligible to be carried back up to three
years and can be carried forward for five years to offset capital gains recognized by the fund in those years. Net operating losses that may be
generated by the Fund are eligible to be carried back up to two years and can be carried forward for 20 years to offset income generated by
the Fund in those years. Currently, the Fund intends to waive its carry back period for any net operating loss generated for the year ended
October 31, 2015.
To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset, consideration is given to whether or not a valuation allowance, which would offset the value of
some or all of the deferred tax asset balance, is required. A valuation allowance is required if based on the evaluation criterion provided by
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740) it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset
will not be realized. The factors considered in assessing the Fund’s valuation allowance include: the nature, frequency and severity of current and
cumulative losses, the duration of the statutory carryforward periods and the associated risks that operating and capital loss carryforwards may
expire unutilized. From time to time, as new information becomes available, the Fund will modify its estimates or assumptions regarding the
deferred tax liability or asset.
As of the balance sheet date, Fund Management has assessed that it is not more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets will be
realized through future taxable income of the appropriate character. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been established for that portion of
the Fund’s deferred tax assets. The Fund will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance in the future. Significant increases in the fair
value of its portfolio of investments or other factors may change the Fund’s assessment of the recoverability of these assets and may result in the
removal of the valuation allowance against all or a portion of the Fund’s gross deferred tax assets.
181 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Total income tax benefit (current and deferred) differs from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate of 34% to net
investment and realized and unrealized gain/(losses) on investment before taxes as follows:
For the Year Ended
October 31, 2015
Income tax expense at statutory rate
$
(3,631,596)
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)
(213,624)
Permanent differences, net
(4,388)
Change in estimated state referral rate
285
Other
(674)
Valuation Allowance
2,724,888
Net income tax expense/(benefit)
$
(1,125,109)
For the Fiscal Period Ended
October 31, 2014
Income tax expense at statutory rate
$
431,788
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)
24,966
Change in estimated state referral rate
(5,005)
Other
(3,357)
Net income tax expense/(benefit)
$
448,392
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:
October 31, 2015
Unrecognized tax benefit †Beginning
$
–
Gross increases †tax positions in prior period
–
Gross decreases †tax positions in prior period
–
Gross increases †tax positions in current period
–
Settlement
–
Lapse of statute of limitations
–
Net income tax expense
$
–
October 31, 2014
Unrecognized tax benefit †Beginning
$
–
Gross increases †tax positions in prior period
–
Gross decreases †tax positions in prior period
–
Gross increases †tax positions in current period
–
Settlement
–
Lapse of statute of limitations
–
Net income tax expense
–
$
The Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. The Fund had no accrued penalties
or interest for the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015.
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming
examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax
benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on U.S. tax returns and state tax returns filed since inception of the fund. No
U.S. federal or state income tax returns are currently under examination. Due to the nature of the Fund’s investments, the Fund may be required to
file income tax returns in several states. The Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of
unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next 12 months.
182 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
5. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of securities, excluding shortâ€term securities and U.S. Government Obligations during the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015
were as follows:
Proceeds from Sales of
Fund
Purchases of Securities
Securities
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
$
29,315,988
$ 15,177,835
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund(a)
148,152,892
122,993,502
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund(b)
11,516,335
10,267,459
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
189,945,677
181,664,686
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
147,057,748
123,285,846
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
18,143,515
20,347,517
114,981,842
123,026,768
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Clough China Fund
157,962,270
157,184,149
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
18,931,891
15,803,880
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
61,736,089
52,180,237
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
36,107,303
27,345,706
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
60,097,665
53,819,814
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
154,258,601
150,026,561
Purchases and sales of U.S. Government Obligations during the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015 were as follows:
Proceeds from Sales of
Fund
Purchases of Securities
Securities
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
$
106,275,664
$ 72,269,360
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
9,575
9,971
(a)
Purchases and sales for ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund are consolidated and include the
balances of CoreCommodity Management Cayman Commodity Fund, Ltd. (wholly owned subsidiary).
(b)
Purchases and sales for ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund are consolidated and include the balances of Kotak Mauritius Portfolio (wholly
owned subsidiary).
6. BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS
Shares redeemed within 90 days of purchase for ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund and 30 days of purchase for ALPS | CoreCommodity
Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund, ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund, and Clough China Fund, may incur a 2% shortâ€term
redemption fee deducted from the redemption amount. In addition, shares redeemed within 30 days of purchase for the ALPS | Sterling ETF
Tactical Rotation Fund may incur a 1% shortâ€term redemption fee. The ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund, ALPS | Westport Resources
Hedged High Income Fund, ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund, RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund, RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income
Fund, RiverFront Global Allocation Fund, RiverFront Global Growth Fund, and RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund shares do not incur
redemption fees.
183 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
For the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015, the amounts listed below were retained by the Funds. These amounts are reflected in “Shares
redeemed” in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
Redemption Fee Retained
For the Fiscal
For the Year Ended Periods Ended For the Year Ended
Fund
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014
April 30, 2014
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund †Class A
$
8,433
$
2,815
$
28,999
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund †Class C
106
19
55
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund †Class I
77,754
5,450
15,328
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund †Class A
684
346
1,100
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund †Class C
–
142
–
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund †Class I
10,529
402
–
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund †Class A
28,724
23,046
15,705
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund †Class C
5,076
1,464
472
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund †Class I
54,952
37,095
46,273
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund †Class R
60
1,022
–
98
–
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund †Class A
401
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund †Class I
348
–
–
Clough China Fund †Class A
2,852
1,558
9,336
Clough China Fund †Class C
56
12
145
Clough China Fund †Class I
138,993
905
7,776
Transactions in shares of capital stock were as follows:
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
For the
For the
For the Fiscal
Year Ended
Year Ended
Period Ended
April 30, 2014
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014(a)
Class A
Shares sold
1,259,572
288,018
840,863
Dividends reinvested
123,898
37,693
22,014
Shares redeemed
(427,258)
(119,831)
(214,096)
Net increase in shares outstanding
956,212
205,880
648,781
Class C
Shares sold
818,801
301,736
307,622
Dividends reinvested
80,720
15,834
5,355
Shares redeemed
(402,241)
(21,671)
(56,783)
Net increase in shares outstanding
497,280
295,899
256,194
Class I
Shares sold
735,624
448,719
149,751
Dividends reinvested
48,740
19,256
10,785
Shares redeemed
(786,515)
(15,903)
(229,611)
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
(2,151)
452,072
(69,075)
184 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
For the
For the
For the Fiscal
Year Ended
Year Ended
Period Ended
April 30, 2014
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014(a)
2,262,826
2,009,784
7,651,538
–
–
–
(2,238,826) (8,184,764) (7,315,182)
336,356
24,000 (6,174,980)
518,739
325,208
566,736
–
–
–
(659,903)
(297,385) (1,145,365)
(141,164)
(578,629)
27,823
38,810,785 21,543,668 22,908,918
209,271
–
–
(29,430,269) (4,926,582) (16,450,540)
9,589,787 16,617,086
6,458,378
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
For the
For the
For the Fiscal
Year Ended
Year Ended
Period Ended
April 30, 2014
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014(a)
275,925
237,553
276,089
–
–
17,640
(242,799)
(339,968)
(248,518)
(102,415)
50,766
27,571
81,887
46,251
41,102
–
–
4,439
(41,866)
(19,484)
(50,514)
(9,412)
44,460
26,767
356,462
526,457
36,244
–
26,939
964
(385,524)
(46,610)
(68,589)
(2,123)
479,847
(31,381)
185 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class R
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
For the
For the
For the Fiscal
Year Ended
Year Ended
Period Ended
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014(a)
April 30, 2014
10,981,499
8,719,848 15,978,340
1,033,219
–
1,603,325
(14,218,098) (7,255,050) (5,633,930)
(2,203,380)
1,464,798 11,947,735
870,902
1,066,330
1,074,269
–
64,156
55,528
(655,615)
(179,224)
(88,700)
279,443
887,106
1,041,097
18,816,997 14,082,200 14,171,110
659,785
–
657,933
(14,723,024) (5,365,813) (8,859,864)
4,753,758
8,716,387
5,969,179
439,998
75,154
56,083
–
7,077
3,972
(80,417)
(13,616)
(8,484)
366,658
61,538
51,570
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
186 | October 31, 2015
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
For the Period
For the
July 1, 2014
Year Ended
(Commencement) to
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
1,594,176
536,342
–
4,852
(633,557)
(8,719)
965,471
527,623
248,835
54,102
336
–
(35,100)
(816)
214,071
53,286
1,466,642
747,556
–
5,410
(323,715)
(816)
1,148,337
735,136
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income
Fund
For the Period
For the
January 1, 2014
Year Ended
(Commencement) to
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
64,145
434,199
18,525
8,382
(170,579)
(17,428)
(87,909)
425,153
–
171,830
6,413
3,301
(88,926)
(14,038)
(82,513)
161,093
1,999,490
703,861
119,016
44,725
(697,239)
(124,519)
1,919,696
125,638
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
For the
For the
For the Fiscal
Year Ended
Year Ended
Period Ended
April 30, 2014
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014(a)
155,776
222,748
12,637
485,238
–
100,951
(590,531)
(212,255)
(381,282)
(199,618)
(57,583)
50,483
142,521
9,584
2,541
1,762
–
187
(88,229)
–
(1,585)
56,054
9,584
1,143
278,507
139,366
475,904
380,975
–
85,611
(605,101)
(423,706)
(751,779)
(284,340)
(190,264)
54,381
187 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net decrease in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net decrease in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
For the
Year Ended
October 31, 2015
388,837
38,495
(563,454)
(136,122)
170,382
11,566
(194,090)
(12,142)
1,506,104
45,342
(1,521,537)
29,909
Clough China Fund
For the Fiscal
Period Ended
October 31, 2014(a)
146,054
–
(351,151)
(205,097)
40,370
–
(71,486)
(31,116)
356,849
–
(275,489)
81,360
For the
Year Ended
April 30, 2014
620,113
17,364
(658,438)
(20,961)
192,333
983
(239,921)
(46,605)
791,750
7,137
(404,998)
393,889
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
For the
For the
For the Fiscal
Year Ended
Year Ended
Period Ended
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014(a)
April 30, 2014
68,088
20,788
51,708
2,235
339
827
(71,287)
(22,586)
(8,730)
(1,459)
(964)
43,805
487,979
113,010
237,894
14,535
1,180
6,490
(136,754)
(30,896)
(78,476)
365,760
165,908
83,294
168,227
170,292
188,828
7,413
1,236
3,830
(229,291)
(36,589)
(132,582)
(53,651)
134,939
60,076
188 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
For the
For the
For the Fiscal
Year Ended
Year Ended
Period Ended
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014(a)
April 30, 2014
486,948
298,200
601,943
68,595
7,788
36,711
(308,287)
(173,465)
(113,937)
247,256
132,523
524,717
878,269
543,597
859,238
114,440
6,068
65,716
(522,786)
(232,754)
(241,047)
469,923
316,911
683,907
639,114
268,460
794,021
79,298
10,588
54,114
(517,459)
(83,369)
(291,301)
200,953
195,679
556,834
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
For the
For the
For the Fiscal
Year Ended
Year Ended
Period Ended
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014(a)
April 30, 2014
187,353
145,922
53,535
–
54,813
21,838
(186,115)
(117,670)
(157,419)
(64,135)
56,051
10,341
445,383
131,314
460,035
–
94,535
26,360
(253,151)
(131,094)
(164,939)
286,767
321,456
220
732,674
247,340
357,419
–
91,727
24,973
(259,448)
(74,901)
(126,577)
564,953
172,439
255,815
189 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class L
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Investor Class
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net decrease in shares outstanding
Class A
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
Class C
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
Class I
Shares sold
Dividends reinvested
Shares redeemed
Net increase in shares outstanding
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
For the
For the
For the Fiscal
Year Ended
Year Ended
Period Ended
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014(a)
April 30, 2014
461,853
274,216
711,148
126,977
–
73,149
(357,314)
(270,395)
(279,502)
231,516
504,795
3,821
299,191
332,183
71,276
–
86,034
60,174
(193,028)
(83,298)
(114,858)
192,197
(12,022)
277,499
539,263
141,152
312,894
–
96,480
75,213
(325,705)
(54,618)
(135,371)
310,038
252,736
86,534
381,064
208,438
91,284
186,091
–
156,519
(278,706)
(157,229)
(297,731)
288,449
(65,945)
67,226
18,530
4,306
17,783
–
54,628
52,483
(79,199)
(49,732)
(138,604)
(6,041)
(45,426)
(68,338)
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
For the
For the
For the Fiscal
Year Ended
Year Ended
Period Ended
October 31, 2015 October 31, 2014(a)
April 30, 2014
366,429
346,863
929,036
148,964
131,056
15,435
(660,624)
(679,187)
(964,205)
(145,231)
(316,889)
95,887
1,473,735
637,442
1,598,320
331,196
231,095
18,215
(1,084,631)
(442,477) (1,075,044)
720,300
213,180
754,371
1,228,437
536,778
1,406,353
248,980
171,628
26,841
(905,092)
(255,089)
(642,198)
572,325
308,530
935,783
(a)
Effective May 1, 2014, the Board approved changing the fiscal year-end of the Funds from April 30 to October 31.
