N-CSR 1 d238084dncsr.htm VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST Virtus Opportunities Trust
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number             811-07455                    

                           Virtus Opportunities Trust                          

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

101 Munson Street

                         Greenfield, MA  01301-9668                        

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Kevin J. Carr, Esq.

Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary for Registrant

100 Pearl Street

                                   Hartford, CT  06103-4506                                  

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (800) 243-1574

Date of fiscal year end:  September 30

Date of reporting period:  September 30, 2016

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.


Table of Contents

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

Virtus Bond Fund*

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Virtus Essential Resources Fund*

Virtus High Yield Fund*

Virtus Low Duration Income Fund

Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund*

Virtus Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund*

Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Virtus Wealth Masters Fund

September 30, 2016

TRUST NAME: VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

* Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information supplements applicable to these Funds
appear at the back of this annual report

LOGO

Not FDIC Insured

No Bank Guarantee

May Lose Value


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

Message to Shareholders

  

     1   

Disclosure of Fund Expenses

  

     2   

Key Investment Terms

  

     4   
Fund   Fund
Summary
     Schedule
of
Investments
 

Virtus Bond Fund (“Bond Fund”)

    7         31   

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (“CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund”)

    9         38   

Virtus Essential Resources Fund (“Essential Resources Fund”)

    12         41   

Virtus High Yield Fund (“High Yield Fund”)

    14         43   

Virtus Low Duration Income Fund (“Low Duration Income Fund”)

    17         49   

Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund (“Low Volatility Equity Fund”)

    19         58   

Virtus Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund (“Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund”)

    21         59   

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund (“Senior Floating Rate Fund”)

    23         68   

Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (“Tax-Exempt Bond Fund”)

    26         74   

Virtus Wealth Masters Fund (“Wealth Masters Fund”)

    29         79   

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

    81      

Statements of Operations

    84      

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    88      

Financial Highlights

    95      

Notes to Financial Statements

    101      

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    116      

Tax Information Notice

    117      

Consideration of Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements by the Board of Trustees

    118      

Results of Shareholder Meetings

    120      

Fund Management Tables

    124      

 

Proxy Voting Procedures and Voting Record (Form N-PX)

The subadvisers vote proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with procedures that have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“Trustees,” or the “Board”). You may obtain a description of these procedures, along with information regarding how the Funds voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, free of charge, by calling toll-free 1-800-243-1574. This information is also available through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

Form N-Q Information

The Trust files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for each Fund with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-SEC-0330.

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Funds presented in this book unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus which includes information concerning the sales charge, each Fund’s record and other pertinent information.


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MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

To My Fellow Shareholders of Virtus Mutual Funds:

 

LOGO   

I am pleased to present this annual report that reviews the performance of your fund for the 12 months ended September 30, 2016.

 

During the first half of the fiscal year, global equity markets were challenged by falling oil prices, China’s slowdown, and concerns over the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) first rate hike in nine years, which occurred in December 2015. Equities plummeted in early 2016, but stabilizing oil prices and the Fed’s softened stance on further rate hikes for 2016 sparked a rally in mid-February that lasted until June. The U.K.’s June 23 “Brexit” decision to leave the European Union triggered a selloff that was largely

short-lived. Calm was restored by better-than-expected corporate earnings, an improving global economic picture, and reassurance that the world’s central banks would continue to provide monetary stimulus. By the end of September, U.S. equity markets had recovered much of their losses, and the 12-month period was positive for many asset classes.

 

For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, U.S. small-cap stocks kept pace with U.S. large-cap stocks, as measured by the 15.47% and 15.43% returns of the Russell 2000® Index and S&P 500® Index, respectively. Within international equities, emerging markets significantly outperformed their developed peers, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) up 16.78%, while the MSCI EAFE® Index (net) returned 6.52%.

 

Demand for U.S. Treasuries remained strong, driven by foreign investors seeking safe havens and yield in light of the negative interest rate environment in many international economies. On September 30, 2016, the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yielded 1.60% compared with 2.06% one year earlier. For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, the broader U.S. fixed income market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks Treasuries and other investment-grade debt securities, gained 5.19%, while non-investment grade bonds rose 12.73%, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index.

 

The strength of the global economy will likely remain a leading concern for markets in the months ahead, and investors will watch with great interest the actions of the Fed and other major central banks. The U.S. economy’s continued growth, as evidenced by recent strong jobs, housing, and consumer spending data, should give investors reason for optimism, but future market direction will be determined largely by the ability of corporations to continue to produce robust earnings.

 

Market uncertainty is an ever-present reminder of the importance of portfolio diversification, including exposure to both traditional and alternative asset classes. While diversification cannot guarantee a profit or prevent a loss, owning a variety of asset classes may cushion your portfolio against inevitable market fluctuations. Your financial advisor can help you ensure that your portfolio is adequately diversified across asset classes and investment strategies.

 

As always, thank you for entrusting Virtus with your assets. Should you have questions about your account or require assistance, please visit our website at Virtus.com, or call our customer service team at 1-800-243-1574. We appreciate your business and remain committed to your long-term financial success.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

 

George R. Aylward

President, Virtus Mutual Funds

 

October 2016

Performance data quoted represents past results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

 

1


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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2016 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of costs on your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a Virtus Opportunities Trust Fund (each, a “Fund”) you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges on purchases of Class A shares and contingent deferred sales charges on Class B and Class C shares; and (2) ongoing costs, including investment advisory fees, distribution and service fees, and other expenses. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are sold without sales charges and do not incur distribution and service fees. For further information regarding applicable sales charges, see Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period. The following Expense Table illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways.

Actual Expenses

The first section of the accompanying table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section, 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 given for your Fund under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second section of the accompanying 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 your 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 your Fund and other 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 accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying 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. The calculations assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Your actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of your investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

Expense Table  
     Beginning
Account Value
April 1, 2016
    Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2016
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Expenses Paid
During
Period*
 

Bond Fund

  

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,048.70        0.87   $ 4.46   

Class B

    1,000.00        1,043.30        1.63        8.33   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,044.00        1.62        8.28   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,050.20        0.62        3.18   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,020.65        0.87        4.39   

Class B

    1,000.00        1,016.85        1.63        8.22   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,016.90        1.62        8.17   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,021.90        0.62        3.13   

CA Tax Exempt Bond Fund

  

       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,024.00        0.87   $ 4.41   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,026.20        0.62        3.15   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,020.71        0.87        4.41   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,021.96        0.62        3.14   

Essential Resources Fund

  

       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,052.40        1.68   $ 8.64   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,049.10        2.42        12.43   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,054.80        1.42        7.31   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,016.60        1.68        8.47   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,012.90        2.42        12.18   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,017.90        1.42        7.16   

High Yield Fund

  

                       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,093.70        1.15   $ 6.02   

Class B

    1,000.00        1,089.70        1.89        9.87   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,091.30        1.90        9.93   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,095.10        0.90        4.71   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,019.25        1.15        5.81   

Class B

    1,000.00        1,015.55        1.89        9.52   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,015.50        1.90        9.57   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,020.50        0.90        4.55   

Low Duration Income Fund

  

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,022.20        0.77   $ 3.89   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,017.40        1.52        7.67   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,023.50        0.52        2.63   

Hypothetical

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,021.15        0.77        3.89   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,017.40        1.52        7.67   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,022.40        0.52        2.63   
 

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) (Continued)

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2016 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Expense Table  
     Beginning
Account Value
April 1, 2016
    Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2016
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Expenses Paid
During
Period*
 

Low Volatility Equity Fund

  

       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,044.20        1.58   $ 8.07   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,041.10        2.34        11.94   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,046.80        1.33        6.81   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,017.10        1.58        7.97   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,013.30        2.34        11.78   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,018.35        1.33        6.71   

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

  

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,085.90        1.15   $ 6.00   

Class B

    1,000.00        1,082.10        1.89        9.84   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,082.00        1.89        9.84   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,087.20        0.89        4.64   

Class R6

    1,000.00        1,088.70        0.83        4.33   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,019.25        1.15        5.81   

Class B

    1,000.00        1,015.55        1.89        9.52   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,015.55        1.89        9.52   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,020.55        0.89        4.50   

Class R6

    1,000.00        1,020.85        0.83        4.19   

Senior Floating Rate Fund

  

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,047.07        1.25   $ 6.40   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,043.08        2.00        10.22   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,048.44        1.00        5.12   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

   

Class A

    1,000.00        1,018.75        1.25        6.31   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,015.00        2.00        10.08   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,020.00        1.00        5.05   

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

  

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,015.50        0.87   $ 4.38   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,011.60        1.62        8.15   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,016.80        0.63        3.18   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

   

Class A

    1,000.00        1,020.65        0.87        4.39   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,016.90        1.62        8.17   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,021.85        0.63        3.18   

Wealth Masters Fund

  

                       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,090.40        1.48   $ 7.73   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,086.10        2.23        11.63   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,091.60        1.23        6.43   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

   

Class A

    1,000.00        1,017.60        1.48        7.47   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,013.85        2.23        11.23   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,018.85        1.23        6.21   

 

* Expenses are equal to the relevant Funds’ annualized expense ratio, which is net of waived fees and reimbursed expenses, if applicable, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (183) expenses were accrued in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 366 to reflect the one-half year period.

For Funds which may invest in other funds, the annualized expense ratios noted above do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. If such fees and expenses had been included, the expenses would have been higher.

You can find more information about the Funds’ expenses in the Financial Statements section that follows. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, refer to the prospectus.

 

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

American Depositary Receipt (ADR)

Represents shares of foreign companies traded in U.S. dollars on U.S. exchanges that are held by a U.S. bank or a trust. Foreign companies use ADRs in order to make it easier for Americans to buy their shares.

Bank of Japan (“BOJ”)

The Bank of Japan is the Japanese central bank.

Bloomberg Barclays California Municipal Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays California Municipal Bond Index measures long term investment grade, tax-exempt and fixed rate bonds issued in California. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that measures the long-term tax-exempt bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that measures fixed rate non-investment grade debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. corporations. No single issuer accounts for more than 2% of market cap. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index measures U.S. investment grade government and corporate debt securities with an average maturity of 4 to 5 years. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Municipal Securities Index

The BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Municipal Securities Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar denominated investment grade tax-exempt debt publicly issued by U.S. states and territories, and their political subdivisions, in the U.S. domestic market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

BofA Merrill Lynch 1–22 Year U.S. Municipal Securities Index

The BofA Merrill Lynch 1–22 Year U.S. Municipal Securities Index is a a subset of the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Municipal Securities Index including all securities with a remaining term to final maturity less than 22 years, calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index (“VIX®”) shows the market’s expectation of 30-day volatility. It is constructed using the implied volatilities of a wide range of S&P 500® Index options. This volatility is meant to be forward looking and is calculated from both calls and puts. The VIX® is a widely used measure of market risk and is often referred to as the “investor fear gauge.” The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

CBOE S&P 500 Buywrite Index

The CBOE S&P 500 Buywrite Index is a passive total return index based on buying an S&P 500® stock index portfolio and “writing” (or selling) the nearterm S&P 500® Index (SPXSM) “covered” call option. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

Collateralized Loan Obligation (“CLO”)

A collateralized loan obligation is a type of security backed by a pool of debt, typically low-rated corporate loans, structured so that there are several classes of bondholders with varying maturities, called tranches.

European Central Bank (“ECB”)

The European Central Bank (ECB) is responsible for conducting monetary policy for the eurozone. The ECB was established as the core of the Eurosystem and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). The ESCB comprises the ECB and the national central banks (NCBs) of all 17 European Union Member States whether they have adopted the Euro or not.

European Union (“EU”)

The European Union (“EU”) is a unique economic and political union of 28 European countries. The EU was created in the aftermath of the Second World War that has become a single market for goods and services and it created the single currency the euro.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF)

A Fund that is traded on a stock exchange. Most ETFs have a portfolio of stocks or bonds that track a specific market index.

Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)

The Central Bank of the United States, responsible for controlling the money supply, interest rates and credit with the goal of keeping the U.S. economy and currency stable. Governed by a seven-member board, the system includes 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, 25 branches and all national and state banks that are part of the system.

Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”)

The market value of all officially recognized final goods and services produced within a country in a given period.

iShares®

Represents shares of an open-end exchange-traded fund.

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

A benchmark rate that some of the world’s leading banks charge each other for short-term loans and that serves as the first step to calculating interest rates on various loans throughout the world.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Bond

An M&A bond is a type of corporate bond that is used to raise money for financing activities such as mergers and acquisitions.

MSCI EAFE® Index (net)

The MSCI EAFE® Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net)

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

MSCI World Index (net)

The MSCI World Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed global market equity performance. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries was originally organized in September 1960 with 5 member countries and there are currently 12 member countries. The organization’s objective is to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry.

Payment-in-Kind Security (PIK)

A bond which pays interest in the form of additional bonds, or preferred stock which pays dividends in the form of additional preferred stock.

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

A publicly traded company that owns, develops and operates income-producing real estate such as apartments, office buildings, hotels, shopping centers and other commercial properties.

Russell 2000® Index

The Russell 2000® Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell Universe, which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

S&P 100® Index

The S&P 100® Index, a sub-set of the S&P 500®, measures the performance of large-cap U.S. companies, and comprises 100 major, blue chip companies across multiple industry groups.

S&P 500® Index

The S&P 500® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

S&P Global Natural Resources Index (net)

The S&P Global Natural Resources Index (net) is a free-float market capitalization index calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index consists of 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 three primary commodity-related sectors: agribusiness, energy, and metals and mining. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index

The S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index is a daily total return index that uses LSTA/LPC Mark-to-Market Pricing (third-party research data on the price movements of senior secured floating rate loans in the secondary loan market) to calculate market value change. On a real-time basis, the Index tracks the current outstanding balance and spread over LIBOR for fully funded term loans. The facilities included in the Index represent a broad cross section of leveraged loans syndicated in the United States, including dollar-denominated loans to overseas issuers. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges and it is not available for direct investment.

Tax-Exempt Bond Linked Benchmark

The Tax-Exempt Bond Linked Benchmark consists of the BofA Merrill Lynch 1-22 Year US Municipal Securities Index, a subset of the BofA Merrill Lynch US Municipal Securities Index including all securities with a remaining term to final maturity less than 22 years, calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment. Performance of the Tax- Exempt Bond Linked Benchmark prior to 6/30/2012 is that of the Barclays Municipal Bond Index.

When-issued and Forward Commitments (Delayed Delivery)

Securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis are also known as delayed delivery transactions. Delayed delivery transactions involve a commitment by a Fund to purchase or sell a security at a future date, ordinarily up to 90 days later. When-issued or forward commitments enable a Fund to lock in what is believed to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates.

 

6


Table of Contents

Bond Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: SAVAX

Class B: SAVBX

Class C: SAVCX

Class I: SAVYX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Newfleet Asset Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of high total return from both current income and capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 6.38%, Class B shares returned 5.47%, Class C shares returned 5.54%, and Class I shares returned 6.63%. For the same period, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which serves as the broad-based and style-specific benchmark index appropriate for comparison, returned 5.19%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the market perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

 

¢   Most fixed income spread sectors outperformed U.S. Treasuries during the fiscal year. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) dovish stance in mid-February sparked a rally that turned around a volatile time period that began with fresh concerns over China, plummeting oil prices, and fears that the Fed had raised interest rates too soon.

 

¢   Late in June volatility returned briefly with fallout from the U.K.’s unexpected decision to leave the European Union (“Brexit”). Bond yields in the U.S., Japan, and across Europe fell to historic lows in early July as investors fled to the safety of bonds on global growth concerns fueled by the June 23 Brexit vote. Markets recovered rather quickly however from the initial shock. Easing by major central banks and a weaker U.S. dollar helped to improve global risk sentiment and stabilize markets.

 

¢   September brought heightened concerns over the ability and willingness of global central banks to fight chronic low inflation and weak growth as the decision by the European Central Bank (“ECB”) to leave interest rates and its stimulus program unchanged was a precipitating factor in a widespread market sell-off, reinforced by fears that
   

the Bank of Japan (“BOJ”) had run out of quantitative easing tools. Hawkish signals from the Fed added to the volatility. The BOJ subsequently decided not to reduce interest rates further but to shift its focus to stabilizing rates for longer maturity government bonds. This bolstered market sentiment, as did the Fed’s eventual decision to stand pat at its September monetary policy meeting.

 

¢   Over the last 12 months, U.S. Treasury yields increased for shorter maturity bonds while yields decreased for intermediate to longer term bonds.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

 

¢   The underperformance of U.S. Treasuries relative to most fixed income spread sectors was the key driver of the Fund’s outperformance for the fiscal year.

 

¢   The Fund’s allocation to the corporate high yield sector and issue selection within corporate high quality bonds were the largest positive contributors to performance during the fiscal year.

 

¢   During the fiscal year, the Fund’s allocation to asset-backed securities detracted from performance.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

ABS/MBS: Changes in interest rates can cause both extension and prepayment risks for asset- and mortgage-backed securities. These securities are also subject to risks associated with the repayment of underlying collateral.

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 
The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.     

Corporate Bonds and Notes

      47

Financials

    17    

Consumer Discretionary

    6       

Real Estate

    4       

All other Corporate Bonds and Notes

    20       

Mortgage-Backed Securities

      27   

U.S. Government Securities

      7   

Asset-Backed Securities

      5   

Loan Agreements

      4   

Preferred Stocks

      3   

Other Investments

      7   
     

 

 

 

Total

      100
           

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

7


Table of Contents

Bond Fund (Continued)

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        5 years        10 years  
Class A Shares at NAV2        6.38        4.29        5.04
Class A Shares at POP3        2.39           3.50           4.64   
Class B Shares at NAV2        5.47           3.50           4.24   
Class B Shares with CDSC4        1.47           3.50           4.24   
Class C Shares at NAV2        5.54           3.52           4.25   
Class I Shares at NAV        6.63           4.57           5.31   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.19           3.08           4.79   

Fund Expense Ratios5: A Shares: Gross 1.13%, Net 0.86%; B Shares: Gross 1.88%, Net 1.61%; C Shares: Gross 1.88%, Net 1.61%; I Shares: Gross 0.88%, Net 0.61%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 3.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for B shares decline from 5% to 0% over a five-year period. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver. Expense ratios include fees and expenses associated with underlying funds.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

8


Table of Contents

CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: CTESX

Class I: CTXEX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Newfleet Asset Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of obtaining a high level of current income exempt from California state and local income taxes, as well as federal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 5.56% and Class I shares returned 5.83%. For the same period, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad-based fixed income index, returned 5.19%, and the Bloomberg Barclays California Municipal Bond Index, the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 5.45%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

The municipal bond market experienced solid performance over the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, as tax-free interest rates declined and credit risk spreads narrowed. The market’s technical conditions (supply and demand) remained strong for much of the period, with investors continuing to pour money into open-end municipal bond mutual funds and new issuance of municipal bonds mostly manageable despite interest rates hovering near generational low levels. However, the technical support weakened somewhat as the end of September approached. U.S. Treasury yields began to rise and tax-free interest rates followed, as the market priced in a higher probability of a rate hike by the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”). At the same time, municipal bond supply increased as municipalities issued bonds to get ahead of potential Fed rate hikes and perhaps to catch up on issuance delayed as a result of disruptions related to the U.K.’s “Brexit” vote in late June. The markets also were receptive to lower-rated credits as investors reached for yield across all areas of the fixed income market. As a result of the rise in yields and surge in supply, municipal bond performance turned negative for the first time in over a year.

The municipal market was otherwise resilient in the face of a number of market events and conditions, including repercussions from the U.K.’s surprising Brexit vote outcome; Puerto Rico’s default on its general obligation bonds and select public corporations; oil price volatility; the increasing and decreasing probabilities of a Fed rate hike; the U.S. presidential election; and the problems surrounding underfunded pension plans across the country. Aside from Puerto Rico, defaults have been very low in the municipal bond sector.

Demand for municipal bonds continued unabated, with 52 consecutive weeks of inflows into municipal bond mutual funds totaling over $50 billion. While long-term funds represented the bulk of the assets in terms of flows, the highest percentage increase of assets under management occurred among high yield funds. Though interrupted by the recent increase in supply, strong technicals have been the driving factor in the municipal market’s strength.

The economy continued to expand during the period, but the slow pace of growth continued to have an adverse effect on state budgets. State and local sales tax growth remained positive, but showed signs of slowing. Personal tax collections in the second quarter of 2016 grew by only 1.8% year-over-year, according to the Rockefeller Institute. Local property taxes, however, continued to benefit from an improving housing market and home prices.

By far, the largest challenge to the municipal credit remained the extent of underfunded pension obligations. Pension funds across the country have been struggling to meet assumed rates of return in the current low interest rate/stagnant stock market environment. As an example of a particularly serious situation, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (“CALPERS”) reported a 0.6% return in its last fiscal year, far short of an assumed rate of return of 7.5%. The impact of lower-than-expected returns on pension funding levels has increased the stress on municipal budgets to increase annual contributions and divert funds from other spending.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

Over the past 12 months, the market’s best performers were longer duration, lower coupon, and lower credit quality bonds as interest rates declined beyond five years and risk premiums narrowed.

While they still produced positive performance, bonds with shorter maturities, lower duration, and higher credit quality displayed relatively weaker performance for most of the year.

The Fund’s performance relative to the benchmark benefited from exposure to bonds with long maturities, lower-rated securities (including below-investment grade-rated bonds), and lower coupon securities. The Fund’s relative performance was negatively impacted by exposure to short-term maturities, higher coupons, better quality, and pre-refunded bonds.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

Geographic Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular geographic location will be highly sensitive to financial, economic, political, and other developments affecting the fiscal stability of that location.

Municipal Market: Events negatively impacting a municipal security, or the municipal bond market in general, may cause the fund to decrease in value.

State & AMT Tax: A portion of income may be subject to some state and/or local taxes and, for certain investors, a portion may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

9


Table of Contents
CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (Continued)   

 

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds

      100

Pre-Refunded

    15    

General Obligation

    13       

Development Revenue

    13       

Water & Sewer Revenue

    11       

Lease Revenue

    10       

General Revenue

    9       

Medical Revenue

    8       

Other

    21       
     

 

 

 

Total

      100
           

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

10


Table of Contents

CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (Continued)

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        5 years        10 years  
Class A Shares at NAV2        5.56        5.00        4.48
Class A Shares at POP3,4        2.66           4.42           4.19   
Class I Shares at NAV        5.83           5.25           4.74   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.19           3.08           4.79   
Bloomberg Barclays California Municipal Bond Index        5.45           5.17           4.98   

Fund Expense Ratios5: A Shares: Gross 1.18%, Net 0.85%; I Shares: Gross 0.93%, Net 0.60%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 2.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006 for Class A and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

11


Table of Contents

Essential Resources Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VERAX

Class C: VERCX

Class I: VERIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd.

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 12.93%, Class C shares returned 12.07%, and Class I shares returned 13.27%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based fixed equity index, returned 15.43% and the S&P Global Natural Resources Index (net) the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison returned 23.89%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

During the Fund’s fiscal year, global stock markets made strong gains, bond yields continued to trend lower, and commodity prices were generally higher. The S&P Global Natural Resources Index returned a stellar 23.89% (net), in U.S. dollars (USD), outperforming the MSCI World Index (net) (+11.4% net, in USD) by a significant margin.

The extraordinary easy monetary policy being pursued by central banks globally since 2008 continued throughout the period. More recently, this journey has resulted in increasingly negative interest rates and bond yields around the globe. Indeed, the decision of the U.S. Federal Reserve to raise interest rates last December, even if repeated in coming months, is looking more and more like an anomaly in this overall context. Low rates and yields have become the new normal. Emerging markets have proven to be particular beneficiaries. A generally better tone for commodity prices and better-than-feared data from China also helped emerging market equities to outperform during the period.

The announcement in late September from oil cartel OPEC that it would scale back production later this year helped oil prices rally towards $50 a barrel. Latin America benefited in particular from strong gains in

Brazil. Growing expectations of improved earnings and economic growth continued to support the recovery there.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund underperformed the S&P Global Natural Resources Index during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. Sector allocation was important as there is a high degree of difference between the composition of the Fund and the Index, both at the sector and stock levels. The Index had a high exposure to energy stocks (roughly 29%), which benefited from a very strong run due to rising oil prices, while the Fund had only 2% in energy stocks and zero exposure to oil stocks. The Index also had a large weighting in the materials sector (about 65%), which benefited from a rebound in mining and gold names. These stocks of extractive industries which the Fund did not hold. In terms of positive contributors, the Fund had positive stock selection in the consumer staples sector, and a larger exposure to this sector than the Index.

Water was the best performing sector for the Fund, both on a relative and absolute basis, followed by energy solutions. The agribusiness sector was the poorest performer. The Fund remained broadly equally weighted to the water, energy solutions, and agribusiness sectors, allowing for market movements.

Cyclical stocks came back into favor in 2016 as relatively cheap valuations saw value-oriented names outperform the growth stocks that had previously seen a lot of momentum. Company earnings over the period were also more in line with expectations and this provided support for many of our water-related stocks, particularly in instances where there was less certainty in the lead-up to results. The utility segment was a strong performer in the period due to its defensive nature as significant political and macro uncertainty provided momentum. The infrastructure segment also saw strong performance, particularly in the second half of the period, as our most cyclical segment benefited from the outperformance of stocks with more cyclical end markets.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to

change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and there is no guarantee market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objectives.

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Industrials

    27

Consumer Staples

    16   

Utilities

    16   

Materials

    14   

Information Technology

    8   

Consumer Discretionary

    7   

Financials

    4   

Other

    8   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

12


Table of Contents

Essential Resources Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        12.93        -6.14        3/24/15   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        6.44           -9.72           3/24/15   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        12.07           -6.84           3/24/15   
Class I Shares at NAV2        13.27           -5.88           3/24/15   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           4.62 5           
S&P Global Natural Resources Index (net)        23.89           -4.13 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 6.27%, Net 1.66%; C Shares: Gross 7.02%, Net 2.41%; I Shares: Gross 6.02%, Net 1.41%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by a contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver. Expense ratios include fees and expenses associated with underlying funds.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 24, 2015 (inception date of the Fund) for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

13


Table of Contents

High Yield Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: PHCHX

Class B: PHCCX

Class C: PGHCX

Class I: PHCIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Newfleet Asset Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has a primary investment objective of high current income and a secondary objective of capital growth.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 10.59%, Class B shares returned 9.52%, and Class C shares returned 9.68%. Class I shares returned 10.86%. For the same period, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad-based fixed income index, returned 5.19%, and the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index, the Fund‘s style-specific index appropriate for comparison, returned 12.74%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the market perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

The U.S. high yield market, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index, posted a 12.74% return for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. There was a sharp contrast in performance between the first quarter and the rest of the fiscal year. Heightened concerns over China’s slowdown and its adverse impact on commodity prices and currencies weighed heavily on the high yield sector from October to December 2015, producing a negative result. The energy and metals & mining industries led the sector down with double-digit negative returns, but other favorably-viewed industries followed them into negative territory. The turbulence continued into January and early February. The Federal Reserve’s dovish tone in mid-February, however, sparked a rally and a demand for risk assets that continued almost unabated for the rest of the year. As of September 30, the high yield sector had posted eight consecutive months of positive returns.

The steep recovery of the energy and metals & mining industry groups within the high yield benchmark index best accounts for the strength in the high yield market over the fiscal year. For the first

nine months of 2016, metals & mining gained 41.1%; for the last 12 months, which includes the negative performance from October to December 2015, the gain was 27.7%. The nine- and 12-month returns for energy were 29.81% and 13.09%, respectively, but the strong performance of the high yield sector really began February 11 with the Index returning 21.37%, while the underlying metals & mining and energy industries returned 48.51%, and 60.40%, respectively, from that point until the end of the fiscal year.

The returns across the rating spectrum demonstrated the effect of easy global monetary policy and the lack of viable income alternatives. As investors reached for yield, the lower credit tiers outperformed, as measured by the high yield benchmark index, with CCCs, Bs, and BBs returning 25.55%, 13.52%, and 12.29% over the last nine months, and 16.12%, 11.29%, and 12.13% for the full fiscal year, respectively.

Fundamentals have weakened, particularly in the energy and metals & mining industries. As is consistent with the later stages of the credit cycle, leverage has crept up, cash as a percentage of debt has decreased, and the default rate has continued to climb. The default rate rose to 5.4% as of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year.

From a technical perspective, the high yield sector experienced considerable outflows during October to December 2015. A dramatic reversal occurred in mid-February and flows were mostly positive after that watershed event. Similarly, initially anemic issuance turned robust over the last three quarters of the fiscal year.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The positive performance of the U.S. high yield market contributed to the Fund’s positive return during the year.

The top contributors to the Fund’s performance during the year were issue selection, as well as some of our conscious overweights and underweights within certain industries. In particular, the portfolio benefited from issue selection within the cable-satellite, wireline, and supermarket industries, and our allocations to gaming and banking. Our allocation

and issue selection to electric utilities was also additive to performance.

A primary detractor from performance was higher quality bias. Our underweight to the energy and metals & mining industries helped performance early in the year. However, our relatively lower risk positioning held the Fund back after the mid-February rally. We added some risk to the portfolio and brought up our energy and metals & mining weightings, but we did not chase yields in the most downtrodden areas of the high yield sector where the bulk of performance occurred.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objectives.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

Foreign Investing: Investing internationally involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

14


Table of Contents
High Yield Fund (Continued)   

 

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Corporate Bonds and Notes

      82

Consumer Discretionary

    22    

Energy

    13       

Health Care

    11       

Materials

    9       

Telecommunication Services

    7       

Financials

    6       

Industrials

    6       

All other Corporate Bonds and Notes

    8       

Loan Agreements

      10   

Other (includes short-term investments)

      8   
     

 

 

 

Total

      100
           

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

15


Table of Contents

High Yield Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16                                
     1 year        5 years        10 years       

Since

Inception

      

Inception

Date

 
Class A Shares at NAV2      10.59        7.73        5.33                    
Class A Shares at POP3,4      6.44           6.91           4.93                       
Class B Shares at NAV2      9.52           6.91           4.54                       
Class B Shares with CDSC4      5.52           6.91           4.54                       
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4      9.68           6.94           4.57                       
Class I Shares at NAV2      10.86                               5.71        8/8/12   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index      5.19           3.08           4.79           2.64 5           
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index      12.74           8.34           7.80           6.02 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 1.33%, Net 1.16% B Shares: Gross 2.08%, Net 1.91% C Shares: Gross 2.08%, Net 1.91% Class I: Gross 1.08% Net 0.91%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 3.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for B shares decline from 5% to 0% over a five-year period. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the inception date of Class I.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver. Expense ratios include fees and expenses associated with underlying funds.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A, Class B, and Class C shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

16


Table of Contents

Low Duration Income Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

A Share: HIMZX

C Share: PCMZX

I Share: HIBIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Newfleet Asset Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective to provide a high level of total return, including a competitive level of current income, while limiting fluctuations in net asset value due to changes in interest rates.

 

  Effective September 23, 2016, the Virtus Low Duration Fund was reorganized as a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust and its fiscal year end changed from December 31 to September 30. As a result, the commentary addresses nine months of performance through September 30.

 

¢   For the fiscal period January 1, 2016, through September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 3.25%*, Class C shares at NAV returned 2.67%* and Class I shares at NAV returned 3.44%*. For the same period, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad-based fixed income index, returned 5.80%* and the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index, which is the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 4.23%*.

 

* Returns less than 1 year are not annualized.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the market perform during the Fund’s nine- month fiscal period?

 

¢   Most fixed income spread sectors outperformed U.S. Treasuries during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) dovish stance in mid-February sparked a rally that turned around a volatile time period that began with fresh concerns over China, plummeting oil prices, and fears that the Fed had raised interest rates too soon.

 

¢   Late in June volatility returned briefly with fallout from the U.K.’s unexpected decision to leave the European Union (“Brexit”). Bond yields in the U.S., Japan, and across Europe fell to historic lows in early July as investors fled to the safety of bonds
   

on global growth concerns fueled by the June 23 Brexit vote. Markets recovered rather quickly, however, from the initial shock. Easing by major central banks and a weaker U.S. dollar helped to improve global risk sentiment and stabilize markets.

 

¢   September brought heightened concerns over the ability and willingness of global central banks to fight chronic low inflation and weak growth as the decision by the European Central Bank (“ECB”) to leave interest rates and its stimulus program unchanged was a precipitating factor in a widespread market sell-off, reinforced by fears that the Bank of Japan (“BOJ”) had run out of quantitative easing tools. Hawkish signals from the Fed added to the volatility. The BOJ subsequently decided not to reduce interest rates further but to shift its focus to stabilizing rates for longer maturity government bonds. This bolstered market sentiment, as did the Fed’s eventual decision to stand pat at its September monetary policy meeting.

 

¢   Over the last nine months, yields largely decreased for both shorter maturity and longer term U.S. Treasury bonds.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during the Fund’s nine-month fiscal period?

 

¢   The underperformance of U.S. Treasuries relative to most fixed income spread sectors was the key driver of the Fund’s positive performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

¢   The Fund’s allocation to corporate high yield securities was the largest positive contributor to performance during the nine month period.

 

¢   During the nine month period, the Fund’s allocation to asset-backed securities detracted from performance.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

ABS/MBS: Changes in interest rates can cause both extension and prepayment risks for asset- and mortgage-backed securities. These securities are also subject to risks associated with the repayment of underlying collateral.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors as a percentage of total investments at September 30, 2016.

 

    

Mortgage-Backed Securities

      41

Asset-Backed Securities

      24   

Corporate Bonds and Notes

      18   

Financials

    7    

Industrials

    2       

Health Care

    2       

Total of all others

    7       

U.S. Government Securities

      10   

Loan Agreements

      4   

Other

      3   
     

 

 

 

Total

  

    100
           

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

17


Table of Contents

Low Duration Income Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16                              
       1 year        5 years        10 years  
Class A Shares at NAV2        2.78        2.71        3.82
Class A Shares at POP3,4        0.47           2.24           3.58   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and CDSC4        2.01           1.94           3.05   
Class I Shares at NAV2        3.14           2.97           4.08   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.19           3.08           4.79   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index        3.52           2.45           4.17   

Fund Expense Ratios5: A Shares: Gross 1.12%, Net 0.75%; C Shares: Gross 1.872%, Net 1.50%; I Shares: Gross 0.872%, Net 0.50%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 2.25% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for C shares are 1% in the first year and 0% thereafter. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares are 1% within the first year and 0% thereafter.
5  The expense ratios of the Fund, both net and gross, are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective September 23, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expenses: Expenses reduced by a contractual fee waiver in effect through September 30, 2017. Gross Expenses: Do not reflect the effect of contractual fee waiver.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A, Class C and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

18


Table of Contents

Low Volatility Equity Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VLVAX

Class C: VLVCX

Class I: VLVIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Rampart Investment Management Company, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of capital appreciation with lower volatility than U.S. markets over a full market cycle.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 2.82%, Class C shares returned 2.05%, and Class I shares returned 3.08%. For the same period, the CBOE S&P 500 Buywrite Index, a broad-based fixed equity index returned 8.48%, and S&P 500® Index the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison returned 15.43%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

During the Fund’s fiscal year, the U.S. equity markets (as reflected by the S&P 500® Index) grinded higher to end the year more than 15% greater than where it began. During this time frame, there were only three months with negative returns: December (-1.58%), January (-4.96%), and February (-0.13%). The market’s large drawdown of approximately 9% that took place during the first 20 days of January was completely erased during a quick bounce back that occurred over the next 56 days. The S&P 500® Index has not had a negative monthly return since February 2016. This relatively calm environment also affected the overall volatility levels of the market and the level of the CBOE Volatility Index (“VIX®”) decreased more than 45% in the period, closing at 13.29 on September 30, 2016.

Since the Fund compares its performance to the S&P 500® Index, U.S. and global macro risks will affect how both the Fund and its benchmark perform. In mid-December 2015, the Fed raised the federal funds rate by 0.25% with no major market reaction. As we began to witness the January decline, most people pointed to the price slide in oil and suggested that investors were leaving riskier assets for the relative safety of U.S. Treasuries. If this slide

persisted over a long period of time, the Fund would have done well on a relative basis, but instead this flight from riskier assets did not last long, and both the markets and oil prices rebounded over the next two months. The next big piece of market news came about in late June when the U.K. voted to leave the European Union (“Brexit”). The bigger shock for many was that it only took two weeks and a day for the S&P 500® Index to close higher than where the markets were before the announcement. Finally, one of the Federal Reserve members suggested that the Fed planned to exercise “prudence” in raising interest rates, which served to remove some of the nervousness about how quickly rates would rise for the remainder of the year.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund’s performance was positively impacted from its allocation to the larger-capitalization stocks in the S&P 500® Index. The equity portion was invested in the S&P 100® Index, which incurred a gain of 15.58% over the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. This resulted in 0.15% outperformance over the S&P 500® Index which incurred a gain of 15.43%.

One of the tactics the Fund utilizes is selling calls on the S&P 500® Index to generate income. Some or all of this income is then used to purchase a negatively correlated investment, which can rise in value when the S&P 500® Index falls. Over the past 12 months, this strategy cost the Fund over 8.5% due to the market’s resilience. Call writing is difficult to successfully implement in upward moving markets. The Fund’s largest individual hit from this strategy occurred after calls were written at market lows for the period. To help maintain objectivity, the process used to implement this strategy is systematic and clearly defined.

The primary defensive investment for the Fund is done by purchasing call options on the futures contract of the VIX®. The VIX® options that the Fund purchases are meant to protect the Fund if the market experiences a sudden and violent move down. The Fund bought VIX® options for each month of the year, and of the 12 purchases, only one expiration period realized gains (January 2016). This result is to be expected based on the type of year the S&P 500® Index had and the way the market quickly erased losses.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and there is no guarantee market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objectives.

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Exchange Traded Funds: The value of an ETF may be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track. The costs of owning the ETF may exceed the cost of investing directly in the underlying securities.

Call Options: Selling call options may limit a fund’s opportunity to profit from the increase in price of its underlying portfolio. Buying call options risks the loss of the premium paid for those options.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Exchange Traded Funds

    100
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

19


Table of Contents

Low Volatility Equity Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16            
       1 year        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        2.82        5.41        6/11/13   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        -3.09           3.54           6/11/13   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        2.05           4.63           6/11/13   
Class I Shares at NAV2        3.08           5.69           6/11/13   
CBOE S&P 500 Buywrite Index        8.48           6.68 5           

S&P 500® Index

       15.43           11.41 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 2.90%, Net 1.75%; C Shares: Gross 3.65%, Net 2.50%; I Shares: Gross 2.65%, Net 1.50%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by a contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver. Expense ratios reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on June 11, 2013 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

20


Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: NAMFX Class B: NBMFX Class C: NCMFX Class I: VMFIX

Class R6: VMFRX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Newfleet Asset Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of maximizing current income while preserving capital.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 10.15%, Class B shares returned 9.36%, Class C shares returned 9.34%, and Class I shares returned 10.42%. Class R6 shares returned 10.50%. For the fiscal year, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which is both the Fund’s broad-based and style-specific fixed income index, returned 5.19%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the market perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

 

¢   Most fixed income spread sectors outperformed U.S. Treasuries during the fiscal year. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) dovish stance in mid-February sparked a rally that turned around a volatile time period that began with fresh concerns over China, plummeting oil prices, and fears that the Fed had raised rates too soon.

 

¢   Late in June volatility returned briefly with fallout from the U.K.’s unexpected decision to leave the European Union (”Brexit”). Bond yields in the U.S., Japan, and across Europe fell to historic lows in early July as investors fled to the safety of bonds on global growth concerns fueled by the June 23 Brexit vote. Markets recovered rather quickly, however, from the initial shock. Easing by major central banks and a weaker U.S. dollar helped to improve global risk sentiment and stabilize markets.

 

¢   September brought heightened concerns over the ability and willingness of global central banks to fight chronic low inflation and weak growth as the decision by the European Central Bank (“ECB”) to leave interest rates and its stimulus program unchanged was a precipitating factor in a
   

widespread market sell-off, reinforced by fears that the Bank of Japan (“BOJ”) had run out of quantitative easing tools. Hawkish signals from the Fed added to the volatility. The BOJ subsequently decided not to reduce interest rates further but to shift its focus to stabilizing rates for longer maturity government bonds. This bolstered market sentiment, as did the Fed’s eventual decision to stand pat at its September monetary policy meeting.

 

¢   Over the last 12 months, U.S. Treasury yields increased for shorter maturity bonds while yields decreased for intermediate to longer term bonds.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

 

¢   The underperformance of U.S. Treasuries relative to most fixed income spread sectors was the key driver of the Fund’s outperformance for the fiscal year.

 

¢   The Fund’s allocation to the corporate high yield sector, and issue selection within emerging markets high yield and corporate high quality securities were the largest positive contributors to performance during the fiscal year.

 

¢   During the fiscal year, the Fund’s allocation to asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities detracted from performance.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

ABS/MBS: Changes in interest rates can cause both extension and prepayment risks for asset- and mortgage-backed securities. These securities are also subject to risks associated with the repayment of underlying collateral.

Bank Loans: Loans may be unsecured or not fully collateralized, may be subject to restrictions on resale and/or trade infrequently on the secondary market. Loans can carry significant credit and call risk, can be difficult to value and have longer settlement times than other investments, which can make loans relatively illiquid at times.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Corporate Bonds and Notes

      54

Energy

    13    

Financials

    12       

Consumer Discretionary

    8       

Materials

    5       

All other Corporate Bonds and Notes

    16       

Mortgage-Backed Securities

      15   

Foreign Government Securities

      11   

Loan Agreements

      10   

Asset-Backed Securities

      4   

Other

      6   
     

 

 

 

Total

      100
           

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

21


Table of Contents

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16                                
       1 year        5 years        10 years       

Since

Inception

      

Inception

Date

 
Class A Shares at NAV2        10.15        6.01        5.85                    
Class A Shares at POP3,4        6.02           5.20           5.45                       
Class B Shares at NAV2        9.36           5.21           5.07                       
Class B Shares with CDSC4        5.36           5.21           5.07                       
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        9.34           5.23           5.08                       
Class I Shares at NAV        10.42           6.29                     6.90        10/1/09   
Class R6 Shares at NAV        10.50                               3.58           11/12/14   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.19           3.08           4.79           5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: 1.11%, B Shares: 1.86%, C Shares: 1.86%, I Shares: 0.86%, R6 Shares: 0.79%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 3.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for B shares decline from 5% to 0% over a five-year period. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The index returned 4.05 for Class I shares and 3.82% for Class R6 shares since the inception date of the respective share class.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Expense ratios include fees and expenses associated with underlying funds.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A, Class B, and Class C shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

22


Table of Contents

Senior Floating Rate Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: PSFRX

Class C: PFSRX

Class I: PSFIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Newfleet Asset Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of high total return from both current income and capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 4.42%, Class C shares returned 3.63%, and Class I shares returned 4.69%. For the same period, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a fixed income index, returned 5.19%, and the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index, the Fund’s style-specific benchmark, returned 5.46%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Bank loans generated solid returns over the past year with a total return of 5.46% according to the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index. However, return performance was bifurcated during the past year, beginning with five straight months of losses before a very strong rally over the second half. Commodity-related credits and lower-quality credits significantly underperformed at the start of the year, but strongly rallied from late February through September, with the short-lived exception of June due to Brexit. Bank loans underperformed most other higher beta and longer duration fixed income sectors (high yield, emerging markets, and investment grade corporates) given the outperformance of commodity-related credits and a sharp decline in interest rates. However, bank loans produced solid risk-adjusted total returns with about half the return volatility of high yield over the last 12 months.

 

¢   Lower-quality loans generally outperformed over the past year given the strong rally in the second half of the year with CCC, second liens, and single-B credits leading the way. The distressed sector remained an outlier to the downside with negative returns over the past year largely driven by TXU Energy and some commodity-related credits.
¢   From an industry perspective, within the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index the large outliers to the upside over the past year were the metals & minerals (+10.35%), gaming & lodging (8.53%) and conglomerate (8.12%) industry groups, while underperformers were the forest product (-18.3%), utility (-1.1%), and oil & gas (+3.1%) industry groups. However, since the rally started in February 2016, commodity-related credits significantly outperformed on a calendar year-to-date basis, with returns in the 26% range versus 7.7% for the index through September 30, 2016.