190 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
7. AFFILIATED COMPANIES
Funds may invest in certain securities that are considered securities issued by affiliated companies. As defined by the Investment Company Act of
1940, an affiliated person, including an affiliated company, is one in which a Fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities, or a
company which is under common ownership or control with the Fund. The purchases, sales, dividend income, capital gains, return of capital
distributions received, shares and value of investments in affiliated companies for the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015 were as follows:
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
Security Name
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund
Share
Balance
November 1,
2014
34,106
Market
Value
Dividend
Realized
October 31,
Income
Loss
2015
$ 32,199 $ (7,360) $ 1,160,199
$ 32,199 $ (7,360) $ 1,160,199
Share
Balance
October 31,
2015
215,714
Market
Value
Dividend
Realized
October 31,
Income
Loss
2015
$ 181,900 $ (30,319) $ 5,315,193
$ 181,900 $ (30,319) $ 5,315,193
Sales
60,966
Share
Balance
October 31,
2015
39,386
Market
Value
Dividend
Realized
October 31,
Income
Loss
2015
$ 51,007 $ (33,482) $ 970,471
$ 51,007 $ (33,482) $ 970,471
Sales
48,502
Purchases
24,800
Share
Balance
October 31,
2015
47,086
Share
Balance
October 31,
2015
562,358
Market
Value
Dividend
Realized
October 31,
Income
Loss
2015
$ 495,767 $ (38,996) $13,856,501
$ 495,767 $ (38,996) $13,856,501
Sales
11,820
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
Security Name
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund
Share
Balance
November 1,
2014
142,382
Purchases
122,185
Sales
48,853
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
Security Name
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund
Share
Balance
November 1,
2014
18,764
Purchases
81,588
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
Security Name
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund
Share
Balance
November 1,
2014
489,954
Purchases
120,906
191 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
8. MANAGEMENT AND RELATEDâ€PARTY TRANSACTIONS
ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“AAI”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the overall management of the Funds listed below. AAI has
delegated daily management of the Funds listed below to the corresponding Subâ€Advisor(s) listed in the table below. Each Subâ€Advisor manages
the investments of the Fund in accordance with its investment objective, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by
AAI and the Board.
Fund
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Clough China Fund
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
Sub-Advisor(s)
CoreCommodity Management, LLC
Kotak Mahindra (UK) Limited
Red Rocks Capital LLC(a)
Sterling Global Strategies LLC
Wellington Management Company, LLP
Clough Capital Partners, LP
RiverFront Investment Group, LLC
RiverFront Investment Group, LLC
RiverFront Investment Group, LLC
RiverFront Investment Group, LLC
RiverFront Investment Group, LLC
(a)
On July 31, 2015, Red Rocks Capital LLC was acquired by ALPS Advisers, Inc.
AAI and Westport Resources Management, Inc. (“Westport Resources”) (“collectively the “Westport Coâ€Advisors”), subject to the authority of the
Board, serve as coâ€investment advisors for the ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund (the “Westport Fund”). AAI provides fund
administration services and other portfolio support services and compliance monitoring for the Westport Fund. Westport Resources manages the
Fund’s investment program and selects, subject to the approval of the Board, subâ€advisors to the Fund. Westport Resources and the Trust have
entered into subâ€advisory agreements with respect to the Fund with three Subâ€Advisors (the “Westport Subâ€Advisors”), Concise Capital
Management, LP, Amundi Smith Breeden LLC, and Sound Point Capital Management, L.P., to manage a portion of the Fund’s assets.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Funds listed below pay AAI an annual management fee which is
based on each Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The following table reflects the Funds’ contractual
management fee rates (expressed as an annual rate).
Fund
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Clough China Fund
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
Contractual Management Fee
0.70%
0.85%
1.25%
0.85%
0.95%
0.95%(a)
1.35%
0.85%
0.85%
0.85%
0.85%
0.85%
(a)
The contractual management fee is 0.95% for the first $250 million of net assets, 0.85% for the next $250 million of net assets, and 0.75% for
net assets in excess of $500 million.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Westport Fund and AAI, the Westport Fund pays AAI an annual management fee of
the greater of (i) 0.20%, based on the Westport Fund’s average daily net assets, or (ii) $150,000. Effective as of July 1, 2015, AAI has agreed
voluntarily to waive the $150,000 minimum portion of its annual management fee for the Fund. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement
between the Westport Fund and Westport Resources, the Westport Fund pays Westport Resources an annual management fee of 1.50% based on
192 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
the Westport Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee for each Advisory Agreement is paid on a monthly basis. The Westport Subâ€
Advisors will be engaged to manage the investments of the Westport Fund according to the its investment objective, policies and limitations and
any investment guidelines established by the Westport Coâ€Advisors and the Board. Westport Resources will pay the Westport Subâ€Advisors out of
the advisory fee paid to it pursuant to the Westport Resources Advisory Agreement.
Pursuant to an Investment Subâ€advisory Agreement, AAI pays the Subâ€Advisors of the Funds listed below an annual subâ€advisory management fee
which is based on each Fund’s average daily assets. AAI is required to pay all fees due to each Subâ€Advisor out of the management fee AAI receives
from each Fund listed below. The following table reflects the Funds’ contractual subâ€advisory fee rates.
Fund
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
Clough China Fund
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
Average Daily Net Assets
of the Fund
All Asset Levels
First $50 Million
Over $50 Million
All Asset Levels
All Asset Levels
First $250 Million
$250 Million †$500 Million
Over $500 Million
All Asset Levels
All Asset Levels
All Asset Levels
All Asset Levels
All Asset Levels
All Asset Levels
Contractual Sub-Advisory Fee
0.75%
1.15%
1.05%
0.57%
0.60%
0.50%
0.40%
0.30%
0.90%
0.60%
0.60%
0.60%
0.60%
0.60%
The Advisor(s) and each Subâ€Advisor have contractually agreed to limit the amount of each Fund’s total annual expenses, exclusive of distribution
and service (12bâ€1) fees (except Clough China Class A and Class C shares), shareholder service fees (except Clough China Class A shares and Class C
shares), acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expense, taxes and extraordinary expenses, that exceed the following
annual rates below. These agreements are reevaluated on an annual basis based on the terms disclosed below.
The ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund has entered into a separate advisory agreement (the “Subsidiary
Advisory Agreement”) with its subsidiary, the Subsidiary’s investment adviser and the Fund’s investment adviser, for the management of the
Subsidiary’s portfolio pursuant to which the Subsidiary is obligated to pay the Adviser a management fee at the same rate that the Fund pays the
Adviser for investment advisory services provided to the Fund. The Adviser has agreed to waive the advisory fee it receives from the Fund in an
amount equal to the management fee paid by the Subsidiary. This waiver may not be terminated or modified without the consent of the Board. For
the period ending 10.31.15 this amount equaled 668,490.
Term of Expense
Fund
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class Inv Class L Class R
Limit Agreement
8/27/2014 – 8/31/2015 &
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
0.85%
0.85%
0.85%
N/A
N/A
N/A
12/9/2014 – 2/29/2016
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
9/11/2013 – 9/11/2015 &
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
1.05%
1.05%
1.15%
N/A
N/A
N/A
2/28/2015 – 2/29/2016
9/1/2014 – 8/31/2015 &
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
1.60%
1.60%
1.60%
N/A
N/A
N/A
2/28/2015 – 2/29/2016
9/1/2014 – 8/31/2015 &
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
1.25%
1.25%
1.25%
N/A
N/A
1.25%
7/31/2015 – 2/28/2017
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
N/A
N/A
N/A
6/30/2014 – 2/29/2016
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High
12/19/2013 – 8/31/2015 &
Income Fund
1.99%
1.99%
1.99%
N/A
N/A
N/A
2/28/2015 – 2/29/2016
9/1/2014 – 8/31/2015 &
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
N/A
N/A
N/A
2/28/2015 – 2/29/2016
9/1/2014 – 8/31/2015 &
Clough China Fund
1.95%
2.70%
1.70%
N/A
N/A
N/A
2/28/2015 – 2/29/2016
193 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Fund
Class A
Class C
Class I
Class Inv
Class L
Class R
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
N/A
N/A
N/A
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
N/A
N/A
N/A
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
N/A
N/A
N/A
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
N/A
Term of Expense
Limit Agreement
9/1/2014 – 8/31/2015 &
2/28/2015 – 2/29/2016
9/1/2014 – 8/31/2015 &
2/28/2015 – 2/29/2016
9/1/2014 – 8/31/2015 &
2/28/2015 – 2/29/2016
9/1/2014 – 8/31/2015 &
2/28/2015 – 2/29/2016
9/1/2014 – 8/31/2015 &
2/28/2015 – 2/29/2016
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
N/A
N/A
N/A
The Advisor(s) and each Subâ€Advisor are permitted to recover expenses they have waived or reimbursed, on a classâ€byâ€class basis, through the
agreements described above to the extent that expenses in later periods fall below the annual limits set forth in these agreements. Clough China Fund
is not obligated to pay any such waived or reimbursed fees and expenses more than one year after the end of the fiscal year in which the fees or
expenses were waived or reimbursed. The ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund, ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities®
Strategy Fund, ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund, ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund, ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund, ALPS |
Westport Resources Hedged High Income, ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund, RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund, RiverFront Global Growth
Fund, RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund, RiverFront Global Allocation Fund and RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund are not obligated to
pay any such waived or reimbursed fees and expenses more than three years after the end of the fiscal year in which the fees or expenses were waived
or reimbursed. At October 31, 2015, the Advisor(s) and Subâ€Advisor may seek reimbursement of previously waived and reimbursed fees as follows:
Expires
Fund
4/30/16
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index
Fund †Class A
$ 9,499
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index
Fund †Class C
9,045
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index
Fund †Class I
36,196
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund †Class A
91,338
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund †Class C
17,117
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
21,636
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund †Class I
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund †Class A
188,194
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund †Class C
37,562
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund †Class I
121,202
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity
Fund †Class A
N/A
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity
Fund †Class C
N/A
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity
Fund †Class I
N/A
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity
Fund †Class R
N/A
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation
Fund †Class A
N/A
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation
Fund †Class C
N/A
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation
N/A
Fund †Class I
Expires
10/31/16
$
Expires
4/30/17
Expires
10/31/17
N/A
$ 95,994
$ 48,763
N/A
28,674
24,506
48,448
110,673
N/A
38,321
23,256
34,028
131,801
N/A
55,147
5,093
6,800
158,378
N/A
9,066
1,738
1,837
29,758
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30,311
198,350
38,130
87,957
11,487
81,178
16,958
78,795
86,129
95,360
29,402
150,329
149,563
563,082
122,052
438,283
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15,562
78,926
94,488
N/A
N/A
7,752
8,258
16,010
N/A
N/A
53,715
86,740
140,455
194 | October 31, 2015
Expires
10/31/18
Total
$ 74,027 $ 228,283
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Expires
Expires
Expires
Expires
Expires
Fund
4/30/16
10/31/16
4/30/17
10/31/17
10/31/18
Total
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income
Fund †Class A
$
N/A $
N/A $
N/A $ 33,823
$ 34,235 $ 68,058
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income
Fund †Class C
N/A
N/A
N/A
14,345
11,798
26,143
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income
Fund †Class I
N/A
N/A
N/A
188,185
191,137
379,322
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund †Class A
50,013
N/A
39,957
25,559
51,771
167,300
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund †Class C
90
N/A
81
74
1,084
1,329
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund †Class I
36,903
N/A
31,790
18,931
38,056
125,680
Clough China Fund †Class A
N/A
10,534
N/A
N/A
N/A
10,534
Clough China Fund †Class C
N/A
9,198
N/A
N/A
N/A
9,198
Clough China Fund †Class I
N/A
30,012
N/A
N/A
N/A
30,012
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder
Fund †Class A
6,224
N/A
14,608
6,814
10,173
37,819
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder
38,763
N/A
50,536
28,317
44,843
162,459
Fund †Class C
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder
Fund †Class I
21,584
N/A
23,541
11,336
19,129
75,590
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund †Class A
25,434
N/A
28,302
20,436
36,445
110,617
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund †Class C
54,152
N/A
55,724
35,936
65,254
211,066
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund †Class I
29,280
N/A
39,925
24,440
43,549
137,194
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund †Class A
32,881
N/A
31,141
15,480
24,491
103,993
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund †Class C
44,218
N/A
41,816
26,510
44,562
157,106
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund †Class I
21,009
N/A
30,843
21,125
43,041
116,018
RiverFront Global Growth Fund †Class A
22,444
N/A
28,381
20,675
40,534
112,034
RiverFront Global Growth Fund †Class C
23,097
N/A
22,962
13,878
29,002
88,939
RiverFront Global Growth Fund †Class I
18,595
N/A
27,339
29,599
36,381
111,914
RiverFront Global Growth Fund †Class L
78,131
N/A
60,282
15,078
60,547
214,038
RiverFront Global Growth Fund †Investor Class
31,778
N/A
22,272
9,650
17,309
81,009
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
49,603
N/A
52,042
25,024
39,744
166,413
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
92,197
N/A
96,176
54,689
102,129
345,191
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
38,570
N/A
55,830
33,901
67,897
196,198
ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (the “Distributor”) acts as the distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with
the Trust. Shares are sold on a continuous basis by the Distributor, as agent for the Funds, and the Distributor has agreed to use its best efforts to
solicit orders for the sale of Funds’ shares, although it is not obliged to sell any particular amount of shares. The Distributor is not entitled to any
compensation for its services. The Distributor is registered as a brokerâ€dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Funds’ Distributor
is also the distributor of the Select Sector SPDR exchange traded funds (the “Underlying Sector ETFs”). As required by exemptive relief obtained by
the Underlying Sector ETFs, the Advisor(s) will reimburse any applicable Fund an amount equal to the distribution fee received by the Distributor
from the Underlying Sector ETFs attributable to such Fund’s investment in the Underlying Sector ETFs, for so long as the Distributor acts as
distributor to such Fund and the Underlying Sector ETFs.
Each Fund has adopted a Distribution and Services Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12bâ€1 of the 1940 Act for the Class A, Class C, Class R
(ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund only), and Investor Class (RiverFront Global Growth Fund only) shares. The Plan allows a Fund to use
Class A, Class C, Class R and Investor Class assets to pay fees in connection with the distribution and marketing of Class A, Class C, Class R and
Investor Class shares and/or the provision of shareholder services to Class A, Class C, Class R and Investor Class shareholders. The Plan permits
payment for services in connection with the administration of plans or programs that use Class A, Class C, Class R and Investor Class shares of a
Fund, if any, as their funding medium and for related expenses. The Plan permits a Fund to make total payments at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of
a Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Class A and Investor Class shares, 0.75% of a Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its
Class C shares and 0.50% of the ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Class R shares.
195 | October 31, 2015
. Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
Because these fees are paid out of a Fund’s Class A, Class C, Class R and Investor Class assets, if any, on an ongoing basis, over time they will
increase the cost of an investment in Class A, Class C, Class R and Investor Class shares, if any, and Plan fees may cost an investor more than other
types of sales charges.
The ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund Class A and Class C shares, ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund Class A and Class C shares, ALPS | Red
Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund Class A and Class C shares, ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund Class A and Class C shares, ALPS | Westport
Resources Hedged High Income Fund Class A and Class C shares, ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund Class C shares, Clough China Fund Class C
shares, ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund Class A and Class C shares, RiverFront Conservative Income
Builder Fund Class C shares, RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund Class C shares, RiverFront Global Allocation Fund Class C shares, RiverFront
Global Growth Fund Class C Shares, and the RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund Class C shares have adopted a shareholder services plan
(“Shareholder Services Plan”). Under the Shareholder Services Plan for each Fund, the Funds are authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and
other institutions, including brokerâ€dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an
annual basis 0.15% for ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund Class A shares, ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities®
Strategy Fund Class A shares, ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund Class A shares, ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund Class A shares, ALPS |
Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund Class A shares, and ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund Class A shares, and not to exceed
0.25% for each Fund’s Class C shares of the average daily net asset value of the Class A shares and Class C shares, respectively, attributable to or
held in the name of a Participating Organization for its clients as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include
distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization. Shareholder Services plan fees are included with distribution and
service fees on the Statements of Operations.
Certain intermediaries may charge networking, omnibus account or other administrative fees with respect to transactions in shares of each Fund.
Transactions may be processed through the National Securities Clearing Corporation or similar systems or processed on a manual basis. These fees
generally are paid by the Fund to the Distributor, which uses such fees to reimburse intermediaries. In the event an intermediary receiving
payments from the Distributor on behalf of the Fund converts from a networking structure to an omnibus account structure or otherwise
experiences increased costs, fees borne by the Fund may increase. Networking fees are shown in the Statements of Operations, if applicable to
the Fund.
ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) serves as administrator to the Funds and the Funds have agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with their
administrative activities. Pursuant to an Administrative Agreement, ALPS provides operational services to the Funds including, but not limited to,
fund accounting and fund administration and generally assists in the Funds’ operations. Officers of the Trust are employees of ALPS. The Funds’
administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. Administration fees paid by the Funds for the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015
are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.
ALPS is reimbursed by the Funds for certain outâ€ofâ€pocket expenses.
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund engaged in cross trades with an affiliate during the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015 pursuant to Rule 17aâ€7
under the 1940 Act. Generally, cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the
investment adviser. The Board of Trustees previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds and its affiliates pursuant
to Rule 17aâ€7. At its regularly scheduled meetings, the Board of Trustees reviews such transactions as of the most current calendar quarter for
compliance with the requirements set forth by Rule 17aâ€7 and the Funds’ procedures. The Funds’ procedures require that the transactions be a
purchase or sale for no consideration other than cash payment against prompt delivery of a security for which market quotations are readily
available, and be consistent with the investment policies of each Fund. ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund sold securities to other funds for which
the Subâ€Adviser is the investment adviser in the amount of $378 with a realized loss of $14.
9. INDEMNIFICATIONS
Under 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 may contain general
indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. 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.
196 | October 31, 2015
. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of Financial Investors Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the statements of investments, of ALPS | Alerian MLP
Infrastructure Index Fund, ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund, ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund, ALPS | Westport Resources
Hedged High Income Fund, ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund (formerly known as ALPS | WMC Disciplined Value Fund), Clough China Fund,
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund, RiverFront Global Growth Fund, RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund, RiverFront Global
Allocation Fund, RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund, eleven of the funds of Financial Investors Trust (the “Trust”), as of October 31, 2015,
the related statements of operations for the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the
periods presented. We have also audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated statements
of investments, of ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund and ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund, two of the
funds of the Trust, as of October 31, 2015, the related consolidated statements of operations for the year then ended, and the consolidated
statements of changes in net assets and the consolidated financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and
financial highlights for these thirteen funds are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free
of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial
reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2015, by
correspondence with the custodian, agent banks and brokers; where replies were not received from agent banks and brokers, we performed other
auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
each of the thirteen funds constituting Financial Investors Trust as of October 31, 2015, and the results of their operations, the changes in their
net assets and the financial highlights for the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Denver, Colorado
December 21, 2015
197 | October 31, 2015
. Additional Information
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
1. FUND HOLDINGS
The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third
quarters of each fiscal year on Form Nâ€Q within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of the Funds’ Form Nâ€Q are available without charge on
the SEC website at http:// www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy the Form Nâ€Q at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. For
more information about the operation of the Public Reference Room, please call the SEC at 1â€800â€SECâ€0330.
2. FUND PROXY VOTING POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND SUMMARIES
Fund policies and procedures used in determining how to vote proxies and information regarding how each of the Funds voted proxies relating to
portfolio securities during the most recent prior 12â€month period ending June 30 are available without charge, (1) upon request, by calling
(tollâ€free) (866) 759â€5679 and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
3. TAX DESIGNATIONS
Of the distributions paid by the Funds from ordinary income for the calendar year ended December 31, 2014, the following percentages met the
requirements to be treated as qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction and qualified dividend income:
QDI
DRD
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
9.55%
9.55%
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
32.23%
0.00%
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
18.71%
1.23%
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
35.99%
39.74%
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
0.00%
0.00%
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
30.28%
29.68%
Clough China Fund
64.50%
0.00%
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
21.49%
10.02%
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
49.83%
20.36%
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
59.25%
2.98%
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
54.75%
3.01%
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
34.16%
17.77%
In early 2015, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distribution paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year
2014 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2016 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2015.
Pursuant to Section 852(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code the Funds that designated longâ€term capital gain dividends are:
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
$
–
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
$
245,199
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
$
1,431,943
ALPS | Sterling ETF Tactical Rotation Fund
$
–
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
$
–
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
$
8,298,461
Clough China Fund
$
1,612,835
RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund
$
95,413
RiverFront Dynamic Equity Income Fund
$
1,736,888
RiverFront Global Allocation Fund
$
2,042,515
RiverFront Global Growth Fund
$
5,687,960
RiverFront Moderate Growth & Income Fund
$
4,753,671
Pursuant to Section 853(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, the following Funds designate the amounts listed below as foreign taxes paid and foreign
source income during the current fiscal year:
Foreign Taxes Paid
Foreign Source Income
Clough China Fund
$
149,681
$ 2,479,086
198 | October 31, 2015
. Additional Information
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4. DISCLOSURE REGARDING APPROVAL OF FUND ADVISORY AND SUBâ€ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
Clough China Fund
On June 9â€10, 2015, the Trustees met in person to discuss, among other things, the approval of the investment advisory agreement between
Financial Investors Trust (the “Trust”) and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“ALPS Advisors”) (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), and the subâ€advisory
agreement with Clough Capital Partners, LLC (“Clough Capital”) (the “Subâ€Advisory Agreement”), in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act.
The Independent Trustees met with independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreement, the
Subâ€Advisory Agreement and other related materials.
In renewing and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement with Clough Capital, the
Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, considered the following factors with respect to the Clough China Fund (the “China Fund”):
Investment Advisory Fee Rate: The Trustees reviewed and considered the contractual annual advisory fee to be paid by (a) the Trust, on behalf
of the China Fund, to ALPS Advisors of 1.35% of the China Fund’s daily average net assets and (b) ALPS Advisors to Clough Capital of 0.90% of the
China Fund’s daily average net assets, in light of the extent and quality of the advisory services provided by the ALPS Advisors and Clough Capital to
the China Fund. The Board received and considered information including a comparison of the China Fund’s contractual and actual advisory fees
and overall expenses with those of funds in the relevant peer expense group of funds provided by an independent provider of investment company
data (the “Data Provider”). The Trustees also considered information regarding compensation to be paid to affiliates of ALPS Advisors under other
agreements, such as the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with ALPS. The Trustees noted that the investment advisory fee rate was
above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a reasonable range of such medians when considered in
light of particular services provided to the China Fund.
Total Expense Ratios: Based on such information, the Trustees further reviewed and considered the total expense ratios (after waivers, subject to
certain exclusions) of 1.95%, 2.70% and 1.70% for Class A, Class C and Class I, respectively, of the China Fund, taking into account the contractual
fee waivers in place through February 29, 2016. The Trustees noted that the total expense ratios (after waivers) were above the median expense
group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services
provided to the China Fund.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement: The Trustees
received and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the China Fund under the Investment
Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed certain background materials supplied by ALPS Advisors and Clough
Capital in each of their presentations, including their Forms ADV and compliance policies and procedures.
The Trustees reviewed and considered ALPS Advisors’ and Clough Capital’s investment advisory personnel, their history as asset managers, their
performance and the amount of assets currently under management by ALPS Advisors and Clough Capital. The Trustees also reviewed the research
and decisionâ€making processes utilized by ALPS Advisors and Clough Capital, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the
investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the China Fund.
The Trustees considered the background and experience of ALPS Advisors’ and Clough Capital’s management in connection with the China Fund,
including reviewing the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the management team primarily responsible for the dayâ€toâ€day portfolio
management of the China Fund and the extent of the resources devoted to research and analysis of actual and potential investments.
The Trustees also reviewed the accompanying complianceâ€related materials and noted that they have received reports on these services and
compliance issues from ALPS Advisors and Clough Capital at each regular Board meeting throughout the year related to the services rendered by
ALPS Advisors and Clough Capital with respect to the China Fund.
Performance: The Trustees reviewed performance information for the China Fund and the predecessor fund of the China Fund (December 30,
2005 inception date) for the 1â€year, 2â€year, 3â€year, 4â€year and 5â€year periods ended March 31, 2014. That review included a comparison of the
China Fund’s performance to the performance of a group of comparable funds selected by Lipper. The Trustees noted the China Fund’s generally
favorable longerâ€term performance over such periods ended March 31, 2014, compared against peer funds identified by Lipper. The Trustees also
considered Clough Capital’s performance and reputation generally and its investment techniques, risk management controls and decisionâ€making
processes, as well as Clough Capital’s overview of the China market, the economic outlook for investing in China and the potential effects of certain
political and economic issues on trading in Chinese stocks.
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Comparable Accounts: The Trustees considered information provided by Clough Capital regarding fees charged to its closedâ€end investment
company and private fund clients, noting Clough Capital’s statements regarding differences in trading strategies, activity levels and use of short
sales and options.
Profitability: The Trustees received and considered a projected profitability analyses prepared by ALPS Advisors and by Clough Capital based on
the fees payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement and Subâ€Advisory Agreement, respectively. The Trustees considered that the China
Fund was currently profitable to ALPS Advisors without the inclusion of distributionâ€related expenses, as well as the losses realized by Clough
Capital in connection with the operation of the China Fund. The Trustees also considered Clough Capital’s statements regarding its continuing
commitment to the China Fund despite these losses. The Board then reviewed ALPS Advisors’ and Clough Capital’s financial statements in order to
analyze the financial condition and stability and profitability of each adviser.
Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the China Fund were being passed along
to the shareholders. The Trustees considered whether any economies of scale, fallâ€out benefits or any other direct or indirect benefits would
accrue to ALPS Advisors or Clough Capital from their relationship with the Trust.
Other Benefits to the Advisers: The Trustees reviewed and considered any other benefits derived or to be derived by ALPS Advisors and Clough
Capital from their relationship with the China Fund, including whether softâ€dollar arrangements were used.