 

¢   Bank loan technicals started out the year on a weak note due to elevated net supply, slowing issuance of collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), and elevated retail fund outflows. However, technicals turned positive in March 2016 and steadily strengthened on increased CLO issuance, rising retail demand, and modest net new supply as a result of fairly muted M&A issuance and a continued high level of repayments. CLO issuance fell in the first quarter of 2016 to the lowest quarterly volume since 2012, however, issuance rebounded in the second and third quarters and is on a $60 billion annualized pace based on the last two quarters. CLO issuance totaled roughly $66 billion over the last four quarters and provided a solid bid for higher quality loans. Retail mutual fund outflows steadily improved from the large outflows of the fourth quarter of 2015 to three straight monthly inflows over the last quarter as LIBOR jumped to 0.85% on recent changes in money market fund rules.

 

¢   Outside of weakness in certain industry groups within the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index, including energy and metals & mining, fundamentals in the bank loan market remained acceptable. Defaults, within the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index by number of issuers, increased to 2.23% as of September 2016, up from 0.77% as of September 2015. The majority of the increase in defaults over the past year has been clustered in commodity-related sectors. Defaults remained below the long-term average of approximately 2.8%.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

 

¢   The positive return of the U.S. leveraged loan market contributed to the Fund’s positive return during the year.
¢   Overall, positive issue selection and industry allocation relative to the benchmark benefited the portfolio’s performance. Performance was strong in the energy, gaming, and utility industries while it lagged in the metals & minerals, service, and information technology industries.

 

¢   We maintained a higher-quality bias in the portfolio over the entire year, which led to outperformance during the first five months, followed by modest underperformance as the market turned positive. There was a modest risk pivot in the portfolio in the second half of the year, as we added some lower-quality names at more attractive valuations to partially close our underweight to the lower-quality credit tiers. Remaining fully invested with modest leverage on a higher-quality portfolio added to performance. In keeping with the Fund’s liquidity strategy, the Fund’s out-of-index sector allocation to high yield made a positive contribution to performance as high yield outperformed loans over the past year.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

Bank Loans: Loans may be unsecured or not fully collateralized, may be subject to restrictions on resale and/or trade infrequently on the secondary market. Loans can carry significant credit and call risk, can be difficult to value and have longer settlement times than other investments, which can make loans relatively illiquid at times.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

23


Table of Contents
Senior Floating Rate Fund (Continued)   

 

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

Leverage: When a fund leverages its portfolio, the value of its shares may be more volatile and all other risks may be compounded.

Liquidity: Certain securities may be difficult to sell at a time and price beneficial to the fund.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Loan Agreements

      94

Consumer Discretionary

    23    

Health Care

    14       

Industrials

    13       

Materials

    10       

Information Technology

    10       

Consumer Staples

    7       

All Other Loan Agreements

    17       

Corporate Bonds and Notes

      5   

Other

      1   
     

 

 

 

Total

      100
           

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

24


Table of Contents

Senior Floating Rate Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        5 years       

Since

Inception

      

Inception

Date

 
Class A Shares at NAV2        4.42        4.67        4.86        1/31/08   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        1.55           4.09           4.52           1/31/08   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        3.63           3.89           4.09           1/31/08   
Class I Shares at NAV        4.69           4.94           5.12           1/31/08   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.19           3.08           4.38 5           
S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index        5.46           5.25           5.25 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: 1.20%, C Shares: 1.95%, I Shares: 0.95%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 2.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on January 31, 2008 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

25


Table of Contents

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

A Share: HXBZX

C Share: PXCZX

I Share: HXBIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by

Newfleet Asset Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of providing a high level of current income that is exempt from federal income tax.

Effective September 23, 2016, the Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund was reorganized as a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust and changed its fiscal year from December 31 to September 30. As a result, the commentary addresses nine months of performance through September 30.

 

¢   For the fiscal period January 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 3.00%*, Class C shares at NAV returned 2.42%* and Class I shares at NAV returned 3.19%*. For the same period, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad-based fixed income index, returned 5.80%*, the Tax-Exempt Bond Linked Benchmark, which is the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 3.41%*.

 

* Returns less than 1 year are not annualized.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the municipal bond market perform during the Fund’s nine-month fiscal period?

The municipal bond market experienced solid performance over the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as tax-free interest rates declined and credit risk spreads narrowed. The market’s technical conditions (supply and demand) remained strong for much of the period, with investors continuing to pour money into open-end municipal bond mutual funds and new issuance of municipal bonds mostly manageable despite interest rates hovering near generational low levels. However, the technical support weakened somewhat as the end of September approached. U.S. Treasury yields began to rise and tax-free interest rates followed, as the market priced in a higher probability of a rate hike by the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”). At the same time, municipal bond supply increased as municipalities issued bonds to get

ahead of potential Fed rate hikes and perhaps to catch up on issuance delayed as a result of disruptions related to the U.K.’s “Brexit” vote in late June. The markets also were receptive to lower-rated credits as investors reached for yield across all areas of the fixed income market. As a result of the rise in yields and surge in supply, municipal bond performance turned negative for the first time in over a year.

The municipal market was otherwise resilient in the face of a number of market events and conditions, including repercussions from the U.K.’s surprising Brexit vote outcome; Puerto Rico’s default on its general obligation bonds and select public corporations; oil price volatility; the increasing and decreasing probabilities of a Fed rate hike; the U.S. presidential election; and the problems surrounding underfunded pension plans across the country. Aside from Puerto Rico, defaults have been very low in the municipal bond sector.

Demand for municipal bonds continued unabated, with 52 consecutive weeks of inflows into municipal bond mutual funds totaling over $50 billion. While long-term funds represented the bulk of the assets in terms of flows, the highest percentage increase of assets under management occurred among high yield funds. Though interrupted by the recent increase in supply, strong technicals have been the driving factor in the municipal market’s strength.

The economy continued to expand during the period, but the slow pace of growth continued to have an adverse effect on state budgets. State and local sales tax growth remained positive, but showed signs of slowing. Personal tax collections in the second quarter of 2016 grew by only 1.8% year-over-year, according to the Rockfeller Institute. Local property taxes, however, continued to benefit from an improving housing market and home prices.

By far, the largest challenge to the municipal credit remained the extent of underfunded pension obligations. Pension funds across the country have been struggling to meet assumed rates of return in the current low interest rate/stagnant stock market environment. As an example of a particularly serious situation, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (“CALPERS”) reported a 0.6% return in its last fiscal year, far short of an assumed rate of return of 7.5%. The impact of lower-than-expected returns on pension funding levels has increased the stress on

municipal budgets to increase annual contributions and divert funds from other spending.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during nine-month fiscal period?

Over the past nine months ended September 30, 2016, the market’s best performers were longer duration, lower coupon, and lower credit quality bonds as interest rates declined beyond five years and risk premiums narrowed. While they still produced positive performance, bonds with shorter maturities, lower duration, and higher credit quality displayed relatively weaker performance for most of the year.

The Fund’s performance relative to the benchmark during the fiscal period benefited from the Fund’s higher allocation to hospital/healthcare issuers, exposure to below-investment grade-rated bonds, and its higher allocation to revenue bonds compared to general obligation issues.

The Fund’s relative performance during the fiscal period was hurt by the portfolio’s higher exposure to shorter-dated maturities, lower allocation to bonds with maturities beyond 22 years, and larger allocation to pre-refunded bonds.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

Municipal Market: Events negatively impacting a municipal security, or the municipal bond market in general, may cause the fund to decrease in value.

State & AMT Tax: A portion of income may be subject to some state and/or local taxes and, for certain investors, a portion may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

26


Table of Contents
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (Continued)   

 

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Texas

    12

New York

    12   

Illinois

    8   

California

    6   

Florida

    6   

Colorado

    5   

Maryland

    5   

Other (includes short-term investments)

    46   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

27


Table of Contents

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16                              
       1 year        5 years        10 years  
Class A Shares at NAV2        4.13        3.82        4.47
Class A Shares at POP3,4        1.27           3.24           4.17   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and CDSC4        3.35           3.05           3.68   
Class I Shares at NAV2        4.39           4.08           4.74   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.19           3.08           4.79   
Tax-Exempt Bond Linked Benchmark        4.85           4.12           4.57   

Fund Expense Ratios5: A Shares: Gross 1.00%, Net 0.85%; C Shares: Gross 1.75%, Net 1.60%; I Shares: Gross 0.75%, Net 0.60%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 2.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares and all redemptions of Class C shares are 1% within the first year and 0% thereafter.
5  The expense ratios of the Fund, both net and gross, are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective September 23, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expenses: Expenses reduced by a contractual fee waiver in effect through September 30, 2017. Gross Expenses: Do not reflect the effect of contractual fee waiver. Expense ratios include fees and expenses associated with underlying funds.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006 for Class A, Class C and Class I shares. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

28


Table of Contents

Wealth Masters Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VWMAX

Class C: VWMCX

Class I: VWMIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Horizon Asset Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 12.44%, Class C shares returned 11.56%, and Class I shares returned 12.75%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based equity index, and the Fund’s style-specific benchmark, returned 15.43%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2016, broader equity markets ended up substantially, with the S&P 500® Index returning 15.43%. Markets tumbled in early 2016, as many stocks that had appreciated dramatically in 2015 fell significantly after they reported financial results and provided their outlooks for 2016. Markets rebounded, only to fall again in late June following the unexpected result of the “Brexit” referendum, whereby voters in the United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union. Once again, U.S. markets recovered swiftly, though it remained to be seen exactly when and how the exit would be implemented.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund invests in companies owned and operated by the wealthiest, most successful investors, business executives, and entrepreneurs in the United States (“owner-operators”), and allows investors to readily leverage the business acumen of these highly-skilled individuals.

Though the Fund generated substantial returns during the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, its performance lagged relative to the benchmark S&P 500® Index. Underperformance was attributable, in part, to the continued flow of funds from active to passive management. Also, the Fund’s selection

criteria are indifferent to factors such as sector classification, for example, which resulted in an overweight to the consumer discretionary sector relative to the S&P 500® Index.

At the sector level, industrials and materials were the largest contributors to the Fund’s relative returns, while consumer discretionary and utilities were the largest detractors.

At the stock level, the five largest contributors to relative performance (and their owner-operators) were Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. (Clayton Williams, Jr.); DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Jeffrey Katzenberg); (the company was acquired by Comcast Corp. in August 2016); Navistar International Corporation (Carl Icahn); Amkor Technology, Inc. (James Kim); and Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. (Carl Icahn). The five largest detractors from relative performance were CVR Energy, Inc. (Carl Icahn); Sears Holdings Corp. (Edward Lampert); Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (John Malone); SolarCity Corp. (Elon Musk); and Lands’ End, Inc. (Edward Lampert).

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee the Fund will meet its objective.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Consumer Discretionary

    32

Financials

    14   

Industrials

    11   

Information Technology

    11   

Energy

    7   

Real Estate

    7   

Materials

    5   

Other (includes securities-lending collateral)

    13   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial

market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

29


Table of Contents

Wealth Masters Fund (Continued)

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        12.44        11.24        9/5/12   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        5.98           9.63           9/5/12   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        11.56           10.41           9/5/12   
Class I Shares at NAV        12.75           11.51           9/5/12   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           13.67 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 1.46%, Net 1.45%; C Shares: Gross 2.21%, Net 2.20%; I Shares: Gross 1.21%, Net 1.20%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 5, 2012 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

30


Table of Contents

VIRTUS BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—7.4%   

U.S. Treasury Bond
2.500%, 2/15/46

  $ 3,505      $ 3,635   

U.S. Treasury Note
2.000%, 2/15/25

    2,060        2,134   
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $5,672)
        5,769   
MUNICIPAL BONDS—1.5%   
California—1.1%   

California, State of, Build America Bonds Taxable
7.600%, 11/1/40

    520        843   
   

 

 

 
Georgia—0.4%    

Rockdale County Water & Sewerage Authority Revenue Taxable
3.060%, 7/1/24

    255        270   
   

 

 

 
Michigan—0.0%    

City of Flat Rock Finance Authority, Series A, Taxable
6.750%, 10/1/16

    20        20   
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS
(Identified Cost $1,118)
        1,133   
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—1.5%   

Argentine Republic

   

144A 7.500%, 4/22/26(3)

    155        175   

144A 7.625%, 4/22/46(3)

    150        169   

Republic of Costa Rica 144A
7.000%, 4/4/44(3)

    200        214   

Republic of Panama
3.875%, 3/17/28

    200        216   

Republic of Turkey
4.875%, 10/9/26

    200        204   

Sultanate of Oman 144A
4.750%, 6/15/26(3)

    200        201   
TOTAL FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES   
(Identified Cost $1,091)        1,179   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES—26.8%   
Agency—12.0%    

FHLMC

   

5.000%, 12/1/35

    30        34   

4.000%, 2/1/45

    455        488   

3.500%, 3/1/45

    344        366   

3.000%, 5/1/45

    135        140   

3.500%, 4/1/46

    396        418   

FNMA

   

6.000%, 7/1/17

    2        2   

5.500%, 9/1/17

    3        3   

5.000%, 4/1/20

    51        52   

5.000%, 8/1/21

    9        9   

6.000%, 5/1/29

    29        33   

6.500%, 5/1/30

    1        1   

7.000%, 7/1/31

    8        8   

5.500%, 4/1/36

    43        49   

5.500%, 9/1/36

    159        181   

6.000%, 9/1/37

    21        25   

6.000%, 8/1/38

    200        231   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Agency—continued    

6.000%, 8/1/38

  $ 13      $ 15   

5.000%, 6/1/39

    581        656   

5.000%, 9/1/39

    154        174   

5.500%, 9/1/39

    310        351   

4.500%, 9/1/40

    246        275   

3.500%, 12/1/42

    286        303   

3.000%, 3/1/43

    490        511   

3.000%, 5/1/43

    143        149   

3.000%, 5/1/43

    326        339   

4.000%, 9/1/44

    121        130   

3.000%, 5/1/45

    795        827   

3.000%, 8/1/45

    576        601   

3.500%, 8/1/45

    617        650   

3.500%, 8/1/45

    659        696   

3.500%, 1/1/46

    147        155   

3.000%, 2/1/46

    684        712   

3.000%, 4/1/46

    723        752   

GNMA
6.500%, 9/15/28

    28        33   
   

 

 

 
      9,369   
   

 

 

 
Non-Agency—14.8%    

Access Point Financial, Inc. 15-A, A 144A
2.610%, 4/15/20(3)

    86        86   

Agate Bay Mortgage Trust 13-1, 144A
3.500%, 7/25/43(2)(3)

    80        82   

American Homes 4 Rent

   

14-SFR2, C 144A
4.705%, 10/17/36(3)

    195        215   

15-SFR2, C 144A
4.691%, 10/17/45(3)

    125        138   

15-SFR1, A 144A
3.467%, 4/17/52(3)

    219        233   

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities, Inc. 03-AR3, M4
4.311%, 6/25/33(2)

    130        125   

Aventura Mall Trust
13-AVM, C 144A
3.743%, 12/5/32(2)(3)

    325        341   

Banc of America Funding Trust

   

04-B, 2A1
2.886%, 11/20/34(2)

    76        75   

05-1, 1A1
5.500%, 2/25/35

    84        85   

Banc of America Mortgage Trust 05-3, 1A15
5.500%, 4/25/35

    81        82   

Bank of America (Countrywide) Asset-Backed Certificates 05-1, AF5A
5.148%, 7/25/35(2)

    257        255   

Bank of America (Merrill Lynch – Countrywide) Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through-Trust 04-6, 1A2
3.018%, 5/25/34(2)

    255        252   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 07-C6, A4
5.900%, 12/10/49(2)

    350        356   

Credit Suisse Mortgage-Backed Trust 06-08, 3A1
6.000%, 10/25/21

    94        90   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued    

Deutsche Bank-UBS Mortgage Trust 11-LC3A, D 144A
5.510%, 8/10/44(2)(3)

  $ 180      $ 189   

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes 16-DNA2, M2
2.725%, 10/25/28(2)

    250        254   

GSAA Home Equity Trust 05-12, AF3W
4.999%, 9/25/35(2)

    66        67   

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust 06-1F, 2A4
6.000%, 2/25/36

    174        153   

Jefferies Resecuritization Trust 14-R1, 1A1 144A
4.000%, 12/27/37(3)

    54        54   

JPMorgan Chase (WaMu) Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates 03-S11, 3A5
5.950%, 11/25/33

    169        176   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

06-LDP9, A3
5.336%, 5/15/47

    37        37   

14- C22, A4
3.801%, 9/15/47

    195        213   

JPMorgan Chase Mortgage Trust

   

04-A4, 2A1
3.032%, 9/25/34(2)

    194        197   

14-1, 1A1 144A
4.000%, 1/25/44(2)(3)

    112        118   

16-1, M2 144A
3.750%, 4/25/45(2)(3)

    146        151   

16-2, M2 144A
3.750%, 12/25/45(2)(3)

    186        193   

15-4, 1A4 144A
3.500%, 5/25/46(2)(3)

    120        124   

16-1, A3 144A
3.500%, 5/25/46(3)

    555        573   

11-C4, A4, 144A
4.388%, 7/15/46(3)

    325        354   

MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust 05-1, 3A1
3.326%, 2/25/35(2)

    144        131   

MASTR Specialized Loan Trust 05-3, A2 144A
5.704%, 11/25/35(2)(3)

    126        127   

Morgan Stanley – Bank of America (Merrill Lynch) Trust

   

13-C13, AS
4.266%, 11/15/46

    360        400   

15-C22, AS
3.561%, 4/15/48

    310        327   

15-C26,C
4.558%, 10/15/48(2)

    195        204   

Morgan Stanley Capital Barclays Bank Trust
16-Mart, A 144A
2.200%, 9/13/31(3)

    140        140   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

   

07-T27, A4
5.818%, 6/11/42(2)

    539        551   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

31


Table of Contents

VIRTUS BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued    

08-T29, A4
6.477%, 1/11/43(2)

  $ 526      $ 551   

07-IQ14, A4
5.692%, 4/15/49(2)

    300        303   

07-IQ14, AM
5.865%, 4/15/49(2)

    190        184   

Motel 6 Trust 15-MTL6, D 144A
4.532%, 2/5/30(3)

    210        211   

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust

   

14-1A, A 144A
3.750%, 1/25/54(2)(3)

    178        185   

15-2A, A1 144A
3.750%, 8/25/55(2)(3)

    200        208   

16-1A, A1 144A
3.750%, 3/25/56(2)(3)

    169        175   

Novastar Mortgage Funding Trust Series 04-4, M5
2.250%, 3/25/35(2)

    185        181   

Residential Asset Securitization Trust 05-A1, A3
5.500%, 4/25/35

    144        144   

Sequoia Mortgage Trust

   

14-2, A1 144A
4.000%, 7/25/44(2)(3)

    106        110   

14-4, A6 144A
3.500%, 11/25/44(2)(3)

    179        185   

Towd Point Mortgage Trust

   

15-1, A2 144A
3.250%, 10/25/53(2)(3)

    150        152   

16-1, A1B, 144A
2.750%, 2/25/55(2)(3)

    199        202   

15-5, A2 144A
3.500%, 5/25/55(2)(3)

    220        222   

16-4, A1 144A
2.250%, 7/25/56(2)(3)

    140        141   

15-2, 1M1 144A
3.250%, 11/25/60(2)(3)

    225        219   

Vericrest Opportunity Loan Transfer

   

15-NP11, A1 144A
3.625%, 7/25/45(2)(3)

    111        111   

16-NPL9, A1 144A
3.500%, 9/25/46(2)(3)

    100        100   

Vericrest Opportunity Loan Trust

   

16-NPL8, A1 144A
3.500%, 7/25/46(2)(3)

    116        116   

15-NPL4, A1 144A
3.500%, 2/25/55(2)(3)

    111        111   

Wells Fargo (Wachovia Bank) Commercial Mortgage Trust 15-LC20, B
3.719%, 4/15/50

    300        317   

Wells Fargo – Royal Bank of Scotland plc Commercial Mortgage Trust
11-C5, C 144A
5.866%, 11/15/44(2)(3)

    205        227   
   

 

 

 
              11,503   
TOTAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Identified Cost $20,332)         20,872   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—5.1%   

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust 14-1, D
2.540%, 6/8/20

  $ 235      $ 238   

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding LLC

   

(AESOP) 12-3A, A 144A
2.100%, 3/20/19(3)

    375        376   

(AESOP) 16-1A, A 144A
2.990%, 6/20/22(3)

    200        205   

CarFinance Capital Auto Trust 14-1A, D 144A
4.900%, 4/15/20(3)

    215        216   

CarMax Auto Owner Trust 15-2, C
2.390%, 3/15/21

    235        238   

Centre Point Funding LLC 12-2A, 1 144A
2.610%, 8/20/21(3)

    220        218   

Drive Auto Receivables Trust 15-DA, C 144A
3.380%, 11/15/21(3)

    260        265   

Drug Royalty II LP 1
14-1, A2 144A
3.484%, 7/15/23(3)

    161        159   

DT Auto Owner Trust
16-4A C, 144A
2.740%, 10/17/22(3)

    235        235   

Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust 13-1A, C 144A
3.520%, 2/15/19(3)

    207        209   

Fairway Outdoor Funding LLC 12-1A, A2 144A
4.212%, 10/15/42(3)

    142        144   

Navistar Financial Dealer Note Master Owner Trust II
16-1, B 144A
2.546%, 9/27/21(2)(3)

    310        312   

Orange Lake Timeshare Trust 12-AA, A 144A
3.450%, 3/10/27(3)

    42        43   

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust 13-1, D
2.270%, 1/15/19

    215        217   

Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC 12-3A, A 144A
1.870%, 8/20/29(3)

    84        83   

Silverleaf Finance XV LLC
12-D, A 144A
3.000%, 3/17/25(3)

    34        34   

SoFi Professional Loan Program LLC 15-A, A2 144A
2.420%, 3/25/30(3)

    105        106   

Taco Bell Funding LLC
16-1A, A21 144A
3.832%, 5/25/46(3)

    240        243   

Trip Rail Master Funding LLC 14-1A, A1 144A
2.863%, 4/15/44(3)

    233        232   

U-Haul S Fleet LLC
10-BT1A, 1 144A
4.899%, 10/25/23(3)

    231        234   
TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $3,986)
        4,007   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES—46.9%   
Consumer Discretionary—6.3%   

Boyd Gaming Corp.
6.875%, 5/15/23

  $ 75      $ 82   

Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Inc.
9.000%, 2/15/20(14)

    100        104   

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings LLC
9.375%, 5/1/22

    75        81   

CCO Holdings LLC 144A
5.500%, 5/1/26(3)

    125        131   

Cequel Communications Holdings I LLC (Cequel Capital Corp.)

   

144A 5.125%,
12/15/21(3)

    45        45   

144A 5.125%,
12/15/21(3)

    110        110   

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. Series B
7.625%, 3/15/20

    175        174   

Columbus Cable Barbados Ltd. Series B, 144A
7.375%, 3/30/21(3)

    200        213   

Delphi Automotive plc
3.150%, 11/19/20

    145        150   

Diamond Resorts International, Inc. 144A
7.750%, 9/1/23(3)

    15        15   

Grupo Televisa SAB
4.625%, 1/30/26

    200        214   

Hanesbrands, Inc. 144A
4.625%, 5/15/24(3)

    20        21   

Landry’s, Inc.

   

144A 9.375%, 5/1/20(3)

    165        173   

144A 6.750%, 10/15/24(3)

    45        46   

M/I Homes, Inc.
6.750%, 1/15/21

    95        100   

MDC Holdings, Inc.
5.500%, 1/15/24

    180        189   

MGM Resorts International
6.000%, 3/15/23

    85        92   

MPG Holdco I, Inc.
7.375%, 10/15/22

    145        149   

New York University
4.142%, 7/1/48

    70        72   

Newell Brands, Inc.

   

144A 5.000%,
11/15/23(3)

    25        27   

4.200%, 4/1/26

    25        27   

PetSmart, Inc. 144A
7.125%, 3/15/23(3)

    135        142   

Priceline Group, Inc. (The)
3.650%, 3/15/25

    195        205   

QVC, Inc.
4.375%, 3/15/23

    265        266   

Scientific Games International, Inc.
6.625%, 5/15/21

    95        73   

SFR (Numericable) Group S.A. 144A
6.000%, 5/15/22(3)

    200        205   

Signet UK Finance plc
4.700%, 6/15/24

    210        202   

Sirius XM Radio, Inc. 144A
5.375%, 7/15/26(3)

    165        170   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

32


Table of Contents

VIRTUS BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

Six Flags Entertainment Corp. 144A
4.875%, 7/31/24(3)

  $ 130      $ 132   

Station Casinos LLC
7.500%, 3/1/21

    230        243   

TI Group Automotive Systems LLC 144A
8.750%, 7/15/23(3)

    80        87   

Toll Brothers Finance Corp.

   

5.625%, 1/15/24

    10        11   

4.875%, 11/15/25

    305        313   

TRI Pointe Group, Inc.
5.875%, 6/15/24

    155        162   

Wyndham Worldwide Corp.
5.100%, 10/1/25

    245        268   

Ziggo Secured Finance BV 144A
5.500%, 1/15/27(3)

    200        200   
   

 

 

 
      4,894   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—1.7%   

Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc.

   

3.300%, 2/1/23

    90        95   

3.650%, 2/1/26

    185        198   

CVS Health Corp.
2.875%, 6/1/26

    255        259   

Flowers Foods, Inc.
4.375%, 4/1/22

    275        297   

Rite Aid Corp. 144A
6.125%, 4/1/23(3)

    40        43   

Safeway, Inc.
7.250%, 2/1/31

    115        115   

Tops Holding LLC (Tops Markets II Corp.) 144A
8.000%, 6/15/22(3)

    155        140   

Whole Foods Market, Inc. 144A
5.200%, 12/3/25(3)

    143        156   
   

 

 

 
      1,303   
   

 

 

 
Energy—2.8%    

Antero Midstream Partners LP 144A
5.375%, 9/15/24(3)

    60        61   

Antero Resources Corp.
5.625%, 6/1/23

    80        82   

Blue Racer Midstream LLC 144A
6.125%, 11/15/22(3)

    45        44   

Callon Petroleum Co. 144A
6.125%, 10/1/24(3)

    35        36   

Cimarex Energy Co.
4.375%, 6/1/24

    120        125   

Continental Resources, Inc.

   

5.000%, 9/15/22

    110        110   

4.500%, 4/15/23

    70        68   

Enbridge Energy Partners LP
4.375%, 10/15/20

    30        32   

EnLink Midstream Partners LP
4.850%, 7/15/26

    15        15   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Energy—continued    

FTS International, Inc.
6.250%, 5/1/22

  $ 60      $ 23   

Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co.
4.650%, 3/15/25

    115        121   

Holly Energy Partners LP 144A
6.000%, 8/1/24(3)

    15        16   

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP
7.500%, 11/15/40

    245        293   

MPLX LP
4.875%, 12/1/24

    255        264   

NGL Energy Partners LP
5.125%, 7/15/19

    155        147   

Parsley Energy LLC 144A
6.250%, 6/1/24(3)

    215        223   

Range Resources Corp. 144A
5.000%, 3/15/23(3)

    130        128   

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC
6.250%, 3/15/22

    140        153   

Sunoco LP 144A
6.375%, 4/1/23(3)

    215        222   
   

 

 

 
      2,163   
   

 

 

 
Financials—16.6%    

AerCap Ireland Capital Ltd. (Aercap Global Aviation Trust)
3.950%, 2/1/22

    200        205   

Air Lease Corp.
2.625%, 9/4/18

    70        71   

Allstate Corp. (The)
5.750%, 8/15/53(2)(6)

    180        193   

Ally Financial, Inc.
5.750%, 11/20/25

    120        126   

Apollo Management Holdings LP 144A
4.000%, 5/30/24(3)

    190        196   

Ares Capital Corp.

   

4.875%, 11/30/18

    26        27   

3.875%, 1/15/20

    71        73   

Ares Finance Co., LLC 144A
4.000%, 10/8/24(3)

    270        262   

Banco de Credito del Peru 144A
6.125%, 4/24/27(2)(3)

    175        195   

Banco de Credito e Inversiones 144A
4.000%, 2/11/23(3)

    275        291   

Banco Inbursa S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple 144A
4.125%, 6/6/24(3)

    160        162   

Banco Internacional del Peru SAA Interbank 144A
6.625%, 3/19/29(2)(3)

    185        205   

Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior SVC 144A
4.375%, 10/14/25(3)

    200        207   

Banco Santander Chile 144A
3.875%, 9/20/22(3)

    215        228   

Bancolombia S.A.
5.125%, 9/11/22

    260        271   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Financials—continued    

Bank of America Corp.

   

2.000%, 1/11/18

  $ 150      $ 151   

5.625%, 7/1/20

    235        264   

4.450%, 3/3/26

    340        365   

Bank of India 144A
3.250%, 4/18/18(3)

    265        270   

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)
2.800%, 5/4/26

    210        216   

Barclays Bank plc 144A
6.050%, 12/4/17(3)

    250        261   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

   

2.750%, 3/15/23

    20        21   

3.125%, 3/15/26

    45        47   

Capital One Financial Corp.

   

4.200%, 10/29/25

    180        188   

3.750%, 7/28/26

    200        201   

Citigroup, Inc.
4.600%, 3/9/26

    230        246   

Compass Bank
3.875%, 4/10/25

    250        245   

Development Bank of Kazakhstan OJSC 144A
4.125%, 12/10/22(3)

    290        284   

Discover Financial Services
3.950%, 11/6/24

    190        195   

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC
5.750%, 2/1/21

    235        265   

FS Investment Corp.

   

4.250%, 1/15/20

    165        169   

4.750%, 5/15/22

    40        41   

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.

   

4.750%, 8/15/17

    55        56   

4.200%, 3/1/21

    90        95   

3.450%, 4/10/22

    30        30   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
5.750%, 1/24/22

    500        580   

Hutchison Whampoa International Ltd. Series 12 144A 6.000%(2)(3)(5)(6)

    310        316   

ICAHN Enterprises LP
5.875%, 2/1/22

    65        63   

ING Groep NV 6.000%(2)(5)(6)

    200        195   

iStar Financial, Inc.
5.000%, 7/1/19

    90        90   

Jefferies Group LLC
6.875%, 4/15/21

    85        99   

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Finance BV 144A
6.950%, 7/10/42(3)

    215        235   

Leucadia National Corp.
5.500%, 10/18/23

    150        158   

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. 144A
4.250%, 6/15/23(3)

    245        265   

Lincoln National Corp.
4.200%, 3/15/22

    250        271   

Macquarie Group Ltd. 144A
6.250%, 1/14/21(3)

    210        240   

Manulife Financial Corp.
4.150%, 3/4/26

    215        235   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

33


Table of Contents

VIRTUS BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Financials—continued    

Morgan Stanley

   

4.100%, 5/22/23

  $ 155      $ 164   

4.350%, 9/8/26

    340        363   

6.375%, 7/24/42

    435        594   

Navient Corp.
7.250%, 9/25/23

    40        40   

OM Asset Management plc
4.800%, 7/27/26

    200        200   

PKO Finance AB 144A
4.630%, 9/26/22(3)(7)

    255        275   

Prudential Financial, Inc.

   

5.875%, 9/15/42(2)

    190        210   

5.625%, 6/15/43(2)(6)

    160        173   

S&P Global, Inc.
4.000%, 6/15/25

    195        211   

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.
2.700%, 5/24/19

    195        197   

SBA Tower Trust 144A
2.877%, 7/15/21(3)

    320        325   

Societe Generale S.A. 144A
4.750%, 11/24/25(3)

    200        207   

Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America 144A
4.375%, 9/15/54(2)(3)

    160        162   

Trinity Acquisition plc

   

3.500%, 9/15/21

    15        16   

4.400%, 3/15/26

    80        84   

UBS AG
7.625%, 8/17/22

    500        582   

Woodside Finance Ltd. 144A
3.700%, 9/15/26(3)

    50        50   
   

 

 

 
      12,922   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—3.5%    

AbbVie, Inc.

   

2.850%, 5/14/23

    135        137   

3.600%, 5/14/25

    65        68   

3.200%, 5/14/26

    110        111   

Capsugel S.A. PIK Interest Capitalization, 144A
7.000%, 5/15/19(3)(8)

    27        27   

Cardinal Health, Inc.

   

3.200%, 3/15/23

    130        137   

3.750%, 9/15/25

    165        179   

Community Health Systems, Inc.
5.125%, 8/1/21

    45        45   

Concordia Healthcare Corp. 144A
7.000%, 4/15/23(3)

    10        6   

Endo Finance LLC 144A
6.000%, 7/15/23(3)

    110        101   

Forest Laboratories LLC 144A
4.875%, 2/15/21(3)

    160        178   

Fresenius U.S. Finance II, Inc. 144A
4.500%, 1/15/23(3)

    35        37   

HCA, Inc.

   

5.375%, 2/1/25

    80        83   

5.250%, 6/15/26

    20        21   

4.500%, 2/15/27

    180        181   

IASIS Healthcare LLC
8.375%, 5/15/19

    80        73   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Health Care—continued    

MEDNAX, Inc. 144A
5.250%, 12/1/23(3)

  $ 90      $ 95   

Mylan NV

   

144A 3.000%,
12/15/18(3)

    55        56   

144A 3.150%, 6/15/21(3)

    55        56   

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics S.A.) 144A
6.625%, 5/15/22(3)

    120        106   

Owens & Minor, Inc.
3.875%, 9/15/21

    35        36   

Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland Dac
2.400%, 9/23/21

    80        80   

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc. 144A
8.875%, 4/15/21(3)

    120        128   

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc. 144A
6.000%, 4/1/23(3)

    160        169   

Team Health, Inc. 144A
7.250%, 12/15/23(3)

    5        5   

Teleflex, Inc.
4.875%, 6/1/26

    80        83   

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

   

4.350%, 6/15/20(2)

    75        76   

4.500%, 4/1/21

    85        86   

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV
3.150%, 10/1/26

    120        121   

Universal Health Services, Inc.

   

144A 4.750%, 8/1/22(3)

    40        41   

144A 5.000%, 6/1/26(3)

    95        99   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.

   

144A 7.500%, 7/15/21(3)

    25        24   

144A 5.500%, 3/1/23(3)

    50        43   

Zoetis, Inc.
3.450%, 11/13/20

    45        47   
   

 

 

 
      2,735   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—2.6%    

Air Canada Pass-Through-Trust 13-1, B 144A
5.375%, 5/15/21(3)

    81        84   

AMN Healthcare, Inc. 144A
5.125%, 10/1/24(3)

    20        20   

Bombardier, Inc. 144A
4.750%, 4/15/19(3)

    110        108   

Carpenter Technology Corp.
4.450%, 3/1/23

    250        247   

Continental Airlines Pass-Through-Trust

   

99-1, A 6.545%, 2/2/19

    297        315   

00-1, A1 8.048%, 11/1/20

    249        279   

GATX Corp.
3.250%, 9/15/26

    35        35   

Masco Corp.

   

5.950%, 3/15/22

    110        125   

4.450%, 4/1/25

    55        58   

Owens Corning
3.400%, 8/15/26

    200        201   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Industrials—continued    

Penske Truck Leasing Co., LP 144A
3.375%, 2/1/22(3)

  $ 75      $ 78   

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC (Prime Finance, Inc.) 144A
9.250%, 5/15/23(3)

    75        82   

TransDigm, Inc.

   

6.000%, 7/15/22

    115        122   

6.500%, 5/15/25

    45        47   

Wheels Up Finance I LLC

   

16-01, A 0.500%,
6/1/24(2)(9)(15)

    43        42   

16-01, A 7.500%, 6/30/24(9)

    199        198   
   

 

 

 
      2,041   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—2.7%   

Apple, Inc.

   

2.850%, 2/23/23

    55        58   

3.250%, 2/23/26

    155        165   

Diamond 1 Finance Corp. (Diamond 2 Finance Corp.)

   

144A 5.450%, 6/15/23(3)

    40        43   

144A 7.125%, 6/15/24(3)

    35        39   

144A 6.020%, 6/15/26(3)

    40        44   

144A 8.100%, 7/15/36(3)

    40        47   

144A 8.350%, 7/15/46(3)

    45        54   

Dun & Bradstreet Corp. (The)
4.375%, 12/1/22

    270        281   

Electronic Arts, Inc.
3.700%, 3/1/21

    30        32   

First Data Corp. 144A
5.000%, 1/15/24(3)

    230        234   

Flex Ltd.
4.750%, 6/15/25

    200        213   

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. 144A
4.900%, 10/15/25(3)

    120        128   

Microsoft Corp.
2.400%, 8/8/26

    120        120   

NXP BV (NXP Funding LLC) 144A
4.125%, 6/1/21(3)

    200        214   

Oracle Corp.

   

2.400%, 9/15/23

    25        25   

2.650%, 7/15/26

    170        170   

Verisk Analytics, Inc.
4.000%, 6/15/25

    190        202   
   

 

 

 
      2,069   
   

 

 

 
Materials—2.7%    

Alpek SA de C.V. 144A
5.375%, 8/8/23(3)

    310        332   

Berry Plastics Corp.
5.125%, 7/15/23

    145        148   

Eldorado Gold Corp. 144A
6.125%, 12/15/20(3)

    95        96   

INEOS Group Holdings S.A. 144A
5.625%, 8/1/24(3)

    200        197   

Inversiones CMPC S.A. 144A
4.375%, 5/15/23(3)

    375        391   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

34


Table of Contents

VIRTUS BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Materials—continued    

NewMarket Corp.
4.100%, 12/15/22

  $ 288      $ 299   

Novelis Corp.

   

144A 6.250%, 8/15/24(3)

    10        10   

144A 5.875%, 9/30/26(3)

    150        154   

Office Cherifien des Phosphates S.A. (OCP) 144A
5.625%, 4/25/24(3)

    200        217   

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc. 144A
5.125%, 7/15/23(3)

    50        52   

Standard Industries, Inc. 144A
6.000%, 10/15/25(3)

    145        155   

Valvoline, Inc. 144A
5.500%, 7/15/24(3)

    20        21   
   

 

 

 
      2,072   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—4.1%    

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
3.950%, 1/15/27

    120        126   

American Campus Communities Operating Partnership LP
3.350%, 10/1/20

    25        26   

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP
3.875%, 8/15/22

    55        58   

Corporate Office Properties LP
3.600%, 5/15/23

    265        265   

Corrections Corp. of America
5.000%, 10/15/22

    165        150   

Developers Diversified Realty Corp.

   

7.875%, 9/1/20

    155        186   

3.500%, 1/15/21

    130        135   

Digital Realty Trust LP
5.250%, 3/15/21

    165        185   

Education Realty Operating Partnership LP
4.600%, 12/1/24

    205        213   

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.
3.875%, 5/1/25

    125        129   

Kilroy Realty LP
4.375%, 10/1/25

    190        205   

Kimco Realty Corp.
3.400%, 11/1/22

    185        195   

MPT Operating Partnership LP

   

6.375%, 3/1/24

    20        22   

5.500%, 5/1/24

    90        95   

5.250%, 8/1/26

    10        10   

National Retail Properties, Inc.
4.000%, 11/15/25

    60        64   

Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership LP
4.000%, 12/15/24

    155        156   

Select Income REIT
4.500%, 2/1/25

    190        192   

Sovran Acquisition LP
3.500%, 7/1/26

    125        128   

Ventas Realty LP (Ventas Capital Corp.)
3.250%, 8/15/22

    250        261   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Real Estate—continued    

Welltower, Inc.
4.000%, 6/1/25

  $ 200      $ 212   

WP Carey, Inc.
4.600%, 4/1/24

    160        167   
   

 

 

 
      3,180   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—2.5%   

Altice Financing S.A. 144A
6.625%, 2/15/23(3)

    200        206   

AT&T, Inc.
3.875%, 8/15/21

    425        459   

CenturyLink, Inc. Series Y
7.500%, 4/1/24

    140        150   

Crown Castle International Corp.
3.700%, 6/15/26

    20        21   

CSC Holdings LLC 144A
5.500%, 4/15/27(3)

    110        113   

Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones S.A. 144A
4.875%, 10/30/24(3)

    215        221   

Qwest Corp.
7.250%, 9/15/25

    150        164   

T-Mobile USA, Inc.
6.500%, 1/15/26

    135        150   

Telefonica Emisiones SAU
4.570%, 4/27/23

    225        251   

Windstream Corp.
7.750%, 10/15/20

    200        205   
   

 

 

 
      1,940   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—1.4%    

Dominion Resources, Inc.
2.962%, 7/1/19(2)

    20        21   

Duke Energy Corp.
2.650%, 9/1/26

    205        201   

FirstEnergy Transmission LLC 144A
4.350%, 1/15/25(3)

    210        225   

NRG Yield Operating LLC
5.375%, 8/15/24

    60        62   

Southern Power Co.
4.150%, 12/1/25

    230        248   

State Grid Overseas Investment Ltd. 144A
4.125%, 5/7/24(3)

    200        221   

TerraForm Power Operating LLC 144A
9.375%, 2/1/23(2)(3)

    145        150   
   

 

 

 
              1,128   
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES
(Identified Cost $35,002)
        36,447   
LOAN AGREEMENTS(2)—4.1%   
Consumer Discretionary—0.9%   

Boyd Gaming Corp. Tranche B-2
3.524%, 9/15/23

    46        46   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC
7.000%, 10/11/20

  $ 155      $ 155   

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings LLC Tranche B, First Lien,
6.250%, 5/8/21

    60        59   

CDS U.S. Intermediate Holdings, Inc. First Lien,
5.000%, 7/8/22

    40        40   

Floor & Decor Outlets of America, Inc.
0.000%, 9/29/23(10)

    77        77   

Laureare Education, Inc. 2021 Extended,
8.157%, 3/17/21

    63        63   

Station Casinos LLC Tranche B,
3.750%, 6/8/23

    72        72   

U.S. Farathane LLC Tranche B-2,
5.750%, 12/23/21

    112        113   

UFC Holdings LLC First Lien
5.000%, 8/18/23

    93        94   
   

 

 

 
      719   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—0.3%    

Albertson’s LLC
Trance B-4,
4.500%, 8/25/21

    112        113   

Hostess Brands LLC Tranche B, Second Lien,
8.500%, 8/3/23

    150        151   
   

 

 

 
      264   
   

 

 

 
Energy—0.1%    

Jonah Energy LLC Second Lien,
7.500%, 5/12/21

    94        84   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—1.0%    

Ardent Legacy Acquisitions, Inc.
6.500%, 8/4/21

    79        79   

CHG Healthcare Services, Inc. First Lien,
4.750%, 6/7/23

    104        106   

Concordia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
5.250%, 10/21/21

    66        59   

InVentiv Health, Inc.

   

Tranche B-4,
7.750%, 5/15/18

    110        110   

Tranche B
0.000%, 9/29/23(10)

    58        58   

MMM Holdings, Inc.
9.750%, 12/12/17(4)(9)

    50        49   

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC
5.000%, 6/7/23

    46        46   

MSO of Puerto Rico, Inc.
9.750%, 12/12/17(4)(9)

    36        35   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

35


Table of Contents

VIRTUS BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Health Care—continued    

NVA Holdings, Inc. Second Lien,
8.000%, 8/14/22

  $ 64      $ 64   

Quorum Health Corp.
6.750%, 4/29/22

    92        89   

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc. First Lien,
4.750%, 11/3/20

    99        100   
   

 

 

 
      795   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—0.5%    

Brickman Group Ltd. LLC (The) Second Lien,
7.500%, 12/17/21

    78        78   

McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC Tranche B, First Lien,
5.000%, 5/4/22

    98        99   

Navistar, Inc. Tranche B
6.500%, 8/7/20

    120        120   

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. Second Lien,
6.750%, 2/28/22

    120        119   
   

 

 

 
      416   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—0.5%   

Donnelley Financial Solutions
0.000%, 9/23/23(10)

    41        41   

First Data Corp. Tranche 2022
4.275%, 7/8/22

    145        146   

NXP BV Tranche F
3.405%, 12/7/20

    74        75   

On Semiconductor
5.250%, 3/31/23

    50        50   

SS&C European Holdings S.a.r.l.

   

Tranche B-2,
4.000%, 7/8/22

    5        5   

Tranche B-1,
4.000%, 7/8/22

    41        42   

Western Digital Corp. Tranche B-1,
4.500%, 4/29/23

    14        14   
   

 

 

 
      373   
   

 

 

 
Materials—0.1%    

Huntsman International LLC Tranche 16-B,
4.250%, 4/1/23

    44        44   

INEOS U.S. Finance LLC Tranche 2022,
4.250%, 3/31/22

    9        9   
   

 

 

 
      53   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—0.1%    

Capital Automotive LP Second Lien,
6.000%, 4/30/20

    71        72   
   

 

 

 
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Telecommunication Services—0.2%   

T-Mobile USA, Inc. Senior Lien
3.500%, 11/9/22

  $ 85      $ 86   

UPC Financing Partnership
4.080%, 8/31/24

    63        63   
   

 

 

 
      149   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—0.4%    

Energy Future Holdings Corp.

   

5.000%, 7/27/23(4)

    70        71   

Tranche C
5.000%, 7/27/23(4)

    17        17   

NRG Energy, Inc.
3.500%, 6/30/23

    236        236   
   

 

 

 
              324   
TOTAL LOAN AGREEMENTS
(Identified Cost $3,243)
        3,249   
    SHARES        
PREFERRED STOCKS—3.2%   
Energy—0.3%    

PTT Exploration & Production PCL 144A,
4.875%(2)(3)

    200 (11)      204   
   

 

 

 
Financials—2.0%    

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The) Series E, 4.950%(2)

    150 (11)      153   

Citigroup, Inc.

   

Series J 7.125%(2)

    8,000        232   

Series N 6.250%(2)

    155 (11)      167   

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Series Z, 5.300%(2)

    45 (11)      46   

KeyCorp. 5.000%(2)

    190 (11)      187   

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) Series R, 4.850%(2)

    215 (11)      214   

SunTrust Bank, Inc. 5.625%(2)

    45 (11)      47   

Wells Fargo & Co. Series K, 7.980%(2)

    230 (11)      240   

Zions Bancorp
6.950%(2)

    8,800        261   
   

 

 

 
      1,547   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—0.9%    

General Electric Co. Series D, 5.000%(2)

    686 (11)      729   
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Identified Cost $2,328)
        2,481   
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND—1.1%   

iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond Fund(13)

    6,725        828   
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
(Identified Cost $803)
        828   
    SHARES     VALUE  
AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND—1.5%   

Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund Class R6(13)

    117,904      $ 1,159   
TOTAL AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND (Identified Cost $1,179)         1,159   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.1%   
(Identified Cost $74,754)        77,124 (12) 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.1% (Identified Cost $74,754)         77,124 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—0.9%

  

    731   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%     $ 77,855   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviations:

FHLMC Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”).
FNMA Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”).
GNMA Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”)
PIK Payment-in-Kind Security
REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Variable or step coupon security; interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at September 30, 2016.
(3)  Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $22,599 or 29.0% of net assets.
(4)  Security in default, interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(5)  No contractual maturity date.
(6)  Interest payments may be deferred.
(7)  This Note was issued for the sole purpose of funding a loan agreement between the issuer and the borrower. As the credit risk for this security lies solely with the borrower, the name represented here is that of the borrower.
(8)  100% of the income received was in cash.
(9)  Illiquid security.
(10)  This loan will settle after September 30, 2016, at which time the interest rate, based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the agreed upon spread on trade date, will be reflected.
(11)  Value shown as par value.
(12)  All or a portion of the Fund’s assets have been segregated for delayed delivery securities.
(13)  Shares of these funds are publicly offered and the prospectus and annual reports of each are publicly available.
(14)  Security in default, a portion of the interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(15)  Represents unfunded portion of security and commitment fee earned on this portion.
 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

36


Table of Contents

VIRTUS BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)  

United States

    86

Canada

    1   

Chile

    1   

Mexico

    1   

Netherlands

    1   

Switzerland

    1   

United Kingdom

    1   

Other

    8   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

  

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
       Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 

Debt Securities:

                   

Asset-Backed Securities

     $ 4,007         $         $ 4,007         $   

Corporate Bonds And Notes

       36,447                     36,207           240   

Foreign Government Securities

       1,179                     1,179             

Loan Agreements

       3,249                     3,249             

Mortgage-Backed Securities

       20,872                     20,872             

Municipal Bonds

       1,133                     1,133             

U.S. Government Securities

       5,769                     5,769             

Equity Securities:

                   

Affiliated Mutual Fund

       1,159           1,159                       

Exchange-Traded Funds

       828           828                       

Preferred Stocks

       2,481           493           1,988             
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 77,124         $ 2,480         $ 74,404         $ 240   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There were no transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 related to securities held as of September 30, 2016.

Securities held by the Fund with an end of period value of $261 were transferred from Level 2 into Level 1 since starting to use an exchange price.

The following is a reconciliation of assets of the Fund for Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

 

     Corporate Bonds
and Notes
 

Investments in Securities

  

Balance as of September 30, 2015:

   $   

Accrued discount/(premium)

     (c) 

Realized gain (loss)

     (c) 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (c) 

Purchases

     443   

Sales(b)

     (203

Transfers into Level 3(a)

       

Transfers from Level 3(a)

       
  

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2016

   $ 240 (d) 
  

 

 

 

 

(a)  “Transfers into and/or from” represent the ending value as of September 30, 2016, for any investment security where a change in the pricing level occurred from the beginning to the end of the period.
(b)  Includes paydown on securities.
(c)  Amount is less than $500.
(d)  The Fund’s investments that are categorized as Level 3 were valued utilizing third party pricing information without adjustment. Such valuations are based on unobservable inputs. A significant change in third party information could result in a significantly lower or higher value of Level 3 investments.

None of the securities in this table are internally fair valued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

37


Table of Contents

VIRTUS CA TAX-EXEMPT BOND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
MUNICIPAL TAX-EXEMPT BONDS(2)—97.1%   
Development Revenue—12.9%   

Garden Grove Agency for Community Development Successor Agency, Garden Grove Community Project, (BAM Insured)
5.000%, 10/1/29

  $ 350      $ 431   

Lafayette Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency, Lafayette Redevelopment Project, (AGM Insured)
5.000%, 8/1/38

    250        294   

Los Angeles County Redevelopment Refunding Authority, Long Beach Project,
5.000%, 8/1/34

    215        259   

Menlo Park Community Development Agency Successor Agency, Las Pulgas Community Development Project ,(AGM Insured)
5.000%, 10/1/29

    100        123   

Milpitas Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency Redevelopment Project Area No.1,
5.000%, 9/1/30

    250        306   

Palmdale Community Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency, Subordinate Lien, (NATL Insured)
5.000%, 9/1/34

    300        364   

Sacramento Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency

   

(BAM Insured) 5.000%, 12/1/33

    75        90   

(BAM Insured) 5.000%, 12/1/34

    75        90   

San Diego Redevelopment Agency, Center City Redevelopment Project, (AMBAC Insured)
4.750%, 9/1/30

    500        501   

San Marcos Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency,
5.000%, 10/1/33

    250        303   

San Mateo Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency,
5.000%, 8/1/30

    250        306   

Santa Clara Redevelopment Agency, Bayshore North Project, (NATL Insured)
5.000%, 6/1/22

    500        503   

Union City Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency, Union City Redevelopment Project,
5.000%, 10/1/36

    200        239   

Westminster Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency (BAM Insured)
4.000%, 11/1/36

    200        221   
   

 

 

 
      4,030   
   

 

 

 
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
General Obligation—13.0%   

Cajon Valley Union School District,
5.000%, 8/1/31

  $ 250      $ 305   

California State of,

   

5.500%, 3/1/26

    250        267   

(AMBAC Insured) 5.000%, 2/1/27

    290        377   

5.000%, 9/1/32

    300        354   

5.000%, 12/1/37

    75        78   

6.000%, 4/1/38

    250        281   

Grossmont Healthcare District
5.000%, 7/15/25

    350        451   

Los Alamitos Unified School District, School Facilities Improvement District No.1, 2008 Election
5.250%, 8/1/39

    250        304   

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
4.000%, 9/1/36

    100        113   

Oakland Unified School District

   

(AGM Insured) 5.000%, 8/1/24

    200        253   

5.000%, 8/1/33

    300        365   

Ross Valley School District,
5.000%, 8/1/37

    350        411   

San Diego Community College District,
5.000%, 8/1/43

    150        180   

San Diego Unified School District, (AGM Insured)
5.500%, 7/1/25

    225        301   
   

 

 

 
      4,040   
   

 

 

 
General Revenue—8.3%   

California Infrastructure & Economic Development Bank
0.780%, 9/1/38(3)

    250        250   

5.000%, 10/1/23

    200        250   

California State Municipal Finance Authority, Bowles Hall Foundation 4.000%, 6/1/22

    100        110   

Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corp.,

   

5.000%, 6/1/29

    350        421   

5.125%, 6/1/47

    950        948   

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Promissory Notes
5.000%, 9/1/23

    120        151   

South Bay Regional Public Communications Authority, Hawthorne Projects, (ACA Insured)
4.750%, 1/1/31

    435        439   
   

 

 

 
      2,569   
   

 

 

 
Higher Education Revenue—4.1%   

California Educational Facilities Authority, Pomona College,
5.000%, 7/1/45

    500        501   

California State University
5.000%, 11/1/41

    300        367   

University of California,

   

General Revenue
5.000%, 5/15/23

    100        125   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Higher Education Revenue—continued   

Limited Projects Revenue
5.000%, 5/15/23

  $ 225      $ 280   
   

 

 

 
      1,273   
   

 

 

 
Lease Revenue—9.7%   

California State Public Works Board,

   

Department of General Services, Buildings 8&9
6.125%, 4/1/29

    500        563   

Capital Projects,
5.750%, 10/1/30

    550        626   

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection,
5.000%, 11/1/32

    500        520   

Municipal Improvement Corp. of Los Angeles Real Property
5.000%, 11/1/36

    250        305   

San Diego Regional Building Authority, County Operations Center
5.000%, 10/15/35

    335        407   

Ventura County Public Financing Authority,
5.000%, 11/1/25

    250        305   

West Hollywood Public Financing Authority, West Hollywood Park Phase II
5.000%, 4/1/34

    250        306   
   

 

 

 
      3,032   
   

 

 

 
Medical Revenue—7.8%    

California Municipal Finance Authority, Community Medical Centers,
5.000%, 2/1/27

    100        120   

California State Health Facilities Financing Authority,

   

El Camino Hospital,
5.000%, 2/1/26

    100        124   

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
5.000%, 11/15/31

    250        309   

Sutter Health,
5.000%, 11/15/35

    125        153   

Providence St. Joseph Health
4.000%, 10/1/36

    50        55   

Lucille Salter Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford,
5.000%, 8/15/43

    100        118   

Sutter Health,
5.000%, 8/15/43

    135        162   

California Statewide Communities Development Authority,

   

Kaiser Permanente
0.820%, 8/15/25(3)

    300        300   

Loma Linda University Medical Center,
5.000%, 12/1/30(4)

    100        118   

John Muir Health Center
5.000%, 8/15/41

    100        121   

Cottage Health System,
5.000%, 11/1/43

    250        295   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

38


Table of Contents

VIRTUS CA TAX-EXEMPT BOND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Medical Revenue—continued   

Loma Linda University Medical Center,
5.250%, 12/1/56(4)

  $ 100      $ 114   

Regents of The University of California Medical Center Pooled Revenue
4.500%, 5/15/36

    250        291   

San Benito Health Care District, (CHFCLIF Insured)
4.000%, 3/1/18

    140        146   
   

 

 

 
      2,426   
   

 

 

 
Natural Gas Revenue—2.5%    

Roseville Natural Gas Financing Authority,

   

5.000%, 2/15/24

    450        530   

5.000%, 2/15/27

    195        236   
   

 

 

 
      766   
   

 

 

 
Power Revenue—2.3%    

Northern California Power Agency, Hydroelectric Project No.1,
5.000%, 7/1/32

    200        235   

Sacramento Municipal Utility District,
5.000%, 8/15/29

    150        185   

Southern California Public Power Authority, Windy Point Project,
5.000%, 7/1/28

    250        285   
   

 

 

 
      705   
   

 

 

 
Pre-Refunded—14.6%    

Bay Area Toll Authority, (Pre-refunded 4/1/19 @100)
5.125%, 4/1/39

    425        469   

California State Health Facilities Financing Authority, Providence Health & Services, (Pre-refunded 10/1/18 @100)
6.500%, 10/1/38

    195        217   

Providence Health & Services, (Pre-refunded 10/1/18 @100)
6.500%, 11/1/38

    5        6   

California State Infrastructure & Economic Development Bank, Bay Area Toll Bridges (Pre-refunded 7/1/26 @100) (AMBAC Insured)
5.125%, 7/1/37

    530        698   

California State of, (Pre-refunded 12/1/2017 @ 100)
5.000%, 12/1/37

    200        210   

California State University, (Pre-refunded 5/1/19 @ 100)
5.250%, 11/1/38

    500        556   

California Statewide Communities Development Authority,

   

Sutter Health, (AMBAC Insured)
(Pre-refunded 5/15/17 @100)
5.000%, 11/15/38

    205        210   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Pre-Refunded—continued    

St. Joseph Health System, (FGIC Insured) (Pre-refunded 7/1/18 @100)
5.750%, 7/1/47

  $ 350      $ 380   

City of Stockton CA, (GNMA Collateralized) (Pre-refunded 9/20/17 @ 100)
5.600%, 3/20/28

    150        157   

County of Riverside CA, (Escrowed to Maturity) (GNMA Collateralized)
7.800%, 5/1/21

    1,085        1,391   

Northern California Power Agency, (AMBAC Insured) (Pre-refunded 7/1/21 @ 100)
7.500%, 7/1/23

    195        236   
   

 

 

 
      4,530   
   

 

 

 
Special Tax Revenue—4.9%   

Chula Vista Municipal Financing Authority,
5.000%, 9/1/27

    200        244   

North City West School Facilities Financing Authority, (AMBAC Insured)
5.250%, 9/1/19

    635        709   

Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, Consololidated Capital Assessment District (BHAC Insured)
5.500%, 10/1/28

    250        273   

Tustin Unified School District, Community Facilities District No. 97-1, (BAM Insured)
5.000%, 9/1/33

    250        298   
   

 

 

 
      1,524   
   

 

 

 
Transportation Revenue—5.9%   

Los Angeles Department of Airports
5.000%, 5/15/32

    200        246   

Los Angeles Harbor Department,
5.000%, 8/1/35

    235        282   

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority,
5.000%, 7/1/40

    400        449   

San Diego County Regional Transportation Commission
5.000%, 4/1/36

    100        123   

San Diego Unified Port District,
5.000%, 9/1/28

    200        238   

San Francisco City & County Airport Commission, San Francisco International Airport,
5.000%, 5/1/43

    150        174   

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency,

   

5.000%, 3/1/31

    125        150   

5.000%, 3/1/33

    150        183   
   

 

 

 
      1,845   
   

 

 

 
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Water & Sewer Revenue—11.1%   

East Bay Municipal Utility District Water System Revenue
5.000%, 6/1/35

  $ 270      $ 332   

Los Angeles Department of Water & Power,
5.000%, 7/1/35

    295        360   

Manteca, City of, Water Revenue,
5.000%, 7/1/27

    300        362   

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
0.800%, 7/1/32(3)

    300        300   

Oakland, City of, Sewer Revenue,
5.000%, 6/15/29

    200        245   

Ross Valley Public Financing Authority, Sanitary District No.1 (AGM Insured)
5.000%, 10/1/33

    225        269   

San Diego County Water Authority, 5.000%, 5/1/31

    250        304   

San Diego Public Facilities Financing Authority Sewer Revenue
5.000%, 5/15/39

    500        614   

Santa Margarita-Dana Point Authority, Water Improvement Districts Nos. 2,3,4,
5.125%, 8/1/38

    630        674   
   

 

 

 
              3,460   
TOTAL MUNICIPAL TAX-EXEMPT BONDS
(Identified Cost $28,050)
        30,200   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—97.1%   
(Identified Cost $28,050)             30,200   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—97.1%
(Identified Cost $28,050)
        30,200 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—2.9%

  

    913   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 31,113   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviations:

ACA American Capital Access Financial Guarantee Corp.
AGM Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.
AMBAC American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.
BAM Build America Municipal Insured.
BHAC Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corp.
CHFCLIF California Health Facility Construction Loan Insurance Fund.
FGIC Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
GNMA Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”)
NATL National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.
 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

39


Table of Contents

VIRTUS CA TAX-EXEMPT BOND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  At September 30, 2016, the concentration of the Fund’s investments by state or territory determined as a percentage of net assets is as follows: California 100%. At September 30, 2016, 30.40% of the securities in the portfolio are backed by insurance of financial institutions and financial guaranty assurance agencies. None of the insurers’ concentration exceeds 10% of the Fund’s net assets.
(3)  Variable or step coupon security; interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at September 30, 2016.
(4)  Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $232 or 0.7% of net assets.

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

     Total Value at
September 30,
2016
     Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Debt Securities:

     

Municipal Tax-Exempt Bonds

   $ 30,200       $ 30,200   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 30,200       $ 30,200   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

There are no Level 1 (quoted prices) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

40


Table of Contents

VIRTUS ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—97.9%   
Consumer Discretionary—6.9%   

BorgWarner, Inc. (United States)

    978      $ 34   

Coway Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

    529        46   

Delphi Automotive plc
(United Kingdom)

    707        51   

EnerCare, Inc. (Canada)

    5,722        82   

Johnson Controls International plc (Ireland)

    2,108        98   

LKQ Corp. (United States)(2)

    573        20   
   

 

 

 
      331   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—15.8%   

Adecoagro SA (Brazil)(2)

    4,811        55   

AG Growth International, Inc. (Canada)

    476        16   

Andersons, Inc. (The)
(United States)

    425        15   

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. (United States)

    2,127        90   

BRF SA (Brazil)

    1,900        33   

Bunge Ltd. (United States)

    1,290        76   

Dean Foods Co. (United States)

    1,587        26   

Glanbia plc (Ireland)

    1,039        20   

Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. (Singapore)

    152,500        40   

Greencore Group plc (Ireland)

    6,917        30   

Ingredion, Inc. (United States)

    122        16   

JBS SA (Brazil)

    11,800        43   

KWS SAAT AG (Germany)

    65        22   

Minerva SA (Brazil)(2)

    10,900        33   

Origin Enterprises plc
(Ireland)(2)

    5,210        33   

PureCircle Ltd. (United Kingdom)(2)

    6,672        24   

SLC Agricola SA (Brazil)

    13,700        59   

SunOpta, Inc. (Canada)(2)

    5,108        36   

Tyson Foods, Inc. Class A
(United States)

    429        32   

United Natural Foods, Inc.
(United States)(2)

    676        27   

Wilmar International Ltd. (Singapore)

    13,200        31   
   

 

 

 
      757   
   

 

 

 
Energy—4.3%   

CHORUS Clean Energy AG (Germany)(2)

    1,356        16   

Cosan Ltd. (Brazil)

    11,400        81   

Energiekontor AG (Germany)

    3,103        51   

Energy Development Corp. (Philippines)

    146,000        18   

Pattern Energy Group, Inc.
(United States)

    957        22   

TransAlta Renewables, Inc. (Canada)

    1,658        19   
   

 

 

 
      207   
   

 

 

 
Financials—3.6%   

Capital Stage AG (Germany)

    510        4   

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (United States)

    1,529        36   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Financials—continued   

PICO Holdings, Inc.
(United States)(2)

    5,805      $ 68   

Renewables Infrastructure Group Ltd. (The) (United Kingdom)

    34,076        47   

Saeta Yield SA (Spain)

    1,912        19   
   

 

 

 
      174   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—2.9%   

Agilent Technologies, Inc.
(United States)

    664        31   

Danaher Corp. (United States)

    934        73   

Genus plc (United Kingdom)

    511        13   

Novozymes A/S Class B (Denmark)

    452        20   
   

 

 

 
      137   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—26.5%   

Aalberts Industries NV (Netherlands)

    527        18   

Aegion Corp. (United States)(2)

    843        16   

Ameresco, Inc. Class A
(United States)(2)

    5,848        31   

Amiad Water Systems Ltd. (Israel)

    7,152        13   

Arcadis NV (Netherlands)

    1,973        28   

BayWa AG (Germany)

    1,462        48   

Broadwind Energy, Inc.
(United States)(2)

    1,170        5   

China Everbright International Ltd. (Hong Kong)

    17,000        20   

Costain Group plc
(United Kingdom)

    6,827        32   

Covanta Holding Corp.
(United States)

    5,786        89   

Deere & Co. (United States)

    304        26   

DIRTT Environmental Solutions (Canada)(2)

    2,406        9   

Eaton Corp. plc (United States)

    533        35   

FuelCell Energy, Inc.
(United States)(2)

    582        3   

GEA Group AG (Germany)

    745        41   

H2O Innovation, Inc.
(Canada)(2)

    9,874        13   

HD Supply Holdings, Inc.
(United States)(2)

    1,633        52   

Honeywell International, Inc. (United States)

    402        47   

IDEX Corp. (United States)

    170        16   

Kingspan Group plc (Ireland)(2)

    1,287        35   

Kubota Corp. (Japan)

    5,400        82   

Kurita Water Industries Ltd. (Japan)

    1,400        33   

Lumenpulse, Inc. (Canada)(2)

    1,891        24   

METAWATER Co., Ltd. (Japan)

    700        19   

Nordex SE (Germany)(2)

    1,498        46   

Pentair plc (United States)

    961        62   

PNE Wind AG (Germany)

    10,370        25   

Rexnord Corp. (United States)(2)

    2,207        47   

Roper Technologies, Inc.
(United States)

    268        49   

RPS Group plc (United Kingdom)

    7,076        16   

Senvion SA (Luxembourg)(2)

    1,200        22   

SPX Corp. (United States)(2)

    2,608        53   

Stantec, Inc. (Canada)

    1,367        32   

Tetra Tech, Inc. (United States)

    1,050        37   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Industrials—continued   

Vestas Wind Systems A/S (Denmark)

    779      $ 64   

Xylem, Inc. (United States)

    728        38   

Zumtobel Group AG (Austria)

    2,224        43   
   

 

 

 
      1,269   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—7.5%   

Canadian Solar, Inc.
(Canada)(2)

    1,037        14   

First Solar, Inc.
(United States)(2)

    887        35   

Infineon Technologies AG (Germany)

    2,033        36   

NXP Semiconductors NV (Netherlands)(2)

    592        60   

Power Integrations, Inc.
(United States)

    537        34   

PSI AG Gesellschaft Fuer Produkte Und Systeme Der Informationstechnologie (Germany)

    838        12   

Pure Technologies Ltd. (Canada)

    13,648        61   

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (United States)(2)

    1,196        21   

SunPower Corp.
(United States)(2)

    4,450        40   

Trimble Navigation Ltd.
(United States)(2)

    1,313        38   

Universal Display Corp.
(United States)(2)

    165        9   
   

 

 

 
      360   
   

 

 

 
Materials—13.9%    

Agrium, Inc. (Canada)

    712        65   

Calgon Carbon Corp.
(United States)

    3,778        57   

CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (United States)

    1,654        40   

Ecolab, Inc. (United States)

    325        40   

FMC Corp. (United States)

    505        24   

Israel Chemicals Ltd. (Israel)

    5,839        23   

Kemira Oyj (Finland)

    1,231        17   

Koninklijke Dsm NV (Netherlands)

    273        18   

Monsanto Co. (United States)

    1,121        115   

Mosaic Co. (The) (United States)

    1,403        34   

PhosAgro OAO GDR Registered Shares (Russia)

    2,987        38   

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. (Canada)

    2,557        42   

Syngenta AG Registered Shares (Switzerland)

    278        122   

Yara International ASA (Norway)

    989        33   
   

 

 

 
      668   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—0.4%    

Gladstone Land Corp.
(United States)

    1,612        17   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—16.1%    

American Water Works Co., Inc. (United States)

    207        16   

Aqua America, Inc. (United States)

    781        24   

Atlantica Yield plc
(United Kingdom)

    1,670        32   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

41


Table of Contents

VIRTUS ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
Utilities—continued    

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd. Class H (Hong Kong)

    52,000      $ 35   

California Water Service Group (United States)

    536        17   

China Water Affairs Group Ltd. (Bermuda)

    28,000        18   

CT Environmental Group Ltd. (Cayman Islands)

    28,000        8   

EDP Renovaveis SA (Spain)

    9,093        73   

Global Water Resources, Inc. (United States)

    879        7   

Guangdong Investments Ltd. (China)

    16,000        26   

Huaneng Renewables Corp., Ltd. Class H (China)

    146,000        51   

Iberdrola SA (Spain)

    9,664        66   

Manila Water Co., Inc. (Philippines)

    30,100        18   

NextEra Energy, Inc.
(United States)

    156        19   

Northland Power, Inc. (Canada)

    607        11   

NRG Yield, Inc. Class C
(United States)

    2,712        46   

Pennon Group plc (United Kingdom)

    2,114        24   

SevernTrent plc (United Kingdom)

    925        30   

Silver Spring Networks, Inc. (United States)(2)

    3,072        44   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Utilities—continued    

Suez Environnement SA (France)

    5,031      $ 83   

United Utilities Group plc
(United Kingdom)

    3,696        48   

Veolia Environnement SA (France)

    3,327        77   
   

 

 

 
              773   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $4,619)
        4,693   
CLOSED END FUND—0.7%    
Financials—0.7%    

Greencoat UK Wind plc Fund (United Kingdom)(3)

    23,384        35   
TOTAL CLOSED END FUND
(Identified Cost $35)
        35   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—98.6%   
(Identified Cost $4,654)        4,728   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—98.6%
(Identified Cost $4,654)
        4,728 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—1.4%

  

    67   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%     $ 4,795   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviation:

GDR Global Depositary Receipt

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Non-income producing.
(3) Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

United States

    39

Canada

    9   

United Kingdom

    8   

Brazil

    6   

Germany

    6   

Ireland

    5   

France

    3   

Other

    24   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30, 2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
lnputs
 

Equity Securities:

              

Closed End Fund

     $ 35         $ 35         $   

Common Stocks

       4,693           4,248           445   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 4,728         $ 4,283         $ 445   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

42


Table of Contents

VIRTUS HIGH YIELD FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—1.3%   

Argentine Republic

   

144A 7.500%, 4/22/26(3)

  $ 340      $ 384   

144A 7.125%, 7/6/36(3)

    360        383   

Provincia de Buenos Aires 144A
9.125%, 3/16/24(3)

    210        235   
TOTAL FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $916)
        1,002   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES—1.3%   
Non-Agency—1.3%    

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. 05-5, 2A3
5.000%, 8/25/35

    88        88   

Home Equity Loan Trust 07-HSA3, AI4
6.110%, 6/25/37(2)

    415        418   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 07-LDPX, AM
5.464%, 1/15/49(2)

    180        176   

MASTR Reperforming Loan Trust 05-1, 1A5 144A
8.000%, 8/25/34(3)

    216        225   

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. 05-QS1, A5
5.500%, 1/25/35

    91        91   
TOTAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $986)
        998   
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—1.3%   

CarFinance Capital Auto Trust 14-1A, D 144A
4.900%, 4/15/20(3)

    205        206   

Citi Held For Asset Issuance 15-PM3, B 144A
4.310%, 5/16/22(3)

    360        360   

Greater Capital Association of Realtors 15-1A, C
9.790%, 10/15/25

    250        255   

Leaf Receivables Funding 9 LLC 10 LLC 15-1, E2 144A
6.000%, 6/15/23(3)

    160        157   
TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $971)
        978   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES—80.5%   
Consumer Discretionary—21.6%   

Allison Transmission, Inc. 144A
5.000%, 10/1/24(3)

    65        67   

Altice SA 144A
7.750%, 5/15/22(3)

    300        321   

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.

   

5.750%, 6/15/19

    115        120   

144A 8.750%, 3/15/22(3)

    75        79   

Boyd Gaming Corp.
6.875%, 5/15/23

    265        289   

Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Inc.
9.000%, 2/15/20(14)

    450        466   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC
8.000%, 10/1/20

  $ 220      $ 229   

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings LLC
9.375%, 5/1/22

    445        478   

CCO Holdings LLC 144A
5.500%, 5/1/26(3)

    435        457   

Cequel Communications Holdings I LLC 144A
6.375%, 9/15/20(3)

    400        413   

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

   

Series A 7.625%, 3/15/20

    150        145   

Series B 7.625%, 3/15/20

    1,060        1,056   

Columbus Cable Barbados Ltd. Series B, 144A
7.375%, 3/30/21(3)

    245        261   

CSC Holdings LLC
5.250%, 6/1/24

    290        276   

Dakota Merger Sub, Inc. 144A
10.750%, 9/1/24(3)

    250        246   

Dana Financing Luxembourg S.a.r.l. 144A
6.500%, 6/1/26(3)

    55        58   

Diamond Resorts International, Inc. 144A
7.750%, 9/1/23(3)

    20        20   

DISH DBS Corp.

   

5.000%, 3/15/23

    475        463   

144A 7.750%, 7/1/26(3)

    215        229   

Hanesbrands, Inc.

   

144A 4.625%, 5/15/24(3)

    65        67   

144A 4.875%, 5/15/26(3)

    135        139   

i Heart Communications, Inc.
9.000%, 12/15/19

    115        91   

IHO Verwaltungs GmbH PIK Interest Capitalization 144A
4.125%, 9/15/21(3)(7)

    380        385   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA
5.500%, 8/1/23

    425        296   

International Game Technology plc 144A
6.250%, 2/15/22(3)

    200        214   

Landry’s Holdings II, Inc. 144A
10.250%, 1/1/18(3)

    175        179   

Landry’s, Inc.

   

144A 9.375%, 5/1/20(3)

    425        446   

144A 6.750%, 10/15/24(3)

    135        138   

Lennar Corp.

   

4.500%, 11/15/19

    215        228   

4.875%, 12/15/23

    70        72   

M/I Homes, Inc.
6.750%, 1/15/21

    140        147   

MDC Holdings, Inc.
5.500%, 1/15/24

    325        341   

Meritor, Inc.
6.750%, 6/15/21

    225        229   

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP (MGP Finance Co-Issuer, Inc.) 144A
5.625%, 5/1/24(3)

    65        71   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

MGM Resorts International
4.625%, 9/1/26

  $ 380      $ 372   

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority
9.750%, 9/1/21

    170        184   

MPG Holdco I, Inc.
7.375%, 10/15/22

    225        232   

Newell Brands, Inc.

   

144A 5.000%, 11/15/23(3)

    115        122   

4.200%, 4/1/26

    15        16   

Penn National Gaming, Inc.
5.875%, 11/1/21

    180        187   

PetSmart, Inc. 144A
7.125%, 3/15/23(3)

    700        737   

PulteGroup, Inc.
5.500%, 3/1/26

    200        211   

RCN Telecom Services LLC (RCN Capital Corp.) 144A
8.500%, 8/15/20(3)

    670        715   

Sally Holdings LLC / Sally Capital, Inc.
5.625%, 12/1/25

    145        157   

Scientific Games International, Inc.

   

6.625%, 5/15/21

    150        115   

144A 7.000%, 1/1/22(3)

    245        260   

SFR (Numericable) Group S.A.

   

144A 6.000%, 5/15/22(3)

    465        476   

144A 7.375%, 5/1/26(3)

    340        348   

Sinclair Television Group, Inc. 144A
5.125%, 2/15/27(3)

    200        196   

Sirius XM Radio, Inc. 144A
5.375%, 7/15/26(3)

    290        299   

Six Flags Entertainment Corp. 144A
4.875%, 7/31/24(3)

    170        172   

Station Casinos LLC
7.500%, 3/1/21

    200        212   

Tenneco, Inc.
5.000%, 7/15/26

    175        178   

TI Group Automotive Systems LLC 144A
8.750%, 7/15/23(3)

    290        317   

Toll Brothers Finance Corp.
4.875%, 11/15/25

    450        462   

TRI Pointe Group, Inc.
5.875%, 6/15/24

    400        419   

Univision Communications, Inc. 144A
5.125%, 5/15/23(3)

    195        198   

UPCB Finance IV Ltd. 144A
5.375%, 1/15/25(3)

    200        202   

VTR Finance BV 144A
6.875%, 1/15/24(3)

    450        467   

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. 144A
5.000%, 9/1/26(3)

    250        253   

Ziggo Secured Finance BV 144A
5.500%, 1/15/27(3)

    265        265   
   

 

 

 
      16,488   
   

 

 

 
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

43


Table of Contents

VIRTUS HIGH YIELD FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Staples—2.7%   

Albertson’s, Inc. ( Albertson’s LLC) 144A
5.750%, 3/15/25(3)

  $ 195      $ 195   

Dole Food Co., Inc. 144A
7.250%, 5/1/19(3)

    250        254   

Pinnacle Foods Corp. Finance LLC 144A
5.875%, 1/15/24(3)

    35        38   

Post Holdings, Inc. 144A
5.000%, 8/15/26(3)

    305        304   

Prestige Brands, Inc. 144A
6.375%, 3/1/24(3)

    200        214   

Rite Aid Corp.

   

6.750%, 6/15/21

    475        501   

144A 6.125%, 4/1/23(3)

    65        70   

Safeway, Inc.
7.250%, 2/1/31

    215        214   

Tops Holding LLC (Tops Markets II Corp.) 144A
8.000%, 6/15/22(3)

    275        249   

US Foods, Inc. 144A
5.875%, 6/15/24(3)

    40        42   
   

 

 

 
      2,081   
   

 

 

 
Energy—12.6%   

Alberta Energy Co., Ltd.
8.125%, 9/15/30

    115        136   

Antero Midstream Partners LP 144A
5.375%, 9/15/24(3)

    85        86   

Antero Resources Corp.
5.625%, 6/1/23

    275        282   

Archrock Partners LP
6.000%, 10/1/22

    300        280   

Blue Racer Midstream LLC 144A
6.125%, 11/15/22(3)

    340        334   

BreitBurn Energy Partners
7.875%, 4/15/22(4)

    150        77   

California Resources Corp.

  

144A 8.000%, 12/15/22(3)

    239        160   

6.000%, 11/15/24

    16        8   

Callon Petroleum Co. 144A
6.125%, 10/1/24(3)

    115        119   

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.
6.250%, 4/15/23

    185        184   

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC 144A
7.000%, 6/30/24(3)

    105        114   

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

   

6.625%, 8/15/20

    100        94   

5.750%, 3/15/23

    105        90   

CONSOL Energy, Inc.
5.875%, 4/15/22

    200        185   

Continental Resources, Inc.

   

5.000%, 9/15/22

    240        240   

4.500%, 4/15/23

    145        140   

Crestwood Midstream Partners LP (Crestwood Midstream Finance Corp.)
6.250%, 4/1/23

    295        300   

Enbridge Energy Partners LP
4.375%, 10/15/20

    35        37   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Energy—continued   

Encana Corp.
3.900%, 11/15/21

  $ 190      $ 190   

Energy Transfer Equity LP
5.875%, 1/15/24

    400        417   

EnLink Midstream Partners LP
4.850%, 7/15/26

    30        30   

EnQuest plc 144A
7.000%, 4/15/22(3)

    250        131   

EP Energy LLC (Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc.)
9.375%, 5/1/20

    215        154   

FTS International, Inc.

   

144A 8.350%, 6/15/20(2)(3)

    230        196   

6.250%, 5/1/22

    190        74   

Gulfport Energy, Corp.
7.750%, 11/1/20

    150        156   

Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co.
4.650%, 3/15/25

    150        158   

Holly Energy Partners LP 144A
6.000%, 8/1/24(3)

    25        26   

Laredo Petroleum, Inc.
5.625%, 1/15/22

    110        107   

Linn Energy LLC (Linn Energy Finance Corp.)
7.750%, 2/1/21(4)

    200        52   

MPLX LP
4.875%, 12/1/24

    325        336   

Newfield Exploration Co.
5.375%, 1/1/26

    165        166   

NGL Energy Partners LP
5.125%, 7/15/19

    200        189   

Pacific Exploration and Production Corp. 144A
5.375%, 1/26/19(3)(4)

    100        19   

Parsley Energy LLC 144A
6.250%, 6/1/24(3)

    410        425   

Petrobras Global Finance BV

   

8.375%, 5/23/21

    40        44   

8.750%, 5/23/26

    210        233   

QEP Resources, Inc.
5.250%, 5/1/23

    300        297   

Range Resources Corp. 144A
5.000%, 3/15/23(3)

    270        265   

Regency Energy Partners LP
5.875%, 3/1/22

    90        99   

Rowan Cos., Inc.
5.400%, 12/1/42

    265        178   

Sabine Oil & Gas Corp.
7.250%, 6/15/19(4)(11)

    329        6   

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC
5.625%, 2/1/21

    380        404   

SM Energy Co.
6.125%, 11/15/22

    115        116   

Southern Gas Corridor CJSC 144A
6.875%, 3/24/26(3)

    200        225   

Sunoco LP 144A
6.375%, 4/1/23(3)

    695        718   

Transocean, Inc.

   

6.800%, 12/15/16

    360        362   

144A 9.000%, 7/15/23(3)

    80        78   

6.800%, 3/15/38

    300        200   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Energy—continued   

Weatherford International Ltd.
8.250%, 6/15/23

  $ 190      $ 189   

Whiting Petroleum Corp.
5.750%, 3/15/21

    130        122   

WPX Energy, Inc.
6.000%, 1/15/22

    120        119   

YPF S.A. 144A
8.500%, 3/23/21(3)

    230        257   
   

 

 

 
      9,604   
   

 

 

 
Financials—5.8%   

AerCap Ireland Capital Ltd. (Aercap Global Aviation Trust)

   

4.625%, 10/30/20

    150        158   

4.500%, 5/15/21

    400        418   

3.950%, 2/1/22

    175        179   

Aircastle Ltd.
5.000%, 4/1/23

    350        367   

Ally Financial, Inc.

   

3.250%, 11/5/18

    120        121   

4.250%, 4/15/21

    205        209   

5.750%, 11/20/25

    235        247   

Genworth Holdings, Inc.
4.900%, 8/15/23

    130        109   

Guanay Finance Ltd. 144A
6.000%, 12/15/20(3)

    239        244   

ICAHN Enterprises LP
5.875%, 2/1/22

    295        285   

ING Groep NV 6.000%(2)(5)(6)

    200        195   

iStar Financial, Inc.
5.000%, 7/1/19

    500        500   

Nationstar Mortgage LLC
6.500%, 7/1/21

    250        246   

Navient Corp.
7.250%, 9/25/23

    60        60   

Springleaf Finance Corp.
5.250%, 12/15/19

    410        420   

Sprint Capital Corp.
6.900%, 5/1/19

    325        338   

Voya Financial, Inc.
5.650%, 5/15/53(2)

    205        205   

Walter Investment Management Corp.
7.875%, 12/15/21

    215        144   
   

 

 

 
      4,445   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—10.4%   

Alere, Inc.

   

6.500%, 6/15/20

    150        151   

144A 6.375%, 7/1/23(3)

    50        51   

Capsugel S.A. PIK Interest Capitalization, 144A
7.000%, 5/15/19(3)(7)

    212        213   

Centene Corp
5.625%, 2/15/21

    150        160   

Centene Escrow Corp.
4.750%, 5/15/22

    65        67   

Community Health Systems, Inc.

   

5.125%, 8/15/18

    21        21   

5.125%, 8/1/21

    400        397   

6.875%, 2/1/22

    145        125   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

44


Table of Contents

VIRTUS HIGH YIELD FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

Concordia Healthcare Corp. 144A
7.000%, 4/15/23(3)

  $ 450      $ 290   

DaVita Healthcare Partners, Inc.

   

5.125%, 7/15/24

    100        102   

5.000%, 5/1/25

    100        101   

Double Eagle Acquisition Sub, Inc. 144A
7.500%, 10/1/24(3)

    75        77   

Endo Finance LLC 144A
5.375%, 1/15/23(3)

    250        222   

Fresenius U.S. Finance II, Inc. 144A
4.500%, 1/15/23(3)

    60        63   

HCA, Inc.

   

6.500%, 2/15/20

    175        194   

5.375%, 2/1/25

    505        522   

5.250%, 6/15/26

    230        244   

4.500%, 2/15/27

    270        271   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 144A
9.000%, 1/15/18(3)

    130        134   

Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A. 144A
5.625%, 10/15/23(3)

    110        106   

MEDNAX, Inc. 144A
5.250%, 12/1/23(3)

    295        310   

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC 144A
7.125%, 6/1/24(3)

    20        22   

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics S.A.) 144A
6.625%, 5/15/22(3)

    225        199   

Pinnacle Merger Sub, Inc. (PRA Holdings, Inc.) 144A
9.500%, 10/1/23(3)

    225        249   

Quintiles Transnational Corp. 144A
4.875%, 5/15/23(3)

    175        181   

Quorum Health Corp. 144A
11.625%, 4/15/23(3)

    120        100   

Sterigenics-Nordion Holdings LLC 144A
6.500%, 5/15/23(3)

    325        339   

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc. 144A
8.875%, 4/15/21(3)

    200        214   

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc. 144A
6.000%, 4/1/23(3)

    400        422   

Team Health, Inc. 144A
7.250%, 12/15/23(3)

    20        22   

Teleflex, Inc.
4.875%, 6/1/26

    270        280   

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

   

6.000%, 10/1/20

    375        397   

4.500%, 4/1/21

    275        278   

8.125%, 4/1/22

    390        392   

Universal Health Services, Inc.

   

144A 4.750%, 8/1/22(3)

    45        46   

144A 5.000%, 6/1/26(3)

    80        84   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.

   

144A 6.750%, 8/15/18(3)

    140        141   

144A 5.375%, 3/15/20(3)

    420        391   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

144A 6.375%, 10/15/20(3)

  $ 325      $ 306   

144A 7.250%, 7/15/22(3)

    70        65   
   

 

 

 
      7,949   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—6.2%   

ADT Corp. (The)
6.250%, 10/15/21

    200        218   

Advanced Disposal Services, Inc.
8.250%, 10/1/20

    300        315   

AMN Healthcare, Inc. 144A
5.125%, 10/1/24(3)

    70        71   

Bombardier, Inc.

   

4.750%, 4/15/19

    190        186   

144A 6.125%, 1/15/23(3)

    200        179   

Builders FirstSource, Inc. 144A
10.750%, 8/15/23(3)

    150        173   

Cemex SAB de C.V. 144A
7.750%, 4/16/26(3)

    200        222   

CNH Industrial N.V.
4.500%, 8/15/23

    250        253   

Garda World Security Corp. 144A
7.250%, 11/15/21(3)

    410        380   

Harland Clarke Holdings Corp.

   

144A 6.875%, 3/1/20(3)

    150        144   

144A 9.250%, 3/1/21(3)

    300        256   

Hawaiian Airlines Pass-Through Certificates 13-1B,
4.950%, 1/15/22

    96        97   

JBS Investments GmbH 144A
7.250%, 4/3/24(3)

    200        205   

Masco Corp.
4.375%, 4/1/26

    175        185   

NCI Building Systems, Inc. 144A
8.250%, 1/15/23(3)

    290        317   

Owens Corning
3.400%, 8/15/26

    265        266   

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC (Prime Finance, Inc.) 144A
9.250%, 5/15/23(3)

    195        213   

Standard Industries, Inc. 144A
5.500%, 2/15/23(3)

    55        57   

TransDigm, Inc.

   

6.000%, 7/15/22

    300        318   

6.500%, 5/15/25

    230        241   

UAL Pass-Through-Trust 07-01, A 6.636%, 7/2/22

    161        172   

United Rentals North America, Inc.
5.500%, 7/15/25

    270        278   
   

 

 

 
      4,746   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—2.3%   

Blackboard, Inc. 144A
7.750%, 11/15/19(3)

    125        125   

Diamond 1 Finance Corp. (Diamond 2 Finance Corp.)

   

144A 5.450%, 6/15/23(3)

    60        64   

144A 7.125%, 6/15/24(3)

    70        77   

144A 6.020%, 6/15/26(3)

    45        50   

144A 8.100%, 7/15/36(3)

    55        65   

144A 8.350%, 7/15/46(3)

    45        54   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Information Technology—continued   

First Data Corp.

   

144A 5.000%, 1/15/24(3)

  $ 230      $ 234   

144A 5.750%, 1/15/24(3)

    450        464   

Infor US, Inc.
6.500%, 5/15/22

    220        224   

NXP BV (NXP Funding LLC) 144A
4.625%, 6/1/23(3)

    325        356   

WESCO Distribution, Inc. 144A
5.375%, 6/15/24(3)

    75        75   
   

 

 

 
      1,788   
   

 

 

 
Materials—9.1%   

AK Steel Corp.

   

7.625%, 10/1/21

    100        97   

7.500%, 7/15/23

    140        149   

Aleris International, Inc. 144A
9.500%, 4/1/21(3)

    360        389   

ArcelorMittal
6.125%, 6/1/25

    300        328   

Ardagh Packaging Finance plc

   

144A 6.250%, 1/31/19(3)

    145        149   

144A 6.750%, 1/31/21(3)

    295        306   

144A 7.250%, 5/15/24(3)

    345        370   

Axalta Coating Systems, LLC 144A
4.875%, 8/15/24(3)

    290        298   

Berry Plastics Corp.
5.125%, 7/15/23

    400        409   

BlueScope Steel Finance Ltd. 144A
6.500%, 5/15/21(3)

    235        249   

Boise Cascade Co. 144A
5.625%, 9/1/24(3)

    190        194   

Cascades, Inc.