The Board summarized its deliberations with respect to the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement
with Clough Capital. In selecting ALPS Advisors and Clough Capital and approving the investment advisory and subâ€advisory agreements and fees
under such agreements, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative
as the principal factor in whether to approve the investment advisory and subâ€advisory agreements. Further, the Independent Trustees were
advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. Moreover, each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors in
reaching his or her conclusions with respect to each agreement. The Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that:
• the investment advisory fee rate was above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a reasonable
range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the China Fund;
• the total expense ratios (after waivers) were above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a
reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the China Fund;
• the nature, extent and quality of services rendered by ALPS Advisors under the Investment Advisory Agreement and by Clough Capital
under the Subâ€Advisory Agreement were adequate;
• the performance of the China Fund was generally comparable to, or in some cases more favorable than, the longerâ€term performance of
the funds in its performance peer universe;
• bearing in mind the limitations of comparing different types of managed accounts and the different levels of service typically associated
with such accounts, the fee structures applicable to Clough Capital’s other clients employing a comparable strategy were not indicative of
any unreasonableness with respect to the subâ€advisory fees proposed to be payable to Clough Capital by the Adviser;
• the profit, if any, realized by ALPS Advisors and by Clough Capital in connection with the operation of the China Fund is not unreasonable,
especially in light of the fee waiver agreement between the Trust and ALPS Advisors, and to the extent currently unprofitable, each of
ALPS Advisors and by Clough Capital remains committed to the China Fund; and
• there were no material economies of scale or other benefits accruing to either ALPS Advisors or Clough Capital in connection with its
relationship with the China Fund.
Based on the Trustees’ deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, all of the Trustees, including all of the Independent
Trustees in person at the Meeting, concluded that ALPS Advisors’ and Clough Capital’s compensation for investment advisory services is consistent
with the best interests of the China Fund and its shareholders.
ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund
On April 22, 2015, the Trustees met in person to discuss, among other things, the approval, in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act, of (i)
the new investment subâ€advisory agreement among the Trust, ALPS Advisors and Red Rocks Capital, LLC (“Red Rocks”) (the “New Subâ€Advisory
Agreement”), for consideration and approval by the shareholders of the ALPS | Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Fund (the “LPE Fund”) in connection
with the acquisition of Red Rocks by ALPS Advisors (the “Transaction”), and (ii) the existing investment subâ€advisory agreement among the Trust,
ALPS Advisors and Red Rocks (the “Existing Subâ€Advisory Agreement”). The Independent Trustees met with independent legal counsel during
executive session and discussed the New Subâ€Advisory Agreement, the Existing Subâ€Advisory Agreement and other related materials.
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Approval of the New Subâ€Advisory Agreement with Red Rocks
In voting to approve the New Subâ€Advisory Agreement, the Board did not identify any single factor as allâ€important or controlling. The Board
considered whether the New Subâ€Advisory would be in the best interests of the LPE Fund and its shareholders, based on: (i) the nature, extent and
quality of the services to be provided under the New Subâ€Advisory Agreement; (ii) the investment performance of the LPE Fund; (iii) the expenses
borne by the LPE Fund (including management fees and other expenses), the fees indirectly charged by Red Rocks to the LPE Fund and to its other
clients, and projected profits to be realized by Red Rocks and its affiliates from their relationships with the LPE Fund; (iv) the fact that economies of
scale may be realized as the LPE Fund grows and whether fee levels will reflect economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders; (v) potential
fallâ€out benefits to Red Rocks from its relationships with the LPE Fund; and (vi) other general information about Red Rocks. The following is a
summary of the Board’s consideration and conclusions regarding these matters.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services Provided. The Board received and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality
of services provided to the LPE Fund under the New Subâ€Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed certain background materials supplied by Red
Rocks, including its Form ADV.
The Board reviewed and considered Red Rocks’ investment advisory personnel, its history as an asset manager, its performance and the amount of
assets currently under management by Red Rocks and reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the management team
primarily responsible for the dayâ€toâ€day portfolio management of the LPE Fund and the extent of the resources devoted to research and analysis of
actual and potential investments. The Board also reviewed the research and decisionâ€making processes utilized by Red Rocks, including the
methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the LPE Fund.
The Board also reviewed certain complianceâ€related materials and noted that they have received reports on advisory services and compliance
matters from Red Rocks at each regular Board meeting throughout the year.
Investment Performance. The Board reviewed performance information for the LPE Fund for the 1â€year, 3â€year and 5â€year periods ended March
31, 2015. The review included a comparison of the LPE Fund’s performance to the performance of a group of comparable funds selected by an
independent provider of research data. The Trustees noted that the LPE Fund had favorable performance for each of these periods when compared
against its peer universe average as identified by the independent provider of research data. The Board also considered Red Rocks’ performance
and reputation generally and its investment techniques, risk management controls and decisionâ€making processes.
Fees and Expenses. The Board reviewed and considered (a) the contractual annual advisory fee rate to be paid by the Trust, on behalf of the LPE
Fund, to ALPS Advisors and (b) the contractual subâ€advisory fee rate to be paid by ALPS Advisors to Red Rocks, in light of the extent and quality of
the advisory services provided by ALPS Advisors and Red Rocks to the LPE Fund. The Board also considered fees charged by Red Rocks to
comparable accounts, including other registered investment companies, noting the types of services offered by Red Rocks to those other accounts
and Red Rocks’ cost considerations in managing such accounts.
Based on such information, the Board further determined that the contractual annual advisory fees, inclusive of the subâ€advisory fees to be paid by
ALPS Advisors to Red Rocks, and taking into account the contractual fee waivers in place, are generally lower than the peer universe median or
within an acceptable range of the peer universe median. The Board also determined that the LPE Fund’s total expenses, on a classâ€byâ€class basis,
were generally lower than the peer universe median, or within an acceptable range thereof.
Projected Profitability and Costs of Services to Red Rocks. The Trustees received and considered a projected profitability analysis prepared by
Red Rocks based on the fees payable under the New Subâ€Advisory Agreement and on Red Rocks’ estimates of its operating expenses, and also
considered information regarding the financial condition of Red Rocks. The Trustees also received information from ALPS Advisors regarding the
anticipated effects of the Transaction on its projected profitability. In assessing the projected profitability analysis, the Board noted that the LPE
Fund’s total fees and expenses were within an acceptable range of the median expenses of comparable funds identified by the independent
provider of investment company data.
Extent of Economies of Scale as the LPE Fund Grows and Whether Fee Levels Reflect Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered
whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the LPE Fund were being passed along to the shareholders. The Trustees also considered
whether any fallâ€out benefits or any other direct or indirect benefits would accrue to Red Rocks from its relationship with the LPE Fund. The Board
also reviewed and considered any other benefits derived or to be derived by Red Rocks from its relationship with the LPE Fund, including soft
dollar arrangements.
Based on its evaluation of the aforementioned considerations, the Board unanimously voted to approve the New Subâ€Advisory Agreement, and to
recommend to the shareholders of the LPE Fund that they approve the New Subâ€Advisory Agreement.
201 | October 31, 2015
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Renewal of the Existing Subâ€Advisory Agreement with Red Rocks
In renewing and approving the Existing Subâ€Advisory Agreement with Red Rocks, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, considered the
following factors with respect to the LPE Fund:
In voting to approve the Existing Subâ€Advisory Agreement, the Board did not identify any single factor to be determinative. The Board considered
whether the Existing Subâ€Advisory Agreement would be in the best interests of the LPE Fund and its shareholders, based on: (i) the nature, extent
and quality of the services to be provided under the Existing Subâ€Advisory Agreement; (ii) the investment performance of the LPE Fund; (iii) the
expenses borne by the LPE Fund (including management fees and other expenses), the fees indirectly charged by Red Rocks to the LPE Fund and to
its other clients, and projected profits to be realized by Red Rocks and its affiliates from their relationships with the LPE Fund; (iv) the fact that
economies of scale may be realized as the LPE Fund grows and whether fee levels will reflect economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders; (v)
potential fallâ€out benefits to Red Rocks from its relationships with the LPE Fund; and (vi) other general information about Red Rocks. The following
is a summary of the Board’s consideration and conclusions regarding these matters.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services Provided. The Board received and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality
of services provided to the LPE Fund under the Existing Subâ€Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed certain background materials supplied by
Red Rocks, including its Form ADV.
The Board reviewed and considered Red Rocks’ investment advisory personnel, its history as an asset manager, its performance and the amount of
assets currently under management by Red Rocks, and reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the management team
primarily responsible for the dayâ€toâ€day portfolio management of the LPE Fund and the extent of the resources devoted to research and analysis of
actual and potential investments. The Board also reviewed the research and decisionâ€making processes utilized by Red Rocks, including the
methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the LPE Fund.
The Board also reviewed certain complianceâ€related materials and noted that they have received reports on advisory services and compliance
matters from Red Rocks at each regular Board meeting throughout the year.
Investment Performance. The Board reviewed performance information for the LPE Fund for the 1â€year, 3â€year and 5â€year periods ended March
31, 2015. The review included a comparison of the LPE Fund’s performance to the performance of a group of comparable funds selected by an
independent provider of research data. The Trustees noted that the LPE Fund had favorable performance for each of these periods when compared
against its peer universe average as identified by the independent provider of research data. The Board also considered Red Rocks’ performance
and reputation generally and its investment techniques, risk management controls and decisionâ€making processes.
Fees and Expenses. The Board reviewed and considered (a) the contractual annual advisory fee rate to be paid by the Trust, on behalf of the LPE
Fund, to ALPS Advisors and (b) the contractual subâ€advisory fee rate to be paid by ALPS Advisors to Red Rocks, in light of the extent and quality of
the advisory services provided by ALPS Advisors and Red Rocks to the LPE Fund. The Board also considered fees charged by Red Rocks to
comparable accounts, including other registered investment companies, noting the types of services offered by Red Rocks to those other accounts
and Red Rocks’ cost considerations in managing such accounts.
Based on such information, the Board further determined that the contractual annual advisory fees, inclusive of the subâ€advisory fees to be paid by
ALPS Advisors to Red Rocks, and taking into account the contractual fee waivers in place, are generally lower than the peer universe median or
within an acceptable range of the peer universe median. The Board also determined that the LPE Fund’s total expenses, on a classâ€byâ€class basis,
were generally lower than the peer universe median, or within an acceptable range thereof.
Projected Profitability and Costs of Services to Red Rocks. The Trustees received and considered a historical, current and projected
profitability analysis prepared by Red Rocks based on the fees payable under the Existing Subâ€Advisory Agreement and on Red Rocks’ estimates of
its operating expenses, and also considered information regarding the financial condition of Red Rocks. In assessing the profitability analysis, the
Board noted that the LPE Fund’s total fees and expenses were within an acceptable range of the median expenses of comparable funds identified
by the independent provider of investment company data.
Extent of Economies of Scale as the LPE Fund Grows and Whether Fee Levels Reflect Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered whether
economies of scale in the provision of services to the LPE Fund were being passed along to the shareholders. The Trustees also considered whether any
fallâ€out benefits or any other direct or indirect benefits would accrue to Red Rocks from its relationship with the LPE Fund. The Board also reviewed and
considered any other benefits derived or to be derived by Red Rocks from its relationship with the LPE Fund, including soft dollar arrangements.
Based on its evaluation of the aforementioned considerations, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Existing Investment
Subâ€Advisory Agreement.
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Approval of the Existing Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors
On June 9â€10, 2015, the Trustees met in person to discuss, among other things, the approval of the investment advisory agreement between the
Trust and ALPS Advisors (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Trustees noted that the
existing investment subâ€advisory agreement with Red Rocks Capital was not subject to review at this time as it had been renewed at the Board’s
April 22, 2015 meeting. The Independent Trustees met with independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Investment
Advisory Agreement and other related materials.
In renewing and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, considered
the following factors with respect to the LPE Fund:
Investment Advisory Fee Rate: The Trustees reviewed and considered the contractual annual advisory fee to be paid by the Trust, on behalf of
the LPE Fund, to ALPS Advisors of 0.85% of the LPE Fund’s daily average net assets, in light of the extent and quality of the advisory services
provided by ALPS Advisors to the LPE Fund. The Board received and considered information including a comparison of the LPE Fund’s contractual
and actual advisory fees and overall expenses with those of funds in the relevant peer expense group of funds provided by an independent provider
of investment company data. The Trustees also considered information regarding compensation to be paid to affiliates of ALPS Advisors under
other agreements, such as the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with ALPS. The Trustees noted that the investment advisory fee
rate was above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a reasonable range of such medians when
considered in light of particular services provided to the LPE Fund.
Total Expense Ratios: Based on such information, the Trustees further reviewed and considered the total expense ratio (after waivers, subject to
certain exclusions) of 1.25% for all classes of the LPE Fund, taking into account the contractual fee waivers in place through February 29, 2016. The
Trustees noted that the total expense ratios (after waivers) were above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but
within a reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the LPE Fund.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services under the Investment Advisory Agreement: The Trustees received and considered information
regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the LPE Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed
certain background materials supplied by ALPS Advisors in their presentations, including its Form ADV and compliance policies and procedures.
The Trustees reviewed and considered ALPS Advisors’ investment advisory personnel, its history as asset managers, its performance and the
amount of assets currently under management by ALPS Advisors. The Trustees also reviewed the research and decisionâ€making processes
utilized by ALPS Advisors, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of
the LPE Fund.
The Trustees considered the background and experience of ALPS Advisors’ management in connection with the LPE Fund, including reviewing the
qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the management team primarily responsible for the management of the LPE Fund and the extent
of the resources devoted to research and analysis of actual and potential investments.
The Trustees also reviewed the accompanying complianceâ€related materials and further noted that they have received reports on these services
and compliance issues from ALPS Advisors at each regular Board meeting throughout the year related to the services rendered by ALPS Advisors
with respect to the LPE Fund.