   

144A 5.500%, 7/15/22(3)

    575        587   

144A 5.750%, 7/15/23(3)

    225        229   

Eldorado Gold Corp. 144A
6.125%, 12/15/20(3)

    150        152   

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) Resources August 2006 Pty Ltd. 144A
9.750%, 3/1/22(3)

    100        117   

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.

   

3.550%, 3/1/22

    160        146   

3.875%, 3/15/23

    180        164   

Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
4.125%, 8/15/24

    225        227   

Hexion U.S. Finance Corp.

   

8.875%, 2/1/18

    125        120   

6.625%, 4/15/20

    75        66   

INEOS Group Holdings S.A.

   

144A 5.875%, 2/15/19(3)

    305        312   

144A 5.625%, 8/1/24(3)

    315        310   

Novelis Corp.

   

144A 6.250%, 8/15/24(3)

    35        37   

144A 5.875%, 9/30/26(3)

    230        236   

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc.

   

8.250%, 2/15/21

    190        198   

144A 5.125%, 7/15/23(3)

    150        155   

144A 7.000%, 7/15/24(3)

    10        11   

Standard Industries, Inc. 144A
6.000%, 10/15/25(3)

    115        123   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

45


Table of Contents

VIRTUS HIGH YIELD FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Materials—continued   

Teck Resources Ltd.

   

144A 8.000%, 6/1/21(3)

  $ 20      $ 22   

4.750%, 1/15/22

    150        147   

144A 8.500%, 6/1/24(3)

    50        57   

6.125%, 10/1/35

    150        143   

United States Steel Corp.
7.375%, 4/1/20

    19        19   

Vale Overseas Ltd.
5.875%, 6/10/21

    130        136   

Valvoline, Inc. 144A
5.500%, 7/15/24(3)

    30        32   

Vedanta Resources plc

   

144A 9.500%, 7/18/18(3)

    100        106   

144A 8.250%, 6/7/21(3)

    200        203   
   

 

 

 
      6,993   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—0.8%   

Corrections Corp. of America
5.000%, 10/15/22

    145        132   

ESH Hospitality, Inc. 144A
5.250%, 5/1/25(3)

    170        171   

GLP Capital LP (GLP Financing II, Inc.)

   

4.875%, 11/1/20

    95        103   

5.375%, 4/15/26

    60        65   

MPT Operating Partnership LP

   

6.375%, 3/1/24

    100        109   

5.250%, 8/1/26

    10        10   
   

 

 

 
      590   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—6.4%   

Altice Financing S.A. 144A
6.625%, 2/15/23(3)

    480        494   

CenturyLink, Inc.

   

Series T
5.800%, 3/15/22

    65        67   

Series Y
7.500%, 4/1/24

    370        396   

CSC Holdings LLC 144A
5.500%, 4/15/27(3)

    135        138   

Frontier Communications Corp.

   

8.500%, 4/15/20

    425        461   

10.500%, 9/15/22

    45        48   

GTH Finance BV 144A
7.250%, 4/26/23(3)

    200        218   

Level 3 Financing, Inc. 144A
5.250%, 3/15/26(3)

    135        140   

Neptune Finance Corp.

   

144A 10.125%, 1/15/23(3)

    210        243   

144A 6.625%, 10/15/25(3)

    210        228   

Qwest Corp.
7.250%, 9/15/25

    130        142   

Sprint Capital Corp.
6.875%, 11/15/28

    250        237   

Sprint Communications, Inc.
6.000%, 11/15/22

    235        221   

Sprint Corp.
7.875%, 9/15/23

    325        330   

T-Mobile USA, Inc.

   

6.125%, 1/15/22

    240        256   

6.500%, 1/15/24

    275        299   

6.500%, 1/15/26

    220        244   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Telecommunication Services—continued   

Virgin Media Finance plc 144A
6.000%, 10/15/24(3)

  $ 250      $ 260   

Windstream Corp.
7.750%, 10/1/21

    300        300   

Zayo Group LLC (Zayo Capital, Inc.)
6.000%, 4/1/23

    180        189   
   

 

 

 
      4,911   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—2.6%   

AmeriGas Partners LP
7.000%, 5/20/22

    325        345   

Calpine Corp.
5.375%, 1/15/23

    350        351   

Dynegy, Inc.
7.375%, 11/1/22

    355        352   

NRG Energy, Inc. 144A
7.250%, 5/15/26(3)

    185        189   

NRG Yield Operating LLC
5.375%, 8/15/24

    190        196   

Talen Energy Supply LLC 144A
4.625%, 7/15/19(3)

    175        165   

TerraForm Power Operating LLC 144A
9.375%, 2/1/23(2)(3)

    250        259   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC 144A
11.500%, 10/1/20(3)(8)

    500        153   
   

 

 

 
              2,010   
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES
(Identified Cost $61,346)
        61,605   
LOAN AGREEMENTS(2)—9.3%   
Consumer Discretionary—2.2%   

Boyd Gaming Corp. Tranche B-2
3.524%, 9/15/23

    59        60   

Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Inc. Tranche B-7,
11.250%, 3/1/17(14)

    165        189   

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC
7.000%, 10/11/20

    115        115   

CDS U.S. Intermediate Holdings, Inc. First Lien,
5.000%, 7/8/22

    177        178   

Floor & Decor Outlets of America, Inc.
0.000%, 9/29/23(9)

    150        150   

Graton Resort & Casino Tranche B,
4.750%, 9/1/22

    104        105   

Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc. Tranche B
5.250%, 8/16/23

    110        111   

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority

   

Tranche B,
5.500%, 6/15/18

    110        110   

0.00%, 9/30/23(9)

    190        187   

Transtar Holding Co. Second Lien,
12.000%, 10/9/19(4)(11)

    200        28   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

U.S. Farathane LLC Tranche B-2,
5.750%, 12/23/21

  $ 244      $ 245   

UFC Holdings LLC First Lien
5.000%, 8/18/23

    195        197   
   

 

 

 
      1,675   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—1.6%    

Albertson’s LLC Trance B-4,
4.500%, 8/25/21

    209        211   

Amplify Snack Brands, Inc.
6.500%, 9/2/23

    235        234   

ASP MSG Acquisitions, Co., Inc. 6.000%, 8/16/23

    149        150   

Chobani LLC
5.250%, 9/29/23

    45        45   

Crossmark Holdings, Inc. Second Lien,
8.750%, 12/21/20(11)

    190        86   

Hostess Brands LLC Tranche B, Second Lien,
8.500%, 8/3/23

    430        434   

Kronos Second Lien,
9.750%, 4/30/20

    24        24   

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC
3.275%, 1/13/23

    32        32   
   

 

 

 
      1,216   
   

 

 

 
Energy—0.8%   

California Resources Corp.
11.375%, 12/31/21

    155        163   

Chesapeake Energy Corp.
8.500%, 8/23/21

    31        33   

EP Energy LLC
0.000%, 6/30/21(9)

    190        187   

Jonah Energy LLC Second Lien,
7.500%, 5/12/21

    125        112   

MEG Energy Corp.
3.750%, 3/31/20

    85        79   

Sabine Oil & Gas LLC Second Lien,
12.000%, 12/31/18(4)(11)

    285        10   
   

 

 

 
      584   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—1.5%    

21st Century Oncology Holdings, Inc. Tranche B,
7.125%, 4/30/22

    222        210   

Ardent Legacy Acquisitions, Inc.
6.500%, 8/4/21

    129        128   

InVentiv Health, Inc.

   

Tranche B-4,
7.750%, 5/15/18

    159        160   

Tranche B
0.000%, 9/29/23(9)

    57        57   

MMM Holdings, Inc.
9.750%, 12/12/17(8)(11)

    79        77   

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC
5.000%, 6/7/23

    35        36   

MSO of Puerto Rico, Inc.
9.750%, 12/12/17(8)(11)

    58        56   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

46


Table of Contents

VIRTUS HIGH YIELD FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Health Care—continued    

NVA Holdings, Inc.

   

Tranche B-1, First Lien,
5.500%, 8/14/21

  $ 130      $ 131   

Second Lien,
8.000%, 8/14/22

    175        175   

Quorum Health Corp.
6.750%, 4/29/22

    99        96   
   

 

 

 
      1,126   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—1.3%    

Aspen Merger Sub (Coinstar), Inc.
0.000%, 9/27/23(9)

    89        90   

Brickman Group Ltd. LLC (The) Second Lien,
7.500%, 12/17/21

    225        224   

Filtration Group Corp. Second Lien,
8.250%, 11/22/21

    81        81   

Navistar, Inc. Tranche B
6.500%, 8/7/20

    235        236   

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. Second Lien,
6.750%, 2/28/22

    390        387   
   

 

 

 
      1,018   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—0.8%   

Blackboard, Inc. Tranche B-4
0.000%, 6/30/21(9)

    142        141   

Donnelley Financial Solutions
0.000%, 9/26/23(9)

    50        50   

First Data Corp. Tranche 2022
4.275%, 7/8/22

    157        158   

Mitchell International, Inc. Second Lien,
8.500%, 10/11/21

    64        63   

NXP BV Tranche F
3.405%, 12/7/20

    61        62   

Presidio, Inc. Refinancing,
5.250%, 2/2/22

    145        146   

Press Ganey Holdings, Inc.
3.250%, 9/29/23

    16        16   

Western Digital Corp.
Tranche B-1,
4.500%, 4/29/23

    14        14   
   

 

 

 
      650   
   

 

 

 
Materials—0.6%    

CPI Acquisition, Inc. First Lien,
5.500%, 8/17/22

    160        157   

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) Resources Property Ltd.
3.750%, 6/30/19

    138        137   

Omnova Solutions, Inc. Tranche B-2,
5.250%, 8/25/23

    193        193   
   

 

 

 
      487   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—0.5%    

Atlantic Power LP
6.000%, 4/13/23

    220        223   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Utilities—continued    

Energy Futures Holdings Corp.

   

5.000%, 7/27/23(8)

  $ 138      $ 139   

Tranche C
5.000%, 7/27/23(8)

    31        31   
   

 

 

 
              393   
TOTAL LOAN AGREEMENTS
(Identified Cost $7,634)
        7,149   
    SHARES        
PREFERRED STOCKS—1.4%   
Financials—1.4%    

Citigroup, Inc. Series N
6.250%(2)

    205 (10)      221   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) Series L, 5.700%(2)

    215 (10)      218   

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Series V, 5.000%(2)

    145 (10)      143   

KeyCorp. 5.000(2)

    375 (10)      370   

SunTrust Bank, Inc.
5.625%(2)

    95 (10)      98   
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Identified Cost $1,037)
        1,050   
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS(12)—2.0%   

iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond Index Fund

    8,300        392   

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond Index Fund

    4,413        385   

SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond Index Fund

    10,467        384   

SPDR Barclays Short-Term High Yield Bond Index Fund

    14,000        388   
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Identified Cost $1,513)         1,549   
AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND(12)—0.5%   

Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund Class R6

    35,806        352   
TOTAL AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND (Identified Cost $358)         352   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—97.6%   
(Identified Cost $74,761)        74,683 (13) 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—0.3%   
Money Market Mutual Fund(12)—0.3%   

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.360%)

    226,656        227   
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (Identified Cost $227)         227   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—97.9%
(Identified Cost $74,988)
        74,910 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities,
net—2.1%

  

    1,639   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 76,549   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviations:

ADS American Depositary Share
PIK Payment-in-Kind Security
SPDR S&P Depositary Receipt

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Variable or step coupon security; interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at September 30, 2016.
(3) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $30,862 or 40.3% of net assets.
(4) Security in default no interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(5) No contractual maturity date.
(6) Interest payments may be deferred.
(7) 100% of the income received was in cash.
(8) Security in default, interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(9) This loan will settle after September 30, 2016, at which time the interest rate, based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the agreed upon spread on trade date, will be reflected.
(10) Value shown as par value.
(11) Illiquid security.
(12) Shares of these funds are publicly offered and the prospectus and annual reports of each are publicly available.
(13) All or a portion of the Fund’s assets have been segregated for delayed delivery securities.
(14)  Security in default, a portion of the interest payments are being received during bankruptcy proceedings.

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)  

United States

    79

Canada

    5   

Luxembourg

    3   

Argentina

    2   

Ireland

    2   

Netherlands

    2   

United Kingdom

    1   

Other

    6   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

47


Table of Contents

VIRTUS HIGH YIELD FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
       Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 

Debt Securities:

                   

Asset-Backed Securities

     $ 978         $         $ 723         $ 255   

Corporate Bonds And Notes

       61,605                     61,586           19   

Foreign Government Securities

       1,002                     1,002             

Loan Agreements

       7,149                     7,111           38   

Mortgage-Backed Securities

       998                     998             

Equity Securities:

                   

Affiliated Mutual Fund

       352           352                       

Exchange-Traded Funds

       1,549           1,549                       

Preferred Stocks

       1,050                     1,050             

Short-Term Investment

       227           227                       
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 74,910         $ 2,128         $ 72,470         $ 312   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held as of September 30, 2016.

The following is a reconciliation of assets of the Fund for Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

 

       Total        Asset-Backed
Securities
       Corporate Bonds
And Notes
       Loan
Agreements
 

Investments in Securities

                   

Balance as of September 30, 2015:

     $ 444         $ 250         $         $ 194   

Accrued discount/(premium)

       1                               1   

Realized gain (loss)

                                       

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)(c)

       (162        5                     (167

Purchases

                                       

Sales(b)

                                       

Transfers into Level 3(a)

       29 (d)                   19 (d)         10 (d) 

Transfers from Level 3(a)

                                       
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2016

     $ 312         $ 255 (e)       $ 19 (e)       $ 38 (e)  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(a)  “Transfers into and/or from” represent the ending value as of September 30, 2016, for any investment security where a change in the pricing level occurred from the beginning to the end of the period.
(b)  Includes paydown on securities.
(c)  Included in the related net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) in the Statements of Operations. The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments still held on September 30, 2016 was ($222)
(d)  The transfers into Level 3 are due to a decrease in trading activities at period end.
(e)  The Fund’s investments that are categorized as Level 3 were valued utilizing third party pricing information without adjustment. Such valuations are based on unobservable inputs. A significant change in third party information could result in a significantly lower or higher value of Level 3 investments.

None of the securities in this table are internally fair valued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

48


Table of Contents

VIRTUS LOW DURATION INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—10.1%   

U.S. Treasury Note
0.750%, 12/31/17

  $ 19,355      $ 19,362   

1.375%, 4/30/20

    14,265        14,451   

1.625%, 2/15/26

    6,755        6,772   
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $40,357)
        40,585   
MUNICIPAL BONDS—0.1%   
Illinois—0.1%    

State of Illinois Build America Taxable
5.547%, 4/1/19

    190        201   
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS
(Identified Cost $200)
        201   
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—0.1%   

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 144A
6.000%, 1/14/19(3)

    235        243   

Sultanate of Oman 144A
3.625%, 6/15/21(3)

    200        202   
TOTAL FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $437)
        445   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES—41.2%   
Agency—12.8%    

FHLMC

   

4.000%, 2/1/45

    407        437   

3.500%, 3/1/45

    2,096        2,231   

3.500%, 4/1/46

    2,322        2,450   

FNMA

   

4.000%, 8/1/25

    91        96   

3.000%, 6/1/27

    278        292   

3.000%, 11/1/27

    965        1,014   

2.500%, 5/1/28

    764        794   

2.500%, 11/1/29

    749        776   

2.500%, 9/1/30

    4,628        4,802   

3.000%, 9/1/30

    3,000        3,152   

3.000%, 10/1/30

    1,692        1,778   

3.000%, 10/1/30

    5,275        5,543   

2.500%, 2/1/31

    6,419        6,655   

4.000%, 11/1/31

    440        476   

5.000%, 10/1/39

    329        372   

4.500%, 4/1/40

    136        149   

3.500%, 12/1/42

    653        691   

3.000%, 3/1/43

    1,112        1,160   

3.000%, 5/1/43

    321        335   

4.000%, 10/1/44

    981        1,054   

3.000%, 5/1/45

    1,070        1,114   

3.500%, 8/1/45

    1,704        1,798   

3.500%, 1/1/46

    2,117        2,234   

3.500%, 1/1/46

    2,634        2,779   

3.500%, 1/1/46

    483        509   

3.000%, 4/1/46

    3,009        3,132   

3.500%, 4/1/46

    560        591   

3.000%, 5/1/46

    373        388   

3.500%, 5/1/46

    564        595   

3.000%, 6/1/46

    1,044        1,087   

3.000%, 7/1/46

    381        396   

3.000%, 7/1/46

    1,704        1,774   

3.000%, 10/1/46

    480        500   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Agency—continued    

FNMA REMIC 97-70, PE (P.O.)
0.000%, 4/25/22

  $ 6      $ 6   

GNMA

   

7.000%, 7/15/23

    2        2   

7.000%, 9/15/23

    8        9   

7.000%, 9/15/23

    2        2   

7.000%, 1/15/24

    5        5   

7.000%, 9/15/24

    6        7   

7.000%, 7/15/25

    3        3   

7.000%, 7/15/25

    12        12   
   

 

 

 
      51,200   
   

 

 

 
Non-Agency—28.4%    

A-10 Securitization LLC
13-1, A 144A
2.400%, 11/15/25(3)

    5        5   

Access Point Financial, Inc.
15-A, A 144A
2.610%, 4/15/20(3)

    86        86   

Agate Bay Mortgage Trust 13-1, 144A
3.500%, 7/25/43(2)(3)

    415        426   

American Homes 4 Rent
15-SFR1, A 144A
3.467%, 4/17/52(3)

    195        208   

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities, Inc. 03-10, AF6
5.210%, 11/25/33(2)

    177        182   

Asset Backed Funding Certificates 05-AQ1, A6
4.780%, 6/25/35(2)

    110        113   

Aventura Mall Trust

   

13-AVM, C 144A
3.743%, 12/5/32(2)(3)

    1,130        1,185   

13-AVM, A 144A
3.743%, 12/5/32(2)(3)

    1,721        1,849   

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

07-2, A4
5.638%, 4/10/49(2)

    948        953   

07-4, AM
5.812%, 2/10/51(2)

    1,950        2,011   

Banc of America Funding Trust

   

04-B, 2A1
2.886%, 11/20/34(2)

    51        50   

05-1, 1A1
5.500%, 2/25/35

    144        144   

06-2, 3A1
6.000%, 3/25/36

    34        35   

16- R1, A1 144A
2.500%, 3/25/40(2)(3)

    1,808        1,796   

Banc of America Mortgage Trust

   

04-5, 4A1
4.750%, 6/25/19

    237        237   

04-7, 6A3
4.500%, 8/25/19

    57        57   

04-11, 5A1
6.500%, 8/25/32

    440        443   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued   

Bank of America (Merrill Lynch – Countrywide) Alternative Loan Trust

   

04-22CB, 1A1
6.000%, 10/25/34

  $ 382      $ 409   

04-24CB, 1A1
6.000%, 11/25/34

    254        258   

Bank of America (Merrill Lynch) Investors
Series 04-A4, A1
2.855%, 8/25/34(2)

    765        774   

Barclays (Lehman Brothers) – UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

07-C2, A3
5.430%, 2/15/40

    1,302        1,313   

07-C6, A4
5.858%, 7/15/40(2)

    750        760   

07-C3, A4
6.114%, 7/15/44(2)

    2,657        2,726   

07-C7, A3
5.866%, 9/15/45(2)

    616        639   

Bayview Commercial Asset Trust 08-1, A3 144A
2.025%, 1/25/38(2)(3)

    226        221   

Bayview Financial Acquisition Trust 07-A, 1A2
6.205%, 5/28/37(2)

    370        384   

BCRR Trust 09-1, 2A 144A
5.858%, 7/17/40(2)(3)

    143        143   

Centex Home Equity Loan Trust

   

02-A, AF6
5.540%, 1/25/32

    107        106   

04-D, AF5
5.850%, 9/25/34(2)

    385        397   

Citigroup – Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust 07-CD4, A4
5.322%, 12/11/49

    1,004        1,008   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

16-A Smpl A
2.228%, 9/10/31

    750        750   

07-C6, A1A
5.900%, 12/10/49(2)

    812        827   

07-C6, A4
5.900%, 12/10/49(2)

    1,550        1,578   

08-C7, AM
6.333%, 12/10/49(2)

    230        238   

10-RR3, MLSR 144A
5.810%, 6/14/50(2)(3)

    1,491        1,504   

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.

   

04-NCM2, 2CB2
6.750%, 8/25/34

    166        173   

14-A, A 144A
4.000%, 1/25/35(2)(3)

    607        630   

15-PS1, 144A
3.750%, 9/25/42(2)(3)

    489        506   

15-A, A1 144A
3.500%, 6/25/58(2)(3)

    1,214        1,238   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

49


Table of Contents

VIRTUS LOW DURATION INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued   

Colony American Finance Ltd. 15-1 144A
2.896%, 10/15/47(3)

  $ 625      $ 632   

Colony Multi-Family Mortgage Trust 14-1, A 144A
2.543%, 4/20/50(3)

    1,126        1,123   

COLT Mortgage Loan Trust Funding LLC

   

16-1 A1, 144A
3.000%, 5/25/46(3)

    841        848   

16-2, A1 144A
2.750%, 9/25/46(2)(3)

    1,165        1,172   

Commercial Mortgage Lease-Backed Certificates 01-CMB, 1 144A
7.471%, 6/20/31(2)(3)

    460        521   

Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

07-C9, A4
5.813%, 12/10/49(2)

    1,133        1,160   

07-GG11, AM
5.867%, 12/10/49(2)

    2,123        2,192   

Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

07-C1, A1A
5.361%, 2/15/40

    139        140   

10-RR7, 1A 144A
5.378%, 8/12/48(2)(3)

    253        253   

07-C2, A3
5.542%, 1/15/49(2)

    8        8   

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp.

   

03-27, 5A3
5.250%, 11/25/33

    70        70   

13-HYB1, A16,144A
3.017%, 4/25/43(2)(3)

    1,134        1,136   

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Trust 16-BDWN, A 144A
3.408%, 2/15/29(2)(3)

    875        875   

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes 16-DNA2, M2
2.725%, 10/25/28(2)

    835        849   

GAHR Commercial Mortgage Trust 15-NRF, CFX 144A
3.495%, 12/15/34(2)(3)

    810        825   

GMAC Mortgage Corp. Loan Trust 04-AR1, 12A
3.441%, 6/25/34(2)

    198        200   

Goldman Sachs Mortgage Securities Trust

   

07-GG10, A1A
5.988%, 8/10/45(2)

    2,322        2,362   

07-GG10, A4
5.988%, 8/10/45(2)

    1,353        1,373   

GSAA Home Equity Trust

   

05-1, AF4
5.619%, 11/25/34(2)

    211        218   

05-12, AF3W
4.999%, 9/25/35(2)

    52        52   

Hilton USA Trust 13-HLT, EFX 144A
5.609%, 11/5/30(2)(3)

    650        651   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued   

Home Equity Loan Trust 03-HS2, AIIB
0.775%, 6/25/28(2)

  $ 296      $ 288   

IMC Home Equity Loan Trust 97-5, A9
7.310%, 11/20/28

    110        110   

Jefferies Resecuritization Trust 14-R1, 1A1 144A
4.000%, 12/27/37(3)

    165        165   

JPMorgan Chase (Bear Stearns) Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust

   

04-1, 21A1
2.715%, 4/25/34(2)

    99        98   

04-9, 22A1
3.496%, 11/25/34(2)

    770        756   

04-10, 12A3
2.986%, 1/25/35(2)

    106        97   

04-10, 21A1
3.174%, 1/25/35(2)

    862        869   

JPMorgan Chase (Bear Stearns) Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

06-T24, AM
5.568%, 10/12/41(2)

    565        565   

07- PW17, A4
5.694%, 6/11/50(2)

    747        767   

07-PW18, A4
5.700%, 6/11/50

    311        320   

07-PW18, AM,
6.084%, 6/11/50(2)

    965        998   

JPMorgan Chase (Washington Mutual) Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Trust

   

03-S8, A2
5.000%, 9/25/18

    48        48   

03-AR6, A1
2.901%, 6/25/33(2)

    338        336   

03-AR4, 2A1
2.591%, 8/25/33(2)

    202        198   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

10-CNTR, A2 144A
4.311%, 8/5/32(3)

    110        118   

15-SGP, B 144A
3.274%, 7/15/36(2)(3)

    759        760   

11-C4, A3 144A
4.106%, 7/15/46(3)

    1,446        1,503   

06-LDP9, A3
5.336%, 5/15/47

    399        399   

06-LDP9, AM
5.372%, 5/15/47

    925        928   

14- C22, A4
3.801%, 9/15/47

    1,695        1,850   

07-LDPX, AM
5.464%, 1/15/49(2)

    889        872   

07-CB19, A4
5.714%, 2/12/49(2)

    2,238        2,270   

07-LD12, A4
5.882%, 2/15/51(2)

    2,069        2,114   

JPMorgan Chase Mortgage Trust

   

14-2, 2A2 144A
3.500%, 6/25/29(2)(3)

    170        175   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued   

06-A2, 4A1
3.183%, 8/25/34(2)

  $ 165      $ 166   

04-A4, 2A1
3.032%, 9/25/34(2)

    133        134   

05-A4, 3A1
2.799%, 7/25/35(2)

    706        697   

14-1, 2A2 144A
3.500%, 1/25/44(2)(3)

    1,558        1,611   

14-1, 1A1 144A
4.000%, 1/25/44(2)(3)

    314        331   

16-1, M2 144A
3.750%, 4/25/45(2)(3)

    842        869   

15-4, 1A4 144A
3.500%, 6/25/45(2)(3)

    1,491        1,541   

16-2, M2 144A
3.750%, 12/25/45(2)(3)

    1,261        1,305   

16-1, A3 144A
3.500%, 5/25/46(3)

    2,407        2,486   

11-C4, A4, 144A
4.388%, 7/15/46(3)

    295        322   

JPMorgan Chase Trust

   

15-1, AM1 144A
2.661%, 12/25/44(2)(3)

    958        956   

15-5, A2 144A
2.892%, 5/25/45(2)(3)

    1,132        1,150   

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust

   

14-OAK4, A16 144A
4.000%, 9/25/44(2)(3)

    764        786   

16-1, A3 144A
3.500%, 10/25/46(2)(3)

    800        830   

MASTR Alternative Loan Trust

   

04-10, 3A1
5.000%, 9/25/19

    82        83   

03-8, 2A1
5.750%, 11/25/33

    129        133   

04-4, 6A1
5.500%, 4/25/34

    170        176   

04-7, 9A1
6.000%, 8/25/34

    133        138   

05-2, 2A1
6.000%, 1/25/35

    493        509   

MASTR Asset Securitization Trust
05-1, 1A1
5.000%, 5/25/20

    283        285   

MASTR Specialized Loan Trust 05-3, A2 144A
5.704%, 11/25/35(2)(3)

    416        419   

Mill City Mortgage Trust

   

15-1, A3 144A
3.000%, 6/25/56(2)(3)

    600        607   

16-1, A1 144A
2.500%, 4/25/57(2)(3)

    1,211        1,217   

Morgan Stanley – Bank of America (Merrill Lynch) Trust 13-C13, AS
4.266%, 11/15/46

    1,515        1,682   

Morgan Stanley Capital Barclays Bank Trust 16-Mart, A 144A
2.200%, 9/13/31(3)

    915        916   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

   

07-T27, A4
5.818%, 6/11/42(2)

    1,446        1,476   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

50


Table of Contents

VIRTUS LOW DURATION INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued   

08-T29, A4
6.477%, 1/11/43(2)

  $ 190      $ 199   

08-T29, AM
6.477%, 1/11/43(2)

    950        993   

07-IQ14, A4
5.692%, 4/15/49(2)

    760        768   

07-IQ14, AM
5.865%, 4/15/49(2)

    428        414   

07- LQ16, A4
5.809%, 12/12/49

    679        698   

Morgan Stanley Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 14-1A, A1 144A
2.973%, 6/25/44(2)(3)

    537        544   

Motel 6 Trust

   

15-MTL6, B 144A
3.298%, 2/5/30(3)

    365        365   

15-MTL6, D 144A
4.532%, 2/5/30(3)

    810        813   

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust

   

16-2A, A1 144A
3.750%, 11/25/35(2)(3)

    397        412   

14-1A, A 144A
3.750%, 1/25/54(2)(3)

    1,265        1,314   

14-2A, 3A 144A
3.750%, 5/25/54(2)(3)

    251        261   

14-3A, AFX3 144A
3.750%, 11/25/54(2)(3)

    2,122        2,196   

15-2A, A1 144A
3.750%, 8/25/55(2)(3)

    1,713        1,785   

16-1A, A1 144A
3.750%, 3/25/56(2)(3)

    698        723   

16-3A, A1 144A
3.750%, 9/25/56(2)(3)

    1,450        1,513   

Novastar Mortgage Funding Trust Series 04-4, M5
2.250%, 3/25/35(2)

    1,560        1,523   

Sequoia Mortgage Trust

   

14-3, A9 144A
3.750%, 10/25/44(2)(3)

    771        800   

14-4, A6 144A
3.500%, 11/25/44(2)(3)

    738        760   

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust

   

04-1, 6A
3.030%, 2/25/34(2)

    762        742   

04-4, 3A2
2.993%, 4/25/34(2)

    524        520   

04-4, 3A1
2.993%, 4/25/34(2)

    170        167   

04-5, 3A2
2.938%, 5/25/34(2)

    368        372   

04-14, 7A
2.938%, 10/25/34(2)

    327        326   

Structured Asset Securities Corp.

   

03-AL1, A 144A
3.357%, 4/25/31(3)

    193        190   

03-37A, 2A
2.816%, 12/25/33(2)

    163        162   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued   

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage-Pass-Through Certificates

   

02-AL1, A2
3.450%, 2/25/32

  $ 157      $ 156   

02-AL1, A3
3.450%, 2/25/32

    829        822   

03-33H, 1A1
5.500%, 10/25/33

    453        462   

03-34A, 6A
3.125%, 11/25/33(2)

    394        387   

04-15, 3A3
5.500%, 9/25/34

    168        169   

Towd Point Mortgage Trust

   

15-3, A1B 144A
3.000%, 3/25/54(2)(3)

    712        727   

16-1, A1B, 144A
2.750%, 2/25/55(2)(3)

    814        826   

15-5, A1B 144A
2.750%, 5/25/55(2)(3)

    1,161        1,173   

15-5, A2 144A
3.500%, 5/25/55(2)(3)

    175        177   

16-2, A1 144A
3.000%, 8/25/55(2)(3)

    399        407   

16-4, A1 144A
2.250%, 7/25/56(2)(3)

    920        924   

Vericrest Opportunity Loan Transfer

   

16-NPL9, A1 144A
3.500%, 9/25/46(2)(3)

    385        385   

15-NPL2, A1 144A
3.375%, 2/25/55(2)(3)

    263        263   

15-NPL3, A1 144A
3.375%, 10/25/58(2)(3)

    254        253   

Vericrest Opportunity Loan Trust

   

16-NPL8, A1 144A
3.500%, 7/25/46(2)(3)

    835        836   

14-NPL9, A1 144A
3.375%, 11/25/54(2)(3)

    136        136   

15-NPL4, A1 144A
3.500%, 2/25/55(2)(3)

    74        74   

Wells Fargo (Wachovia Bank) Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

07-C30, A5
5.342%, 12/15/43

    1,430        1,439   

07-C30, AM
5.383%, 12/15/43

    1,760        1,776   

07-C31, A4
5.509%, 4/15/47

    1,025        1,034   

07-C32, A3
5.889%, 6/15/49(2)

    815        828   

07-C33, A5
6.158%, 2/15/51(2)

    79        81   

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust

   

03-G, A1
2.895%, 6/25/33(2)

    78        78   

03-J, 2A1
2.958%, 10/25/33(2)

    172        173   

03-J, 5A1
2.972%, 10/25/33(2)

    276        277   

04-A, 2.869%,
2/25/34(2)

    74        74   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued   

04-K, 1A2
3.109%, 7/25/34(2)

  $ 318      $ 318   

04-U, A1
3.034%, 10/25/34(2)

    96        96   

04-Z, 2A1
2.855%, 12/25/34(2)

    235        239   

05-14, 2A1
5.500%, 12/25/35

    81        84   
   

 

 

 
              113,685   
TOTAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $163,567)
        164,885   
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—23.7%   

American Credit Acceptance Receivables Trust 16- 1A, B 144A
4.240%, 6/13/22(3)

    835        866   

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust

   

12-4, D
2.680%, 10/9/18

    160        160   

13-2, D
2.420%, 5/8/19

    800        806   

14-1, D
2.540%, 6/8/20

    650        658   

16-1, B
2.300%, 3/8/21

    2,045        2,072   

15-3, C
2.730%, 3/8/21

    615        627   

16-2, B
2.210%, 5/10/21

    1,000        1,011   

15-4, C
2.880%, 7/8/21

    700        718   

Associates Manufactured Housing Pass-Through Certificates 96-1, B1
8.000%, 3/15/27(2)

    567        586   

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding LLC

   

(AESOP) 12-3A, A 144A
2.100%, 3/20/19(3)

    540        542   

(AESOP) 13-1A, A 144A
1.920%, 9/20/19(3)

    1,000        1,000   

(AESOP) 13-2A, A 144A
2.970%, 2/20/20(3)

    900        918   

(AESOP) 16-1A, A 144A
2.990%, 6/20/22(3)

    800        821   

BXG Receivables Note Trust

   

12-A, A 144A
2.660%, 12/2/27(3)

    57        57   

13-A, A 144A
3.010%, 12/4/28(3)

    177        178   

15-A, A 144A
2.880%, 5/2/30(3)

    405        401   

California Republic Auto Receivables Trust

   

13-1, B 144A
2.240%, 1/15/19(3)

    340        342   

15-3, B
2.700%, 9/15/21

    650        662   

16-1, B
3.430%, 2/15/22

    785        811   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

51


Table of Contents

VIRTUS LOW DURATION INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—continued   

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust

   

13-1, C
1.740%, 10/22/18

  $ 1,081      $ 1,082   

13-4, C
2.670%, 2/20/19

    505        510   

16-3, C
2.350%, 9/20/21

    1,365        1,366   

CarFinance Capital Auto Trust

   

13-1A, B 144A
2.750%, 11/15/18(3)

    137        137   

14-1A, A 144A
1.460%, 12/17/18(3)

    79        79   

13-2A, B 144A
3.150%, 8/15/19(3)

    127        127   

14-2A, B 144A
2.640%, 11/16/20(3)

    425        428   

CarMax Auto Owner Trust

   

14-4, B
2.200%, 9/15/20

    700        710   

15-2, C
2.390%, 3/15/21

    1,495        1,517   

15-4B 2.160%, 8/16/21

    725        732   

16-2, B
2.160%, 12/15/21

    750        759   

CarNow Auto Receivables Trust 14-1A, D 144A
4.160%, 11/15/18(3)

    350        352   

CCG Receivables Trust

   

14-1, B 144A
2.150%, 11/15/21(3)

    400        401   

15-1, A3 144A
1.920%, 1/17/23(3)

    1,000        1,007   

Centerpoint Energy Transition Bond Co.IV LLC 12-1, A1
0.901%, 4/15/18

    114        114   

Centre Point Funding LLC 12-2A, 1 144A
2.610%, 8/20/21(3)

    1,322        1,312   

Cheesecake Restaurant Holdings, Inc. 13-1A, A2 144A
4.474%, 3/20/43(3)

    630        632   

Chrysler Capital Auto Receivables Trust

   

14-BA D 144A
3.440%, 8/16/21(3)

    750        769   

15-BA D 144A
4.170%, 1/16/23(3)

    965        987   

Citigroup 15-PM3,A 144A
2.560%, 5/16/22(3)

    382        383   

Conseco Financial Corp. 97-3, A5
7.140%, 3/15/28

    110        113   

Diamond Resorts Owner Trust 14-1, A 144A
2.540%, 5/20/27(3)

    906        907   

DRB Prime Student Loan Trust 15-D, A3 144A
2.500%, 1/25/36(3)

    537        539   

Drive Auto Receivables Trust

   

15-DA, B 144A
2.590%, 12/16/19(3)

    1,080        1,086   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—continued   

16-AA, B 144A
3.170%, 5/15/20(3)

  $ 1,490      $ 1,511   

16-BA, B 144A
2.560%, 6/15/20(3)

    1,785        1,801   

15-AA, C 144A
3.060%, 5/17/21(3)

    1,665        1,679   

15-DA, C 144A
3.380%, 11/15/21(3)

    1,505        1,533   

DT Auto Owner Trust

   

14-1A, C 144A
2.640%, 10/15/19(3)

    239        239   

14-2A, C 144A
2.460%, 1/15/20(3)

    161        162   

16-1A, B 144A
2.790%, 5/15/20(3)

    850        858   

14-3A, C 144A
3.040%, 9/15/20(3)

    1,350        1,362   

15-3A, C 144A
3.250%, 7/15/21(3)

    655        663   

16-2A, C 144A
3.670%, 1/18/22(3)

    820        838   

16-3A C,144A
3.150%, 3/15/22(3)

    865        872   

16-4A C,144A
2.740%, 10/17/22(3)

    1,200        1,200   

Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust

   

12-2A, C 144A
3.060%, 7/16/18(3)

    116        116   

14-1A, B 144A
2.420%, 1/15/19(3)

    350        350   

13-1A, C 144A
3.520%, 2/15/19(3)

    441        444   

14-1A, C 144A
3.570%, 7/15/19(3)

    150        151   

14-2A, C 144A
3.260%, 12/16/19(3)

    335        339   

16-1A A, 144A
2.350%, 7/15/20(3)

    1,072        1,075   

15-A1, C 144A
4.100%, 12/15/20(3)

    1,000        1,016   

Fairway Outdoor Funding LLC 12-1A, A2 144A
4.212%, 10/15/42(3)

    431        436   

Fifth Third Auto Trust
13-A, B
1.210%, 4/15/19

    385        385   

First Investors Auto Owner Trust 16-2A, C 144A
2.530%, 7/15/22(3)

    1,490        1,492   

Flagship Credit Auto Trust

   

16-1, A 144A
2.770%, 12/15/20(3)

    831        839   

15-2, C 144A
4.080%, 12/15/21(3)

    505        505   

16-2, B 144A
3.840%, 9/15/22(3)

    825        860   

Foursight Capital Automobile Receivables Trust 16-1 A2, 144A
2.870%, 10/15/21(3)

    1,220        1,229   

Gold Key Resorts LLC 14-A, A 144A
3.220%, 3/17/31(3)

    398        399   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—continued   

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC

   

11-1A, A2 144A
3.290%, 3/25/18(3)

  $ 1,300      $ 1,306   

15-2A, A 144A
2.020%, 9/25/19(3)

    1,080        1,075   

16 -1A, A144A
2.320%, 3/25/20(3)

    750        754   

Hilton Grand Vacations Trust

   

13-A, A 144A
2.280%, 1/25/26(3)

    853        849   

14-AA, A 144A
1.770%, 11/25/26(3)

    247        246   

Hyundai Auto Receivables Trust

   

14-B, D
2.510%, 12/15/20

    400        402   

15-A, D
2.730%, 6/15/21

    550        555   

15-C, B
2.150%, 11/15/21

    1,500        1,519   

LEAF Receivables Funding 10 LLC 15-1, D 144A
3.740%, 5/17/21(3)

    585        582   

Marriott Vacation Club Owner Trust 12-1A, A 144A
2.510%, 5/20/30(3)

    330        332   

MVW Owner Trust

   

15-1A, B 144A
2.960%, 12/20/32(3)

    443        447   

16-1A, A 144A
2.250%, 12/20/33(3)

    1,123        1,121   

National City Mortgage Capital Trust 08-1, 2A1
6.000%, 3/25/38

    237        246   

Navistar Financial Dealer Note Master Owner Trust II 16-1, B 144A
2.546%, 9/27/21(2)(3)

    1,710        1,722   

OneMain Financial Issuance Trust

   

14-1A, A 144A
2.430%, 6/18/24(3)

    479        479   

15-A, A 144A
3.190%, 3/18/26(3)

    1,660        1,677   

Orange Lake Timeshare Trust

   

12-AA, A 144A
3.450%, 3/10/27(3)

    381        385   

15-AA, A 144A
2.880%, 9/8/27(3)

    391        394   

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust

   

12-6, C
1.940%, 3/15/18

    9        9   

12-5, C
2.700%, 8/15/18

    24        24   

12-6, D
2.520%, 9/17/18

    450        452   

13-1, D
2.270%, 1/15/19

    1,691        1,703   

13-3, C
1.810%, 4/15/19

    524        525   

13-5, D
2.730%, 10/15/19

    540        548   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

52


Table of Contents

VIRTUS LOW DURATION INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—continued   

14-4, D
3.100%, 11/16/20

  $ 1,095      $ 1,123   

16-2, B
2.080%, 2/16/21

    1,000        1,007   

16-1, C
3.090%, 4/15/22

    1,300        1,334   

Security National Automotive Acceptance Company Receivables Trust 14-1A, C 144A
2.210%, 1/15/20(3)

    492        492   

Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC

   

12-3A, A 144A
1.870%, 8/20/29(3)

    373        371   

13-1A, A 144A
1.590%, 11/20/29(3)

    76        76   

14-1A, A 144A
2.070%, 3/20/30(3)

    122        122   

14-2A, A 144A
2.050%, 6/20/31(3)

    81        81   

16-1A, A 144A
3.080%, 3/21/33(3)

    658        669   

16-2A, A 144A
2.330%, 7/20/33(3)

    903        903   

Silverleaf Finance LLC

   

XVII 13-A, A 144A
2.680%, 3/16/26(3)

    70        69   

XVIII 14-A, A 144A
2.810%, 1/15/27(3)

    267        265   

Silverleaf Finance XV LLC 12-D, A 144A
3.000%, 3/17/25(3)

    23        23   

SLM Private Education Loan Trust

   

14-A, 2A2 144A
2.590%, 1/15/26(3)

    1,450        1,468   

13-B, A2A 144A
1.850%, 6/17/30(3)

    1,000        999   

13-C, A2A 144A
2.940%, 10/15/31(3)

    325        332   

SoFi Professional Loan Program LLC

   

14-B, A2 144A
2.550%, 8/27/29(3)

    725        736   

15-A, A2 144A
2.420%, 3/25/30(3)

    276        280   

16-C, A2B 144A
2.360%, 12/27/32(3)

    1,441        1,455   

16-A, A2 144A
2.760%, 12/26/36(3)

    565        579   

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates 01-SB1, A2
3.375%, 8/25/31

    156        154   

SVO VOI Mortgage Corp. 12-AA, A 144A
2.000%, 9/20/29(3)

    1,194        1,181   

Taco Bell Funding LLC 16-1A, A21 144A
3.832%, 5/25/46(3)

    995        1,009   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—continued   

TCF Auto Receivables Owner Trust 14-1A, B 144A
2.330%, 5/15/20(3)

  $ 475      $ 476   

Tidewater Auto Receivables Trust 16-AA, B 144A
3.130%, 3/15/20(3)

    785        797   

Trip Rail Master Funding LLC 11-1A, A1A 144A
4.370%, 7/15/41(3)

    249        255   

U-Haul S Fleet LLC 10-BT1A, 1 144A
4.899%, 10/25/23(3)

    1,010        1,022   

United Auto Credit Securitization Trust

   

16-1, B 144A
2.730%, 5/15/18(3)

    900        904   

16-2, C 144A
2.480%, 3/10/20(3)

    1,365        1,366   

Verizon Owner Trust 16-1A, A 144A
1.420%, 1/20/21(3)

    1,645        1,649   

Volvo Financial Equipment LLC 14-1A, C 144A
1.940%, 11/15/21(3)

    205        206   

VSE VOI Mortgage LLC 16-A, A 144A
2.540%, 7/20/33(3)

    1,585        1,590   

Welk Resorts LLC

   

13-AA, A 144A
3.100%, 3/15/29(3)

    141        142   

15-AA, A 144A
2.790%, 6/16/31(3)

    285        285   

Westgate Resorts LLC 16-1A, A 144A
3.500%, 12/20/28(3)

    598        599   

Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust

   

14-1A, C 144A
1.700%, 11/15/19(3)

    151        151   

15-1A, B 144A
1.680%, 11/16/20(3)

    723        724   

16-2A C, 144A
2.830%, 5/17/21(3)

    1,030        1,043   
TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $94,156)
        94,928   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES—18.3%   
Consumer Discretionary—1.7%   

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
2.500%, 11/28/19

    600        612   

CCO Holdings LLC 144A
5.500%, 5/1/26(3)

    520        546   

Cequel Communications Holdings I LLC (Cequel Capital Corp.)