Performance: The Trustees reviewed performance information for the LPE Fund for the 1â€year, 2â€year, 3â€year, 4â€year and 5â€year periods ended
March 31, 2015. That review included a comparison of the LPE Fund’s performance to the performance of a universe of comparable funds selected
by an independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees noted the generally favorable performance of the LPE Fund over
more recent periods compared with the applicable performance peer universe of funds identified by an independent provider of investment
company data.
Comparable Accounts: The Trustees noted that for the purposes of reviewing comparable accounts, the focus has been on the comparable
accounts of the subâ€adviser, and that the existing subâ€advisory agreement with Red Rocks was not being presented to the Trustees at this time.
Profitability: The Trustees received and considered a profitability analysis prepared by ALPS Advisors based on the fees payable under the
Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees considered the statements by ALPS Advisors that the LPE Fund was currently profitable to
ALPS Advisors. The Board then reviewed and discussed ALPS Advisors’ financial statements in order to analyze the financial condition and stability
of the adviser.
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Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the LPE Fund were being passed along to
the shareholders. The Trustees considered whether any economies of scale, fallâ€out benefits or any other direct or indirect benefits would accrue
to ALPS Advisors from its relationship with the Trust.
Other Benefits to the Advisers: The Trustees reviewed and considered any other benefits derived or to be derived by ALPS Advisors from its
relationship with the LPE Fund, including whether softâ€dollar arrangements were used.
The Board summarized its deliberations with respect to the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors. In selecting ALPS Advisors and
approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and fees under such agreement, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the
Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the investment advisory agreement.
Further, the Independent Trustees were advised by separate independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Trustees, including all of the
Independent Trustees, concluded that:
• the investment advisory fee rate was above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a reasonable
range of such medians;
• the total expense ratios (after waivers) were above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a
reasonable range of such medians;
• the nature, extent and quality of services rendered by ALPS Advisors under the Investment Advisory Agreement were adequate;
• the performance of the LPE Fund was generally comparable to, or in some cases more favorable than, the longerâ€term performance of
the funds in its performance peer universe;
• for the purposes of reviewing comparable accounts, the focus has been on the comparable accounts of the subâ€adviser, and that the
existing subâ€advisory agreement with Red Rocks was not being presented to the Trustees at this time;
• the profit realized by ALPS Advisors in connection with the operation of the LPE Fund is not unreasonable, especially in light of the fee
waiver agreement among the Trust, ALPS Advisors and Red Rocks; and
• there were no material economies of scale or other benefits accruing to ALPS Advisors in connection with its relationship with the
LPE Fund.
Based on the Trustees’ deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, all of the Trustees, including all of the Independent
Trustees in person at the meeting, concluded that ALPS Advisors’ compensation for investment advisory services is consistent with the best
interests of the LPE Fund and its shareholders.
ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund
On June 9â€10, 2015, the Trustees met in person to discuss, among other things, the approval of the investment advisory agreement between the
Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“ALPS Advisors”) (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), and the subâ€advisory agreement with Wellington
Management Company LLP (“Wellington”) (the “Subâ€Advisory Agreement”), in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Independent
Trustees met with independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Subâ€Advisory
Agreement and other related materials.
In renewing and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement with Wellington, the Trustees,
including the Independent Trustees, considered the following factors with respect to the ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund (the “WMC Fund”):
Investment Advisory Fee Rate: The Trustees reviewed and considered the tiered contractual annual advisory fee to be paid by (a) the Trust, on
behalf of the WMC Fund, to ALPS Advisors of (i) 0.95% of the WMC Fund’s daily average net assets of $0â€$250M; (ii) 0.85% of the WMC Fund’s daily
average net assets between $250Mâ€$500M ; and (iii) 0.75% of the WMC Fund’s daily average net assets over $500M and (b) by ALPS Advisors to
Wellington of (i) 0.50% of the WMC Fund’s daily average net assets of $0â€$250M; (ii) 0.40% of the WMC Fund’s daily average net assets between
$250Mâ€$500M; and (iii) 0.30% of the WMC Fund’s daily average net assets over $500M, in light of the extent and quality of the advisory services
provided by the ALPS Advisors and Wellington to the WMC Fund. The Board received and considered information including a comparison of the
WMC Fund’s contractual and actual advisory fees and overall expenses with those of funds in the relevant peer expense group of funds provided by
an independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees also considered information regarding compensation to be paid to affiliates of
ALPS Advisors under other agreements, such as the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with ALPS. The Trustees noted that the
investment advisory fee rate was above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a reasonable range of such
medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the WMC Fund.
Total Expense Ratios: Based on such information, the Trustees further reviewed and considered total expense ratio (after waivers, subject to
certain exclusions) of 1.15% for the WMC Fund’s, taking into account the contractual fee waiver in place until February 29, 2016. The Trustees
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noted that the total expense ratios (after waivers) were slightly above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but
within a reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the WMC Fund.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement: The Trustees
received and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the WMC Fund under the Investment
Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed certain background materials supplied by ALPS Advisors and
Wellington in each of their presentations, including their Forms ADV and compliance policies and procedures.
The Trustees reviewed and considered ALPS Advisors’ and Wellington’s investment advisory personnel, their history as asset managers, their
performance and the amount of assets currently under management by ALPS Advisors and Wellington. The Trustees also reviewed the research
and decisionâ€making processes utilized by ALPS Advisors and Wellington, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the
investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the WMC Fund.
The Trustees considered the background and experience of ALPS Advisors’ and Wellington’s management in connection with the WMC Fund,
including reviewing the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the management team primarily responsible for the dayâ€toâ€day portfolio
management of the WMC Fund and the extent of the resources devoted to research and analysis of actual and potential investments.
The Trustees also reviewed the accompanying complianceâ€related materials and noted that they have received reports on these services and
compliance issues from ALPS Advisors and Wellington at each regular Board meeting throughout the year related to the services rendered by ALPS
Advisors and Wellington with respect to the WMC Fund.
Performance: The Trustees reviewed performance information for the WMC Fund and the predecessor fund of the WMC Fund (December 31,
1999 inception) for the 1â€year, 2â€year, 3â€year, 4â€year, 5â€year and 10â€year periods ended March 31, 2015. That review included a comparison of the
WMC Fund’s performance to the performance of a universe of comparable funds selected by an independent provider of investment company
data. The Trustees noted the generally favorable performance of the WMC Fund over much of those periods compared against funds identified by
an independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees also considered Wellington’s discussion of the WMC Fund’s performance
contributors and detractors and its portfolio position and outlook, as well as Wellington’s performance and reputation generally and its investment
techniques, risk management controls and decisionâ€making processes.
Comparable Accounts: The Trustees considered information provided by Wellington regarding their institutional fee schedule for
comparable strategies.
Profitability: The Trustees received and considered a projected profitability analysis prepared by ALPS Advisors and by Wellington based on the
fees payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement, respectively. The Trustees considered that the WMC
Fund was currently profitable to ALPS Advisors without the inclusion of distributionâ€related expenses. The Trustees also considered the advisers’
statements regarding their continuing commitment to the WMC Fund despite these losses. The Board then reviewed ALPS Advisors’ and
Wellington’s financial statements in order to analyze the financial condition and stability and profitability of each adviser.
Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the WMC Fund were being passed along
to the shareholders. The Trustees considered whether any economies of scale, fallâ€out benefits or any other direct or indirect benefits would
accrue to ALPS Advisors or Wellington from their relationship with the Trust.
Other Benefits to the Advisers: The Trustees reviewed and considered any other benefits derived or to be derived by ALPS Advisors and
Wellington from their relationship with the WMC Fund, including whether softâ€dollar arrangements were used.
The Board summarized its deliberations with respect to the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement
with Wellington. In selecting ALPS Advisors and Wellington and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement
and fees under such agreements, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be
determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement. Further, the
Independent Trustees were advised by separate independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Trustees, including all of the Independent
Trustees, concluded that:
• the investment advisory fee rate was slightly above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a
reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the WMC Fund;
• the total expense ratios (after waivers) were slightly above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but
within a reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the WMC Fund;
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•
•
•
•
•
the nature, extent and quality of services rendered by ALPS Advisors under the Investment Advisory Agreement and by Wellington under
the Subâ€Advisory Agreement were adequate;
the performance of the WMC Fund was generally comparable to, or in some cases more favorable than, the performance of the funds in
its performance peer universe;
bearing in mind the limitations of comparing different types of managed accounts and the different levels of service typically associated
with such accounts, the fee structures applicable to Wellington’s other clients employing a comparable strategy were not indicative of
any unreasonableness with respect to the subâ€advisory fees proposed to be payable to Wellington by ALPS Advisors;
the profit realized by ALPS Advisors and by Wellington in connection with the operation of the WMC Fund is not unreasonable, especially
in light of the fee waiver agreement between the Trust and ALPS Advisors, and to the extent currently unprofitable or profitable, each
remains committed to the WMC Fund; and
there were no material economies of scale or other benefits accruing to either ALPS Advisors or Wellington in connection with its
relationship with the WMC Fund.
Based on the Trustees’ deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, all of the Trustees, including all of the Independent
Trustees in person at the Meeting, concluded that ALPS Advisors’ and Wellington’s compensation for investment advisory services is consistent
with the best interests of the WMC Fund and its shareholders.
ALPS | CoreCommodity Management CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund
On June 9â€10, 2015, the Trustees met in person to discuss, among other things, the approval of the investment advisory agreement between the
Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“ALPS Advisors”) (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), and the subâ€advisory agreement with CoreCommodity
Management LLC (“CoreCommodity”) (the “Subâ€Advisory Agreement”), in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees
met with independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Subâ€Advisory Agreement and
other related materials.
In renewing and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement with CoreCommodity, the
Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, considered the following factors with respect to the ALPS | CoreCommodity Management
CompleteCommodities® Strategy Fund (the “CoreCommodity Fund”):
Investment Advisory Fee Rate: The Trustees reviewed and considered the contractual annual advisory fee to be paid by (a) the Trust, on behalf
of the CoreCommodity Fund, to ALPS Advisors of 0.85% of the CoreCommodity Fund’s daily average net assets and (b) by ALPS Advisors to
CoreCommodity of 0.75% of the CoreCommodity Fund’s daily average net assets, in light of the extent and quality of the advisory services provided
by the ALPS Advisors and CoreCommodity to the CoreCommodity Fund. The Board received and considered information including a comparison of
the CoreCommodity Fund’s contractual and actual advisory fees and overall expenses with those of funds in the relevant peer expense group of
funds provided by an independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees also considered information regarding compensation to be
paid to affiliates of ALPS Advisors under other agreements, such as the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with ALPS. The Trustees
noted that the investment advisory fee rate was generally above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a
reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the CoreCommodity Fund.
Total Expense Ratios: Based on such information, the Trustees further reviewed and considered the total expense ratio (after waivers, subject to
certain exclusions) of 1.05% for Class A shares, 1.05% for Class C shares, and 1.15% for Class I shares of the CoreCommodity Fund, taking into
account the contractual fee waiver in place until February 29, 2016. The Trustees noted that the total expense ratios (after waivers) were within a
reasonable range of the median expense group ratio and the median expense universe ratio when considered in light of particular services
provided to the Core Commodity Fund.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services under the Investment Advisory Agreement: The Trustees received and considered information
regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the CoreCommodity Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees
reviewed certain background materials supplied by ALPS Advisors in its presentations, including its Form ADV.
The Trustees reviewed and considered ALPS Advisors’ investment advisory personnel, its history as an asset manager, its performance and the
amount of assets currently under management by ALPS Advisors. The Trustees also reviewed the research and decisionâ€making processes utilized
by ALPS Advisors, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the
CoreCommodity Fund.
The Trustees considered the background and experience of ALPS Advisors’ management in connection with the CoreCommodity Fund.
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The Trustees also reviewed the accompanying complianceâ€related materials and noted that they have received reports on these services and
compliance issues from ALPS Advisors and CoreCommodity at each regular Board meeting throughout the year related to the services rendered by
ALPS Advisors and CoreCommodity with respect to the CoreCommodity Fund.
Performance: The Trustees reviewed performance information for the CoreCommodity Fund for the 1â€year, 2â€year, 3â€year, and 4â€year periods
ended March 31, 2015. The review included a comparison of the CoreCommodity Fund’s performance to the performance of a universe of
comparable funds selected by Lipper. The Trustees noted that the CoreCommodity Fund had generally near median and favorable long term
performance when compared against comparable funds identified by Lipper. The Trustees also considered ALPS Advisors’ CoreCommodity’s
performance and reputation generally and their investment techniques, risk management controls and decisionâ€making processes.
Comparable Accounts: The Trustees considered information provided by CoreCommodity indicating that there were no comparable accounts
managed by CoreCommodity.
Profitability: The Trustees received and considered a projected profitability analyses prepared by ALPS Advisors and by CoreCommodity based on
the fees payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement, respectively. The Trustees considered that the
CoreCommodity Fund was currently profitable to ALPS Advisors without the inclusion of distributionâ€related expenses, and currently profitable to
CoreCommodity both before and after distribution expenses. The Board then reviewed ALPS Advisors’ and CoreCommodity’s financial statements
in order to analyze the financial condition and stability and profitability of each adviser.
Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the CoreCommodity Fund were being
passed along to the shareholders. The Trustees considered whether any economies of scale, fallâ€out benefits or any other direct or indirect benefits
would accrue to ALPS Advisors or CoreCommodity from their relationship with the Trust.