   

144A 5.125%, 12/15/21(3)

    105        106   

144A 5.125%, 12/15/21(3)

    250        251   

Delphi Automotive plc
3.150%, 11/19/20

    540        559   

Hanesbrands, Inc. 144A
4.625%, 5/15/24(3)

    135        139   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

Hyundai Capital America

   

RegS 1.450%, 2/6/17(4)

  $ 335      $ 335   

144A 1.450%, 2/6/17(3)

    170        170   

144A 2.125%, 10/2/17(3)

    60        60   

144A 2.450%, 6/15/21(3)

    355        360   

M/I Homes, Inc.
6.750%, 1/15/21

    325        342   

Marriott International, Inc. Series N,
3.125%, 10/15/21

    290        303   

Newell Brands, Inc.

   

3.850%, 4/1/23

    75        80   

4.200%, 4/1/26

    100        109   

QVC, Inc.
3.125%, 4/1/19

    990        1,015   

Time Warner Cable, Inc.
6.750%, 7/1/18

    215        234   

Toll Brothers Finance Corp.

   

5.625%, 1/15/24

    25        27   

4.875%, 11/15/25

    745        765   

TRI Pointe Group, Inc.

   

4.375%, 6/15/19

    295        305   

4.875%, 7/1/21

    400        411   

Wyndham Worldwide Corp.
2.500%, 3/1/18

    40        40   
   

 

 

 
      6,769   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—0.5%   

Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc.

   

1.900%, 2/1/19

    180        182   

2.650%, 2/1/21

    540        557   

CVS Health Corp.
2.800%, 7/20/20

    540        560   

Kraft Heinz Foods Co. (The)

   

2.800%, 7/2/20

    85        88   

3.500%, 7/15/22

    90        96   

Whole Foods Market, Inc. 144A
5.200%, 12/3/25(3)

    615        668   
   

 

 

 
      2,151   
   

 

 

 
Energy—0.8%    

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
4.850%, 3/15/21

    170        183   

Antero Resources Corp.
5.625%, 6/1/23

    215        220   

Cimarex Energy Co.
4.375%, 6/1/24

    490        512   

Concho Resources, Inc.
5.500%, 4/1/23

    45        47   

Enbridge Energy Partners LP
4.375%, 10/15/20

    90        95   

Energy Transfer Partners LP
5.200%, 2/1/22

    130        141   

Kinder Morgan, Inc. 144A
5.625%, 11/15/23(3)

    85        94   

MPLX LP
5.500%, 2/15/23

    290        300   

NGL Energy Partners LP
5.125%, 7/15/19

    365        345   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

53


Table of Contents

VIRTUS LOW DURATION INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Energy—continued    

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

   

2.600%, 4/15/22

  $ 55      $ 56   

3.400%, 4/15/26

    45        48   

Regency Energy Partners LP
5.000%, 10/1/22

    215        227   

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC 6.250%, 3/15/22

    340        372   

Sinopec Capital Ltd. 144A
1.875%, 4/24/18(3)

    250        250   

Sunoco LP 144A
6.375%, 4/1/23(3)

    400        413   
   

 

 

 
      3,303   
   

 

 

 
Financials—7.5%    

Air Lease Corp.
2.625%, 9/4/18

    550        555   

Ally Financial, Inc.
5.750%, 11/20/25

    330        346   

Ares Capital Corp.

   

4.875%, 11/30/18

    62        65   

3.875%, 1/15/20

    173        179   

Aviation Capital Group Corp.

   

2.875%, 9/17/18

    220        223   

144A 2.875%,
9/17/18(3)

    115        116   

Bank of America Corp.

   

5.490%, 3/15/19

    66        71   

2.650%, 4/1/19

    350        357   

4.450%, 3/3/26

    475        510   

Bank of India 144A
3.250%, 4/18/18(3)

    300        306   

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

   

2.200%, 3/4/19

    230        234   

2.050%, 5/3/21

    860        866   

Barclays Bank plc 144A
6.050%, 12/4/17(3)

    100        105   

BBVA Banco Continental S.A. RegS
5.000%, 8/26/22(4)

    520        571   

Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp.
1.300%, 8/15/19

    1,955        1,958   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
2.750%, 3/15/23

    90        94   

Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. LLC 144A
6.625%, 8/15/19(3)

    200        227   

Citigroup, Inc.
4.600%, 3/9/26

    630        673   

Corp Andina de Fomento
2.000%, 5/10/19

    455        459   

Fifth Third Bancorp
4.500%, 6/1/18

    150        156   

First Horizon National Corp.
3.500%, 12/15/20

    440        449   

First Tennessee Bank N.A.
2.950%, 12/1/19

    250        253   

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC
5.750%, 2/1/21

    400        451   

FS Investment Corp.

   

4.250%, 1/15/20

    300        308   

4.750%, 5/15/22

    185        190   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Financials—continued    

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.

   

3.700%, 11/24/20

  $ 670      $ 698   

4.200%, 3/1/21

    405        427   

3.200%, 7/6/21

    975        988   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

   

2.350%, 11/15/21

    350        349   

4.250%, 10/21/25

    320        337   

Guanay Finance Ltd. 144A
6.000%, 12/15/20(3)

    892        911   

HSBC Holdings plc
2.950%, 5/25/21

    860        872   

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.
7.000%, 12/15/20

    245        285   

Hutchison Whampoa International Ltd.
Series 12 144A 6.000%(2)(3)(5)(6)

    280        286   

ICAHN Enterprises LP
5.875%, 2/1/22

    200        193   

ICAHN Enterprises LP (ICAHN Enterprises Finance Corp.)
3.500%, 3/15/17

    15        15   

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd.
3.231%, 11/13/19

    250        260   

iStar Financial, Inc.
5.000%, 7/1/19

    375        375   

Jefferies Group LLC
5.125%, 4/13/18

    150        157   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

   

6.125%, 6/27/17

    200        207   

2.250%, 1/23/20

    540        547   

2.295%, 8/15/21

    300        301   

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
1.650%, 9/23/19

    615        616   

KeyCorp. 5.100%, 3/24/21

    185        209   

Korea Development Bank
3.875%, 5/4/17

    250        254   

Lazard Group LLC
4.250%, 11/14/20

    350        375   

Lincoln National Corp.

   

8.750%, 7/1/19

    225        265   

4.200%, 3/15/22

    470        509   

6.050%, 4/20/67(2)(5)

    75        58   

Macquarie Group Ltd. 144A
3.000%, 12/3/18(3)

    75        77   

Metropolitan Life Global Funding I 144A
2.500%, 12/3/20(3)

    650        668   

Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd. 144A
1.850%, 3/21/18(3)

    200        201   

Mizuho Financial Group Inc
2.273%, 9/13/21

    565        563   

Morgan Stanley
4.350%, 9/8/26

    1,660        1,773   

MUFG Union Bank N.A.
2.625%, 9/26/18

    300        306   

New York Life Global Funding 144A
1.950%, 2/11/20(3)

    70        71   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Financials—continued    

Nordea Bank AB 144A
1.625%, 9/30/19(3)

  $ 1,005      $ 1,002   

PNC Funding Corp.
5.625%, 2/1/17

    10        10   

Prudential Financial, Inc.
8.875%, 6/15/38(2)(5)

    100        111   

S&P Global, Inc.
3.300%, 8/14/20

    519        545   

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.

   

2.700%, 5/24/19

    265        268   

2.650%, 4/17/20

    575        578   

SBA Tower Trust

   

144A 2.933%, 12/15/17(3)

    155        156   

144A 3.156%, 10/15/20(3)

    750        757   

144A 2.877%, 7/15/21(3)

    800        814   

State Street Corp.
4.956%, 3/15/18(5)

    525        548   

TIAA Asset Management Finance Co. LLC 144A
2.950%, 11/1/19(3)

    430        443   

Toronto-Dominion Bank (The)
2.125%, 4/7/21

    700        708   

UBS Group Funding Jersey Ltd. 144A
2.650%, 2/1/22(3)

    400        399   

Voya Financial, Inc.
2.900%, 2/15/18

    267        272   

Willis North America, Inc.
6.200%, 3/28/17

    40        41   

XLIT Ltd. Series E,
2.300%, 12/15/18

    135        137   

Zions Bancorp
4.500%, 3/27/17

    225        227   
   

 

 

 
      29,891   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—1.7%    

AbbVie, Inc.

   

2.500%, 5/14/20

    370        378   

2.300%, 5/14/21

    495        499   

3.200%, 11/6/22

    45        47   

2.850%, 5/14/23

    495        503   

Actavis Capital S.a.r.l.

   

(Actavis Funding)
3.000%, 3/12/20

    85        88   

(Actavis Funding)
3.450%, 3/15/22

    90        94   

Aetna Inc.
2.400%, 6/15/21

    1,010        1,023   

Community Health Systems, Inc.
5.125%, 8/1/21

    65        65   

Forest Laboratories LLC 144A 4.375%, 2/1/19(3)

    205        216   

Fresenius U.S. Finance II, Inc. 144A
4.500%, 1/15/23(3)

    95        100   

HCA, Inc.

   

3.750%, 3/15/19

    200        206   

6.500%, 2/15/20

    325        360   

Mylan NV

   

144A 3.000%, 12/15/18(3)

    195        199   

144A 3.150%, 6/15/21(3)

    230        234   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

54


Table of Contents

VIRTUS LOW DURATION INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

Owens & Minor, Inc.
3.875%, 9/15/21

  $ 65      $ 67   

Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland Dac

   

1.900%, 9/23/19

    200        200   

2.400%, 9/23/21

    235        236   

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

   

4.350%, 6/15/20(2)

    440        444   

6.000%, 10/1/20

    80        85   

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV

   

2.200%, 7/21/21

    140        140   

2.800%, 7/21/23

    140        140   

Universal Health Services, Inc. 144A
4.750%, 8/1/22(3)

    260        268   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. 144A
5.375%, 3/15/20(3)

    170        158   

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
3.150%, 4/1/22

    825        854   

Zoetis, Inc.
3.450%, 11/13/20

    165        172   
   

 

 

 
      6,776   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—1.8%    

America West Airlines Pass-Through-Trust 01-1, G
7.100%, 4/2/21

    611        663   

BAE Systems Holdings, Inc. 144A
2.850%, 12/15/20(3)

    200        205   

Bombardier, Inc. 144A
4.750%, 4/15/19(3)

    215        210   

British Airways Pass-Through-Trust 13-1, B 144A
5.625%, 6/20/20(3)

    705        742   

Continental Airlines Pass-Through-Trust

   

99-1, A
6.545%, 2/2/19

    138        146   

01-1, A1
6.703%, 6/15/21

    445        478   

Lockheed Martin Corp.
1.850%, 11/23/18

    125        127   

Masco Corp.
5.950%, 3/15/22

    295        336   

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP RegS
2.500%, 6/15/19(4)

    150        152   

Penske Truck Leasing Co., LP 144A
3.375%, 2/1/22(3)

    205        213   

UAL Pass-Through-Trust 07-01, A
6.636%, 7/2/22

    2,624        2,795   

Virgin Australia Trust 13-1A 144A
5.000%, 10/23/23(3)

    1,148        1,191   
   

 

 

 
      7,258   
   

 

 

 
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Information Technology—0.9%   

Apple, Inc.

   

2.250%, 2/23/21

  $ 400      $ 410   

2.850%, 2/23/23

    175        184   

Diamond 1 Finance Corp. (Diamond 2 Finance Corp.) 144A
5.450%, 6/15/23(3)

    115        123   

Dun & Bradstreet Corp. (The)

   

3.250%, 12/1/17

    65        66   

4.000%, 6/15/20

    135        141   

Electronic Arts, Inc.
3.700%, 3/1/21

    120        128   

First Data Corp. 144A
5.000%, 1/15/24(3)

    785        800   

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

   

144A 2.850%, 10/5/18(3)

    325        331   

144A 3.600%,
10/15/20(3)

    60        63   

Microsoft Corp.
2.000%, 8/8/23

    320        320   

NXP BV (NXP Funding LLC) 144A
4.125%, 6/1/21(3)

    425        455   

Oracle Corp.

   

1.900%, 9/15/21

    175        175   

2.400%, 9/15/23

    220        222   
   

 

 

 
      3,418   
   

 

 

 
Materials—0.4%    

Airgas, Inc.
3.050%, 8/1/20

    28        29   

Ardagh Packaging Finance plc 144A
4.625%, 5/15/23(3)

    360        362   

CRH America, Inc.
8.125%, 7/15/18

    100        111   

Office Cherifien des Phosphates S.A. (OCP) 144A
5.625%, 4/25/24(3)

    790        858   

Packaging Corp. of America
3.900%, 6/15/22

    185        196   
   

 

 

 
      1,556   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—1.3%   

American Campus Communities Operating Partnership LP
3.350%, 10/1/20

    70        73   

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP
3.875%, 8/15/22

    140        147   

Corporate Office Properties LP
3.700%, 6/15/21

    220        228   

Corrections Corp. of America
5.000%, 10/15/22

    390        355   

Developers Diversified Realty Corp.

   

7.875%, 9/1/20

    570        684   

3.400%, 10/1/20

    325        339   

3.950%, 7/1/22

    195        207   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Real Estate—continued   

HCP, Inc.
3.750%, 2/1/19

  $ 225      $ 233   

Healthcare Trust of America Holdings LP
3.375%, 7/15/21

    135        140   

Kimco Realty Corp.
3.400%, 11/1/22

    550        579   

MPT Operating Partnership LP (MPT Finance Corp.)
6.375%, 2/15/22

    45        47   

Select Income REIT
4.150%, 2/1/22

    580        583   

Senior Housing Properties Trust
3.250%, 5/1/19

    125        126   

Ventas Realty LP (Ventas Capital Corp.)

   

4.000%, 4/30/19

    505        530   

2.700%, 4/1/20

    152        156   

West Europe Finance LLC 144A
3.250%, 10/5/20(3)

    535        557   
   

 

 

 
      4,984   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—1.4%   

Altice Financing S.A. 144A
6.625%, 2/15/23(3)

    660        680   

AT&T, Inc.

   

2.800%, 2/17/21

    1,065        1,096   

3.000%, 6/30/22

    195        200   

CenturyLink, Inc.

   

Series T
5.800%, 3/15/22

    180        185   

Series Y
7.500%, 4/1/24

    470        503   

Crown Castle Towers LLC 144A
4.883%, 8/15/20(3)

    765        836   

Sprint Corp.
7.250%, 9/15/21

    235        237   

Telefonica Emisiones SAU
3.192%, 4/27/18

    195        200   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

   

3.650%, 9/14/18

    310        324   

2.550%, 6/17/19

    1,335        1,373   

4.600%, 4/1/21

    70        78   
   

 

 

 
      5,712   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—0.3%   

Exelon Corp.
2.850%, 6/15/20

    805        834   

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd. 144A
3.125%, 5/10/17(3)

    200        202   

State Grid Overseas Investment Ltd. 144A
2.750%, 5/7/19(3)

    330        339   
   

 

 

 
              1,375   
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES
(Identified Cost $71,655)
        73,193   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

55


Table of Contents

VIRTUS LOW DURATION INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
LOAN AGREEMENTS(2)—3.9%   
Consumer Discretionary—1.2%   

Altice U.S. Finance I Corp.
5.000%, 12/14/22

  $ 310      $ 313   

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. Tranche B-1
3.500%, 10/20/21

    550        553   

Boyd Gaming Corp.

   

Tranche B,
5.500%, 8/14/20

    58        59   

Tranche B-2
3.524%, 9/15/23

    221        223   

Charter Communications Operating LLC (CCO Safari LLC)

   

Tranche F,
3.000%, 1/3/21

    120        121   

Tranche H,
3.250%, 8/24/21

    83        83   

Tranche I,
3.500%, 1/24/23

    158        159   

CSC Holdings, Inc.
5.000%, 10/9/22

    281        282   

Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.
4.000%, 8/18/23

    755        760   

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC

   

Tranche B-1
3.500%, 10/26/20

    67        67   

Tranche B-2
3.120%, 10/25/23

    685        690   

Las Vegas Sands LLC Tranche B,
3.250%, 12/19/20

    331        333   

Libbey Glass, Inc.
3.750%, 4/9/21

    145        146   

MGM Growth Properties
4.000%, 4/25/23

    284        286   

PetSmart, Inc. Tranche B-1,
4.250%, 3/11/22

    308        309   

Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc. Tranche B,
3.863%, 6/30/22

    122        123   

Station Casinos LLC Tranche B,
3.750%, 6/8/23

    297        300   
   

 

 

 
      4,807   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—0.7%   

Albertson’s LLC

   

Trance B-4,
4.500%, 8/25/21

    201        203   

Tranche B-5,
4.750%, 12/21/22

    333        337   

ARAMARK Corp.

   

Tranche E,
3.338%, 9/7/19

    416        420   

Tranche F,
3.338%, 2/24/21

    855        861   

Charger OpCo B.V. (Oak Tea, Inc.) Tranche B-1,
4.250%, 7/2/22

    48        49   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Staples—continued   

Coty, Inc. Tranche B,
3.750%, 10/27/22

  $ 65      $ 65   

Dell International, Inc. Tranche B
4.000%, 9/7/23

    600        604   

Galleria Co. Tranche B,
3.750%, 1/26/23

    130        131   

Kronos First Lien,
4.500%, 10/30/19

    292        293   

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC
3.275%, 1/13/23

    52        52   
   

 

 

 
      3,015   
   

 

 

 
Energy—0.1%   

MEG Energy Corp.
3.750%, 3/31/20

    309        289   

Paragon Offshore Finance Co.
5.250%, 7/16/21(8)

    137        35   
   

 

 

 
      324   
   

 

 

 
Financials—0.0%   

Delos Finance S.a.r.l.
3.588%, 3/6/21

    95        96   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—0.4%   

Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHS) Tranche F,
4.083%, 12/31/18

    291        290   

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc. Tranche B,
3.500%, 6/24/21

    99        99   

Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. S.a.r.l. Tranche B,
3.750%, 9/26/22

    131        131   

Envision Healthcare Corp.
4.250%, 5/25/18

    97        97   

IMS Health, Inc. Tranche B,
3.500%, 3/17/21

    72        73   

Quintiles Transnational Corp. Tranche B,
3.250%, 5/12/22

    43        44   

RPI Finance Trust Tranche B-4,
3.588%, 11/9/20

    539        542   

Team Health, Inc. Tranche B,
3.838%, 11/23/22

    193        194   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. Series D-2, Tranche B,
5.000%, 2/13/19

    137        137   
   

 

 

 
      1,607   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—0.4%   

American Airlines, Inc. Tranche B,
3.502%, 4/28/23

    660        662   

AWAS Finance Luxembourg S.A.
3.500%, 7/16/18

    97        98   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Industrials—continued   

McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC Tranche B, First Lien,
5.000%, 5/4/22

  $ 301      $ 304   

TransDigm, Inc.

   

Tranche D,
3.794%, 6/4/21

    65        66   

Tranche E,
3.750%, 5/14/22

    79        79   

Tranche F,
3.750%, 6/9/23

    138        138   

United Airlines, Inc. (f/k/a Continental Airlines, Inc.) Tranche B-1,
3.500%, 9/15/21

    72        73   

Waste Industries
3.500%, 2/27/20

    186        187   
   

 

 

 
      1,607   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—0.3%   

Abacus Innovations Corp.(Leidos, Inc.)
3.274%, 8/16/23

    259        261   

NXP BV Tranche F
3.405%, 12/7/20

    250        251   

SS&C European Holdings S.a.r.l.

   

Tranche A-1,
3.274%, 7/8/20

    18        18   

Tranche A-2,
3.274%, 7/8/20

    28        28   

Tranche B-2,
4.000%, 7/8/22

    13        13   

Tranche B-1,
4.000%, 7/8/22

    104        105   

Western Digital Corp. Tranche B-1,
4.500%, 4/29/23

    543        549   
   

 

 

 
      1,225   
   

 

 

 
Materials—0.1%   

Huntsman International LLC Tranche 16-B,
4.250%, 4/1/23

    177        178   

INEOS U.S. Finance LLC Tranche 2022,
4.250%, 3/31/22

    25        25   
   

 

 

 
      203   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—0.0%   

ESH Hospitality, Inc.
3.750%, 8/30/23

    107        108   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—0.2%   

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

   

Tranche B, 2020
4.000%, 1/15/20

    127        128   

Tranche B-II,
3.500%, 5/31/22

    93        94   

T-Mobile USA, Inc. Senior Lien
3.500%, 11/9/22

    254        256   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

56


Table of Contents

VIRTUS LOW DURATION INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Telecommunication Services—continued   

UPC Financing Partnership
4.080%, 8/31/24

  $ 297      $ 299   
   

 

 

 
      777   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—0.5%   

Calpine Corp.
3.840%, 5/31/23

    673        677   

Energy Future Holdings Corp.

   

5.000%, 7/27/23(8)

    234        236   

Tranche C
5.000%, 7/27/23(8)

    54        54   

NRG Energy, Inc.
3.500%, 6/30/23

    1,003        1,007   
   

 

 

 
              1,974   
TOTAL LOAN AGREEMENTS
(Identified Cost $15,723)
        15,743   
    SHARES        
PREFERRED STOCKS—0.4%   
Financials—0.4%   

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)
Series E, 4.950%(2)

    390 (7)      398   

Citigroup, Inc.
Series N 6.250%(2)

    660 (7)      712   

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Series Z, 5.300%(2)

    50 (7)      51   

Wells Fargo & Co.
Series K, 7.980%(2)

    325 (7)      339   
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Identified Cost $1,445)
        1,500   
    SHARES     VALUE  
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS—1.8%   

iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond Fund(9)

    59,529      $ 7,333   
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS
(Identified Cost $7,163)
        7,333   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.6%   
(Identified Cost $394,703)        398,813   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.6%
(Identified Cost $394,703)
        398,813 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—0.4%

  

    1,508   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 400,321   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviations:

FHLMC Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”).
FNMA Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”).
GNMA Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”)
REIT Real Estate Investment Trust
REMIC Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Variable or step coupon security; interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at September 30, 2016.
(3)  Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $143,068 or 35.7% of net assets.
(4)  Regulation S security. Security is offered and sold outside of the United States, therefore, it is exempt from registration with the SEC under Rules 903 and 904 of the Securities Act of 1933.
(5)  Interest payments may be deferred.
(6)  No contractual maturity date.
(7)  Value shown as par value.
(8)  Security in default interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(9)  Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.
 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30, 2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Debt Securities:

              

Asset-Backed Securities

     $ 94,928         $         $ 94,928   

Corporate Bonds And Notes

       73,193                     73,193   

Foreign Government Securities

       445                     445   

Loan Agreements

       15,743                     15,743   

Mortgage-Backed Securities

       164,885                     164,885   

Municipal Bonds

       201                     201   

U.S. Government Securities

       40,585                     40,585   

Equity Securities:

              

Preferred Stocks

       1,500                     1,500   

Exchange-Traded Funds

       7,333           7,333             
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 398,813         $ 7,333         $ 391,480   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held as of September 30, 2016.

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

57


Table of Contents

VIRTUS LOW VOLATILITY EQUITY FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND—98.9%   

iShares S&P 100 Index Fund(2)(3)

    38,450      $ 3,688   
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
(Identified Cost $3,066)
        3,688   
    CONTRACTS        
PURCHASED OPTION—0.1%   
Call Option—0.1%   

CBOE Volatility Index expiration 10/19/16 strike price $21

    98        4   
TOTAL PURCHASED OPTION—0.1% (Premiums Paid $9)         4   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.0%   
(Identified Cost $3,075)        3,692 (1) 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS, BEFORE WRITTEN
OPTION—99.0%
   
(Identified Cost $3,075)        3,692 (1) 
    CONTRACTS     VALUE  
WRITTEN OPTION—(0.1)%   
Call Option—(0.1)%   

S&P 500® Index expiration 10/21/16 strike price $2225

    17      $ (2
TOTAL WRITTEN OPTION—(0.1)% (Premiums Received $4)         (2
TOTAL INVESTMENTS, NET OF WRITTEN
OPTION—98.9%
   
(Identified Cost $3,071)       3,690 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—1.1%

  

    40   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 3,730   
   

 

 

 

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  All or a portion of the security is segregated as collateral for written options.
(3)  Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

     Total Value at
September 30,
2016
    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
 

Equity Securities:

    

Exchange-traded Funds

   $ 3,688      $ 3,688   

Purchased Option

     4        4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments before Written Option

   $ 3,692      $ 3,692   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Written Option

   $ (2   $ (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments Net of Written Option

   $ 3,690      $ 3,690   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

There are no Level 2 (significant observable inputs) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

58


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
MUNICIPAL BONDS—0.1%   
Michigan—0.0%    

Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority Taxable Series A,
7.309%, 6/1/34

  $ 145      $ 143   
   

 

 

 
Virginia—0.1%    

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. Series A-1, Taxable
6.706%, 6/1/46

    325        279   
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS
(Identified Cost $460)
        422   
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—11.0%   

Argentine Republic

   

144A 7.500%, 4/22/26(3)

    1,055        1,191   

7.875%, 6/15/27

    1,180        1,265   

Series NY,
8.280%, 12/31/33

    1,570        1,810   

144A 7.125%, 7/6/36(3)

    735        781   

144A 7.625%, 4/22/46(3)

    370        417   

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela RegS
7.000%,
12/1/18(4)

    216        153   

RegS 7.750%, 10/13/19(4)

    202        125   

7.650%,
4/21/25(4)

    1,500        728   

9.375%, 1/13/34

    2,145        1,122   

City of Buenos Aires 144A
7.500%, 6/1/27(3)

    365        398   

Federative Republic of Brazil
8.500%, 1/5/24

    1,690 BRL      480   

Treasury Note Series F,
10.000%, 1/1/25

    1,880 BRL      549   

10.250%, 1/10/28

    250 BRL      78   

5.625%, 1/7/41

    670        668   

Kingdom of Morocco 144A
5.500%, 12/11/42(3)

    800        914   

Mongolia 144A
5.125%,
12/5/22(3)

    825        728   

Provincia de Buenos Aires 144A
9.125%,
3/16/24(3)

    730        819   

Republic of Azerbaijan
4.750%, 3/13/23

    930        919   

Republic of Chile
5.500%, 8/5/20

    474,000 CLP      767   

Republic of Colombia
4.375%, 3/21/23

    1,867,000 COP      582   

9.850%, 6/28/27

    1,685,000 COP      713   

Republic of Costa Rica
144A 4.375%,
4/30/25(3)

    795        775   

144A 7.000%, 4/4/44(3)

    200        214   

Republic of Cote d’Ivoire 144A
6.375%, 3/3/28(3)

    905        948   

Republic of El Salvador 144A
6.375%,
1/18/27(3)

    1,405        1,419   

Republic of Indonesia Series FR56,
8.375%, 9/15/26

    19,446,000 IDR      1,624   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—continued   

Republic of Iraq RegS
5.800%, 1/15/28(4)

  $ 610      $ 499   

Republic of Kazakhstan 144A
5.125%, 7/21/25(3)

    245        276   

Republic of South Africa Series R203,
8.250%, 9/15/17

    3,690 ZAR      271   

Series R208,
6.750%, 3/31/21

    11,230 ZAR      779   

Republic of Sri Lanka 144A
6.850%, 11/3/25(3)

    800        861   

Republic of Turkey
9.000%, 3/8/17

    1,250 TRY      419   

6.250%, 9/26/22

    515        567   

4.875%, 10/9/26

    1,710        1,744   

4.875%, 4/16/43

    945        882   

Russian Federation 144A
7.850%, 3/10/18(3)

    60,000 RUB      944   

State of Qatar 144A
3.250%, 6/2/26(3)

    480        488   

Sultanate of Oman 144A
4.750%, 6/15/26(3)

    1,170        1,174   

Ukraine 144A
7.750%, 9/1/26(3)

    850        803   

United Mexican States Series M,
6.500%, 6/9/22

    38,590 MXN      2,055   

4.750%, 3/8/44

    1,014        1,055   
TOTAL FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES   
(Identified Cost $34,759)        33,004   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES—14.9%   
Agency—3.7%   

FHLMC
3.500%, 4/1/46

    1,323        1,395   

FNMA

   

3.000%, 4/1/43

    1,472        1,534   

3.000%, 5/1/43

    751        782   

3.000%, 6/1/43

    2,086        2,174   

3.000%, 7/1/43

    1,530        1,595   

4.000%, 10/1/44

    1,256        1,350   

3.500%, 9/1/45

    2,105        2,220   
   

 

 

 
      11,050   
   

 

 

 
Non-Agency—11.2%   

American Homes 4 Rent

   

14-SFR2, C 144A
4.705%, 10/17/36(3)

    915        1,008   

15-SFR2, C 144A
4.691%, 10/17/45(3)

    805        891   

15-SFR1, A 144A
3.467%, 4/17/52(3)

    682        726   

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities, Inc. 03-AR3, M4
4.311%, 6/25/33(2)

    1,135        1,094   

Banc of America Funding Trust 05-1, 1A1
5.500%, 2/25/35

    389        389   

06-2, 3A1
6.000%, 3/25/36

    209        215   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued   

Bank of America (Countrywide) Asset-Backed Certificates

   

05-1, AF5A
5.148%, 7/25/35(2)

  $ 988      $ 980   

05-12, 2A4
5.575%, 2/25/36(2)

    540        537   

Bank of America (Merrill Lynch – Countrywide) Alternative Loan Trust

   

04-22CB, 1A1
6.000%, 10/25/34

    414        442   

04-24CB, 1A1
6.000%, 11/25/34

    94        95   

Bank of America (Merrill Lynch) Mortgage Investors Trust 98-C1, C
6.750%, 11/15/26(2)

    1,260        1,304   

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. 05-5, 2A3
5.000%, 8/25/35

    246        246   

15-A, A1 144A
3.500%, 6/25/58(2)(3)

    715        729   

Colony American Finance Ltd. 15-1 144A
2.896%, 10/15/47(3)

    649        657   

Commercial Mortgage Trust 07-GG11, AM
5.867%, 12/10/49(2)

    600        619   

Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage-Backed Trust 07-C5, A1AM
5.870%, 9/15/40(2)

    939        863   

Credit Suisse Mortgage-Backed Trust 06-08, 3A1
6.000%, 10/25/21

    423        404   

Deutsche Bank-UBS Mortgage Trust 11-LC3A, D 144A
5.510%, 8/10/44(2)(3)

    860        902   

GAHR Commercial Mortgage Trust 15-NRF, CFX 144A
3.495%, 12/15/34(2)(3)

    600        611   

GSAA Home Equity Trust 05-12, AF3W
4.999%, 9/25/35(2)

    296        299   

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust 06-1F, 2A4
6.000%, 2/25/36

    363        319   

Home Equity Loan Trust

   

03-HS3, AI4
5.550%, 9/25/33(2)

    178        181   

07-HSA3, AI4
6.110%, 6/25/37(2)

    1,481        1,490   

Jefferies Resecuritization Trust 14-R1, 2A1 144A
4.000%, 12/27/37(3)

    368        367   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 07-LDPX, AM
5.464%, 1/15/49(2)

    676        663   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

59


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued   

JPMorgan Chase Mortgage Trust

   

14-1, 1A1 144A
4.000%, 1/25/44(2)(3)

  $ 644      $ 680   

16-1, M2 144A
3.750%, 4/25/45(2)(3)

    608        628   

16-2, M2 144A
3.750%, 12/25/45(2)(3)

    984        1,018   

MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust 05-1, 3A1
3.326%, 2/25/35(2)

    541        492   

MASTR Alternative Loan Trust

   

04-6, 7A1
6.000%, 7/25/34

    1,147        1,118   

05-2, 2A1
6.000%, 1/25/35

    458        474   

MASTR Reperforming Loan Trust 05-1, 1A5 144A
8.000%, 8/25/34(3)

    575        601   

MASTR Specialized Loan Trust 05-3, A2 144A
5.704%, 11/25/35(2)(3)

    328        331   

Mill City Mortgage Loan Trust 16-1, M1 144A
3.150%, 4/25/57(2)(3)

    525        527   

Morgan Stanley – Bank of America (Merrill Lynch) Trust 15-C26,C
4.558%, 10/15/48(2)

    840        877   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust 07-IQ14, AM
5.865%, 4/15/49(2)

    925        895   

Motel 6 Trust 15-MTL6, D 144A
4.532%, 2/5/30(3)

    1,080        1,083   

Nomura Asset Acceptance Corp. 04-R3, A1 144A
6.500%, 2/25/35(3)

    246        242   

Resecuritization Pass-Through Trust 05-BR, A5
6.000%, 10/25/34

    405        407   

Residential Asset Securitization Trust 05-A1, A3
5.500%, 4/25/35

    669        671   

Sequoia Mortgage Trust

   

14-2, A1 144A
4.000%, 7/25/44(2)(3)

    270        281   

14-4, A6 144A
3.500%, 11/25/44(2)(3)

    657        677   

15-1, A1 144A
3.500%, 1/25/45(2)(3)

    753        774   

Towd Point Mortgage Trust

   

15-1, A2 144A
3.250%, 10/25/53(2)(3)

    555        564   

15-5, A2 144A
3.500%, 5/25/55(2)(3)

    690        697   

16-4, A1 144A
2.250%, 7/25/56(2)(3)

    420        422   

15-2, 1M1 144A
3.250%, 11/25/60(2)(3)

    1,060        1,034   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Non-Agency—continued   

Vericrest Opportunity Loan Transfer

   

15-NP11, A1 144A
3.625%, 7/25/45(2)(3)

  $ 518      $ 520   

16-NPL9, A1 144A
3.500%, 9/25/46(2)(3)

    300        300   

15-NPL2, A1 144A
3.375%, 2/25/55(2)(3)

    445        445   

15-NPL3, A1 144A
3.375%, 10/25/58(2)(3)

    436        435   

Wells Fargo (Wachovia Bank) Commercial Mortgage Trust 15-LC20, B
3.719%, 4/15/50

    875        924   

Wells Fargo – Royal Bank of Scotland plc Commercial Mortgage Trust 11-C5, C 144A
5.866%, 11/15/44(2)(3)

    645        714   
   

 

 

 
              33,862   
TOTAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES   
(Identified Cost $44,314)        44,912   
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—4.1%   

CarFinance Capital Auto Trust

   

14-1A, D 144A
4.900%, 4/15/20(3)

    1,316        1,320   

15-1A, C 144A
3.580%, 6/15/21(3)

    2,160        2,176   

Citi Held For Asset Issuance 15-PM3, B 144A
4.310%, 5/16/22(3)

    740        741   

DB Master Finance LLC 15-A1, A2II 144A
3.980%, 2/20/45(3)

    377        386   

Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust

   

15-A1, C 144A
4.100%, 12/15/20(3)

    900        915   

15-3A, D 144A
6.550%, 10/17/22(3)

    840        862   

Fairway Outdoor Funding LLC 12-1A, A2 144A
4.212%, 10/15/42(3)

    529        534   

Flagship Credit Auto Trust 14-1, E 144A
5.710%, 8/16/21(3)

    665        676   

Foursight Capital Automobile Receivables Trust 15-1, B 144A
4.120%, 9/15/22(3)

    1,110        1,123   

Greater Capital Association of Realtors 15-1A, C
9.790%, 10/15/25

    545        556   

IndyMac Manufactured Housing Contract 98-1, A3
6.370%, 9/25/28

    208        213   

Leaf Receivables Funding 9 LLC 10 LLC 15-1, E2 144A
6.000%, 6/15/23(3)

    555        544   

LEAF Receivables Funding 9 LLC 11 LLC 16-1, E2 144A
6.000%, 6/15/24(3)

    290        270   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—continued   

SolarCity LMC Series III LLC 14-2, A 144A
4.020%, 7/20/44(3)

  $ 920      $ 866   

Trip Rail Master Funding LLC 11-1A, A1A 144A
4.370%, 7/15/41(3)

    178        182   

Wendy’s Funding LLC 15-1A, A2II 144A
4.080%, 6/15/45(3)

    1,099        1,116   
TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES   
(Identified Cost $12,404)        12,480   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES—53.4%   
Consumer Discretionary—7.8%   

Aramark Services, Inc. 144A
4.750%, 6/1/26(3)

    405        408   

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.

   

5.750%, 6/15/19

    472        493   

144A 8.750%,
3/15/22(3)

    245        259   

Boyd Gaming Corp.
6.875%, 5/15/23

    415        452   

Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc. 144A
6.125%, 7/1/22(3)

    185        188   

Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Inc.
9.000%, 2/15/20(11)

    535        554   

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC
8.000%, 10/1/20

    320        332   

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings LLC
9.375%, 5/1/22

    785        844   

CCO Holdings LLC 144A
5.500%, 5/1/26(3)

    275        289   

Cequel Communications Holdings I LLC (Cequel Capital Corp.)

   

144A 5.125%, 12/15/21(3)

    275        276   

144A 5.125%, 12/15/21(3)

    655        657   

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

   

Series A
7.625%, 3/15/20

    320        309   

Series B
7.625%, 3/15/20

    930        926   

Columbus Cable Barbados Ltd. Series B,144A
7.375%, 3/30/21(3)

    200        213   

Dana Financing Luxembourg S.a.r.l. 144A
6.500%, 6/1/26(3)

    230        242   

Diamond Resorts International, Inc. 144A
7.750%, 9/1/23(3)

    60        60   

DISH DBS Corp. 144A
7.750%, 7/1/26(3)

    40        43   

Hanesbrands, Inc.

   

144A 4.625%,
5/15/24(3)

    120        124   

144A 4.875%,
5/15/26(3)

    250        257   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

60


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

IHO Verwaltungs GmbH PIK Interest Capitalization 144A
4.125%, 9/15/21(3)(10)

  $ 215      $ 218   

International Game Technology plc 144A
6.250%, 2/15/22(3)

    340        364   

Landry’s Holdings II, Inc. 144A
10.250%, 1/1/18(3)

    425        435   

Landry’s, Inc.

   

144A 9.375%, 5/1/20(3)

    210        221   

144A 6.750%,
10/15/24(3)

    215        219   

M/I Homes, Inc.
6.750%, 1/15/21

    525        553   

MDC Holdings, Inc.
5.500%, 1/15/24

    860        903   

Meritor, Inc.
6.750%, 6/15/21

    300        305   

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP (MGP Finance Co-Issuer, Inc.) 144A
5.625%, 5/1/24(3)

    145        157   

144A 4.500%, 9/1/26(3)

    200        201   

MGM Resorts International
6.000%, 3/15/23

    490        533   

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority
9.750%, 9/1/21

    585        632   

MPG Holdco I, Inc.
7.375%, 10/15/22

    830        855   

New York University
4.142%, 7/1/48

    545        559   

Newell Brands, Inc. 144A
5.000%, 11/15/23(3)

    135        144   

Party City Holdings, Inc. 144A
6.125%, 8/15/23(3)

    125        134   

PetSmart, Inc. 144A
7.125%, 3/15/23(3)

    775        816   

QVC, Inc.
5.125%, 7/2/22

    240        254   

RCN Telecom Services LLC (RCN Capital Corp.) 144A
8.500%, 8/15/20(3)

    510        544   

Scientific Games International, Inc.

   

6.625%, 5/15/21

    540        413   

144A 7.000%, 1/1/22(3)

    590        627   

SFR (Numericable) Group S.A.

   

144A 6.000%, 5/15/22(3)

    580        594   

144A 7.375%, 5/1/26(3)

    290        297   

Signet UK Finance plc
4.700%, 6/15/24

    895        862   

Sirius XM Radio, Inc. 144A
5.375%, 7/15/26(3)

    755        778   

Six Flags Entertainment Corp. 144A
4.875%, 7/31/24(3)

    610        618   

TI Group Automotive Systems LLC 144A
8.750%, 7/15/23(3)

    490        535   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

Toll Brothers Finance Corp.

   

5.625%, 1/15/24

  $ 175      $ 188   

4.875%, 11/15/25

    1,100        1,130   

TRI Pointe Group, Inc.
5.875%, 6/15/24

    890        932   

VTR Finance BV 144A
6.875%, 1/15/24(3)

    600        622   

Ziggo Secured Finance BV 144A
5.500%, 1/15/27(3)

    890        890   
   

 

 

 
      23,459   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—1.3%   

Dole Food Co., Inc. 144A
7.250%, 5/1/19(3)

    545        555   

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. 144A
5.750%, 3/15/25(3)

    340        352   

Post Holdings, Inc. 144A
5.000%, 8/15/26(3)

    620        619   

Rite Aid Corp. 144A
6.125%, 4/1/23(3)

    250        270   

Safeway, Inc.
7.250%, 2/1/31

    510        509   

Tops Holding LLC (Tops Markets II Corp.) 144A
8.000%, 6/15/22(3)

    925        837   

US Foods, Inc. 144A
5.875%, 6/15/24(3)

    120        125   

Whole Foods Market, Inc. 144A
5.200%, 12/3/25(3)

    543        590   
   

 

 

 
      3,857   
   

 

 

 
Energy—12.6%    

Afren plc 144A
11.500%, 2/1/16(3)(12)

    464        2   

Alberta Energy Co., Ltd.
8.125%, 9/15/30

    330        390   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

   

4.850%, 3/15/21

    150        162   

5.550%, 3/15/26

    215        245   

6.600%, 3/15/46

    460        563   

Antero Midstream Partners LP 144A
5.375%, 9/15/24(3)

    220        223   

Antero Resources Corp.
5.625%, 6/1/23

    490        502   

Archrock Partners LP
6.000%, 10/1/22

    740        690   

Blue Racer Midstream LLC 144A
6.125%, 11/15/22(3)

    305        300   

Callon Petroleum Co. 144A
6.125%, 10/1/24(3)

    265        275   

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.
6.250%, 4/15/23

    675        672   

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC 144A
7.000%, 6/30/24(3)

    400        434   

Cimarex Energy Co.
4.375%, 6/1/24

    450        470   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Energy—continued   

Compagnie Generale de Geophysique-Veritas
6.500%, 6/1/21

  $ 725      $ 357   

Concho Resources, Inc.
5.500%, 4/1/23

    295        306   

CONSOL Energy, Inc.
5.875%, 4/15/22

    325        301   

Continental Resources, Inc.

   

5.000%, 9/15/22

    510        510   

4.500%, 4/15/23

    305        294   

Ecopetrol S.A.

   

5.875%, 9/18/23

    615        663   

5.375%, 6/26/26

    910        947   

Enbridge Energy Partners LP
4.375%, 10/15/20

    170        179   

Encana Corp.
3.900%, 11/15/21

    320        321   

Energy Transfer Equity LP
5.875%, 1/15/24

    885        923   

EnLink Midstream Partners LP
4.850%, 7/15/26

    80        81   

EnQuest plc 144A
7.000%, 4/15/22(3)

    885        465   

EP Energy LLC (Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc.)
9.375%, 5/1/20

    420        300   

FTS International, Inc.
6.250%, 5/1/22

    450        174   

Gazprom OAO (Gaz Capital S.A.)

   

144A 6.000%,
11/27/23(3)(7)

    255        276   

144A 4.950%, 2/6/28(3)(7)

    750        756   

Gulfport Energy, Corp.
7.750%, 11/1/20

    445        464   

Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co.
4.650%, 3/15/25

    540        570   

Holly Energy Partners LP 144A
6.000%, 8/1/24(3)

    65        68   

KazMunayGas National Co. 144A
6.375%, 4/9/21(3)

    450        498   

Kinder Morgan, Inc.
7.750%, 1/15/32

    890        1,078   

Laredo Petroleum, Inc.
7.375%, 5/1/22

    610        634   

Linn Energy LLC

   

6.500%, 5/15/19(12)

    512        133   

6.500%, 9/15/21(12)

    155        40   

Lukoil International Finance BV 144A
4.563%, 4/24/23(3)

    930        962   

MPLX LP
4.875%, 12/1/24

    1,390        1,438   

Newfield Exploration Co.
5.625%, 7/1/24

    785        805   

NGL Energy Partners LP
5.125%, 7/15/19

    925        874   

Novatek OAO (Novatek Finance Ltd.) 144A
4.422%, 12/13/22(3)(7)

    1,105        1,114   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

61


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Energy—continued   

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

   

3.400%, 4/15/26

  $ 30      $ 32   

4.400%, 4/15/46

    430        476   

Odebrecht Offshore Drilling Finance Ltd. 144A
6.750%, 10/1/22(3)

    1,048        194   

Pacific Exploration and Production Corp. 144A
5.375%,
1/26/19(3)(12)

    610        116   

Parker Drilling Co.
7.500%, 8/1/20

    1,075        863   

Parsley Energy LLC 144A
6.250%, 6/1/24(3)

    1,020        1,058   

Pertamina Persero PT

   

144A 4.300%, 5/20/23(3)

    600        631   

144A 6.000%, 5/3/42(3)

    400        441   

144A 5.625%, 5/20/43(3)

    320        337   

Petrobras Global Finance BV

   

5.375%, 1/27/21

    830        822   

8.375%, 5/23/21

    170        187   

8.750%, 5/23/26

    725        803   

Petroleos de Venezuela S.A

   

RegS 8.500%, 11/2/17(4)

    323        280   

144A 6.000%, 5/16/24(3)

    1,580        677   

Petroleos Mexicanos

   

144A 6.875%, 8/4/26(3)

    790        891   

6.500%, 6/2/41

    465        452   

5.500%, 6/27/44

    650        563   

PHI, Inc.
5.250%, 3/15/19

    360        348   

QEP Resources, Inc.