Other Benefits to the Adviser: The Trustees reviewed and considered any other benefits derived or to be derived by ALPS Advisors and
CoreCommodity from their relationship with the CoreCommodity Fund, including whether soft dollar arrangements were used.
The Board summarized its deliberations with respect to the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement
with CoreCommodity Management. In selecting ALPS Advisors and CoreCommodity Management and approving the Investment Advisory
Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement and fees under such agreements, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the
Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the investment advisory and subâ€advisory
agreements. Further, the Independent Trustees were advised by separate independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Trustees,
including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that:
• the investment advisory fee rate was above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a reasonable
range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the CoreCommodity Fund;
• the total expense ratios (after waivers) were near the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, and within a
reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the CoreCommodity Fund;
• the nature, extent and quality of services rendered by ALPS Advisors under the Investment Advisory Agreement and by CoreCommodity
under the Subâ€Advisory Agreement were adequate;
• the performance of the CoreCommodity Fund was near median and generally favorable compared with the longâ€term performance of the
funds in its performance peer universe;
• there were no comparable accounts managed by CoreCommodity;
• the profit realized by ALPS Advisors and CoreCommodity in connection with the operation of the CoreCommodity Fund is not
unreasonable, especially in light of the fee waiver agreement between the Trust and CoreCommodity; and to the extent currently
unprofitable, ALPS Advisors remains committed to the CoreCommodity Fund; and
• there were no material economies of scale or other benefits accruing to ALPS Advisors in connection with its relationship with the
CoreCommodity Fund.
Based on the Trustees’ deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, all of the Trustees, including all of the Independent
Trustees in person at the meeting, concluded that ALPS Advisors’ and CoreCommodity’s compensation for investment advisory services is
consistent with the best interests of the CoreCommodity Fund and its shareholders.
The Trustees applied the same analysis to the advisory arrangements between ALPS Advisors, CoreCommodity and the wholly owned Cayman
Island subsidiary of the CoreCommodity Fund.
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RiverFront Global Allocation Series
On June 9â€10, 2015, the Trustees met in person to discuss, among other things, the approval of the investment advisory agreement between the
Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“ALPS Advisors”) (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), and the subâ€advisory agreement with RiverFront
Investment Group, LLC (“RiverFront”) (the “Subâ€Advisory Agreement”), in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees
met with independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Subâ€Advisory Agreement and
other related materials.
In renewing and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement with RiverFront, the
Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, considered the following factors with respect to the RiverFront Global Allocation Series (the
“RiverFront Funds”):
Investment Advisory Fee Rate: The Trustees reviewed and considered the contractual annual advisory fee to be paid by (a) the Trust, on behalf
of the RiverFront Funds, to ALPS Advisors of 0.85% of each RiverFront Fund’s daily average net assets and (b) by ALPS Advisors to RiverFront of
0.60% of each of the RiverFront Fund’s daily average net assets, in light of the extent and quality of the advisory services provided by the ALPS
Advisors and RiverFront to the RiverFront Funds. The Board received and considered information including a comparison of each RiverFront Fund’s
contractual and actual advisory fees and overall expenses with those of funds in the relevant peer expense group of funds provided by an
independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees also considered information regarding compensation to be paid to affiliates of
ALPS Advisors under other agreements, such as the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with ALPS. The Trustees noted that the
investment advisory fee rate was generally above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a reasonable
range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to each RiverFront Fund.
Total Expense Ratios: Based on such information, the Trustees further reviewed and considered the total expense ratios (after waivers, subject to
certain exclusions), of 0.90% for Class A, Class C, Class I, Class L and Investor Class shares of each of the RiverFront Funds, if applicable, taking into
account the contractual fee waiver in place until February 29, 2016. The Trustees noted that the total expense ratios (after waivers) were within a
reasonable range of, and sometimes below, the median expense group ratio and the median expense universe ratio when considered in light of
particular services provided to the RiverFront Funds.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement: The Trustees
received and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the RiverFront Funds under the Investment
Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed certain background materials supplied by ALPS Advisors and
RiverFront in each of their presentations, including their Forms ADV and compliance policies and procedures.
The Trustees reviewed and considered ALPS Advisors’ and RiverFront’s investment advisory personnel, their history as asset managers, their
performance and the amount of assets currently under management by ALPS Advisors and RiverFront. The Trustees also reviewed the research and
decisionâ€making processes utilized by ALPS Advisors and RiverFront, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the
investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the RiverFront Funds.
The Trustees considered the background and experience of ALPS Advisors’ and RiverFront’s management in connection with the RiverFront Funds,
including reviewing the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the management team primarily responsible for the dayâ€toâ€day portfolio
management of the RiverFront Funds and the extent of the resources devoted to research and analysis of actual and potential investments.
The Trustees also reviewed the accompanying complianceâ€related materials and noted that they have received reports on these services and
compliance issues from ALPS Advisors and RiverFront at each regular Board meeting throughout the year related to the services rendered by ALPS
Advisors and RiverFront with respect to the RiverFront Funds.
Performance: The Trustees reviewed performance information for each RiverFront Fund for the 1â€year, 2â€year, 3â€year and 4â€year periods ended
March 31, 2015, as applicable. The review included a comparison of each of the RiverFront Fund’s performance to the performance of a universe of
comparable funds selected by an independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees noted that, with the exception of the RiverFront
Global Growth Fund, the net total return performance for each RiverFront Fund was generally below the respective performance universe average.
The Trustees also considered RiverFront’s performance and reputation generally and its investment techniques, risk management controls and
decisionâ€making processes.
Comparable Accounts: The Trustees noted certain information provided by RiverFront regarding its typical fee ranges for UMA and SMA accounts.
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Profitability: The Trustees received and considered a profitability analysis prepared by ALPS Advisors and by RiverFront based on the fees payable
under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement, respectively. The Trustees considered that certain of the RiverFront
Funds were profitable to ALPS Advisors without the inclusion of distributionâ€related expenses, and that all of the RiverFront Funds were currently
profitable to RiverFront excluding the RiverFront Conservative Income Builder Fund. The Trustees also considered ALPS Advisors’ and RiverFront’s
statements regarding their continuing commitment to the RiverFront Funds despite any losses with respect to certain of the Funds. The Board then
reviewed and discussed ALPS Advisors’ and RiverFront’s financial statements in order to analyze the financial condition and stability and
profitability of each adviser.
Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the RiverFront Funds were being passed
along to the shareholders. The Trustees considered whether any economies of scale, fallâ€out benefits or any other direct or indirect benefits would
accrue to ALPS Advisors or RiverFront from their relationship with the Trust.
Other Benefits to the Advisers: The Trustees reviewed and considered any other benefits derived or to be derived by ALPS Advisors and
RiverFront from their relationship with the RiverFront Funds, including whether soft dollar arrangements were used.
The Board summarized its deliberations with respect to the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement
with RiverFront. In selecting ALPS Advisors and RiverFront and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement and
fees under such agreements, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be
determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement. Further, the
Independent Trustees were advised by separate independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Trustees, including all of the Independent
Trustees, concluded that:
• the investment advisory fee rate was generally above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a
reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to each RiverFront Fund;
• the total expense ratios (after waivers) were near, and sometimes below, the median expense group fee and the median expense
universe fee, and within a reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to each
RiverFront Fund;
• the nature, extent and quality of services rendered by ALPS Advisors under the Investment Advisory Agreement and by RiverFront under
the Subâ€Advisory Agreement were adequate;
• the performance of each of the RiverFront Funds was generally below the respective performance universe average;
• bearing in mind the limitations of comparing different types of managed accounts and the different levels of service typically associated
with such accounts, the fee structures applicable to RiverFront’s other clients employing a comparable strategy were not indicative of any
unreasonableness with respect to the advisory fees proposed to be payable by the RiverFront Funds;
• the profit, if any, anticipated to be realized by ALPS Advisors and by RiverFront in connection with the operation of each RiverFront Fund
is not unreasonable, especially in light of the fee waiver agreement among the Trust, ALPS Advisors and RiverFront, and to the extent
currently unprofitable, ALPS Advisors and RiverFront remain committed to each of the RiverFront Funds; and
• there were no material economies of scale or other benefits accruing to either ALPS Advisors or RiverFront in connection with its
relationship with any RiverFront Fund.
Based on the Trustees’ deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, the Trustees, including all of the Independent
Trustees, concluded that ALPS Advisors’ and RiverFront’s compensation for investment advisory services is consistent with the best interests of
each of the RiverFront Funds and its shareholders.
ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund
On June 9â€10, 2015, the Trustees met in person to discuss, among other things, the approval of the investment advisory agreement between the
Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“ALPS Advisors”) (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), and the subâ€advisory agreement with Kotak Mahindra (UK)
Limited (“Kotak”) (the “Subâ€Advisory Agreement”), in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees met with
independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Subâ€Advisory Agreement and other
related materials.
In renewing and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement with Kotak, the Trustees,
including the Independent Trustees, considered the following factors with respect to the ALPS | Kotak India Growth Fund (the “India Fund”):
Investment Advisory Fee Rate: The Trustees reviewed and considered the contractual annual advisory fee to be paid by (a) the Trust, on behalf
of the India Fund, to ALPS Advisors of 1.25% of the India Fund’s daily average net assets and (b) by ALPS Advisors to Kotak of (i) 1.15% of the India
Fund’s daily average net assets on the first $50 million and 1.05% of the India Fund’s daily average net assets over $50 million, in light of the extent
209 | October 31, 2015
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and quality of the advisory services provided by the ALPS Advisors and Kotak to the India Fund. The Board received and considered information
including a comparison of the India Fund’s contractual and actual advisory fees and overall expenses with those of funds in the relevant peer
expense group of funds provided by an independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees also considered information regarding
compensation to be paid to affiliates of ALPS Advisors under other agreements, such as the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with
ALPS. The Trustees noted that the investment advisory fee rate was near the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, and
within a reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the India Fund.
Total Expense Ratios: Based on such information, the Trustees further reviewed and considered the total expense ratio (net of waivers, subject to
certain exclusions) of 1.60% for Class A shares, Class C shares and Class I shares, taking into account the contractual fee waiver in place until
February 29, 2016. The Trustees noted that the total expense ratios (after waivers) were above the median expense group fee and the median
expense universe fee, but within a reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the India Fund.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement: The Trustees
received and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the India Fund under the Investment Advisory
Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed certain background materials supplied by ALPS Advisors and Kotak in each of
their presentations, including their Forms ADV and compliance policies and procedures.
The Trustees reviewed and considered ALPS Advisors’ and Kotak’s investment advisory personnel, their history as asset managers, their
performance and the amount of assets currently under management by ALPS Advisors and Kotak. The Trustees also reviewed the research and
decisionâ€making processes utilized by ALPS Advisors and Kotak, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment
objectives, policies and restrictions of the India Fund.
The Trustees considered the background and experience of ALPS Advisors’ and Kotak’s management in connection with the India Fund, including
reviewing the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the management team primarily responsible for the dayâ€toâ€day portfolio
management of the India Fund and the extent of the resources devoted to research and analysis of actual and potential investments.
The Trustees also reviewed the accompanying complianceâ€related materials and noted that they have received reports on these services and
compliance issues from ALPS Advisors and Kotak at each regular Board meeting through the year related to the services rendered by ALPS Advisors
and Kotak with respect to the India Fund.
Performance: The Trustees reviewed performance information for the India Fund for the 1â€year, 2â€year, 3â€year, and 4â€year periods ended March
31, 2015. The review included a comparison of the India Fund’s performance to the performance of a group of comparable funds selected by an
independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees noted that the India Fund had generally favorable performance when compared
against comparable funds identified by an independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees also considered Kotak’s performance
and reputation generally and its investment techniques, risk management controls and decisionâ€making processes.
Comparable Accounts: The Trustees considered information provided by Kotak regarding fee schedules applicable to certain collective
investment vehicles managed by Kotak and marketed outside the United States and certain other institutional clients.
Profitability: The Trustees received and considered a profitability analysis prepared by ALPS Advisors and by Kotak based on the fees payable
under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement, respectively. The Trustees considered the losses realized by ALPS
Advisors and by Kotak in connection with the operation of the India Fund. The Trustees also considered the advisers’ statements regarding their
continuing commitment to the India Fund despite these losses. The Board then reviewed and discussed ALPS Advisors’ and Kotak’s financial
statements in order to analyze the financial condition and stability and profitability of each adviser.
Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the India Fund were being passed along
to the shareholders. The Trustees considered whether any economies of scale, fallâ€out benefits or any other direct or indirect benefits would
accrue to ALPS Advisors or Kotak from their relationship with the Trust.
Other Benefits to the Adviser: The Trustees reviewed and considered any other benefits derived or to be derived by ALPS Advisors and Kotak
from their relationship with the India Fund, including whether soft dollar arrangements were used.