   

6.875%, 3/1/21

    445        467   

5.250%, 5/1/23

    350        346   

Range Resources Corp. 144A
5.000%, 3/15/23(3)

    835        820   

Regency Energy Partners LP
5.000%, 10/1/22

    1,010        1,066   

Sabine Oil & Gas Corp.
7.250%, 6/15/19(12)(13)

    935        17   

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC
5.625%, 2/1/21

    915        973   

SM Energy Co.
6.125%, 11/15/22

    320        322   

Southern Gas Corridor CJSC 144A
6.875%, 3/24/26(3)

    400        449   

Sunoco LP 144A
6.375%, 4/1/23(3)

    1,790        1,848   

TransCanada Trust
5.625%, 5/20/75(2)(6)

    940        952   

Transocean, Inc.

   

6.800%, 12/15/16

    300        302   

144A 9.000%, 7/15/23(3)

    215        210   

6.800%, 3/15/38

    250        166   

YPF S.A. 144A
8.500%, 3/23/21(3)

    490        548   
   

 

 

 
      38,116   
   

 

 

 
Financials—11.5%   

Akbank TAS 144A
7.500%, 2/5/18(3)

    2,440 TRY      775   

Allstate Corp. (The)
5.750%, 8/15/53(2)(6)

    845        907   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Financials—continued   

Ally Financial, Inc.

   

4.250%, 4/15/21

  $ 285      $ 290   

5.750%, 11/20/25

    575        604   

Ares Capital Corp.
3.625%, 1/19/22

    465        468   

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. 144A
4.400%, 5/19/26(3)

    725        770   

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Bancomer S.A. 144A
6.500%, 3/10/21(3)

    425        464   

Banco de Credito del Peru 144A
6.125%,
4/24/27(2)(3)

    1,095        1,220   

Banco Internacional del Peru SAA Interbank 144A
6.625%,
3/19/29(2)(3)

    395        437   

Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior SVC 144A
4.375%, 10/14/25(3)

    550        569   

Bancolombia S.A.
5.125%, 9/11/22

    1,015        1,056   

Bank of America Corp.
4.450%, 3/3/26

    1,055        1,133   

Bank of China Ltd. 144A
5.000%, 11/13/24(3)

    875        947   

Barclays plc
3.200%, 8/10/21

    550        553   

Bonos del Banco Central de Chile En Pesos
4.500%, 6/1/20

    185,000 CLP      293   

Capital One Financial Corp.
3.750%, 7/28/26

    775        779   

Citigroup, Inc.
4.600%, 3/9/26

    580        620   

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
5.500%, 12/29/49(2)

    920        902   

Compass Bank
3.875%, 4/10/25

    900        881   

Development Bank of Kazakhstan OJSC 144A
4.125%, 12/10/22(3)

    1,090        1,069   

Discover Financial Services
3.950%, 11/6/24

    1,250        1,280   

Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund LP 144A
5.000%, 8/1/21(3)

    915        879   

Eurasian Development Bank 144A
4.767%, 9/20/22(3)

    925        971   

FS Investment Corp.
4.750%, 5/15/22

    200        205   

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.
3.700%, 5/9/23

    740        754   

Genworth Holdings, Inc.
4.900%, 8/15/23

    585        490   

GrupoSura Finance S.A. 144A
5.500%, 4/29/26(3)

    725        770   

ICAHN Enterprises LP

   

6.000%, 8/1/20

    370        373   

5.875%, 2/1/22

    510        492   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Financials—continued   

ICICI Bank Ltd. 144A
4.000%, 3/18/26(3)

  $ 230      $ 239   

ING Groep NV 6.000%(2)(5)(6)

    865        843   

iStar Financial, Inc.
5.000%, 7/1/19

    940        941   

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Finance BV 144A
6.950%, 7/10/42(3)

    795        868   

Leucadia National Corp.
5.500%, 10/18/23

    575        604   

Lincoln National Corp.
6.050%, 4/20/67(2)(6)

    300        231   

Morgan Stanley

   

144A 10.090%, 5/3/17(3)

    2,400 BRL      726   

4.350%, 9/8/26

    415        443   

Navient Corp.
7.250%, 9/25/23

    190        190   

OM Asset Management plc
4.800%, 7/27/26

    785        787   

PKO Finance AB 144A
4.630%, 9/26/22(3)(7)

    1,315        1,420   

Prudential Financial, Inc.
5.875%, 9/15/42(2)

    1,430        1,578   

Santander Bank NA
8.750%, 5/30/18

    400        438   

Sberbank of Russia Via SB Capital S.A. 144A
5.500%, 2/26/24(2)(3)(7)

    450        454   

Springleaf Finance Corp.
5.250%, 12/15/19

    500        512   

Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America 144A
4.375%, 9/15/54(2)(3)

    740        749   

Toronto-Dominion Bank (The)
3.625%, 9/15/31(2)

    295        296   

Trinity Acquisition plc
4.400%, 3/15/26

    715        749   

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS 144A
5.250%, 9/13/22(3)

    500        505   

Voya Financial, Inc.
5.650%, 5/15/53(2)

    870        871   

Woodside Finance Ltd. 144A
3.700%, 9/15/26(3)

    135        136   
   

 

 

 
      34,531   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—3.0%   

Capsugel S.A. PIK Interest Capitalization, 144A
7.000%, 5/15/19(3)(10)

    155        155   

Community Health Systems, Inc.
6.875%, 2/1/22

    525        454   

Concordia Healthcare Corp. 144A
7.000%, 4/15/23(3)

    175        113   

Double Eagle Acquisition Sub, Inc. 144A
7.500%, 10/1/24(3)

    300        306   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

62


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

Endo Finance LLC 144A
5.375%, 1/15/23(3)

  $ 660      $ 587   

HCA, Inc.

   

5.375%, 2/1/25

    435        450   

4.500%, 2/15/27

    600        602   

IASIS Healthcare LLC
8.375%, 5/15/19

    545        496   

MEDNAX, Inc. 144A
5.250%, 12/1/23(3)

    395        415   

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC 144A
7.125%, 6/1/24(3)

    45        49   

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics S.A.) 144A
6.625%, 5/15/22(3)

    710        628   

Quintiles Transnational Corp. 144A
4.875%, 5/15/23(3)

    435        449   

Quorum Health Corp. 144A
11.625%, 4/15/23(3)

    300        251   

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc. 144A
8.875%, 4/15/21(3)

    570        610   

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc. 144A
6.000%, 4/1/23(3)

    912        962   

Team Health, Inc. 144A
7.250%, 12/15/23(3)

    40        43   

Teleflex, Inc.
4.875%, 6/1/26

    370        384   

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

   

4.750%, 6/1/20

    275        281   

6.000%, 10/1/20

    180        191   

8.125%, 4/1/22

    385        387   

Universal Health Services, Inc.

   

144A 4.750%, 8/1/22(3)

    145        150   

144A 5.000%, 6/1/26(3)

    320        334   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.

   

144A 6.375%, 10/15/20(3)

    320        302   

144A 7.500%, 7/15/21(3)

    130        126   

144A 5.625%, 12/1/21(3)

    140        126   

144A 5.875%, 5/15/23(3)

    380        330   
   

 

 

 
      9,181   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—4.9%   

Air Canada

   

144A 6.750%, 10/1/19(3)

    1,050        1,085   

Pass-Through-Trust 13-1, B 144A
5.375%, 5/15/21(3)

    1,246        1,283   

AMN Healthcare, Inc. 144A
5.125%, 10/1/24(3)

    135        137   

Bombardier, Inc.

   

4.750%, 4/15/19

    110        108   

144A 6.125%, 1/15/23(3)

    740        660   

Builders FirstSource, Inc. 144A
10.750%, 8/15/23(3)

    480        553   

Carpenter Technology Corp.
5.200%, 7/15/21

    600        625   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Industrials—continued   

Cemex Finance LLC 144A
6.000%, 4/1/24(3)

  $ 740      $ 760   

Continental Airlines Pass-Through-Trust 01-1, A1
6.703%, 6/15/21

    83        89   

DP World Ltd. 144A
6.850%, 7/2/37(3)

    400        463   

GATX Corp.
3.250%, 9/15/26

    125        125   

Harland Clarke Holdings Corp. 144A
6.875%, 3/1/20(3)

    910        874   

Hawaiian Airlines Pass-Through Certificates 13-1B,
4.950%, 1/15/22

    749        750   

JBS Investments GmbH 144A
7.250%, 4/3/24(3)

    865        884   

Masco Corp.

   

5.950%, 3/15/22

    640        730   

4.450%, 4/1/25

    320        340   

Owens Corning
3.400%, 8/15/26

    900        905   

Pelabuhan Indonesia II PT 144A
4.250%, 5/5/25(3)

    925        944   

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC (Prime Finance, Inc.) 144A
9.250%, 5/15/23(3)

    490        535   

SCF Capital Ltd. 144A
5.375%, 6/16/23(3)

    470        492   

Standard Industries, Inc. 144A
5.500%, 2/15/23(3)

    225        235   

TransDigm, Inc.

   

6.000%, 7/15/22

    630        668   

6.500%, 5/15/25

    270        283   

United Airlines Pass-Through Trust 14-1, B
4.750%, 4/11/22

    431        440   

Wheels Up Finance I LLC

   

16-01, A
0.500%, 6/1/24(2)(3)(13)(17)

    156        154   

16-01, A
7.500%, 6/30/24(13)

    729        721   
   

 

 

 
      14,843   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—0.9%   

Blackboard, Inc. 144A
7.750%, 11/15/19(3)

    485        485   

Diamond 1 Finance Corp. (Diamond 2 Finance Corp.)

   

144A 5.450%, 6/15/23(3)

    150        161   

144A 7.125%, 6/15/24(3)

    160        176   

144A 6.020%, 6/15/26(3)

    145        159   

144A 8.100%, 7/15/36(3)

    140        165   

144A 8.350%, 7/15/46(3)

    155        186   

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. 144A
4.900%, 10/15/25(3)

    425        454   

Infor US, Inc.
6.500%, 5/15/22

    420        427   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Information Technology—continued   

NXP BV (NXP Funding LLC) 144A
4.625%, 6/1/23(3)

  $ 355      $ 389   

WESCO Distribution, Inc. 144A
5.375%, 6/15/24(3)

    255        256   
   

 

 

 
      2,858   
   

 

 

 
Materials—5.3%   

AK Steel Corp.
7.500%, 7/15/23

    385        411   

Alpek SA de C.V. 144A
5.375%, 8/8/23(3)

    1,460        1,562   

ArcelorMittal 6.125%, 6/1/25

    945        1,035   

Axalta Coating Systems, LLC 144A
4.875%, 8/15/24(3)

    150        154   

Berry Plastics Corp.
5.125%, 7/15/23

    870        889   

BHP Billiton Finance USA Ltd. 144A
6.750%, 10/19/75(2)(3)(6)

    525        595   

BlueScope Steel Finance Ltd. 144A
6.500%, 5/15/21(3)

    500        530   

Boise Cascade Co. 144A
5.625%, 9/1/24(3)

    600        612   

Cascades, Inc. 144A
5.500%, 7/15/22(3)

    1,100        1,123   

Eldorado Gold Corp. 144A
6.125%, 12/15/20(3)

    455        460   

Fibria Overseas Finance Ltd.
5.250%, 5/12/24

    440        459   

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) Resources August 2006 Pty Ltd. 144A
9.750%, 3/1/22(3)

    375        437   

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.

   

3.550%, 3/1/22

    255        233   

3.875%, 3/15/23

    385        350   

Gerdau Holdings, Inc. 144A
7.000%, 1/20/20(3)

    635        684   

Gerdau Trade, Inc. 144A
5.750%, 1/30/21(3)

    150        156   

Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
4.125%, 8/15/24

    790        797   

INEOS Group Holdings S.A. 144A
5.625%, 8/1/24(3)

    910        895   

Novelis Corp.

   

144A 6.250%, 8/15/24(3)

    60        64   

144A 5.875%, 9/30/26(3)

    700        718   

Office Cherifien des Phosphates S.A. (OCP) 144A
5.625%, 4/25/24(3)

    690        749   

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc.

   

144A 5.125%, 7/15/23(3)

    150        155   

144A 7.000%, 7/15/24(3)

    25        27   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

63


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Materials—continued   

Severstal OAO Via Steel Capital SA 144A
5.900%, 10/17/22(3)(7)

  $ 275      $ 301   

Standard Industries, Inc. 144A
6.000%, 10/15/25(3)

    450        482   

Teck Resources Ltd.

   

144A 8.000%, 6/1/21(3)

    70        77   

144A 8.500%, 6/1/24(3)

    180        207   

United States Steel Corp.
7.375%, 4/1/20

    76        76   

Vale Overseas Ltd.
5.875%, 6/10/21

    535        561   

Valvoline, Inc. 144A
5.500%, 7/15/24(3)

    90        95   

Vedanta Resources plc 144A
6.000%, 1/31/19(3)

    995        993   
   

 

 

 
      15,887   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—1.3%   

Corporate Office Properties LP
3.600%, 5/15/23

    950        950   

ESH Hospitality, Inc. 144A
5.250%, 5/1/25(3)

    605        607   

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.
3.875%, 5/1/25

    395        408   

MPT Operating Partnership LP

   

5.500%, 5/1/24

    455        478   

5.250%, 8/1/26

    40        42   

Select Income REIT
4.500%, 2/1/25

    900        910   

WP Carey, Inc.
4.250%, 10/1/26

    380        385   
   

 

 

 
      3,780   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—3.2%   

Altice Financing S.A. 144A
6.625%, 2/15/23(3)

    1,010        1,040   

America Movil SAB de C.V. Series 12
6.450%, 12/5/22

    5,000 MXN      251   

AT&T, Inc.

   

4.800%, 6/15/44

    580        610   

5.650%, 2/15/47

    300        355   

CenturyLink, Inc.

   

Series T
5.800%, 3/15/22

    355        365   

Series Y
7.500%, 4/1/24

    210        225   

CSC Holdings LLC 144A
5.500%, 4/15/27(3)

    420        431   

Digicel Group Ltd. 144A
8.250%, 9/30/20(3)

    665        581   

Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones S.A. 144A
4.875%, 10/30/24(3)

    430        443   

Frontier Communications Corp.

   

6.250%, 9/15/21

    370        358   

10.500%, 9/15/22

    210        223   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Telecommunication Services—continued   

GTH Finance BV 144A
7.250%, 4/26/23(3)

  $ 700      $ 761   

Neptune Finance Corp.

   

144A 10.125%, 1/15/23(3)

    340        393   

144A 6.625%, 10/15/25(3)

    650        707   

Qwest Corp.
7.250%, 9/15/25

    400        438   

Sprint Communications, Inc.
6.000%, 11/15/22

    1,320        1,242   

T-Mobile USA, Inc.
6.500%, 1/15/26

    400        445   

Windstream Corp.
7.750%, 10/15/20

    780        800   
   

 

 

 
      9,668   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—1.6%   

Lamar Funding Ltd. 144A
3.958%, 5/7/25(3)

    910        862   

Majapahit Holding BV 144A
7.750%, 1/20/20(3)

    795        916   

NRG Yield Operating LLC
5.375%, 8/15/24

    345        356   

Southern Power Co.
4.150%, 12/1/25

    1,030        1,110   

Talen Energy Supply LLC 144A
4.625%, 7/15/19(3)

    625        590   

TerraForm Power Operating LLC 144A
9.375%, 2/1/23(2)(3)

    860        890   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC Series A
10.250%, 11/1/15(12)

    200        14   
   

 

 

 
              4,738   
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES   
(Identified Cost $162,851)        160,918   
LOAN AGREEMENTS(2)—9.9%   
Consumer Discretionary—2.1%   

Advantage Sales & Marketing, Inc. Second Lien,
7.500%, 7/25/22

    370        353   

Affinity Gaming LLC
5.000%, 7/1/23

    540        542   

Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Inc. Tranche B-6,
9.750%, 3/1/17(11)

    512        562   

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC
7.000%, 10/11/20

    755        755   

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings LLC Tranche B, First Lien,
6.250%, 5/8/21

    349        345   

CDS U.S. Intermediate Holdings, Inc. First Lien,
5.000%, 7/8/22

    251        252   

Cengage Learning, Inc.
5.250%, 6/7/23

    243        244   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

Floor & Decor Outlets of America, Inc.
0.000%, 9/29/23(8)

  $ 497      $ 498   

Graton Resort & Casino Tranche B,
4.750%, 9/1/22

    240        242   

Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.
4.000%, 8/18/23

    338        340   

Laureare Education, Inc. 2021 Extended,
8.157%, 3/17/21

    459        457   

Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc. Tranche B
5.250%, 8/16/23

    305        307   

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority
0.000%, 9/30/23(8)

    450        446   

Transtar Holding Co. Second Lien,
12.000%, 10/9/19(12)(13)

    380        52   

U.S. Farathane LLC Tranche B-2,
5.750%, 12/23/21

    492        494   

UFC Holdings LLC First Lien
5.000%, 8/18/23

    361        365   
   

 

 

 
      6,254   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—1.3%   

Albertson’s LLC Trance B-4,
4.500%, 8/25/21

    664        670   

Amplify Snack Brands, Inc.
6.500%, 9/2/23

    770        766   

ASP MSG Acquisitions, Co., Inc.
6.000%, 8/16/23

    560        563   

Chobani LLC
0.000%, 9/29/23(8)

    142        141   

Coty, Inc. Tranche B,
3.750%, 10/27/22

    118        119   

Galleria Co. Tranche B,
3.750%, 1/26/23

    237        238   

Hostess Brands LLC Tranche B, Second Lien,
8.500%, 8/3/23

    890        898   

Kronos Second Lien,
9.750%, 4/30/20

    457        466   
   

 

 

 
      3,861   
   

 

 

 
Energy—0.6%   

California Resources Corp.
11.375%, 12/31/21

    420        442   

Chesapeake Energy Corp.
8.500%, 8/23/21

    122        129   

EP Energy LLC
0.000%, 6/30/21(8)

    610        600   

Jonah Energy LLC Second Lien,
7.500%, 5/12/21

    520        465   

Seadrill Operating LP
4.000%, 2/21/21

    497        250   
   

 

 

 
      1,886   
   

 

 

 
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

64


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Financials—0.2%   

Walter Investment Management Corp. Tranche B,
4.750%, 12/18/20

  $ 665      $ 611   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—1.5%   

21st Century Oncology Holdings, Inc. Tranche B,
7.125%, 4/30/22

    225        213   

American Renal Holdings, Inc. Tranche B, First Lien,
4.750%, 8/20/19

    269        269   

Ardent Legacy Acquisitions, Inc.
6.500%, 8/4/21

    454        452   

CHG Healthcare Services, Inc. First Lien,
4.750%, 6/7/23

    442        447   

Concordia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
5.250%, 10/21/21

    286        256   

InVentiv Health, Inc.

   

Tranche B-4,
7.750%, 5/15/18

    583        585   

Tranche B
0.000%, 9/29/23(8)

    224        225   

MMM Holdings, Inc.
9.750%, 12/12/17(13)(14)

    245        238   

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC
5.000%, 6/7/23

    208        211   

MSO of Puerto Rico, Inc.
9.750%, 12/12/17(13)(14)

    178        173   

NVA Holdings, Inc. Second Lien,
8.000%, 8/14/22

    509        509   

Quorum Health Corp.
6.750%, 4/29/22

    248        241   

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc. First Lien,
4.750%, 11/3/20

    640        641   
   

 

 

 
      4,460   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—1.1%   

Aspen Merger Sub (Coinstar), Inc.
0.000%, 9/26/23(8)

    279        282   

Brickman Group Ltd. LLC (The) Second Lien,
7.500%, 12/17/21

    344        343   

Filtration Group Corp. Second Lien,
8.250%, 11/22/21

    194        194   

Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
4.250%, 6/30/21

    527        527   

McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC Tranche B, First Lien,
5.000%, 5/4/22

    442        445   

Navistar, Inc. Tranche B
6.500%, 8/7/20

    450        452   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Industrials—continued   

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. Second Lien,
6.750%, 2/28/22

  $ 1,105      $ 1,096   
   

 

 

 
      3,339   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—1.5%   

Applied Systems, Inc. Second Lien,
7.500%, 1/24/22

    284        287   

Blackboard, Inc.
Tranche B-4
0.000%, 6/30/21(8)

    450        447   

Donnelley Financial Solutions
0.000%, 9/26/23(8)

    196        197   

First Data Corp.

   

Tranche 2021
4.525%, 3/24/21

    1,008        1,017   

Tranche 2022
4.275%, 7/8/22

    932        938   

Infinity Acquisition Ltd.
4.250%, 8/6/21

    351        336   

Mitchell International, Inc. Second Lien,
8.500%, 10/11/21

    382        375   

On Semiconductor
5.750%, 3/31/23

    230        231   

Presidio, Inc. Refinancing,
5.250%, 2/2/22

    669        670   

Press Ganey Holdings, Inc.
0.000%, 9/29/23(8)

    64        64   

Western Digital Corp. Tranche B-1,
4.500%, 4/29/23

    54        55   
   

 

 

 
      4,617   
   

 

 

 
Materials—1.0%   

Anchor Glass Container Corp. Tranche B,
4.750%, 7/1/22

    576        580   

CPI Acquisition, Inc. First Lien,
5.500%, 8/17/22

    674        660   

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) Resources Property Ltd.
3.750%, 6/30/19

    365        365   

INEOS U.S. Finance LLC Tranche 2022,
4.250%, 3/31/22

    56        57   

Macdermid, Inc. (Platform Speciality Products Corp.) Tranche B-3,
5.500%, 6/7/20

    731        736   

Omnova Solutions, Inc. Tranche B-2,
5.250%, 8/25/23

    593        592   

PQ Corp. Tranche B-1,
5.750%, 11/4/22

    123        124   
   

 

 

 
      3,114   
   

 

 

 
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Real Estate—0.2%   

Capital Automotive LP Second Lien,
6.000%, 4/30/20

  $ 450      $ 454   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—0.4%   

Atlantic Power LP
6.000%, 4/13/23

    678        687   

Energy Future Holdings Corp.

   

5.000%, 10/31/17(14)

    324        328   

Tranche C
5.000%, 10/31/17(14)

    73        74   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC

   

2017 Extended,
4.998%, 10/10/17(14)

    375        109   
   

 

 

 
              1,198   
TOTAL LOAN AGREEMENTS
(Identified Cost $30,331)
        29,794   
    SHARES        
PREFERRED STOCKS—3.1%   
Energy—0.3%   

PTT Exploration & Production PCL 144A, 4.875%(2)(3)

    905 (9)      923   
   

 

 

 
Financials—2.3%   

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. International S.A. Unipersonal 5.919%(2)

    265 (9)      264   

Citigroup, Inc.

   

Series J 7.125%(2)

    46,600        1,350   

Series N 6.250%(2)

    1,010 (9)      1,089   

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Series Z, 5.300%(2)

    175 (9)      178   

KeyCorp. 5.000%(2)

    735 (9)      724   

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) Series R, 4.850%(2)

    965 (9)      962   

SunTrust Bank, Inc. 5.625%(2)

    260 (9)      269   

Wells Fargo & Co. Series K, 7.980%(2)

    950 (9)      993   

Zions Bancorp 6.950%(2)

    38,525        1,143   
   

 

 

 
      6,972   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—0.5%   

General Electric Co. Series D, 5.000%(2)

    1,485 (9)      1,579   
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Identified Cost $8,861)
        9,474   
COMMON STOCKS—0.0%   
Consumer Discretionary—0.0%   

Mark IV Industries

    446        13   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $4)
        13   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

65


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND—3.1%   

Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund Class R6(15)

    934,418      $ 9,186   
TOTAL AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND
(Identified Cost $9,341)
        9,186   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.6%   
(Identified Cost $303,325)        300,203 (16) 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.6%
(Identified Cost $303,325)
        300,203 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—0.4%

  

    1,272   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%     $ 301,475   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviations:

FHLMC Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”).
FNMA Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”).
PIK Payment-in-Kind Security
REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Variable or step coupon security; interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at September 30, 2016.
(3)  Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $122,710 or 40.7% of net assets.
(4)  Regulation S security. Security is offered and sold outside of the United States, therefore, it is exempt from registration with the SEC under Rules 903 and 904 of the Securities Act of 1933.
(5)  No contractual maturity date.
(6)  Interest payments may be deferred.
(7)  This Note was issued for the sole purpose of funding a loan agreement between the issuer and the borrower. As the credit risk for this security lies solely with the borrower, the name represented here is that of the borrower.
(8)  This loan will settle after September 30, 2016, at which time the interest rate, based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the agreed upon spread on trade date, will be reflected.
(9)  Value shown as par value.
(10)  100% of the income received was in cash.
(11)  Security in default, a portion of the interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(12)  Security in default no interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(13)  Illiquid security.
(14)  Security in default, interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(15)  Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.
(16)  All or a portion of the Fund’s assets have been segregated for delayed delivery securities.
(17)  Represents unfunded portion of security and commitment fee earned on this portion.

Foreign Currencies:

BRL Brazilian Real
CLP Chilean Peso
COP Colombian Peso
IDR Indonesian Rupiah
MXN Mexican Peso
RUB Russian Ruble
TRY Turkish Lira
ZAR South African Rand

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

United States

    68

Canada

    3   

Mexico

    3   

Argentina

    2   

Brazil

    2   

Indonesia

    2   

Turkey

    2   

Other

    18   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
       Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 

Debt Securities:

                   

Asset-Backed Securities

     $ 12,480         $         $ 11,924         $ 556   

Corporate Bonds And Notes

       160,918                     159,925           993   

Foreign Government Securities

       33,004                     33,004             

Loan Agreements

       29,794                     29,742           52   

Mortgage-Backed Securities

       44,912                     44,912             

Municipal Bonds

       422                     422             

Equity Securities:

                   

Affiliated Mutual Fund

       9,186           9,186                       

Common Stocks

       13                               13   

Preferred Stocks

       9,474           2,493           6,981        
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 300,203         $ 11,679         $ 286,910         $ 1,614   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There were no transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 related to securities held as of September 30, 2016.

Securities held by the Fund with an end of period value of $1,143 were transferred from Level 2 into Level 1 since starting to use an exchange price.

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

66


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

The following is a reconciliation of assets of the Fund for Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

 

       Total        Asset-Backed
Securities
       Common
Stocks
       Corporate Bonds
And Notes
       Loan
Agreements
 

Investments in Securities

                        

Balance as of September 30, 2015:

     $ 929         $ 544         $ 16         $         $ 369   

Accrued discount/(premium)

       1                                         1   

Realized gain (loss)

                                                 

Change in unrealized appreciation /(depreciation)(c)

       (309        12           (3                  (318

Purchases

       1,618                               1,618        

Sales(b)

       (743                            (743          

Transfers into Level 3(a)

       118                               118 (d)           

Transfers from Level 3(a)

                                                 
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2016

     $ 1,614         $ 556 (e)       $ 13 (e)       $ 993 (e)       $ 52 (e) 
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(a)  “Transfers into and/or from” represent the ending value as of September 30, 2016, for any investment security where a change in the pricing level occurred from the beginning to the end of the period.
(b)  Includes paydown on securities.
(c)  Included in the related net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) in the Statements of Operations. The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments still held as of September 30, 2016, was ($427).
(d)  The transfers into Level 3 are due to a decrease in trading activities at period end.
(e)  The Fund’s investments that are categorized as Level 3 were valued utilizing third party pricing information without adjustment. Such valuations are based on unobservable inputs. A significant change in third party information could result in a significantly lower or higher value of Level 3 investments.

None of the securities in this table are internally fair valued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

67


Table of Contents

VIRTUS SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES—0.2%   
Non-Agency—0.2%   

Home Equity Loan Trust 07-HSA3, AI4
6.110%, 6/25/37(2)

  $ 1,146      $ 1,153   
TOTAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $1,135)
        1,153   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES—4.9%   
Consumer Discretionary—0.6%   

Boyd Gaming Corp.
6.875%, 5/15/23

    365        398   

IHO Verwaltungs GmbH PIK Interest Capitalization 144A
4.125%, 9/15/21(3)(4)

    330        334   

PetSmart, Inc. 144A
7.125%, 3/15/23(3)

    905        952   

SFR (Numericable) Group S.A. 144A
6.000%, 5/15/22(3)

    615        630   

TRI Pointe Group, Inc.
4.875%, 7/1/21

    1,165        1,197   
   

 

 

 
      3,511   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—0.2%   

Dole Food Co., Inc. 144A
7.250%, 5/1/19(3)

    880        895   
   

 

 

 
Energy—0.9%   

Antero Midstream Partners LP 144A
5.375%, 9/15/24(3)

    430        436   

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.
6.250%, 4/15/23

    895        891   

FTS International, Inc.

   

144A 8.350%, 6/15/20(2)

    1,120        952   

6.250%, 5/1/22

    825        320   

Laredo Petroleum, Inc.
5.625%, 1/15/22

    620        604   

Newfield Exploration Co.
5.750%, 1/30/22

    580        602   

Range Resources Corp. 144A
5.000%, 8/15/22(3)

    600        600   

Whiting Petroleum Corp.
5.750%, 3/15/21

    350        329   
   

 

 

 
      4,734   
   

 

 

 
Financials—0.5%   

iStar Financial, Inc.

   

4.875%, 7/1/18

    785        792   

5.000%, 7/1/19

    430        430   

Springleaf Finance Corp.
5.250%, 12/15/19

    1,410        1,444   
   

 

 

 
      2,666   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—0.6%   

Capsugel S.A. PIK Interest Capitalization, 144A
7.000%, 5/15/19(3)(4)

    270        271   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

Quintiles Transnational Corp. 144A
4.875%, 5/15/23(3)

  $ 385      $ 398   

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc. 144A
8.875%, 4/15/21(3)

    435        465   

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

   

5.000%, 3/1/19

    415        410   

4.350%, 6/15/20(2)

    730        737   

6.000%, 10/1/20

    435        461   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. 144A
5.375%, 3/15/20(3)

    750        698   
   

 

 

 
      3,440   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—0.5%   

American Airlines Group, Inc. 144A
4.625%, 3/1/20(3)

    460        466   

Standard Industries, Inc. 144A
5.500%, 2/15/23(3)

    555        580   

Wheels Up Finance I LLC

   

16-01, A
0.500%, 6/30/17(2)(8)(12)

    309        306   

16-01, A
7.500%, 6/30/24(8)

    1,445        1,430   
   

 

 

 
      2,782   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—0.3%   

Diamond 1 Finance Corp. / Diamond 2 Finance Corp. 144A
5.875%, 6/15/21(3)

    610        649   

First Data Corp.

   

144A 5.000%, 1/15/24

    600        611   

144A 5.750%, 1/15/24

    225        232   
   

 

 

 
      1,492   
   

 

 

 
Materials—0.9%   

Ardagh Packaging Finance plc 144A
6.250%, 1/31/19(3)

    400        411   

Hexion U.S. Finance Corp.
6.625%, 4/15/20

    645        569   

INEOS Group Holdings S.A. 144A
5.875%, 2/15/19(3)

    1,130        1,157   

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc.

   

144A 4.127%, 7/15/21(2)

    1,500        1,526   

144A 5.125%, 7/15/23

    575        594   

Vedanta Resources plc 144A
6.000%, 1/31/19(3)

    685        683   
   

 

 

 
      4,940   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—0.3%   

Altice Financing S.A. 144A
6.625%, 2/15/23(3)

    875        901   

West Corp. 144A
4.750%, 7/15/21(3)

    695        718   
   

 

 

 
      1,619   
   

 

 

 
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Utilities—0.1%   

Talen Energy Supply LLC 144A
4.625%, 7/15/19(3)

  $ 780      $ 737   
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES
(Identified Cost $26,974)
        26,816   
LOAN AGREEMENTS(2)—100.5%   
Consumer Discretionary—24.8%   

Advantage Sales & Marketing, Inc. Second Lien,
7.500%, 7/25/22

    890        849   

Affinity Gaming LLC
5.000%, 7/1/23

    1,033        1,036   

Altice U.S. Finance I Corp.
4.250%, 12/14/22

    1,634        1,649   

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. Tranche B-1
3.500%, 10/20/21

    2,241        2,252   

Aspen Merger Sub (Coinstar), Inc.
0.000%, 9/26/23(7)

    1,264        1,272   

Boyd Gaming Corp.

   

Tranche B,
5.500%, 8/14/20

    1,537        1,549   

Tranche B-2
3.524%, 9/15/23

    448        452   

Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Inc.

   

Tranche B-4,
11.500%, 10/31/16(11)

    943        1,088   

Tranche B-6,
9.750%, 3/1/17(11)

    2,558        2,808   

Tranche B-7,
11.250%, 3/1/17(11)

    1,270        1,456   

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC
7.000%, 10/11/20

    3,903        3,902   

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings LLC Tranche B, First Lien,
6.250%, 5/8/21

    1,229        1,216   

CBAC Borrower LLC Tranche B,
8.250%, 7/2/20

    951        938   

CDS U.S. Intermediate Holdings, Inc. First Lien,
5.000%, 7/8/22

    1,597        1,601   

Cengage Learning, Inc.
5.250%, 6/7/23

    1,466        1,468   

Charter Communications Operating LLC (CCO Safari LLC)

   

Tranche F,
3.000%, 1/3/21

    6,117        6,142   

Tranche H,
3.250%, 8/24/21

    1,098        1,104   

Tranche I,
3.500%, 1/24/23

    1,341        1,352   

CityCenter Holdings LLC Tranche B,
4.250%, 10/16/20

    2,056        2,073   

CS Intermediate Holding Co. II LLC
4.000%, 4/4/21

    2,957        2,977   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

68


Table of Contents

VIRTUS SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

CSC Holdings, Inc.
5.000%, 10/9/22

  $ 5,047      $ 5,069   

Delta 2 (Lux) S.a.r.l. Tranche B-3,
4.750%, 7/30/21

    1,813        1,818   

Diamond Resorts International, Inc.
7.000%, 9/2/23

    233        232   

El Dorado Resorts, Inc.
4.250%, 7/25/22

    1,032        1,037   

Federal-Mogul Corp. Tranche C,
4.750%, 4/15/21

    2,284        2,214   

Floor & Decor Outlets of America, Inc.
0.000%, 9/29/23(7)

    1,637        1,639   

Gates Global LLC
4.250%, 7/6/21

    2,127        2,099   

Graton Resort & Casino Tranche B,
4.750%, 9/1/22

    1,026        1,034   

Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.
4.000%, 8/18/23

    2,447        2,464   

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC

   

Tranche B-1
3.500%, 10/26/20

    797        803   

Tranche B-2
3.215%, 10/25/23

    8,146        8,205   

iHeartCommunications, Inc. Tranche D,
7.274%, 1/30/19

    4,503        3,481   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A. Tranche B-2,
3.750%, 6/30/19

    1,838        1,753   

KAR Auction Services, Inc. Tranche B-2,
4.063%, 3/11/21

    2,532        2,553   

Laureare Education, Inc. 2021 Extended,
8.157%, 3/17/21

    2,432        2,424   

Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc. Tranche B
5.250%, 8/16/23

    1,152        1,161   

Libbey Glass, Inc.
3.750%, 4/9/21

    1,395        1,402   

MCC LLC

   

Tranche H,
3.250%, 1/29/21

    1,626        1,638   

Tranche G,
3.500%, 6/30/21

    2,295        2,310   

Metaldyne LLC
3.750%, 10/20/21

    2,579        2,592   

MGM Growth Properties
4.000%, 4/25/23

    2,508        2,534   

Michaels Stores, Inc.
3.750%, 1/30/23

    3,234        3,251   

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority

   

Tranche B,
5.500%, 6/15/18

    2,230        2,234   

0.000%, 9/30/23(7)

    1,455        1,440   

Neiman Marcus Group
4.250%, 10/25/20

    1,821        1,681   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
0.000%, 9/26/23(7)

  $ 113      $ 113   

Party City Holdings, Inc.
4.370%, 8/19/22

    2,979        2,994   

Penn National Gaming, Inc. Tranche B,
3.250%, 10/30/20

    2,175        2,181   

PetSmart, Inc. Tranche B-1,
4.250%, 3/11/22

    1,106        1,110   

Scientific Games International, Inc. Tranche B-2,
6.000%, 10/1/21

    2,758        2,767   

ServiceMaster Co. LLC (The)
4.250%, 7/1/21

    5,192        5,251   

SFR Group S.A.(Numericable) Tranche B-1
5.002%, 1/15/24

    2,170        2,196   

Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Tranche B-1,
3.500%, 7/30/21

    2,723        2,742   

SRAM LLC First Lien,
4.500%, 4/10/20

    1,638        1,597   

Station Casinos LLC Tranche B,
3.750%, 6/8/23

    2,032        2,048   

TI Group Auto Systems LLC
4.500%, 6/30/22

    1,131        1,136   

Transtar Holding Co.

   

First Lien,
7.750%, 10/9/18(6)(8)

    1,418        1,141   

Second Lien,
12.000%, 10/9/19(6)(8)

    460        63   

Tribune Media Co. Tranche B,
3.750%, 12/27/20

    2,597        2,622   

U.S. Farathane LLC Tranche B-2,
5.750%, 12/23/21

    2,013        2,023   

UFC Holdings LLC First Lien
5.000%, 8/18/23

    1,380        1,394   

University Support Services LLC
6.250%, 7/6/22

    1,132        1,140   

Univision Communications, Inc.

   

Tranche C-3
4.000%, 3/1/20

    6,219        6,237   

Tranche C-4
4.000%, 3/1/20

    3,352        3,362   
   

 

 

 
      136,369   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—7.5%   

Albertson’s LLC

   

Trance B-4,
4.500%, 8/25/21

    2,252        2,272   

Tranche B-5,
4.750%, 12/21/22

    2,030        2,053   

Amplify Snack Brands, Inc.
6.500%, 9/2/23

    1,750        1,740   

ARAMARK Corp.

   

Tranche E,
3.338%, 9/7/19

    2,696        2,716   

ASP MSG Acquisitions, Co., Inc.
6.000%, 8/16/23

    1,180        1,187   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Consumer Staples—continued   

Charger OpCo B.V. (Oak Tea, Inc.) Tranche B-1,
4.250%, 7/2/22

  $ 889      $ 896   

Chobani LLC
0.000%, 9/29/23(7)

    346        344   

Coty, Inc. Tranche B,
3.750%, 10/27/22

    845        856   

Crossmark Holdings, Inc.

   

First Lien,
4.500%, 12/20/19(8)

    1,948        1,282   

Second Lien,
8.750%, 12/21/20(8)

    520        235   

Dell International, Inc. Tranche B
4.000%, 9/7/23

    7,020        7,070   

Dole Food Co., Inc. Tranche B,
4.500%, 11/1/18

    2,155        2,165   

Galleria Co. Tranche B,
3.750%, 1/26/23

    1,698        1,708   

Hostess Brands LLC

   

Tranche B, First Lien,
4.500%, 8/3/22

    2,544        2,566   

Tranche B, Second Lien,
8.500%, 8/3/23

    1,900        1,917   

Kronos Second Lien,
9.750%, 4/30/20

    2,271        2,315   

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC
3.275%, 1/13/23

    452        456   

Prestige Brands, Inc. Tranche B-3,
3.500%, 9/3/21

    212        213   

Reynolds Group Holdings, Inc.
4.250%, 2/5/23

    5,016        5,039   

Rite Aid Corp. Tranche 2, Second Lien,
4.875%, 6/21/21

    1,150        1,154   

Spectrum Brands, Inc.
3.850%, 6/23/22

    1,428        1,436   

US Foods, Inc.
4.000%, 6/27/23

    1,466        1,480   
   

 

 

 
      41,100   
   

 

 

 
Energy—2.5%    

Chesapeake Energy Corp.
8.500%, 8/23/21

    325        342   

Chief Exploration & Development LLC Second Lien,
7.753%, 5/16/21

    1,639        1,545   

Drillships Financing Holding, Inc. (Ocean Rig) Tranche B-1,
6.000%, 3/31/21

    1,722        869   

Drillships Ocean Ventures, Inc.
5.500%, 7/25/21

    750        523   

EP Energy LLC
0.000%, 6/30/21(7)

    1,185        1,166   

Fieldwood Energy LLC
7.000%, 8/31/20

    733        613   

Second Lien,
8.375%, 9/30/20

    1,623        654   

First Lien,
8.375%, 9/30/20

    989        705   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

69


Table of Contents

VIRTUS SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Energy—continued   

Jonah Energy LLC Second Lien, 7.500%, 5/12/21

  $ 2,045      $ 1,830   

MEG Energy Corp.
3.750%, 3/31/20

    3,157        2,959   

Paragon Offshore Finance Co.
5.250%, 7/16/21(5)

    1,712        431   

Sabine Oil & Gas LLC Second Lien,
12.000%, 12/31/18(6)(8)

    1,290        47   

Seadrill Operating LP
4.000%, 2/21/21

    4,061        2,039   
   

 

 

 
      13,723   
   

 

 

 
Financials—3.6%    

Alix Partners LLP
4.500%, 7/28/22

    3,164        3,174   

Asurion LLC

   

Tranche B-2,
4.250%, 7/8/20

    717        719   

Tranche B-4,
5.000%, 8/4/22

    1,048        1,055   

Delos Finance S.a.r.l.
3.588%, 3/6/21

    2,212        2,230   

iStar Financial, Inc.
5.500%, 7/1/20

    463        469   

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
3.500%, 4/17/20

    3,262        3,268   

TransUnion LLC Tranche B-2,
3.588%, 4/9/21

    5,161        5,185   

Vertafore Holdings Corp.
4.750%, 6/30/23

    1,028        1,033   

Walter Investment Management Corp. Tranche B,
4.750%, 12/18/20

    3,123        2,871   
   

 

 

 
      20,004   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—14.8%   

21st Century Oncology Holdings, Inc. Tranche B,
7.125%, 4/30/22

    1,886        1,782   

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc. Tranche B-2,
3.750%, 2/16/23

    2,071        2,088   

Akorn, Inc.
5.250%, 4/16/21

    2,180        2,208   

Alere, Inc. Tranche B,
4.250%, 6/20/22

    1,553        1,545   

American Renal Holdings, Inc. Tranche B, First Lien,
4.750%, 8/20/19

    2,217        2,219   

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC Tranche B,
6.000%, 11/1/19

    1,859        1,866   

Ardent Legacy Acquisitions, Inc.
6.500%, 8/4/21

    1,543        1,536   

Capsugel Holdings LLC
5.250%, 7/31/21

    3,217        3,239   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

Change Healthcare Holdings, Inc.

   

Tranche B-2,
3.750%, 11/2/18

  $ 1,356      $ 1,360   

Tranche B-3,
3.750%, 11/2/18

    490        491   

Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHS)

   

Tranche F,
4.083%, 12/31/18

    1,140        1,135   

Tranche G,
3.750%, 12/31/19

    1,319        1,297   

Tranche H,
4.000%, 1/27/21

    3,567        3,509   

Concordia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
5.250%, 10/21/21

    1,226        1,099   

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc. Tranche B,
3.500%, 6/24/21

    3,084        3,106   

DJO Finance
4.250%, 6/8/20

    1,447        1,423   

Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. S.a.r.l. Tranche B,
3.750%, 9/26/22

    2,234        2,232   

Greatbatch, Inc. Tranche B,
5.250%, 10/27/22

    834        824   

HCA, Inc. Tranche B-6,
3.774%, 3/17/23

    1,165        1,180   

Iasis Healthcare LLC Tranche B-2,
4.500%, 5/3/18

    1,951        1,933   

IMS Health, Inc. Tranche B,
3.500%, 3/17/21

    4,234        4,254   

InVentiv Health, Inc.

   

Tranche B-4,
7.750%, 5/15/18

    2,887        2,895   

Tranche B
0.000%, 9/29/23(7)

    1,302        1,307   

Jaguar Holding Company I
4.250%, 8/18/22

    2,630        2,643   

Kindred Healthcare, Inc.
4.250%, 4/9/21

    1,150        1,152   

MMM Holdings, Inc.
9.750%, 12/12/17(5)(8)

    364        355   

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC 5.000%, 6/7/23

    837        849   

MSO of Puerto Rico, Inc.
9.750%, 12/12/17(5)(8)

    265        258   

National Mentor Holdings, Inc. Tranche B,
4.250%, 1/31/21

    1,056        1,059   

National Surgical Hospitals First Lien,
4.500%, 6/1/22

    1,074        1,064   

NVA Holdings, Inc.

   

Tranche B-1, First Lien,
5.500%, 8/14/21

    755        758   

Second Lien,
8.000%, 8/14/22

    856        857   

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Holdings S.a.r.l.
4.750%, 6/30/21

    3,162        3,100   

Patterson Medical
5.750%, 8/29/22

    1,617        1,601   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

PRA Holdings, Inc. Tranche B-1,
4.500%, 9/23/20

  $ 2,322      $ 2,335   

Quintiles Transnational Corp. Tranche B,
3.250%, 5/12/22

    1,116        1,117   

Quorum Health Corp.
6.750%, 4/29/22

    1,506        1,464   

RPI Finance Trust Tranche B-4, 3.588%, 11/9/20

    1,123        1,129   

Select Medical Corp. Tranche B-F
6.750%, 3/3/21

    1,686        1,701   

Sterigenics-Nordion
4.250%, 5/16/22

    1,075        1,080   

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc. First Lien,
4.750%, 11/3/20

    1,446        1,449   

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc.
4.250%, 3/17/22

    722        728   

Team Health, Inc. Tranche B,
3.838%, 11/23/22

    1,945        1,959   

U.S. Renal Care, Inc. First Lien,
5.250%, 12/30/22

    1,672        1,610   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.

   

Series D-2, Tranche B,
5.000%, 2/13/19

    2,093        2,098   

Series C-2, Tranche B,
5.250%, 12/11/19

    2        2   

Series E-1, Tranche B,
5.250%, 8/5/20

    3,861        3,873   

Series F-1, Tranche B,
5.500%, 4/1/22

    2,407        2,418   
   

 

 

 
      81,187   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—14.2%   

Accudyne Industries Borrower S.C.A. (Accudyne Industries LLC) (Silver II US Holdings LLC)
4.000%, 12/13/19

    1,800        1,687   

Air Canada

   

4.000%, 9/26/19

    2,209        2,216   

0.000%, 9/21/23(7)

    633        635   

American Airlines, Inc.

   

3.250%, 6/27/20

    6,446        6,468   

Tranche B,
3.502%, 4/28/23

    1,210        1,215   

Aspen Merger Sub (Coinstar), Inc.

   

0.000%, 9/27/23(7)

    813        820   

0.000%, 9/27/24(7)

    570        567   

Brickman Group Ltd. LLC (The)

   

First Lien,
4.000%, 12/18/20

    3,782        3,781   

Second Lien,
7.500%, 12/17/21

    1,971        1,963   

Brock Holdings III, Inc. First Lien,
7.000%, 3/16/17

    1,839        1,824   

Builders FirstSource, Inc.
4.750%, 7/31/22

    1,598        1,610   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

70


Table of Contents

VIRTUS SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Industrials—continued   

Cortes NP Acquisition Corp.
0.000%, 9/29/23(7)

  $ 1,061      $ 1,029   

Filtration Group Corp.

   

First Lien,
4.250%, 11/20/20

    1,411        1,420   

Second Lien,
8.250%, 11/22/21

    543        545   

Gardner Denver, Inc.
4.250%, 7/30/20

    1,771        1,719   

Harland Clarke Holdings Corp.

   

Tranche B-3,
7.000%, 5/22/18

    772        764   

Tranche B-4,
6.993%, 8/4/19

    641        632   

Tranche B-5,
7.000%, 12/31/19

    970        954   

HD Supply, Inc.

   

3.750%, 8/13/21

    2,941        2,952   

0.000%, 10/16/23(7)

    669        671   

Headwaters, Inc.
Tranche B-1,
4.000%, 3/24/22

    3,112        3,133   

Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
4.250%, 6/30/21

    3,258        3,258   

McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC Tranche B, First Lien,
5.000%, 5/4/22

    1,783        1,797   

MRC Global (U.S.), Inc. (f/k/a McJunkin Red Man Corp.)
5.000%, 11/8/19

    1,853        1,814   

Navistar, Inc. Tranche B
6.500%, 8/7/20

    1,310        1,315   

NV, Inc.
5.750%, 10/19/22

    1,443        1,444   

Quikrete Co., Inc. First Lien,
4.000%, 9/28/20

    2,829        2,855   

Rexnord LLC Tranche B,
4.000%, 8/21/20

    3,959        3,972   

Science Applications Tranche B,
3.250%, 5/4/22

    1,501        1,512   

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.

   

First Lien,
3.750%, 3/1/21

    3,471        3,453   

Second Lien,
6.750%, 2/28/22

    1,725        1,711   

SiteOne Landscaping Supply LLC
6.250%, 4/29/22

    1,230        1,243   

Spin Holdco, Inc. First Lien,
4.250%, 11/14/19

    2,257        2,251   

The ADT Corp.
4.750%, 5/2/22

    1,668        1,686   

TransDigm, Inc.

   

Tranche D,
3.794%, 6/4/21

    1,620        1,623   

Tranche F,
3.750%, 6/9/23

    6,044        6,054   

United Airlines, Inc. (f/k/a Continental Airlines, Inc.) Tranche B-1,
3.500%, 9/15/21

    1,148        1,155   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Industrials—continued   

Waste Industries
3.500%, 2/27/20

  $ 2,163      $ 2,176   

Wex, Inc.
4.250%, 6/30/23

    2,028        2,055   
   

 

 

 
      77,979   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—10.4%   

Abacus Innovations Corp.(Leidos, Inc.)
3.274%, 8/16/23

    1,410        1,420   

Allflex Holdings III, Inc. First Lien,
4.250%, 7/17/20

    1,552        1,550   

Alorica, Inc.
5.500%, 6/30/22

    411        417   

Applied Systems, Inc. Second Lien,
7.500%, 1/24/22

    1,145        1,158   

Avago Technologies Cayman Finance Ltd.
3.524%, 2/1/23

    3,965        4,017   

Blackboard, Inc.

   

Tranche B-4
0.000%, 10/4/18(7)

    2,030        2,028   

Tranche B-4
0.000%, 6/30/21(7)

    3,706        3,682   

BMC Software, Inc.
0.000%, 9/10/20(7)

    1,845        1,784   

CCC Information Services
4.000%, 12/20/19

    2,251        2,253   

CDW LLC
3.000%, 8/17/23

    5,411        5,434   

Cypress Semiconductor Corp.
6.500%, 7/5/21

    1,800        1,826   

Deltek, Inc.

   

First Lien
5.000%, 6/25/22

    190        191   

Second Lien
9.500%, 6/26/23

    858        870   

Donnelley Financial Solutions
0.000%, 9/26/23(7)

    636        640   

First Data Corp.

   

Tranche 2021
4.525%, 3/24/21

    5,876        5,926   

Tranche 2022
4.275%, 7/8/22

    1,664        1,675   

Infinity Acquisition Ltd.
4.250%, 8/6/21

    2,546        2,435   

Infor (U.S.), Inc.

   

Tranche B-3,
3.750%, 6/3/20

    1,419        1,413   

Tranche B-5,
3.750%, 6/3/20

    3,412        3,397   

Mitchell International, Inc.

   

4.500%, 10/13/20

    3,295        3,300   

Second Lien,
8.500%, 10/11/21

    1,291        1,266   

MKS Instruments, Inc.
4.250%, 5/1/23

    521        528   

NXP BV Tranche F
3.405%, 12/7/20

    806        810   

On Semiconductor
0.000%, 3/31/23(7)

    1,258        1,265   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Information Technology—continued   

Presidio, Inc. Refinancing,
5.250%, 2/2/22

  $ 1,405      $ 1,406   

Press Ganey Holdings, Inc.
0.000%, 9/29/23(7)

    297        298   

Sophia, LP
4.750%, 9/30/22

    2,536        2,541   

SS&C European Holdings S.a.r.l.

   

Tranche A-1,
3.274%, 7/8/20

    179        179   

Tranche A-2,
3.274%, 7/8/20

    277        278   

Tranche B-2,
4.000%, 7/8/22

    132        134   

Tranche B-1,
4.000%, 7/8/22

    1,066        1,075   

Western Digital Corp. Tranche B-1,
4.500%, 4/29/23

    2,290        2,317   
   

 

 

 
      57,513   
   

 

 

 
Materials—10.5%   

ABC Supply, Inc.
0.000%, 9/23/23(7)

    238        239   

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc. Tranche B,
3.500%, 4/16/20

    4,305        4,321   

Anchor Glass Container Corp. Tranche B,
4.750%, 7/1/22

    4,122        4,154   

Ardagh Packaging Finance plc
4.000%, 12/17/19

    854        859   

Berlin Packaging, Inc. S.a.r.l. First Lien,
4.500%, 10/1/21

    1,315        1,322   

Berry Plastics Corp.

   

Tranche D,
3.500%, 2/8/20

    4,485        4,496   

Tranche G,
3.500%, 1/6/21

    1,843        1,847   

Tranche H,
3.750%, 10/1/22

    631        634   

CPG International, Inc.
4.750%, 9/30/20

    1,743        1,748   

CPI Acquisition, Inc. First Lien,
5.500%, 8/17/22

    2,257        2,211   

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) Resources Property Ltd.
3.750%, 6/30/19

    3,821        3,822   

Huntsman International LLC

   

Tranche 14-1
3.750%, 10/1/21

    3,930        3,956   

Tranche 16-B,
4.250%, 4/1/23

    430        433   

Ineos U.S .Finance LLC
3.750%, 12/15/20

    6,871        6,895   

Kraton Polymers
6.000%, 1/6/22

    1,800        1,817   

Macdermid, Inc. (Platform Speciality Products Corp.) Tranche B-3,
5.500%, 6/7/20

    1,776        1,787   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

71


Table of Contents

VIRTUS SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Materials—continued   

Omnova Solutions, Inc. Tranche B-2,
5.250%, 8/25/23

  $ 2,843      $ 2,839   

Owens Illinois, Inc. Tranche B,
3.500%, 9/1/22

    553        558   

PolyOne Corp. Tranche B-1,
3.500%, 11/11/22

    400        405   

PQ Corp. Tranche B-1,
5.750%, 11/4/22

    619        625   

Royal Holdings, Inc. First Lien,
4.500%, 6/20/22

    2,112        2,126   

Solenis International LP First Lien, 4.250%, 7/31/21

    2,297        2,297   

Summit Materials
4.000%, 7/18/22

    3,510        3,528   

Univar, Inc.
4.250%, 7/1/22

    2,848        2,856   

W.R. Grace & Co.
2.759%, 2/3/21

    2,038        2,044   
   

 

 

 
      57,819   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—2.7%   

Capital Automotive LP

   

Tranche B-1,
4.000%, 4/10/19

    1,086        1,095   

Second Lien,
6.000%, 4/30/20

    1,828        1,847   

Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc.
5.000%, 10/24/22

    1,468        1,477   

DTZ U.S. Borrower, LLC (DTZ AUS Holdco PTY Ltd.) First Lien,
4.250%, 11/4/21

    2,963        2,970   

ESH Hospitality, Inc.
3.750%, 8/30/23

    799        806   

Realogy Group LLC
3.750%, 7/20/22

    3,561        3,609   

Ziggo Secured Finance Partnership Tranche D
3.532%, 8/31/24

    3,131        3,140   
   

 

 

 
      14,944   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—4.8%   

Cable & Wireless / Sable International Finance

   

Tranche B-1,
5.588%, 1/3/23

    1,296        1,310   

Tranche B-2,
5.830%, 1/3/23

    1,060        1,072   

Global Tel*Link Corp. First Lien,
5.000%, 5/23/20

    1,783        1,732   

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

   

Tranche B-III,
4.000%, 8/1/19

    2,575        2,591   

Tranche B, 2020
4.000%, 1/15/20

    3,388        3,410   

Tranche B-II,
3.500%, 5/31/22

    2,343        2,359   

SBA Senior Finance II LLC Tranche B-1,
3.340%, 3/24/21

    3,701        3,715   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Telecommunication Services—continued   

Securus Technologies Holdings, Inc.

   

First Lien,
4.750%, 4/30/20

  $ 1,482      $ 1,467   

Tranche B-2,
5.250%, 4/30/20

    759        752   

UPC Financing Partnership
4.080%, 8/31/24

    3,189        3,205   

Virgin Media Investment Holdings Ltd. Tranche F,
3.649%, 6/30/23

    2,590        2,605   

West Corp. Tranche B-12,
3.750%, 6/17/23

    1,146        1,153   

XO Communications LLC
4.250%, 3/20/21

    1,254        1,259   
   

 

 

 
      26,630   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—4.7%   

Atlantic Power LP
6.000%, 4/13/23

    1,838        1,862   

Calpine Construction Finance Co. LP

   

Tranche B-1,
3.090%, 5/3/20

    4,649        4,622   

Tranche B-2,
3.340%, 1/31/22

    3,779        3,765   

Dayton Power and Light Co.
4.000%, 8/24/22

    276        280   

Dynegy Finance IV, Inc.
5.000%, 6/27/23

    3,857        3,893   

Energy Future Holding Corp.

5.000%, 10/31/17(5)

 

 

1,365

  

 

 

1,377

  

Tranche C
5.000%, 10/31/17(5)

    312        315   

NRG Energy, Inc.
3.500%, 6/30/23

    7,139        7,164   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC

   

2017 Extended,
4.998%, 10/10/17(5)

    9,165        2,665   
   

 

 

 
              25,943   
TOTAL LOAN AGREEMENTS
(Identified Cost $563,706)
        553,211   
    SHARES        
AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND—1.1%   

Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund Class R6(10)

    610,288        5,999   
TOTAL AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND
(Identified Cost $6,100)
        5,999   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—106.7%   
(Identified Cost $597,915)             587,179 (9) 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—106.7%
(Identified Cost $597,915)
        587,179 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities,
net—(6.7)%

  

    (37,000
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%     $ 550,179   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviation:

PIK Payment-in-Kind Security

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Variable or step coupon security; interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at September 30, 2016.
(3)  Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $15,896 or 2.9% of net assets.
(4)  100% of the income received was in cash.
(5)  Security in default, interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(6)  Security in default no interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(7)  This loan will settle after September 30, 2016, at which time the interest rate, based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the agreed upon spread on trade date, will be reflected.
(8)  Illiquid security.
(9)  All or a portion of the Fund’s assets have been segregated as collateral for delayed delivery settlements and leverage.
(10)  Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.
(11)  Security in default, a portion of the interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(12)  Represents unfunded portion of security and commitment fee earned on this portion.

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)  

United States

    94

Canada

    2   

Luxembourg

    2   

Australia

    1   

Cayman Islands

    1   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

72


Table of Contents

VIRTUS SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
lnputs
       Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
lnputs
 

Debt Securities:

                   

Corporate Bonds And Notes

     $ 26,816         $         $ 25,080         $ 1,736   

Loan Agreements

       553,211                     553,101           110   

Mortgage-Backed Securites

       1,153                     1,153             

Equity Securities:

                   

Affiliated Mutual Fund

       5,999           5,999                       
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 587,179         $ 5,999         $ 579,334         $ 1,846   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held as of September 30, 2016.

The following is a reconciliation of assets of the Fund for Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

 

       Total        Corporate
Bonds
       Loan
Agreements
 

Investments in Securities

              

Balance as of September 30, 2015:

     $ 446         $         $ 446   

Accrued discount/(premium)

       2           1           1   

Realized gain (loss)

                           (f) 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)(d)

       (385        (1        (384

Purchases

       3,209           3,209             

Sales(b)

       (1,473        (1,473          

Transfers into Level 3(a)

       47 (c)                   47 (c) 

Transfers from Level 3(a)

                             
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2016

     $ 1,846         $ 1,736 (e)       $ 110 (e) 
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(a)  “Transfers into and/or from” represent the ending value as of September 30, 2016, for any investment security where a change in the pricing level occurred from the beginning to the end of the period.”
(b)  Includes paydown on securities.
(c)  The transfers into Level 3 are due to a decrease in trading activities at period end.
(d)  Included in the related net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the Statements of Operations. The change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at September 30, 2016, was $(1,642).
(e)  The Fund’s investments that are categorized as Level 3 were valued utilizing third party pricing information without adjustment. Such valuations are based on unobservable inputs. A significant change in third party information could result in a significantly lower or higher value of Level 3 investments.
(f)  Amount is less than $500.

None of the securities in this table are internally fair valued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

73


Table of Contents

VIRTUS TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
MUNICIPAL BONDS(3)—97.7%   
Alabama—2.8%   

Jefferson County School Warrant Revenue,
5.250%, 1/1/17

  $ 4,000      $ 4,057   

Pell City Special Care Facilities Financing Authority, Noland Health Services Revenue,

   

4.000%, 12/1/25

    500        536   

5.000%, 12/1/25

    1,000        1,141   
   

 

 

 
      5,734   
   

 

 

 
Arizona—3.8%    

Arizona Department of Transportation State Highway Fund Revenue (Pre-refunded 7/1/26 @ 100)
5.000%, 7/1/36

    500        617   

Arizona State Health Facilities Authority, Scottsdale Lincoln Hospital Revenue,
5.000%, 12/1/24

    565        706   

Arizona State University

   

5.000%, 7/1/37

    360        439   

5.000%, 7/1/36

    1,000        1,222   

Mesa, City of, Excise Tax Revenue
5.000%, 7/1/27

    500        515   

Northern Arizona University, Stimulus Plan for Economic and Educational Development Revenue,

   

5.000%, 8/1/24

    1,115        1,345   

5.000%, 8/1/25

    2,290        2,758   
   

 

 

 
      7,602   
   

 

 

 
Arkansas—0.3%   

University of Arkansas, Facility Revenue, (Pre-refunded 11/1/26 @100)
5.000%, 11/1/33

    505        625   
   

 

 

 
California—6.2%   

California Health Facilities Financing Authority
4.000%, 10/1/36

    275        305   

California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Sutter Health Revenue,
5.000%, 11/15/30

    600        748   

California Municipal Finance Authority,

   

Bowles Hall Foundation Revenue,
4.000%, 6/1/21

    100        109   

Bowles Hall Foundation Revenue,
4.500%, 6/1/23

    225        255   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
California—continued   

Bowles Hall Foundation Revenue,
4.500%, 6/1/24

  $ 150      $ 171   

Community Medical Centers, (Pre-refunded 2/1/17 @100)
5.000%, 2/1/27

    400        481   

California, State of, General Obligation,

   

5.000%, 10/1/23

    150        150   

5.000%, 2/1/24

    1,500        1,832   

California, State of, Public Works Board, Judicial Council Projects Revenue,
5.000%, 3/1/27

    500        605   

Garden Grove Agency Community Development Successor Agency, Tax Allocation Revenue (BAM Insured),
5.000%, 10/1/30

    1,000        1,225   

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Revenue,
3.000%, 10/1/19(2)

    2,000        2,096   

Oakland Unified School District, General Obligation,

   

5.000%, 8/1/29

    1,000        1,247   

5.000%, 8/1/30

    500        620   

San Diego Public Facilities Financing Authority Sewer Revenue, (Pre-refunded 11/15/16 @100)
5.000%, 5/15/32

    2,000        2,512   

Temecula Valley Unified School District Financing Authority, Special Tax Revenue (BAM Insured),
5.000%, 9/1/25

    175        215   
   

 

 

 
      12,571   
   

 

 

 
Colorado—5.4%   

Colorado State Health Facilities Authority, Catholic Health Initiatives Revenue,
6.250%, 10/1/33

    650        714   

E-470 Public Highway Authority Revenue,

   

5.000%, 9/1/20

    340        386   

(NATL Insured),
0.000%, 9/1/29

    665        358   

Public Authority For Colorado Energy, Natural Gas Purchase Revenue,

   

6.125%, 11/15/23

    2,135        2,644   

6.250%, 11/15/28

    2,250        2,983   

University of Colorado, Enterprise Revenue

   

5.000%, 6/1/19

    625        691   

(Pre-refunded 6/1/19 @100)
5.625%, 6/1/22

    1,650        1,853   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Colorado—continued   

(Pre-refunded 6/1/21 @100)
5.000%, 6/1/24

  $ 1,000      $ 1,180   
   

 

 

 
      10,809   
   

 

 

 
Connecticut—0.9%   

Connecticut State Health & Educational Facility Authority, Hartford Healthcare Revenue,
5.000%, 7/1/25

    1,500        1,814   
   

 

 

 
District of Columbia—2.7%   

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Dulles Toll Road Revenue, Second Lien, (AGC Insured)
0.000%, 10/1/41

    4,000        5,425   
   

 

 

 
Florida—5.6%   

Brevard County Health Facilities Authority, Health First Revenue,

   

5.000%, 4/1/21

    115        133   

(Pre-refunded 4/1/19 @100)
7.000%, 4/1/39

    1,050        1,207   

Broward County School District, Certificates of Participation, (Pre-refunded 1/1/17 @100)
5.000%, 7/1/32

    300        362   

Central Florida Expressway Authority (Pre-refunded 7/1/26 @100), Second Lien, Series B
4.000%, 7/1/30

    200        225   

Lee County Transportation Facilities Revenue, (AGM Insured)
5.000%, 10/1/19

    400        446   

Miami Beach Redevelopment Agency, Tax Increment Revenue,
5.000%, 2/1/32

    300        355   

Miami Beach, City of, Stormwater Revenue,
5.250%, 9/1/23

    1,265        1,498   

Miami-Dade County Aviation Revenue,
5.000%, 10/1/24

    2,425        2,883   

Miami-Dade County Educational Facilities Authority, University of Miami Revenue, 5.000%, 4/1/30

    200        242   

Miami-Dade County Expressway Authority Series A
5.000%, 7/1/33

    400        489   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

74


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VIRTUS TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Florida—continued   

Miami-Dade County School Board, Certifiicates of Participation, (Pre-refunded 2/1/17 @100)
5.000%, 2/1/34

  $ 1,700      $ 2,023   

South Florida Water Management District, Certificates of Participation, (Pre-refunded 4/1/17 @100)
5.000%, 10/1/35

    750        899   

Tallahassee, City of, Health Facilities Revenue, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare
5.000%, 12/1/36

    480        559   
   

 

 

 
      11,321   
   

 

 

 
Georgia—2.8%   

Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Water and Sewer Revenue (Pre-refunded 1/19/19 @100)
5.625%, 1/1/28

    1,500        1,656   

Atlanta Water & Wastewater Revenue, (Pre-refunded 11/1/16 @100)
5.000%, 11/1/31

    650        796   

DeKalb County Water & Sewer Revenue,
5.250%, 10/1/26

    2,750        3,278   
   

 

 

 
      5,730   
   

 

 

 
Idaho—0.8%   

Idaho Housing & Finance Association, Federal Highway Grant Anticipation Revenue,
4.500%, 7/15/29

    1,500        1,679   
   

 

 

 
Illinois—7.6%   

Chicago O’Hare International Airport,

   

Customer Facilities Charge Revenue, Senior Lien,
5.000%, 1/1/21

    1,250        1,406   

Passenger Facilities Charge Revenue,
5.000%, 1/1/20

    750        841   

Chicago Park District, General Obligation (NATL Insured),
5.000%, 1/1/31

    660        661   

Chicago, City of,
Sales Tax Revenue,
5.000%, 1/1/21

    750        842   

Waterworks Revenue, Second Lien,
5.000%, 11/1/22

    500        580   

Waterworks Revenue, Second Lien,
5.000%, 11/1/30

    500        596   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Illinois—continued   

Illinois Finance Authority Series A-1
0.830%, 8/15/38(2)

  $ 1,000      $ 1,000   

Illinois Finance Authority,

   

KishHealth System Revenue (Escrowed to Maturity),
4.750%, 10/1/18

    700        751   

Rush University Medical Center Revenue (Pre-refunded 11/15/16 @100)
7.250%, 11/1/38

    1,220        1,379   

Rush University Medical Center Revenue,
5.000%, 11/15/21

    250        295   

Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Toll Highway Revenue Senior Lien,
5.000%, 1/1/32

    1,000        1,225   

Illinois, State of, General Obligation,

   

5.000%, 4/1/22

    815        914   

5.000%, 2/1/26

    1,490        1,676   

Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, McCormick Place Expansion Project Revenue (AGM Insured),
0.000%, 6/15/26

    1,000        723   

University of Illinois, Auxiliary Facilities System Revenue,

   

5.500%, 4/1/31

    1,540        1,753   

5.125%, 4/1/36

    500        555   
   

 

 

 
      15,197   
   

 

 

 
Indiana—2.6%   

Indiana Finance Authority, Indiana University Health Center Revenue,
5.000%, 12/1/22

    800        971   

Indiana University Revenue, (Pre-refunded 6/1/19 @100)
5.250%, 6/1/23

    1,320        1,471   

Indianapolis Local Public Improvements Bond Bank Revenue,
5.000%, 6/1/19

    2,500        2,750   
   

 

 

 
      5,192   
   

 

 

 
Iowa—1.3%   

Iowa, State of, Prison Infrastructure Funding Revenue, (Pre-refunded 6/15/20 @100)
5.000%, 6/15/27

    2,250        2,577   
   

 

 

 
Louisiana—0.6%   

New Orleans Sewerage Service Revenue,

   

5.000%, 6/1/19

    500        548   

5.000%, 6/1/20

    550        621   
   

 

 

 
      1,169   
   

 

 

 
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Maine—1.4%   

Portland, City of, General Airport Revenue,

   

5.000%, 7/1/26

  $ 1,000      $ 1,183   

5.000%, 7/1/29

    580        684   

5.000%, 7/1/30

    770        906   
   

 

 

 
      2,773   
   

 

 

 
Maryland—5.3%   

Baltimore Convention Center, Hotel Revenue Senior Lien, (XLCA Insured),

   

5.250%, 9/1/22

    400        401   

5.250%, 9/1/23

    1,500        1,504   

Maryland Economic Development Corp., Exelon Generation Co. Revenue,
2.550%, 6/1/20(2)

    500        510   

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority,

   

Anne Arundel Health System Revenue,
5.000%, 7/1/32

    250        273   

Anne Arundel Health System Revenue, (Pre-refunded 7/1/19 @100)
6.750%, 7/1/29

    2,015        2,331   

Medstar Health, Inc. Revenue, (Pre-refunded 2/15/17 @100)
5.000%, 8/15/26

    800        989   

Maryland, State of, General Obligation,
4.500%, 8/1/21

    3,945        4,583   
   

 

 

 
      10,591   
   

 

 

 
Massachusetts—1.2%   

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Assessment Revenue,
5.000%, 7/1/22

    1,000        1,213   

Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust, State Revolving Fund Revenue,
5.000%, 8/1/19

    1,000        1,114   
   

 

 

 
      2,327   
   

 

 

 
Michigan—2.0%   

Michigan Finance Authority, Beaumont Health Credit Group Revenue, (Pre-refunded 2/1/17 @100)
5.000%, 8/1/27

    1,250        1,510   

Michigan State Building Authority, Facilities Program Lease Revenue
4.000%, 10/15/36

    500        548   

5.000%, 4/15/25

    500        627   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

75


Table of Contents

VIRTUS TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Michigan—continued   

Michigan, State of, Federal Highway Grant Anticipation Revenue, (AGM Insured), (Pre-refunded 9/15/17 @100)
5.250%, 9/15/19

  $ 1,015      $ 1,057   

Royal Oak Hospital Finance Authority, William Beaumont Hospital Revenue,
5.000%, 9/1/19

    200        221   
   

 

 

 
      3,963   
   

 

 

 
Missouri—1.0%   

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Wastewater Revenue (Pre-refunded 9/15/17 @100)
5.750%, 5/1/38

    2,000        2,056   
   

 

 

 
Nebraska—0.5%   

University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Student Fee Revenue, (Pre-refunded 1/1/19 @100)
5.000%, 7/1/22

    1,000        1,090   
   

 

 

 
New Jersey—3.3%   

Camden County Improvement Authority Healthcare Redevelopment Project, Cooper Health System Revenue,
5.000%, 2/15/22

    950        1,115   

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Cigarette Tax Revenue (AGM Insured),
5.000%, 6/15/22

    3,000        3,473   

New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Mortgage Revenue,
4.375%, 4/1/28

    1,915        2,057   
   

 

 

 
      6,645   
   

 

 

 
New York—11.7%   

Buffalo & Erie County Industrial Land Development Corp., Catholic Health System Revenue,
5.000%, 7/1/23

    550        663   

Metropolitan Transportation Authority,

   

(Pre-refund 11/15/18 @100)
6.250%, 11/15/18

    2,510        2,792   

6.250%, 11/15/23

    630        701   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
New York—continued   

New York City General Obligation,

   

6.250%, 10/15/28

  $ 40      $ 44   

(Pre-refunded 10/15/18 @100)
6.250%, 10/15/28

    960        1,063   

New York City Industrial Development Agency, Queens Baseball Stadium Project Revenue,

   

(AGC Insured),
6.125%, 1/1/29

    500        553   

(AMBAC Insured),
5.000%, 1/1/20

    900        909   

(AMBAC Insured),
5.000%, 1/1/31

    470        474   

New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water & Sewer System Revenue,

   

(Pre-refunded 6/15/18 @100)
5.500%, 6/15/21

    500        540   

(Pre-refunded 6/15/18 @100)
5.500%, 6/15/22

    1,000        1,079   

(Pre-refunded 6/15/18 @100)
5.625%, 6/15/24

    1,050        1,135   

5.750%, 6/15/40

    3,530        3,822   

(Pre-refunded 6/15/18 @100)
5.750%, 6/15/40

    1,060        1,147   

New York City Transitional Finance Authority, Subordinate Future Tax Secured Revenue
5.000%, 5/1/35

    3,165        3,871   

New York Municipal Bond Bank Agency, Special School Purpose Revenue,
5.000%, 12/1/20

    1,995        2,308   

New York State Dormitory Authority,

   

New York University Hospitals Center Revenue, (Pre-refunded 1/1/17 @100)
5.000%, 7/1/33

    150        182   

Orange Regional Medical Center Revenue,
5.000%, 12/1/23(4)

    300        350   

New York Transportation Development Corp., Transportation Development Revenue,
5.000%, 8/1/26

    250        277   

Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, Toll Revenue Surbordinate Lien,
5.000%, 11/15/23

    750        920   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
New York—continued   

Utility Debt Securitization Authority Restructuring Charge, Electric Revenue,
5.000%, 6/15/26

  $ 500      $ 625   
   

 

 

 
      23,455   
   

 

 

 
North Dakota—0.7%   

Barnes County North Public School District Building Authority, Lease Revenue,
4.250%, 5/1/27

    1,330        1,408   
   

 

 

 
Ohio—2.3%   

New Albany Community Authority, Community Facilities Revenue
5.000%, 10/1/24

    1,250        1,487   

Ohio State Juvenile Correction Facilities Project, Lease Revenue,

   

5.000%, 10/1/20

    465        535   

5.000%, 10/1/21

    1,080        1,277   

5.000%, 10/1/22

    1,135        1,376   
   

 

 

 
      4,675   
   

 

 

 
Oklahoma—0.7%   

Oklahoma State Turnpike Authority, Turnpike Revenue, Second Senior Lien,
5.000%, 1/1/29

    1,250        1,444   
   

 

 

 
Oregon—0.8%   

Oregon Facilities Authority, University of Portland Revenue,
5.000%, 4/1/30

    240        290   

Oregon, State of, General Obligation,
5.000%, 5/1/33

    1,095        1,372   
   

 

 

 
      1,662   
   

 

 

 
Pennsylvania—3.6%   

Butler County Hospital Authority, Butler Health System Revenue, (Pre-refunded 01/01/17 @100)
5.000%, 7/1/30

    250        298   

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Authority, Turnpike Revenue Surbordinate Lien,

   

5.250%, 12/1/31

    2,000        2,333   

6.000%, 12/1/34

    1,500        1,768   

(Pre-refunded 12/1/20 @100)
6.000%, 12/1/34

    250        300   

0.000%, 12/1/38

    2,000        2,481   
   

 

 

 
      7,180   
   

 

 

 
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

76


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VIRTUS TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
South Carolina—0.8%   

Dorchester County, Waterworks & Sewer Revenue,
5.000%, 10/1/28

  $ 1,020      $ 1,223   

South Carolina Association of Governmental Organizations Educational Facilities Corp., for Pickens School District Lease Revenue, (Pre-refunded 12/1/16 @100)
5.000%, 12/1/24

    250        307   
   

 

 

 
      1,530   
   

 

 

 
Tennessee—1.1%   

Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority, Erlanger Health System Revenue,
5.000%, 10/1/26

    1,000        1,208   

Tennessee Housing Development Agency, Residential Finance Program Revenue,

   

2.050%, 7/1/20

    675        687   

2.300%, 1/1/21

    395        405   
   

 

 

 
      2,300   
   

 

 

 
Texas—12.3%   

Dallas Independent School District General Obligation, (PSF Guaranteed) (Pre-refunded 2/15/18 @100)
5.250%, 2/15/30

    1,850        1,959   

Forney Independent School District, General Obligation,

   

(PSF Guaranteed) (Pre-refunded 8/15/18 @100)
5.750%, 8/15/33

    750        817   

(PSF Guaranteed) (Pre-refunded 8/15/18 @100)
6.000%, 8/15/37

    2,000        2,188   

Harris County Health Facilities Development Corp., Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, (Pre-refunded 12/1/18 @100)
7.250%, 12/1/35

    2,525        2,866   

Hidalgo County Drain District No 1, General Obligation, (Pre-refunded 3/1/17 @100)
5.000%, 9/1/28

    1,000        1,238   

La Joya Independent School District, General Obligation, (PSF Guaranteed),
5.000%, 2/15/20

    1,000        1,129   

North Texas Tollway Authority, Senior Lien Toll Revenue, (Pre-refunded 1/1/17 @100)
5.000%, 1/1/30

    400        493   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Texas—continued   

Southmost Regional Water Authority, Desalination Plant Project Revenue,

   

(AGM Insured),
5.000%, 9/1/25

  $ 1,015      $ 1,202   

(AGM Insured),
5.000%, 9/1/23

    1,085        1,287   

Texas Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply, Gas Supply Revenue,

   

Corp. I, Senior. Lien,
6.250%, 12/15/26

    1,580        2,001   

Corp. II,
1.251%, 12/15/16(2)

    3,000        2,811   

Texas Transportation Commission, General Obligation,
5.000%, 4/1/22

    3,250        3,916   

Upper Trinity Regional Water District Authority, Regional Treated Supply System Revenue (BAM Insured),
5.000%, 8/1/24

    1,340        1,646   

Ysleta Independent School District, General Obligation, (PSF Guaranteed),
4.000%, 8/15/25

    1,140        1,298   
   

 

 

 
      24,851   
   

 

 

 
Utah—0.2%   

Utah Transit Authority, Sales Tax Revenue,
5.000%, 6/15/25

    250        316   
   

 

 

 
Vermont—0.3%   

Burlington, City of, Airport Revenue, (AGM Insured),
5.000%, 7/1/24

    200        232   

Vermont Educational & Health Buildings Financing Agency, University of Vermont Health Network Revenue, (Pre-refunded 12/1/16 @100)
5.000%, 12/1/35

    300        357   
   

 

 

 
      589   
   

 

 

 
Virginia—1.2%   

Riverside Regional Jail Authority, Jail Facility Revenue, (Pre-refunded 1/1/17 @100)
5.000%, 7/1/26

    1,250        1,571   

Virginia College Building Authority,

   

Marymount University Revenue,
5.000%, 7/1/20(4)

    200        218   

Marymount University Revenue,
5.000%, 7/1/21(4)

    400        442   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Virginia—continued   

Marymount University Revenue,
5.000%, 7/1/22(4)

  $ 195      $ 218   
   

 

 

 
      2,449   
   

 

 

 
Washington—1.9%   

County of King WA Sewer Revenue (Pre-refunded 7/1/26 @ 100) Series B
5.000%, 7/1/36

    1,630        1,999   

Washington, State of, General Obligation (Pre-refunded 01/01/17 @100)
5.000%, 7/1/25

    1,375        1,757   
   

 

 

 
      3,756   
   

 

 

 
West Virginia—0.2%   

Monongalia County Building Commission, Monongalia Health System Revenue,
5.000%, 7/1/23

    400        478   
   

 

 

 
Wisconsin—1.8%   

Public Finance Authority, Waste Management, Inc. Revenue,
2.875%, 5/1/27

    250        258   

Wisconsin, State of, General Obligation,
5.000%, 5/1/21

    1,910        2,245   

Public Finance Authority, Renown Regional Medical Center Revenue
5.000%, 6/1/33

    1,000        1,187   
   

 

 

 
              3,690   
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS
(Identified Cost $183,303)
        196,673   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—97.7%   
(Identified Cost $183,303)        196,673   
    SHARES        
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—2.2%   
Money Market Mutual Fund—2.2%   

BlackRock Liquidity Funds MuniCash Portfolio – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.590%)(5)

    4,354,946        4,355   
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT
(Identified Cost $4,355)
        4,355   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.9% (Identified Cost $187,658)         201,028 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—0.1%

  

    195   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%     $ 201,223   
   

 

 

 
 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

77


Table of Contents

VIRTUS TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

Abbreviations:

AGC Assured Guaranty Corp.
AGM Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.
AMBAC American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.
BAM Build America Municipal Insured.
NATL National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.
PSF Permanent School Fund
XLCA XL Capital Assurance

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Variable or step coupon security; interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at September 30, 2016.
(3)  At September 30, 2016, 21.0% of the securities in the portfolio are backed by insurance of financial institutions and financial guaranty assurance agencies. None of the Insurers concentration exceeds 10% of the Fund’s net assets.
(4)  Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $1,228 0.6% of net assets.
(5)  Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.
 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30, 2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Debt Securities:

              

Municipal Bonds

     $ 196,673         $         $ 196,673   

Equity Securities:

              

Short-Term Investment

       4,355           4,355             
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 201,028         $ 4,355         $ 196,673   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

78


Table of Contents

VIRTUS WEALTH MASTERS FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—99.6%   
Consumer Discretionary—33.6%   

Amazon.com, Inc.(2)

    519      $ 435   

AMC Networks, Inc. Class A(2)

    7,978        414   

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

    22,266        398   

AutoNation, Inc.(2)

    8,611        419   

Buckle, Inc. (The)

    16,885        406   

Cabela’s, Inc.(2)

    8,184        450   

Carnival Corp.

    8,950        437   

CBS Corp. Class B

    8,185        448   

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

    8,791        396   

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    7,124        404   

Comcast Corp. Class A

    6,104        405   

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    6,667        378   

Dillard’s, Inc. Class A

    7,071        446   

Discovery Communications, Inc. Class C(2)

    17,185        452   

DISH Network Corp. Class A(2)

    7,701        422   

DSW, Inc. Class A

    19,098        391   

Expedia, Inc.

    3,799        443   

Federal-Mogul Corp.(2)

    42,673        410   

Fossil Group, Inc.(2)

    14,048        390   

Gap, Inc. (The)

    18,237        406   

Garmin Ltd.

    8,460        407   

Horton (D.R.), Inc.

    13,531        409   

Hyatt Hotels Corp. Class A(2)

    8,066        397   

International Speedway Corp. Class A

    12,440        416   

L Brands, Inc.

    5,626        398   

Lands’ End, Inc.(2)(3)

    22,769        330   

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    7,215        415   

Lennar Corp. Class A

    9,410        398   

Liberty Braves Group Class C(2)

    23,632        411   

Liberty Broadband Corp. Class C(2)

    5,697        407   

Liberty Global plc Class C(2)

    12,636        418   

Liberty Global plc Class C(2)

    14,133        396   

Liberty Interactive Corp. Class A(2)

    22,088        442   

Liberty Media Series Class C(2)

    14,005        394   

Liberty Sirius XM Group Class C(2)

    12,332        412   

Liberty Tripadvisor Holdings, Class A(2)

    19,765        432   

Liberty Ventures Class A(2)

    10,633        424   

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.

    19,575        391   

Madison Square Garden Co. (The) Class A(2)

    2,359        400   

Marriott International, Inc. Class A

    5,844        394   

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    5,500        403   

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(2)

    1,986        398   

MSG Networks, Inc. Class A(2)

    22,537        419   

News Corp. Class A

    29,418        411   

NIKE, Inc. Class B

    7,393        389   

Nordstrom, Inc.(3)

    8,033        417   

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    5,230        412   

Penn National Gaming, Inc.(2)

    31,806        432   

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.

    8,504        410   

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    4,134        418   

Restaurant Brands International, Inc.

    8,910        397   

Sears Holdings Corp.(2)

    34,914        400   

Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc.(2)

    78,874        389   

Starbucks Corp.

    7,586        411   

Starz – Liberty Capital Class A(2)

    12,985        405   

Tesla Motors, Inc.(2)

    1,999        408   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

Tronc, Inc.

    24,008      $ 405   

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. Class A

    17,085        414   

Under Armour, Inc. Class C(2)

    11,932        404   

Urban Outfitters, Inc.(2)

    11,472        396   

Viacom, Inc. Class B

    11,374        433   

Weight Watchers International, Inc.(2)

    39,273        405   

Wendy’s Co. (The)

    38,632        417   

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    3,980        388   
   

 

 

 
      26,222   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—5.3%   

Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The) Class A(2)

    2,714        421   

Brown-Forman Corp. Class B

    8,726        414   

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The) Class A

    4,648        412   

HRG Group, Inc.(2)

    26,702        419   

Kraft Heinz Co.(The)

    4,665        418   

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    3,105        410   

Monster Beverage Corp.(2)

    2,789        410   

Nomad Foods Ltd.(2)

    34,119        403   

PriceSmart, Inc.

    4,960        415   

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.

    10,905        402   
   

 

 

 
      4,124   
   

 

 

 
Energy—7.1%   

Archrock, Inc.

    34,858        456   

Cheniere Energy, Inc.(2)

    9,262        404   

Chesapeake Energy Corp.(2)

    60,838        381   

Clayton Williams Energy,
Inc.(2)

    4,912        420   

Continental Resources, Inc.(2)

    8,657        450   

CVR Energy, Inc.

    27,421        378   

Exterran Corp.(2)

    29,034        455   

Hess Corp.

    8,724        468   

Par Petroleum Corp.(2)

    30,374        397   

RPC, Inc.(2)

    26,560        446   

Transocean Ltd.(2)(3)

    44,770        477   

W&T Offshore, Inc.(2)

    256,321        451   

Western Refining, Inc.

    14,541        385   
   

 

 

 
      5,568   
   

 

 

 
Financials—14.3%   

Altisource Portfolio Solutions SA(2)

    13,025        422   

American Financial Group, Inc.

    5,426        407   

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

    15,443        414   

Berkley (W.R.) Corp.

    7,059        408   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Class B(2)

    2,799        404   

BOK Financial Corp.

    6,121        422   

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    10,898        411   

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    13,168        416   

Cohen & Steers, Inc.

    9,730        416   

Colony Capital, Inc. Class A

    22,148        404   

Credit Acceptance Corp.(2)

    2,070        416   

Erie Indemnity Co. Class A

    4,079        416   

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. Class A

    1,470        432   

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    11,473        408   

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    12,233        409   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Financials—continued   

Greenlight Capital Re Ltd. Class A(2)

    20,291      $ 415   

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.(2)

    18,586        417   

Leucadia National Corp.

    21,424        408   

Loews Corp.

    10,026        413   

Mercury General Corp.

    7,425        407   

Morningstar, Inc.

    5,154        409   

National General Holdings Corp.

    18,620        414   

Ocwen Financial Corp.(2)

    115,090        422   

PJT Partners, Inc. Class A

    16,154        441   

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    7,095        413   

Third Point Reinsurance Ltd.(2)

    33,815        406   

WisdomTree Investments, Inc.

    39,446        406   
   

 

 

 
      11,176   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—3.7%   

Akorn, Inc.(2)

    14,766        402   

Bruker Corp.

    18,350        416   

Cerner Corp.(2)

    6,577        406   

Danaher Corp.