The Board summarized its deliberations with respect to the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement
with Kotak. In selecting ALPS Advisors and Kotak and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement and fees
under such agreements, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative
210 | October 31, 2015
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as the principal factor in whether to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subâ€Advisory Agreement. Further, the Independent
Trustees were advised by separate independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees,
concluded that:
• the investment advisory fee rate was generally near the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, and within a
reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the India Fund;
• the total expense ratios (after waivers) were above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, and within a
reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the India Fund;
• the nature, extent and quality of services rendered by ALPS Advisors under the Investment Advisory Agreement and by Kotak under the
Subâ€Advisory Agreement were adequate;
• the performance of the India Fund was generally favorable to the performance of the funds in its performance peer universe over more
recent periods;
• bearing in mind the limitations of comparing different types of managed accounts and the different levels of service typically associated
with such accounts, the fee structures applicable to Kotak’s other clients employing a comparable strategy were not indicative of any
unreasonableness with respect to the advisory fees proposed to be payable by the India Fund;
• the India Fund is currently unprofitable to ALPS Advisors and Kotak, and each remains committed to the India Fund; and
• there were no material economies of scale or other benefits accruing to ALPS Advisors or Kotak in connection with its relationship with
the India Fund.
Based on the Trustees’ deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, the Trustees, including all of the Independent
Trustees, concluded that ALPS Advisors’ and Kotak’s compensation for investment advisory services is consistent with the best interests of the India
Fund and its shareholders.
ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund
On June 9â€10, 2015, the Trustees met in person to discuss, among other things, the approval of the investment advisory agreement between the
Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“ALPS Advisors”) (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The
Independent Trustees met with independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreement and other
related materials.
In renewing and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, considered
the following factors with respect to the ALPS | Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index Fund (the “Alerian Fund”):
Investment Advisory Fee Rate: The Trustees reviewed and considered the contractual annual advisory fee to be paid by the Trust, on behalf of
the Alerian Fund, to ALPS Advisors of 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, in light of the extent and quality of the advisory services to be
provided by ALPS Advisors to the Alerian Fund. The Board received and considered information including a comparison of the Alerian Fund’s
contractual and actual advisory fees and overall expenses with those of funds in the relevant peer expense group of funds provided by an
independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees also considered information regarding compensation to be paid to affiliates of
ALPS Advisors under other agreements, such as the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with ALPS. The Trustees noted that the
investment advisory fee rate was less than the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee.
Total Expense Ratios: Based on such information, the Trustees further reviewed and considered the total expense ratio (net of waivers, subject to
certain adjustments) of 0.85% for Class C, Class A and Class I shares of the Fund, taking into account the contractual fee waiver in place until
February 29, 2016. The Trustees noted that the total expense ratio (after waivers) was less than the median expense group ratio and the median
expense universe ratio.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services under the Investment Advisory Agreement: The Trustees received and considered information
regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Alerian Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed
certain background materials supplied by ALPS Advisors in its presentation, including its Form ADV.
The Trustees reviewed and considered ALPS Advisors’ investment advisory personnel, its history as an asset manager and its performance and the
amount of assets currently under management by ALPS Advisors and its affiliated entities. The Trustees also reviewed the research and decisionâ€
making processes utilized by ALPS Advisors, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment objectives, policies
and restrictions of the Alerian Fund.
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The Trustees considered the background and experience of ALPS Advisors’ management in connection with the Alerian Fund, including reviewing
the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the management team primarily responsible for the dayâ€toâ€day portfolio management of the
Alerian Fund and the extent of the resources devoted to research and analysis of actual and potential investments.
The Trustees also reviewed, among other things, ALPS Advisors’ Code of Ethics.
Performance: The Trustees reviewed performance information for the Alerian Fund for the 1â€year and 2â€year periods ended March 31, 2015. The
review included a comparison of the Alerian Fund’s performance to the performance of a universe of comparable funds selected by an independent
provider of investment company data. The Trustees considered that, unlike many of its competitors, the Alerian Fund was based on a passive,
indexâ€tracking strategy and was not actively managed. The Trustees also considered ALPS Advisors’ performance and reputation generally and its
investment techniques, risk management controls and decisionâ€making processes.
Comparable Accounts: The Trustees also considered information provided by ALPS Advisors regarding the fee rate applicable to a
different investment company utilizing a similar strategy, noting ALPS Advisors’ statements regarding differences in competitive markets and
operational structures.
Profitability: The Trustees received and considered a profitability analysis prepared by ALPS Advisors based on the fees payable under the
Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees considered the losses realized by ALPS Advisors in connection with the operation of the Alerian
Fund. The Trustees also considered ALPS Advisors’ statements regarding its continuing commitment to the Alerian Fund despite these losses. The
Board then reviewed and discussed ALPS Advisors’ financial statements in order to analyze the financial condition and stability and profitability of
the adviser.
Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Alerian Fund would be passed along
to the shareholders.
Other Benefits to the Adviser: The Trustees reviewed and considered any other incidental benefits derived or to be derived by ALPS Advisors
from its relationship with the Alerian Fund, including whether soft dollar arrangements were used.
In selecting ALPS Advisors as the Alerian Fund’s investment adviser and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the fees charged under
the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be
determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement. Further, the Independent Trustees were advised
by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that:
• the investment advisory fee rate was generally below the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee;
• the total expense ratio (after waivers) were below the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, and within a
reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the Alerian Fund;
• the nature, extent and quality of services rendered by ALPS Advisors under the Investment Advisory Agreement were adequate;
• the performance history of the Alerian Fund, including the fact that its performance was within a reasonable range of those funds in
its peer performance universe, and the fact that unlike many funds in the peer universe it did not follow an active management
investment strategy;
• bearing in mind the limitations of comparing different types of managed accounts and the different levels of service typically associated
with such accounts, the fee structures applicable to ALPS Advisors’ other clients employing a comparable strategy were not indicative of
any unreasonableness with respect to the advisory fees proposed to be payable by the Alerian Fund;
• the profit, if any, realized by ALPS Advisors in connection with the operation of the Alerian Fund is not unreasonable to the Alerian Fund,
and to the extent currently unprofitable to ALPS Advisors, ALPS Advisors remains committed to the Alerian Fund; and
• there were no material economies of scale or other incidental benefits accruing to ALPS Advisors in connection with its relationship with
the Alerian Fund at this time.
Based on the Trustees’ deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, the Trustees, including all of the Independent
Trustees, concluded that ALPS Advisors’ compensation for investment advisory services is consistent with the best interests of the Alerian Fund and
its shareholders.
ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund
On June 9â€10, 2015, the Trustees met in person to discuss, among other things, the approval of the investment advisory agreement between the
Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“ALPS Advisors”) (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), the coâ€investment advisory agreement among the Trust,
ALPS Advisors and Westport Resources Management, Inc. (“Westport”) (the “Coâ€Investment Advisory Agreement”), and the subâ€advisory
212 | October 31, 2015
. Additional Information
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
agreements with each of Sound Point Capital Management, L.P. (“Sound Point”), Concise Capital Management, LP (“Concise Capital”) and Amundi
Smith Breeden LLC (“Amundi Smith Breeden”) (the “Subâ€Advisory Agreements”), in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Independent
Trustees met with independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Coâ€Investment
Advisory Agreement, the Subâ€Advisory Agreements and other related materials.
In renewing and approving the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors, the Coâ€Investment Advisory Agreement with Westport and the
Subâ€Advisory Agreements with Sound Point, Concise Capital and Amundi Smith Breeden, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees,
considered the following factors with respect to the ALPS | Westport Resources Hedged High Income Fund (the “Westport Resources Fund”):
Investment Advisory Fee Rate: The Trustees reviewed and considered the contractual annual advisory fee rate paid by:
• the Trust, on behalf of the Westport Resources Fund, to ALPS Advisors, the greater of (i) 0.20%, based on Fund’s average daily net assets,
or (ii) $150,000;
• the Trust, on behalf of the Westport Resources Fund, to Westport Resources of 1.50% of the Funds daily net assets;
• Westport Resources to Sound Point of 1.00% of the Westport Fund’s daily average net assets allocated to Sound Point up to $50 million,
and 0.80% of each of the Westport Fund’s daily average net assets allocated to Sound Point above $50 million;
• Westport Resources to Concise Capital of 0.75% of the Westport Resources Fund’s daily average net assets allocated to Concise
Capital; and
• Westport Resources to Amundi Smith Breeden of 1.00% of the Westport Resources Fund’s daily average net assets allocated to Amundi
Smith Breeden,
each in light of the extent and quality of the advisory services to be provided by it to the Westport Resources Fund. The Board received and
considered information including a comparison of the Westport Resources Fund’s contractual and actual advisory fees and overall expenses with
those of funds in the relevant peer expense group of funds provided by an independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees also
considered information regarding compensation to be paid to affiliates of ALPS Advisors under other agreements, such as the Fund Accounting and
Administration Agreement with ALPS. The Trustees noted that the investment advisory fee rate was generally above the median expense group fee
and the median expense universe fee, but within a reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the
Westport Resources Fund. The Trustees noted that the investment advisory fee rate was above the median expense group fee and the median
expense universe fee, but within a reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the Westport Fund.
Total Expense Ratios: Based on such information, the Trustees further reviewed and considered the total expense ratios (net of waivers, subject
to certain adjustments) of 1.99% for the Class A, Class C and Class I Shares of the Westport Resources Fund, taking into account the contractual fee
waiver in place until February 29, 2016. The Trustees noted that the total expense ratios (after waivers) were above the median expense group fee
and the median expense universe fee, but within a reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the
Westport Fund.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services under the Advisory Agreements: The Trustees received and considered information regarding the
nature, extent and quality of services to be provided to the Westport Resources Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS
Advisors, the Coâ€Investment Advisory Agreement with Westport and the Subâ€Advisory Agreements with Sound Point, Concise Capital and Amundi
Smith Breeden. The Trustees reviewed certain background materials supplied by each of ALPS Advisors, Westport, Sound Point, Concise Capital and
Amundi Smith Breeden in its presentation, including its Form ADV.
The Trustees reviewed and considered each entity’s investment advisory personnel, its history as asset managers and its performance and the
amount of assets currently under management by it. The Trustees also reviewed the research and decisionâ€making processes utilized by each
entity, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the portion of the
Westport Resources Fund for which it was responsible.
The Trustees considered the background and experience of each entity’s management in connection with the Westport Resources Fund, including
reviewing the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the management team primarily responsible for the dayâ€toâ€day portfolio
management of the Westport Resources Fund assets allocated to it and the extent of the resources devoted to research and analysis of actual and
potential investments.
The Trustees also reviewed, among other things, each entity’s Code of Ethics.
Performance: The Trustees reviewed performance information for the Westport Resources Fund for the 1â€year period ended March 31, 2015. The
review included a comparison of the Westport Resources Fund’s performance to the performance universe of comparable funds selected by an
213 | October 31, 2015
. Additional Information
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
independent provider of investment company data. The Trustees noted that the Westport Resources Fund’s performance was lower than the
median for comparable funds, but reflected a very short period of time.
Comparable Accounts. The Trustees also considered information provided by Sound Point, Concise Capital and Amundi Smith Breeden regarding
the fee rates applicable to other comparable accounts managed by such subâ€adviser.
Profitability: The Trustees received and considered a profitability analysis prepared by each entity based on the fees payable to such entity under
the various agreements. The Trustees further considered the profits and losses realized by each entity in connection with the operation of the
Westport Resources Fund, noting that the Westport Resources Fund was unprofitable to Westport and Amundi Smith Breeden, and Westport’s
statements regarding its continuing commitment to the Westport Resources Fund despite its losses.
Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Westport Resources Fund will be
passed along to the shareholders under the proposed agreement.
Other Benefits to the Adviser: The Trustees reviewed and considered any other incidental benefits derived or to be derived by any of the entities
from its relationship with the Westport Resources Fund, including soft dollar arrangements.
The Board summarized its deliberations with respect to the Investment Advisory Agreement with ALPS Advisors, the Coâ€Investment Advisory
Agreement with Westport, and the Subâ€Advisory Agreements with Sound Point, Concise Capital and Amundi Smith Breeden. In selecting each entity
and the fees charged under the agreements, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees
to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve each of the agreements. Further, the Independent Trustees were advised by
separate independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that:
• the investment advisory fee rate was generally above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a
reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the Westport Resources Fund;
• the total expense ratio (after waivers) were above the median expense group fee and the median expense universe fee, but within a
reasonable range of such medians when considered in light of particular services provided to the Westport Resources Fund;
• the nature, extent and quality of services rendered by each entity under its applicable agreement were adequate;
• the performance of the Westport Resources Fund was generally lower than the median for comparable funds in its performance peer
universe, but reflected a very short period of time;
• bearing in mind the limitations of comparing different types of managed accounts and the different levels of service typically associated
with such accounts, the fee structures applicable to each subâ€adviser’s other clients employing a comparable strategy were not indicative
of any unreasonableness with respect to the advisory fees proposed to be payable by the Westport Resources Fund;
• the profit, if any, anticipated to be realized by any entity in connection with the operation of the Westport Resources Fund is not
unreasonable, and to the extent currently unprofitable, Westport remains committed to the Westport Resources Fund; and
• there were no material economies of scale or other incidental benefits accruing to any entity in connection with its relationship with the
Westport Resources Fund at this time.
Based on the Trustees’ deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, the Trustees, including all of the Independent
Trustees, concluded that each entity’s compensation for investment advisory services is consistent with the best interests of the Westport
Resources Fund and its shareholders.
214 | October 31, 2015
. Trustees and Officers
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
Additional information regarding the Funds’ trustees is included in the Statement of Additional Information, which can be obtained without
charge by calling (tollâ€free) (866) 759â€5679.
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Name,
Address*
& Year
of Birth
Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee****
Position(s)
Held with
Fund
Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**
Mary K.
Anstine,
1940
Trustee
Ms. Anstine was
elected at a
special meeting
of shareholders
held on March 21,
1997 and
reâ€elected at a
special meeting
of shareholders
held on
August 7, 2009.
Ms. Anstine was President/Chief
Executive Officer of HealthONE Alliance,
Denver, Colorado, and former Executive
Vice President of First Interstate Bank of
Denver. Ms. Anstine is also
Trustee/Director of AV Hunter Trust and
Colorado Uplift Board. Ms. Anstine was
formerly a Director of the Trust Bank of
Colorado (later purchased and now
known as Northern Trust Bank) and a
member of the American Bankers
Association Trust Executive Committee.
63
Ms. Anstine is a
Trustee of ALPS ETF
Trust (21 funds); ALPS
Variable Investment
Trust (9 funds); Reaves
Utility Income Fund (1
fund); and Westcore
Trust (12 funds).
John R.
Moran, Jr.,
1930
Trustee
Mr. Moran was
elected at a
special meeting
of shareholders
held on March 21,
1997 and
reâ€elected at a
special meeting
of shareholders
held on
August 7, 2009.
Mr. Moran is formerly President and
CEO of The Colorado Trust, a private
foundation serving the health and
hospital community in the state of
Colorado. Currently, Mr. Moran is a
member of the Treasurer’s Investment
Advisory Committee for the University
of Colorado.
34
None.
Jeremy W.
Deems,
1976
Trustee
Mr. Deems was
appointed as a
Trustee at the
March 11, 2008
meeting of the
Board of Trustees
and elected at a
special meeting
of shareholders
held on
August 7, 2009.
Mr. Deems is the Coâ€Founder, Chief
Operations Officer and Chief Financial
Officer of Green Alpha Advisors, LLC. Mr.
Deems is Coâ€Portfolio Manager of the
Shelton Green Alpha Fund. Prior to
joining Green Alpha Advisors, Mr. Deems
was CFO and Treasurer of Forward
Management, LLC, ReFlow Management
Co., LLC, ReFlow Fund, LLC, a private
investment fund, and Sutton Place
Management, LLC, an administrative
services company, from 2004 to
June 2007.
65
Mr. Deems is a Trustee
of ALPS ETF Trust (21
funds); ALPS Variable
Investment Trust (9
funds); Reaves Utility
Income Fund (1 fund);
and Clough Funds
Trust (1 fund).
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years***
*
**
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
All communications to Trustees and Officers may be directed to Financial Investors Trust c/o 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203.
This is the period for which the Trustee or Officer began serving the Trust. Each Trustee and/or Officer serves an indefinite term, until his
successor is elected.
*** Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.
**** The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust, currently 34, and any other investment companies for which any Trustee serves as Trustee
for and which ALPS Advisors, Red Rocks, Wellington Management, Clough Capital, RiverFront, Kotak, RREEF America, Westport Resources,
Concise Capital Management, LP, Amundi Smith Breeden LLC, Sound Point Capital Management, L.P. or Sterling Global Strategies LLC
provides investment advisory services (currently 38 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 4 funds, 1 fund, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds
and 0 funds, respectively).
215 | October 31, 2015
. Trustees and Officers
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Name,
Address*
& Year
of Birth
Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee****
Position(s)
Held with
Fund
Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**
Jerry G.
Rutledge,
1944
Trustee
Mr. Rutledge was
elected at a
special meeting
of shareholders
held on
August 7, 2009.
Mr. Rutledge is the President and owner
of Rutledge’s Inc., a retail clothing
business. He was from 1994 to 2007 a
Regent of the University of Colorado.
38
Mr. Rutledge is a
Trustee of Principal
Real Estate Income
Fund (1 fund), Clough
Global Allocation Fund
(1 fund), Clough Global
Equity Fund (1 fund)
and Clough Global
Opportunities Fund
(1 fund).
Michael
“Ross” Shell,
1970
Trustee
Mr. Shell was
elected at a
special meeting
of shareholders
held on
August 7, 2009.
Mr. Shell is Founder and CEO of Red
Idea, LLC, a strategic consulting/early
stage venture firm (since June 2008).
From 1999 to 2009, he was a partâ€
owner and Director of Tesser, Inc., a
brand agency. From December 2005 to
May 2008, he was Director, Marketing
and Investor Relations, of Woodbourne,
a REIT/real estate hedge fund and
private equity firm. Prior to this, from
May 2004 to November 2005, he
worked as a business strategy
consultant; from June 2003 to April
2004, he was on the Global Client
Services team of IDEO, a product
design/innovation firm; and from 1999
to 2003, he was President of Tesser, Inc.
Mr. Shell graduated with honors from
Stanford University with a degree in
Political Science.
34
None.
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years***
*
**
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
All communications to Trustees and Officers may be directed to Financial Investors Trust c/o 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203.
This is the period for which the Trustee or Officer began serving the Trust. Each Trustee and/or Officer serves an indefinite term, until his
successor is elected.
*** Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.
**** The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust, currently 34, and any other investment companies for which any Trustee serves as Trustee
for and which ALPS Advisors, Red Rocks, Wellington Management, Clough Capital, RiverFront, Kotak, RREEF America, Westport Resources,
Concise Capital Management, LP, Amundi Smith Breeden LLC, Sound Point Capital Management, L.P. or Sterling Global Strategies LLC
provides investment advisory services (currently 38 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 4 funds, 1 fund, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds
and 0 funds, respectively).
216 | October 31, 2015
. Trustees and Officers
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Name,
Address*
& Year
of Birth
Edmund J.
Burke,
1961
*
**
***
****
Position(s)
Held with
Fund
Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**
Trustee,
Chairman
and
President
Mr. Burke was
elected as
Chairman at the
August 28, 2009
meeting of the
Board of
Trustees. Mr.
Burke was
elected as Trustee
at a special
meeting of
shareholders held
on August 7,
2009. Mr. Burke
was elected
President of the
Trust at the
December 17,
2002 meeting
of the Board
of Trustees.
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years***
Mr. Burke is President and a Director of
ALPS Holdings, Inc. (“AHI”) (since 2005)
and Director of Boston Financial Data
Services, Inc. (“BFDS”), ALPS Advisors,
Inc. (“AAI”), ALPS Distributors, Inc.
(“ADI”), ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“AFS”)
and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor,
Inc. (“APSD”) and from 2001â€2008, was
President of AAI, ADI, AFS and APSD.
Because of his positions with AHI, BFDS,
AAI, ADI, AFS and APSD, Mr. Burke is
deemed an affiliate of the Trust as
defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. Burke is
Trustee and President of the Clough
Global Allocation Fund (Trustee since
2006; President since 2004); Trustee and
President of the Clough Global Equity
Fund (Trustee since 2006; President
since 2005); Trustee and President of
the Clough Global Opportunities Fund
(since 2006); Trustee of the Liberty
Allâ€Star Equity Fund; and Director of
the Liberty Allâ€Star Growth Fund, Inc.
Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee****
40
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
Mr. Burke is a Trustee
of Clough Global
Allocation Fund (1
fund); Clough Global
Equity Fund (1 fund);
Clough Global
Opportunities Fund (1
fund); Clough Funds
Trust (1 fund); Trustee
of the Liberty Allâ€Star
Equity Fund (1 fund);
and Director of the
Liberty Allâ€Star Growth
Fund, Inc. (1 fund).
All communications to Trustees and Officers may be directed to Financial Investors Trust c/o 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203.
This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.
The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust, currently 34, and any other investment companies for which any Trustee serves as Trustee
for and which ALPS Advisors, Red Rocks, Wellington Management, Clough Capital, RiverFront, Kotak, RREEF America, Westport Resources,
Concise Capital Management, LP, Amundi Smith Breeden LLC, Sound Point Capital Management, L.P. or Sterling Global Strategies LLC
provides investment advisory services (currently 38 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 4 funds, 1 fund, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds, 0 funds
and 0 funds, respectively).
217 | October 31, 2015
. Trustees and Officers
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
OFFICERS
Name, Address* &
Year of Birth
Position(s) Held
with Fund
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served**
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years***
Kimberly R. Storms,
1972
Treasurer
Ms. Storms was elected
Treasurer of the Trust
at the March 12, 2013
meeting of the Board
of Trustees.
Ms. Storms is Senior Vice President †Director of Fund
Administration of ALPS. Ms. Storms joined ALPS in 1998 as
Assistant Controller. Because of her position with ALPS,
Ms. Storms is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under
the 1940 Act. Ms. Storms is also Treasurer of BPV Family of Funds
and ALPS Series Trust; Assistant Treasurer of Liberty Allâ€Star
Equity Fund and Liberty Allâ€Star Growth Fund, Inc.; Assistant
Treasurer of Tilson Funds; and Chief Financial Officer of The
Arbitrage Funds.
JoEllen L. Legg,
1961
Secretary
Ms. Legg was elected
Secretary of the Trust
at the September 15,
2015 meeting of the
Board of Trustees.
Ms. Legg joined ALPS in October 2007 and is currently Vice
President, Assistant General Counsel of ALPS. Prior to joining
ALPS, Ms. Legg served as Senior Counsel †Law (Corporate &
Securities) for Adelphia Communications Corporation (February
2005 †March 2007). Prior to this, Ms. Legg held associate
positions at Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson LLP (1998 â€
2004) and at Patton Boggs LLP (2004 †2005). Because of her
position with ALPS, Ms. Legg is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as
defined under the 1940 Act. Ms. Legg is also the Secretary of
ALPS Series Trust and Reaves Utility Income Fund and Assistant
Secretary of Griffin Institutional Access Real Estate Fund.
Mr. Uhl was appointed
CCO of the Trust at the
June 8, 2010 meeting of
the Board of Trustees.
Mr. Uhl joined ALPS in October 2006, and is currently Deputy
Compliance Officer of ALPS. Prior to his current role, Mr. Uhl
served as Senior Risk Manager for ALPS from October 2006 until
June 2010. Before joining ALPS, Mr. Uhl served a Sr. Analyst with
Enenbach and Associates (RIA), and a Sr. Financial Analyst at
Sprint. Because of his position with ALPS, Mr. Uhl is deemed an
affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. Uhl is
also CCO of the Clough Global Funds, Reaves Utility Income Fund,
Drexel Hamilton Funds and Transparent Value Trust.
Ted Uhl,
1974
Chief
Compliance
Officer (“CCO”)
*
All communications to Trustees and Officers may be directed to Financial Investors Trust c/o 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203.
** This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
*** Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.
218 | October 31, 2015
. Trustees and Officers
October 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
OFFICERS (continued)
Name, Address* &
Year of Birth
Position(s) Held
with Fund
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served**
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years***
Jennell Panella,
1974
Assistant
Treasurer
Ms. Panella was
elected Assistant
Treasurer of the Trust
at the September 15,
2015 meeting of the
Board of Trustees.
Ms. Panella joined ALPS in June 2012 and is currently Fund
Controller of ALPS Fund Services, Inc. Prior to joining ALPS, Ms.
Panella served as Financial Reporting Manager for Parker Global
Strategies, LLC (2009â€2012). Because of her position with ALPS,
Ms. Panella is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under
the 1940 Act. Ms. Panella also serves as Assistant Treasurer of
James Advantage Funds.
Nate Mandeville,
1977
Assistant
Treasurer
Mr. Mandeville was
elected Assistant
Treasurer of the Trust
at the September 15,
2015 meeting of the
Board of Trustees.
Mr. Mandeville joined ALPS in December 2013 and is Fund
Controller for ALPS. Prior to joining ALPS, Mr. Mandeville worked
for Greatâ€West Financial (2011â€2013), Virtuoso Sourcing Group
(2008â€2011) and Janus Capital Group (2000â€2008). Because of his
position with ALPS, Mr. Mandeville is deemed an affiliate of the
Trust as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. Mandeville also serves
as Assistant Treasurer of ALPS Series Trust.
Sharon Akselrod,
1974
Assistant
Secretary
Ms. Akselrod was
elected Assistant
Secretary of the Trust
at the September 15,
2015 meeting of the
Board of Trustees.
Ms. Akselrod joined ALPS in August 2014 and is currently Senior
Investment Company Act Paralegal of ALPS Fund Services, Inc.
Prior to joining ALPS, Ms. Akselrod served as Corporate
Governance and Regulatory Associate for Nordstrom fsb (2013â€
2014) and Senior Legal Assistant – Legal Manager for AXA
Equitable Life Insurance Company (2008â€2013). Because of her
position with ALPS, Ms. Akselrod is deemed an affiliate of the
Trust as defined under the 1940 Act.
*
All communications to Trustees and Officers may be directed to Financial Investors Trust c/o 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203.
** This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
*** Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.
219 | October 31, 2015
. . . ANNUAL REPORT | October 31, 2015
The Management Commentaries included in this shareholder report contain
certain forward-looking statements about the factors that may affect the
performance of the Funds in the future. These statements are based on Fund
management’s predictions and expectations concerning certain future events
and their expected impact on the Funds, such as performance of the economy
as a whole and of specific industry sectors, changes in the levels of interest
rates, the impact of developing world events, and other factors that may
influence the future performance of the Funds. Management believes these
forward-looking statements to be reasonable, although they are inherently
uncertain and difficult to predict. Actual events may cause adjustments
in portfolio management strategies from those currently expected to
be employed.
Must be accompanied or preceded by a prospectus.
Investors are reminded to
read the prospectus carefully before investing.
ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., distributor.
ALP000903
.