    5,295        415   

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.(2)

    32,970        398   

Intrexon Corp.(2)(3)

    14,592        409   

OPKO Health, Inc.(2)(3)

    38,329        406   
   

 

 

 
      2,852   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—11.7%   

Air Lease Corp.

    14,949        427   

American Railcar Industries, Inc.

    10,388        431   

Cintas Corp.

    3,571        402   

Colfax Corp.(2)

    14,192        446   

Covanta Holding Corp.

    27,680        426   

FedEx Corp.

    2,357        412   

Fortive Corp.

    8,031        409   

Heartland Express, Inc.

    21,789        411   

Herc Holdings, Inc.(2)

    12,473        420   

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.(2)

    8,702        349   

Manitowoc Co., Inc. (The)

    91,545        438   

Manitowoc Foodservice, Inc.(2)

    24,229        393   

MasTec, Inc.(2)

    14,533        432   

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. Class A

    5,745        422   

Navistar International
Corp.(2)(3)

    18,262        418   

Rollins, Inc.

    14,161        415   

Seaspan Corp.

    29,929        399   

Solarcity Corp.(2)(3)

    22,447        439   

Timken Co. (The)

    12,451        438   

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

    1,873        421   

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    17,555        409   

XPO Logistics, Inc.(2)

    11,495        422   
   

 

 

 
      9,179   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—11.7%   

Alphabet, Inc. Class C(2)

    528        411   

Amkor Technology, Inc.(2)

    44,532        433   

Anixter International, Inc.(2)

    6,814        440   

CommerceHub, Inc.
Series C(2)

    27,234        433   

eBay, Inc.(2)

    12,816        422   

EchoStar Corp. Class A(2)

    10,222        448   

Facebook, Inc. Class A(2)

    3,152        404   

IAC/InterActiveCorp.

    6,663        416   

Intuit, Inc.

    3,703        407   

Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

    31,737        421   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

79


Table of Contents

VIRTUS WEALTH MASTERS FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
Information Technology—continued   

National Instruments Corp.

    14,721      $ 418   

Oracle Corp.

    10,370        407   

Paychex, Inc.

    6,869        398   

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(2)

    10,182        417   

Pegasystems, Inc.

    14,204        419   

Rackspace Hosting, Inc.(2)

    13,010        412   

RealPage, Inc.(2)

    15,954        410   

salesforce.com, Inc.(2)

    5,529        395   

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    12,668        407   

Syntel, Inc.

    9,503        398   

TeleTech Holdings, Inc.

    14,136        410   

Yahoo!, Inc.(2)

    9,284        400   
   

 

 

 
      9,126   
   

 

 

 
Materials—5.4%   

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.

    38,831        421   

Huntsman Corp.

    26,176        426   

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. Class A

    5,242        423   

NewMarket Corp.

    985        423   

Novagold Resources, Inc.(2)

    71,383        400   

Platform Specialty Products Corp.(2)

    47,475        385   

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The) Class A

    5,043        420   

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    8,284        419   

Timkensteel Corp.(2)

    45,027        470   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Materials—continued   

Westlake Chemical Corp.

    8,128      $ 435   
   

 

 

 
      4,222   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—6.8%   

American Homes 4 Rent Class A

    19,045        412   

Boston Properties, Inc.

    2,989        407   

Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc.

    5,228        404   

Equity Residential

    6,506        419   

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    25,638        399   

Howard Hughes Corp. (The)(2)

    3,551        407   

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.(2)

    16,363        428   

Seritage Growth Properties Class A

    8,251        418   

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    1,944        402   

Taubman Centers, Inc.

    5,538        412   

Urban Edge Properties

    14,667        413   

Vornado Realty Trust

    4,036        408   

Washington Prime Group, Inc.

    33,880        419   
   

 

 

 
              5,348   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $66,649)
        77,817   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.6%   
(Identified Cost $66,649)             77,817   
    SHARES     VALUE  
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—4.0%   

INVESCO Trust Short-Term Investments Liquid Assets Portfolio (The) – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective
yield 0.390%)(4)(5)

    3,131,575      $ 3,132   
TOTAL SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Identified Cost $3,132)
        3,132   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—103.6%
(Identified Cost $69,781)
        80,949 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—(3.6)%

  

    (2,795
 

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 78,154   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviations:

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Non-income producing.
(3)  All or a portion of security is on loan.
(4)  Represents security purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan.
(5)  Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.
 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30, 2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
 

Equity Securities:

         

Common Stocks

     $ 77,817         $ 77,817   

Securities Lending Collateral

       3,132           3,132   
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 80,949         $ 80,949   
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

There are no Level 2 (significant observable inputs) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held as of September 30, 2016.

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

80


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(Reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Bond Fund      CA Tax-Exempt
Bond
    Essential
Resources
Fund
 
             
Assets        

Investment in unaffiliated securities at value(1)

   $ 75,965       $ 30,200      $ 4,728   

Investments in affiliated securities at value(2)

     1,159                  

Foreign currency at value(3)

                    8   

Cash

             603        73   

Receivables

       

Investment securities sold

     1,537                30   

Fund shares sold

     143         (5)      (5) 

Receivable from adviser

             2          

Dividends and interest receivable

     616         384        6   

Tax reclaims

                    2   

Prepaid expenses

     26         15        17   

Prepaid trustee retainer

     2         1        (5) 

Other assets

     1         (5)      (5) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     79,449         31,205        4,864   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities        

Cash overdraft

     53                  

Payables

       

Fund shares repurchased

     188         37          

Investment securities purchased

     1,255                33   

Dividend distributions

     10         7          

Investment advisory fees

     6                (5) 

Distribution and service fees

     17         4        (5) 

Administration fees

     8         4        (5) 

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     18         4        (5) 

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     1         (5)      (5) 

Professional fees

     31         34        29   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     1         (5)      (5) 

Other accrued expenses

     6         2        7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,594         92        69   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 77,855       $ 31,113      $ 4,795   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:        

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

   $ 80,361       $ 28,754      $ 5,248   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     108         48        28   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     (4,984      161        (554

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     2,370         2,150        73   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 77,855       $ 31,113      $ 4,795   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class A        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 11.38       $ 12.17      $ 9.03   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–2.75%)

   $       $ 12.51      $   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–3.75%)

   $ 11.82       $      $   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–5.75%)

   $       $      $ 9.58   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value(4), unlimited authorization

     3,879,743         1,598,894        18,688   

Net Assets

   $ 44,136       $ 19,464      $ 169   
Class B        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 11.07       $      $   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value(4), unlimited authorization

     6,700                  

Net Assets

   $ 74       $      $   
Class C        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 11.12       $      $ 8.97   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value(4), unlimited authorization

     846,175                13,278   

Net Assets

   $ 9,409       $      $ 119   
Class I        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 11.56       $ 12.15      $ 9.05   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value(4), unlimited authorization

     2,097,261         959,075        497,968   

Net Assets

   $ 24,236       $ 11,649      $ 4,507   

(1) Investment in unaffiliated securities at cost

   $ 73,575       $ 28,050      $ 4,654   

(2) Investment in affiliated securities at cost

   $ 1,179       $      $   

(3) Foreign currency at cost

   $       $      $ 8   

(4) All Funds with the exception of the Bond Fund have no par value. Bond Fund has a par value of $1.00.

       

(5) Amount is less than $500.

       

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

81


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(Reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     High Yield
Fund
     Low Duration
Income Fund
    Low Volatility
Equity Fund
 
             
Assets        

Investment in unaffiliated securities at value(1)

   $ 74,558       $ 398,813      $ 3,692   

Investments in affiliated securities at value(2)

     352                  

Cash

     1,560         56        42   

Deposits with prime broker

                    (5) 

Receivables

       

Investment securities sold

     594         3,748          

Fund shares sold

     50         2,383          

Receivable from adviser

                    6   

Dividends and interest receivable

     1,133         1,507          

Tax reclaims

                      

Prepaid expenses

     28         39        19   

Prepaid trustee retainer

     2         5        (5) 

Other assets

     1         5        (5) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     78,278         406,556        3,759   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities        

Written options(3)

                    2   

Payables

       

Fund shares repurchased

     63         2,035        4   

Investment securities purchased

     1,526         3,854          

Foreign capital gain taxes payable

             (5)        

Dividend distributions

     27         85          

Investment advisory fees

     24         46          

Distribution and service fees

     16         59        1   

Administration fees

     8         40        1   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     22         59        1   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     1         5        (5) 

Professional fees

     37         33        19   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     1         5        (5) 

Other accrued expenses

     4         14        1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,729         6,235        29   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 76,549       $ 400,321      $ 3,730   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:        

Common stock $0.001 par value

   $       $ 37      $   

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

     102,896         397,907        3,648   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     (39      242        17   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     (26,231      (1,975     (553

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     (77      4,110        618   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 76,549       $ 400,321      $ 3,730   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class A        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 4.18       $ 10.90      $ 11.57   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–2.25%)

   $       $ 11.15      $   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–3.75%)

   $ 4.34       $      $   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–5.75%)

   $       $      $ 12.28   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value(4), unlimited authorization

     15,406,934         9,361,292        141,101   

Net Assets

   $ 64,338       $ 102,049      $ 1,633   
Class B        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 4.06       $      $   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value(4), unlimited authorization

     6,410                  

Net Assets

   $ 26       $      $   
Class C        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 4.11       $ 10.90      $ 11.39   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value(4), unlimited authorization

     1,030,260         4,278,336        43,110   

Net Assets

   $ 4,231       $ 46,642      $ 491   
Class I        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 4.18       $ 10.90      $ 11.63   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value(4), unlimited authorization

     1,902,756         23,088,910        138,084   

Net Assets

   $ 7,954       $ 251,630      $ 1,606   

(1) Investment in unaffiliated securities at cost

   $ 74,630       $ 394,703      $ 3,075   

(2) Investments in affiliated securities at cost

   $ 358       $      $   

(3) Written options premiums received

   $       $      $ 4   

(4) All of the Funds with the exception of Low Duration Income have no par value. Low Duration Income Fund has a par value of $0.001.

       

(5) Amount is less than $500.

       

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

82


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(Reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Multi-Sector
Intermediate
Bond Fund
    Senior Floating
Rate Fund
     Tax-Exempt
Bond Fund
     Wealth Masters
Fund
 
                 
Assets           

Investment in unaffiliated securities at value(1)(2)

   $ 291,017      $ 581,180       $ 201,028       $ 80,949   

Investment in affiliated securities at value(3)

     9,186        5,999                   

Foreign currency at value(4)

     (6)                        

Cash

            10,549                   

Deposits with prime broker

                              

Receivables

          

Investment securities sold

     4,974        7,082                 5,921   

Fund shares sold

     688        804         1,586         70   

Dividends and interest receivable

     3,663        1,839         2,429         89   

Securities lending receivable

                            23   

Prepaid expenses

     49        34         22         29   

Prepaid trustee retainer

     6        11         3         2   

Other assets

     4        7         3         1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     309,587        607,505         205,071         87,084   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Liabilities           

Cash overdraft

     1,324                        4   

Payables

          

Fund shares repurchased

     1,014        1,233         790         226   

Investment securities purchased

     5,265        25,266         2,854         5,425   

Borrowings (Note 13)

            30,000                   

Collateral on securities loaned

                            3,132   

Dividend distributions

     142        161         21           

Investment advisory fees

     131        267         45         52   

Distribution and service fees

     84        139         37         28   

Administration fees

     30        55         21         8   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     60        74         32         19   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     3        5         2         1   

Professional fees

     38        47         33         29   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     4        7         3         1   

Interest payable on line of credit

            2                   

Other accrued expenses

     17        70         10         5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     8,112        57,326         3,848         8,930   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 301,475      $ 550,179       $ 201,223       $ 78,154   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:           

Capital stock $0.001 par

   $      $       $ 17       $   

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

     315,097        585,600         187,470         76,368   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     1,029        (461      109         286   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     (11,530     (24,224      258         (9,668

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     (3,121     (10,736      13,369         11,168   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 301,475      $ 550,179       $ 201,223       $ 78,154   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Class A           

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 10.30      $ 9.42       $ 11.55       $ 14.60   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–2.75%)

   $      $ 9.69       $ 11.88       $   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–3.75%)

   $ 10.70      $       $       $   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–5.75%)

   $      $       $       $ 15.49   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value, unlimited authorization

     9,607,763        24,154,279         6,036,574         2,274,099   

Net Assets

   $ 98,969      $ 227,588       $ 69,711       $ 33,204   
Class B           

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 10.27      $       $       $   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value(5), unlimited authorization

     167,259                          

Net Assets

   $ 1,717      $       $       $   
Class C           

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 10.40      $ 9.43       $ 11.55       $ 14.26   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value(5), unlimited authorization

     7,247,009        11,856,330         2,323,161         1,739,887   

Net Assets

   $ 75,350      $ 111,839       $ 26,833       $ 24,816   
Class I           

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 10.31      $ 9.41       $ 11.55       $ 14.66   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, par value(5), unlimited authorization

     11,974,248        22,392,942         9,064,630         1,373,295   

Net Assets

   $ 123,435      $ 210,752       $ 104,679       $ 20,134   
Class R6           

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 10.31      $       $       $   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value(5), unlimited authorization

     194,426                          

Net Assets

   $ 2,004      $       $       $   

(1) Investment in unaffiliated securities at cost

   $ 293,984      $ 591,815       $ 187,658       $ 69,781   

(2) Market value of securities on loan

   $      $       $       $ 3,073   

(3) Investment in affiliated securities at cost

   $ 9,341      $ 6,100       $       $   

(4) Foreign currency at cost

   $ (6)    $       $       $   

(5) All of the Funds with the exception of Tax-Exempt Bond Fund have no par value. Tax-Exempt Bond Fund has a par value of $0.001

          

(6) Amount is less than $500.

          

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Bond
Fund
    CA Tax-Exempt
Bond
    Essential
Resources
Fund
 
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
    Year Ended
September 30,
2016
    Year Ended
September 30,
2016
 
Investment Income       

Dividends

   $ 40      $      $ 106   

Dividends from affiliated funds

     44                 

Interest

     3,087        1,217        (1) 

Foreign taxes withheld

                   (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     3,171        1,217        99   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Expenses       

Investment advisory fees

     346        141        49   

Service fees, Class A

     114        50        (1) 

Distribution and service fees, Class B

     1                 

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     103               1   

Administration fees

     97        40        5   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     125        35        2   

Registration fees

     63        33        59   

Printing fees and expenses

     27        9        2   

Custodian fees

     6        1        25   

Professional fees

     33        37        36   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     8        3        1   

Miscellaneous expenses

     10        4        5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     933        353        185   

Less expenses reimbursed and/or waived by investment adviser

     (244     (112     (121

Earnings credit from custodian

     (1            (1) 

Low balance account fees

     (2     (1)        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     686        241        64   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     2,485        976        35   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments       

Net realized gain (loss) on unaffiliated investments

     (649     218        (525

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

     (1)             (2

Net increase from payment by affiliate(2)

     1                 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on unaffiliated investments

     2,985        522        1,051   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on affiliated investments

     7                 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translation

     (1)             (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      2,344        740        524   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 4,829      $ 1,716      $ 559   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Amount is less than $500.

(2) See Note 4I in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

84


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     High Yield
Fund
    Low Duration Income Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
    Fiscal Period Ended
September  30,
2016(3)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2015
 
Investment Income       

Dividends

   $ 149      $ 90      $ 7   

Dividends from affiliated fund

     13                 

Interest

     4,332        6,724        5,382   

Foreign taxes withheld

                     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     4,494        6,814        5,389   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Expenses       

Investment advisory fees

     464        1,408        1,173   

Service fees, Class A

     150        179        179   

Distribution and service fees, Class B

     (1)               

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     36        356        394   

Distribution fees, Class I

                   15   

Administration fees

     90        322        260   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     134        290        261   

Registration fees

     60        58        67   

Printing fees and expenses

     21        57        15   

Custodian fees

     8        10        8   

Professional fees

     38        38        37   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     7        24        10   

Miscellaneous expenses

     11        21        18   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,019        2,763        2,437   

Less expenses reimbursed and/or waived by investment adviser

     (185     (906     (798

Earnings credit from custodian

     (3              

Low balance account fees

     (6     (1)        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     825        1,857        1,639   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     3,669        4,957        3,750   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments       

Net realized gain (loss) on unaffiliated investments

     (1,272     (74     (588

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

                   (1) 

Net increase from payments by affiliates(2)

     3               3   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on unaffiliated investments

     4,424        6,087        (1,490

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) affiliated investments

     2                 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      3,157        6,013        (2,075
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 6,826      $ 10,970      $ 1,675   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Amount is less than $500.

(2) See Note 4I in the Notes to Financial Statements.

(3) Fund changed its fiscal year-end to September 30 during the period.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

85


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Low Volatility
Equity Fund
    Multi-Sector
Intermediate
Bond Fund
    Senior Floating
Rate Fund
 
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
    Year Ended
September 30,
2016
    Year Ended
September 30,
2016
 
Investment Income       

Dividends

   $ 96      $ 212      $   

Dividends from affiliated fund

            349        232   

Interest

            17,331        28,795   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     96        17,892        29,027   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Expenses       

Investment advisory fees

     45        1,660        3,560   

Service fees, Class A

     5        251        592   

Distribution and service fees, Class B

            22          

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     11        777        1,216   

Administration fees

     6        380        747   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     6        379        600   

Interest expense and fees

                   404   

Registration fees

     44        106        77   

Printing fees and expenses

     3        72        115   

Custodian fees

     1        21        20   

Professional fees

     21        44        62   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     1        27        46   

Miscellaneous expenses

     2        35        218   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     145        3,774        7,657   

Less expenses reimbursed and/or waived by investment adviser

     (67     (50     (38

Earnings credit from custodian

     (1)      (4     (24

Low balance account fees

            (1     (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     78        3,719        7,595   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     18        14,173        21,432   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments       

Net realized gain (loss) on unaffiliated investments

     (127     (5,188     (14,295

Net realized gain (loss) on affiliated investments

                   (49

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

            (23     (17

Net realized gain (loss) on written options

     (370              

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on unaffiliated investments

     609        18,527        15,109   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) affiliated investments

            57        75   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translations

            8        (1) 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on written options

     (52              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      60        13,381        823   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 78      $ 27,554      $ 22,255   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

86


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Tax-Exempt Bond Fund     Wealth Masters
Fund
 
     Fiscal Period Ended
September 30,
2016(2)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2015
    Year Ended
September 30,
2016
 
Investment Income       

Dividends

   $ 8      $ 1      $ 1,303   

Interest

     5,089        6,729          

Security lending, net of fees

                   555   

Foreign taxes withheld

                   (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     5,097        6,730        1,856   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Expenses       

Investment advisory fees

     675        878        808   

Service fees, Class A

     136        191        106   

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     212        294        287   

Distribution fees, Class I

            15          

Administration fees

     189        238        120   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     167        216        152   

Registration fees

     36        52        60   

Printing fees and expenses

     36        15        30   

Custodian fees

     3        3        8   

Professional fees

     36        36        31   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     14        9        9   

Miscellaneous expenses

     13        13        10   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,517        1,960        1,621   

Less expenses reimbursed and/or waived by investment adviser

     (242     (304     (74

Earnings credit from custodian

                   (1) 

Low balance account fees

     (1)             (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,275        1,656        1,547   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     3,822        5,074        309   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments       

Net realized gain (loss) on unaffiliated investments

     345        67        (4,300

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on unaffiliated investments

     1,789        (683     13,223   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      2,134        (616     8,923   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 5,956      $ 4,458      $ 9,232   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Amount is less than $500.

(2) The Fund changed its fiscal year end to September 30 during the period.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

87


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     Bond Fund        CA Tax-Exempt Bond  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
       Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
                 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                  
From Operations                  

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 2,485         $ 2,691         $ 976         $ 1,095   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (648        (1,801        218           672   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     2,992           (1,079        522           (606
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     4,829           (189        1,716           1,161   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders                  

Net investment income, Class A

     (1,355        (1,481        (576        (736

Net investment income, Class B

     (2        (4                    

Net investment income, Class C

     (236        (188                    

Net investment income, Class I

     (650        (533        (361        (396

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

                         (10        (21

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

                         (6        (10

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

                         (434        (706

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

                         (273        (354

Return of capital Class A

               (253                    

Return of capital Class B

               (1                    

Return of capital Class C

               (41                    

Return of capital Class I

               (84                    
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (2,243        (2,585        (1,660        (2,223
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)                  

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     (5,315        (3,738        (567        (1,030

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class B

     (54        (102                    

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     154           2,882                       

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     5,985           1,612           587           (53
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     770           654           20           (1,083
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     3,356           (2,120        76           (2,145
Net Assets                  

Beginning of period

     74,499           76,619           31,037           33,182   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 77,855         $ 74,499         $ 31,113         $ 31,037   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ 108         $ (8      $ 48         $ 9   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

88


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     Essential Resources        High Yield Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       From Inception
March 24, 2015
to September 30,
2015
       Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
                 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                  
From Operations                  

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 35         $ 23         $ 3,669         $ 4,606   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (527        (26        (1,269        (2,049

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     1,051           (978        4,426           (4,614
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     559           (981        6,826           (2,057
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders                  

Net investment income, Class A

     (1)                   (3,093        (4,183

Net investment income, Class B

                         (2        (4

Net investment income, Class C

                         (162        (189

Net investment income, Class I

     (28                  (421        (376

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

     (1)                               

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

     (1)                               

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

     (3                              
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (31                  (3,678        (4,752
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)                  

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     69           103           579           (4,168

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class B

                         (15        (59

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     3           129           378           21   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     118           4,826           3,137           (969
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     190           5,058           4,079           (5,175
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     718           4,077           7,227           (11,984
Net Assets                  

Beginning of period

     4,077                     69,322           81,306   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 4,795         $ 4,077         $ 76,549         $ 69,322   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ 28         $ 23         $ (39      $ (30

(1) Amount less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

 
     Low Duration Income Fund  
     Fiscal Period Ended
September 30,
2016(1)
       Year Ended
December 31,
2015
       Year Ended
December 31,
2014
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS             
From Operations             

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 4,957         $ 3,750         $ 2,921   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (74        (588        (118

Net increase in payments by affiliates

               3             

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     6,087           (1,490        (685
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     10,970           1,675           2,118   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders             

Net investment income, Class A

     (1,288        (1,241        (917

Net investment income, Class C

     (375        (392        (389

Net investment income, Class I

     (3,052        (2,021        (1,607

Return of capital Class A

               (182          

Return of capital Class C

               (100          

Return of capital Class I

               (261          
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (4,715        (4,197        (2,913
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)             

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     14,626           11,010           36,290   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     1,140           (6,317        25,981   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     97,036           59,540           40,388   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     112,802           64,233           102,659   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     119,057           61,711           101,864   
Net Assets             

Beginning of period

     281,264           219,553           117,689   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 400,321         $ 281,264         $ 219,553   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ 242         $         $ (70

(1) The Fund changed its fiscal year-end to September 30 during the period.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     Low Volatility Equity Fund        Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
       Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                  
From Operations                  

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 18         $ 24         $ 14,173         $ 17,003   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (497        74           (5,211        (10,025

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     557           (272        18,592           (19,678
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     78          

 

 

(174

 

 

 

 

       27,554           (12,700
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders                  

Net investment income, Class A

     (8        (7        (4,295        (4,622

Net investment income, Class B

                         (79        (127

Net investment income, Class C

               (2        (2,715        (2,903

Net investment income, Class I

     (9        (6        (5,418        (6,036

Net investment income, Class R6

                         (81        (32

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

     (13                            (226

Net realized short-term gains, Class B

                                   (8

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

     (9                            (178

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

     (10                            (278

Net realized short-term gains, Class R6

                                   (2

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

     (19                            (1,292

Net realized long-term gains, Class B

                                   (50

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

     (13                            (1,037

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

     (13                            (1,595

Net realized long-term gains, Class R6

                                   (— )(1) 

Return of capital Class A

                                   (625

Return of capital Class B

                                   (21

Return of capital Class C

                                   (491

Return of capital Class I

                                   (770

Return of capital Class R6

                                   (5
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (94        (15        (12,588        (20,298
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)                  

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     (421        1,668           (11,062        (3,826

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class B

                         (1,247        (2,133

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     (900        1,188           (12,694        (3,590

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     8           77           (21,152        8,043   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class R6

                         130           1,885   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     (1,313        2,933           (46,025        379   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (1,329        2,744           (31,059        (32,619
Net Assets                  

Beginning of period

     5,059           2,315           332,534           365,153   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 3,730         $ 5,059         $ 301,475         $ 332,534   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ 17         $ 16         $ 1,029         $ (249

(1) Amount less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

91


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

 
     Senior Floating Rate Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS        
From Operations        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 21,432         $ 30,523   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (14,361        (9,938

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     15,184           (16,754
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     22,255           3,831   
  

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders        

Net investment income, Class A

     (8,701        (11,297

Net investment income, Class C

     (3,550        (5,079

Net investment income, Class I

     (9,212        (14,848

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

               (394

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

               (231

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

               (540

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

               (341

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

               (199

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

               (463
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (21,463        (33,392
  

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)        

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     (41,744        (15,274

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     (26,952        (33,299

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     (73,726        (159,653
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     (142,422        (208,226
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (141,630        (237,787
Net Assets        

Beginning of period

     691,809           929,596   
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 550,179         $ 691,809   
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ (461      $ (347

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

92


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

 
     Tax-Exempt Bond Fund  
     Fiscal Period Ended
September 30,
2016(2)
       Year Ended
December 31,
2015
       Year Ended
December 31,
2014
 
             
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS             
From Operations             

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 3,822         $ 5,074         $ 5,308   

Net realized gain (loss)

     345           67           1,214   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     1,789           (683        8,491   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     5,956           4,458           15,013   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders             

Net investment income, Class A

     (1,394        (1,938        (2,408

Net investment income, Class C

     (385        (525        (595

Net investment income, Class I

     (2,087        (2,479        (2,459

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

     (1)                     

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

     (1)                     

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

     (1)                     

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

               (57        (4

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

               (23        (2

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

               (69        (4
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (3,866        (5,091        (5,472
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)             

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     (5,512        (5,220        (13,624

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     (3,808        (530        723   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     12,807           4,697           (392
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     3,487           (1,053        (13,293
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     5,577           (1,686        (3,752
Net Assets             

Beginning of period

     195,646           197,332           201,084   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 201,223         $ 195,646         $ 197,332   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ 109         $ 152         $ 22   

(1) Amount is less than $500.

(2) The Fund changed its fiscal year end to September 30 during the period.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

93


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

 
     Wealth Masters Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
         
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS        
From Operations        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 309         $ 378   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (4,300        (563

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     13,223           (10,130
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     9,232           (10,315
  

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders        

Net investment income, Class A

     (112        (184

Net investment income, Class C

     (3          

Net investment income, Class I

     (137        (252

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

     (666        (1,046

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

     (438        (622

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

     (391        (869

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

     (231        (20

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

     (152        (12

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

     (136        (17
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (2,266        (3,022
  

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)        

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     (23,994        4,094   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     (11,563        7,353   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     (14,030        (12,645
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     (49,587        (1,198
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (42,621        (14,535
Net Assets        

Beginning of period

     120,775           135,310   
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 78,154         $ 120,775   
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ 286         $ 229   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

94


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Return of Capital   Total Distributions   Payment from Affiliate   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average Net
Assets(8)
  Ratio of Gross
Expenses to
Average    

Net Assets
(before waivers
and
reimburse
ments)(8)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate

Bond Fund

                                                                                                                                                                           

Class A

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 11.02         0.36         0.33         0.69         (0.33 )                       (0.33 )       (5)       0.36       $ 11.38         6.38 %(11)     $ 44,136         0.86 %(10)(12)       1.18 %       3.28 %       64 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.43         0.40         (0.43 )       (0.03 )       (0.32 )               (0.06 )       (0.38 )               (0.41 )       11.02         (0.26 )       48,064         0.85         1.12         3.55         64  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        11.21         0.47         0.22         0.69         (0.47 )                       (0.47 )               0.22         11.43         6.18         53,603         0.85         1.10         4.08         38  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        11.61         0.43         (0.41 )       0.02         (0.42 )                       (0.42 )               (0.40 )       11.21         0.17         57,286         0.85         1.07         3.75         107  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.96         0.35         0.67         1.02         (0.37 )                       (0.37 )               0.65         11.61         9.34         67,804         0.85         1.02         3.12         210  

Class B

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 10.74         0.27         0.31         0.58         (0.25 )                       (0.25 )       (5)       0.33       $ 11.07         5.47 %(11)     $ 74         1.61 %(10)(12)       1.92 %       2.54 %       64 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.14         0.31         (0.41 )       (0.10 )       (0.24 )               (0.06 )       (0.30 )               (0.40 )       10.74         (0.91 )       126         1.60         1.86         2.82         64  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.95         0.37         0.20         0.57         (0.38 )                       (0.38 )               0.19         11.14         5.27         233         1.60         1.84         3.34         38  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        11.34         0.33         (0.38 )       (0.05 )       (0.34 )                       (0.34 )               (0.39 )       10.95         (0.50 )       401         1.60         1.82         2.95         107  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.71         0.27         0.64         0.91         (0.28 )                       (0.28 )               0.63         11.34         8.48         727         1.60         1.77         2.43         210  

Class C

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 10.78         0.27         0.32         0.59         (0.25 )                       (0.25 )       (5)       0.34       $ 11.12         5.54 %(11)     $ 9,409         1.61 %(10)(12)       1.93 %       2.52 %       64 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.19         0.30         (0.41 )       (0.11 )       (0.24 )               (0.06 )       (0.30 )               (0.41 )       10.78         (1.00 )       8,853         1.60         1.87         2.74         64  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.99         0.37         0.21         0.58         (0.38 )                       (0.38 )               0.20         11.19         5.34         6,315         1.60         1.85         3.33         38  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        11.38         0.34         (0.39 )       (0.05 )       (0.34 )                       (0.34 )               (0.39 )       10.99         (0.51 )       6,825         1.60         1.82         2.99         107  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.75         0.26         0.65         0.91         (0.28 )                       (0.28 )               0.63         11.38         8.55         8,756         1.60         1.77         2.36         210  

Class I

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 11.19         0.40         0.33         0.73         (0.36 )                       (0.36 )       (5)       0.37       $ 11.56         6.63 %(11)     $ 24,236         0.61 %(10)(12)       0.93 %       3.51 %       64 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.59         0.43         (0.42 )       0.01         (0.35 )               (0.06 )       (0.41 )               (0.40 )       11.19         0.08         17,456         0.60         0.87         3.78         64  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        11.37         0.50         0.21         0.71         (0.49 )                       (0.49 )               0.22         11.59         6.35         16,468         0.60         0.85         4.33         38  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        11.76         0.47         (0.41 )       0.06         (0.45 )                       (0.45 )               (0.39 )       11.37         0.49         22,037         0.60         0.82         3.98         107  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        11.10         0.39         0.66         1.05         (0.39 )                       (0.39 )               0.66         11.76         9.64         29,527         0.60         0.77         3.39         210  

CA Tax-Exempt

                                                                     

Bond Fund

                                                                     

Class A

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 12.14         0.37         0.29         0.66         (0.36 )       (0.27 )               (0.63 )               0.03       $ 12.17         5.56 %     $ 19,464         0.86 %(12)       1.22 %       3.03 %       21 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        12.51         0.39         0.03         0.42         (0.40 )       (0.39 )               (0.79 )               (0.37 )       12.14         3.44         19,978         0.85         1.18         3.16         24  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        12.10         0.43         0.64         1.07         (0.42 )       (0.24 )               (0.66 )               0.41         12.51         9.16         21,729         0.85         1.11         3.49         7  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        12.96         0.43         (0.68 )       (0.25 )       (0.43 )       (0.18 )               (0.61 )               (0.86 )       12.10         (2.12 )       22,612         0.85         1.04         3.39         22  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        12.30         0.46         0.68         1.14         (0.48 )                       (0.48 )               0.66         12.96         9.40         28,803         0.85         1.04         3.65         16  

Class I

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 12.12         0.40         0.29         0.69         (0.39 )       (0.27 )               (0.66 )               0.03       $ 12.15         5.83 %     $ 11,649         0.61 %(12)       0.97 %       3.28 %       21 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        12.49         0.42         0.03         0.45         (0.43 )       (0.39 )               (0.82 )               (0.37 )       12.12         3.71         11,059         0.60         0.93         3.41         24  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        12.09         0.45         0.64         1.09         (0.45 )       (0.24 )               (0.69 )               0.40         12.49         9.36         11,453         0.60         0.83         3.74         7  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        12.95         0.46         (0.68 )       (0.22 )       (0.46 )       (0.18 )               (0.64 )               (0.86 )       12.09         (1.88 )       26,026         0.60         0.79         3.65         22  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        12.29         0.49         0.68         1.17         (0.51 )                       (0.51 )               0.66         12.95         9.68         28,639         0.60         0.79         3.90         16  

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

95


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income    
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Total Distributions   Payment from Affiliate   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average Net Assets(8)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average    
Net Assets (before waivers and
reimburse
ments)(8)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
Essential Resources                                                                                                                                                                  

Fund

                                                                 

Class A

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 8.04         0.04         1.00         1.04         (0.04 )       (0.01 )       (0.05 )               0.99       $ 9.03         12.93 %     $ 169         1.67 %(10)(12)       4.30 %       0.51 %       88 %

3/24/15(6) to 9/30/15

        10.00         0.03         (1.99 )       (1.96 )                                       (1.96 )       8.04         (19.60 )(4)       84         1.65 (3)       6.26 (3)       0.66 (3)       48 (4)

Class C

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 8.01         (0.02 )       0.99         0.97                 (0.01 )       (0.01 )               0.96       $ 8.97         12.07 %     $ 119         2.41 %(10)(12)       5.12 %       (0.19 )%       88 %

3/24/15(6) to 9/30/15

        10.00         (— )(5)       (1.99 )       (1.99 )                                       (1.99 )       8.01         (19.90 )(4)       104         2.40 (3)       7.26 (3)       (0.10 )(3)       48 (4)

Class I

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 8.05         0.07         1.00         1.07         (0.06 )       (0.01 )       (0.07 )               1.00       $ 9.05         13.27 %     $ 4,507         1.41 %(10)(12)       4.14 %       0.83 %       88 %

3/24/15(6) to 9/30/15

        10.00         0.05         (2.00 )       (1.95 )                                       (1.95 )       8.05         (19.50 )(4)       3,889         1.40 (3)       5.98 (3)       0.93 (3)       48 (4)

High Yield Fund

                                                                 

Class A

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 3.98         0.21         0.20         0.41         (0.21 )               (0.21 )       (5)       0.20       $ 4.18         10.59 %(11)     $ 64,338         1.15 %(10)(12)       1.42 %       5.15 %       81 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        4.35         0.22         (0.36 )       (0.14 )       (0.23 )               (0.23 )               (0.37 )       3.98         (3.39 )       60,951         1.15         1.32         5.26         94  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        4.27         0.24         0.08         0.32         (0.24 )               (0.24 )               0.08         4.35         7.53         71,042         1.15         1.31         5.55         82  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        4.28         0.26         (0.01 )       0.25         (0.26 )               (0.26 )               (0.01 )       4.27         5.98         80,155         1.15         1.31         6.05         100  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        3.85         0.28         0.44         0.72         (0.29 )               (0.29 )               0.43         4.28         19.19         98,701         1.15         1.31         6.82         92  

Class B

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 3.88         0.17         0.19         0.36         (0.18 )               (0.18 )       (5)       0.18       $ 4.06         9.52 %(11)     $ 26         1.90 %(10)(12)       2.16 %       4.40 %       81 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        4.24         0.19         (0.35 )       (0.16 )       (0.20 )               (0.20 )               (0.36 )       3.88         (3.96 )       41         1.90         2.07         4.54         94  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        4.17         0.21         0.07         0.28         (0.21 )               (0.21 )               0.07         4.24         6.68         106         1.90         2.07         4.80         82  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        4.19         0.23         (0.02 )       0.21         (0.23 )               (0.23 )               (0.02 )       4.17         5.06         131         1.90         2.05         5.31         100  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        3.77         0.24         0.44         0.68         (0.26 )               (0.26 )               0.42         4.19         18.46         307         1.90         2.06         6.07         92  

Class C

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 3.92         0.17         0.20         0.37         (0.18 )               (0.18 )       (5)       0.19       $ 4.11         9.68 %(11)     $ 4,231         1.90 %(10)(12)       2.17 %       4.40 %       81 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        4.28         0.19         (0.35 )       (0.16 )       (0.20 )               (0.20 )               (0.36 )       3.92         (3.93 )       3,705         1.90         2.07         4.52         94  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        4.21         0.21         0.07         0.28         (0.21 )               (0.21 )               0.07         4.28         6.60         4,038         1.90         2.07         4.79         82  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        4.23         0.23         (0.02 )       0.21         (0.23 )               (0.23 )               (0.02 )       4.21         5.00         3,302         1.90         2.06         5.31         100  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        3.80         0.25         0.44         0.69         (0.26 )               (0.26 )               0.43         4.23         18.59         2,944         1.90         2.07         6.07         92  

Class I

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 3.98         0.21         0.21         0.42         (0.22 )               (0.22 )       (5)       0.20       $ 4.18         10.86 %(11)     $ 7,954         0.90 %(10)(12)       1.16 %       5.38 %       81 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        4.35         0.23         (0.36 )       (0.13 )       (0.24 )               (0.24 )               (0.37 )       3.98         (3.15 )       4,625         0.90         1.07         5.53         94  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        4.27         0.26         0.07         0.33         (0.25 )               (0.25 )               0.08         4.35         7.80         6,120         0.90         1.07         5.80         82  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        4.28         0.27         (0.01 )       0.26         (0.27 )               (0.27 )               (0.01 )       4.27         6.25         5,812         0.90         1.05         6.37         100  

8/8/12(6) to 9/30/12

        4.23         0.04         0.06         0.10         (0.05 )               (0.05 )               0.05         4.28         2.37 (4)       102         0.90 (3)       1.08 (3)       6.86 (3)       92 (4)

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

96


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Return of Capital   Total Distributions   Payment from Affiliate   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Operating
Expenses to    
Average Net
Assets(8)
  Ratio of Gross Operating
Expenses
to Average Net Assets(8)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
Low Duration Income                                                                                                                                                                            

Fund

                                                                     

Class A

                                                                     

1/1/16 to 9/30/16(14)

      $ 10.70         0.15         0.20         0.35         (0.15 )                       (0.15 )               0.20       $ 10.90         3.25 %(4)     $ 102,049         0.76 %(3)(12)       1.12 %(3)       1.89 %(3)       38 %(4)

1/1/15 to 12/31/15

        10.82         0.19         (0.09 )       0.10         (0.19 )               (0.03 )       (0.22 )       (5)       (0.12 )       10.70         0.89 (11)       85,666         0.75         1.12         1.77         56  

1/1/14 to 12/31/14

        10.83         0.22         (0.01 )       0.21         (0.22 )                       (0.22 )               (0.01 )       10.82         1.94         75,456         0.92 (7)       1.11         2.02         58  

1/1/13 to 12/31/13

        10.96         0.21         (0.13 )       0.08         (0.21 )                       (0.21 )               (0.13 )       10.83         0.76         39,436         0.95         1.14         1.93         51  

1/1/12 to 12/31/12

        10.54         0.23         0.41         0.64         (0.22 )                       (0.22 )               0.42         10.96         6.14         28,266         0.96 (12)       1.20         2.12         87 (13)

1/1/11 to 12/31/11

        10.51         0.28         0.03         0.31         (0.28 )                       (0.28 )               0.03         10.54         2.99         15,145         0.95         1.13         2.62         47  

Class C

                                                                     

1/1/16 to 9/30/16(14)

      $ 10.70         0.09         0.19         0.28         (0.08 )                       (0.08 )               0.20       $ 10.90         2.67 %(4)     $ 46,642         1.51 %(3)(12)       1.87 %(3)       1.15 %(3)       38 %(4)

1/1/15 to 12/31/15

        10.82         0.11         (0.10 )       0.01         (0.10 )               (0.03 )       (0.13 )       (5)       (0.12 )       10.70         0.13 (11)       44,621         1.50         1.86         1.02         56  

1/1/14 to 12/31/14

        10.84         0.14         (0.02 )       0.12         (0.14 )                       (0.14 )               (0.02 )       10.82         1.08         51,303         1.68 (7)       1.87         1.28         58  

1/1/13 to 12/31/13

        10.97         0.13         (0.13 )               (0.13 )                       (0.13 )               (0.13 )       10.84         0.01         25,463         1.70         1.89         1.17         51  

1/1/12 to 12/31/12

        10.54         0.15         0.42         0.57         (0.14 )                       (0.14 )               0.43         10.97         5.44         20,156         1.71 (12)       1.95         1.38         87 (13)

1/1/11 to 12/31/11

        10.51         0.20         0.03         0.23         (0.20 )                       (0.20 )               0.03         10.54         2.23         13,761         1.70         1.88         1.86         47  

Class I

                                                                     

1/1/16 to 9/30/16(14)

      $ 10.70         0.17         0.20         0.37         (0.17 )                       (0.17 )               0.20       $ 10.90         3.44 %(4)     $ 251,630         0.52 %(3)(12)       0.87 %(3)       2.15 %(3)       38 %(4)

1/1/15 to 12/31/15

        10.81         0.22         (0.09 )       0.13         (0.21 )               (0.03 )       (0.24 )       (5)       (0.11 )       10.70         1.24 (11)       150,977         0.50         0.88         2.03         56  

1/1/14 to 12/31/14

        10.83         0.25         (0.02 )       0.23         (0.25 )                       (0.25 )               (0.02 )       10.81         2.10         92,794         0.68 (7)       0.91         2.27         58  

1/1/13 to 12/31/13

        10.96         0.24         (0.13 )       0.11         (0.24 )                       (0.24 )               (0.13 )       10.83         1.02         52,790         0.70         0.94         2.18         51  

1/1/12 to 12/31/12

        10.54         0.26         0.41         0.67         (0.25 )                       (0.25 )               0.42         10.96         6.40         29,513         0.73 (12)       0.99         2.40         87 (13)

1/1/11 to 12/31/11

        10.51         0.31         0.03         0.34         (0.31 )                       (0.31 )               0.03         10.54         3.25         65,206         0.70         0.93         2.91         47  
Low Volatility                                                                      

Equity Fund

                                                                     

Class A

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 11.45         0.05         0.28         0.33         (0.04 )       (0.17 )               (0.21 )               0.12       $ 11.57         2.82 %     $ 1,633         1.56 %(10)(12)       2.98 %       0.46 %       10 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.71         0.08         (0.30 )       (0.22 )       (0.04 )                       (0.04 )       (5)       (0.26 )       11.45         (1.88 )(11)       2,055         1.55         2.70         0.64         1  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.24         0.06         1.50         1.56         (0.09 )                       (0.09 )               1.47         11.71         15.23         485         1.55         6.15         0.56         3  

6/11/13(6) to 9/30/13

        10.00         0.06         0.18         0.24                                                 0.24         10.24         2.40 (4)       136         1.55 (3)       7.66 (3)       2.00 (3)       0  

Class C

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 11.32         (0.04 )       0.28         0.24                 (0.17 )               (0.17 )               0.07       $ 11.39         2.05 %     $ 491         2.31 %(10)(12)       3.64 %       (0.39 )%       10 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.64         0.01         (0.31 )       (0.30 )       (0.02 )                       (0.02 )       (5)       (0.32 )       11.32         (2.61 )(11)       1,423         2.30         3.47         0.04         1  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.21         (0.02 )       1.50         1.48         (0.05 )                       (0.05 )               1.43         11.64         14.47         291         2.30         6.72         (0.19 )       3  

6/11/13(6) to 9/30/13

        10.00         0.03         0.18         0.21                                                 0.21         10.21         2.10 (4)       130         2.30 (3)       8.49 (3)       0.99 (3)       0  

Class I

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 11.50         0.09         0.27         0.36         (0.06 )       (0.17 )               (0.23 )               0.13       $ 11.63         3.08 %     $ 1,606         1.32 %(10)(12)       2.78 %       0.80 %       10 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.73         0.09         (0.27 )       (0.18 )       (0.05 )                       (0.05 )       (5)       (0.23 )       11.50         (1.57 )(11)       1,581         1.30         2.62         0.79         1  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.25         0.07         1.51         1.58         (0.10 )                       (0.10 )               1.48         11.73         15.45         1,539         1.30         5.32         0.67         3  

6/11/13(6) to 9/30/13

        10.00         0.07         0.18         0.25                                                 0.25         10.25         2.50 (4)       1,332         1.30 (3)       7.51 (3)       2.23 (3)       0  

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

97


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Return of Capital   Total Distributions   Payment from Affiliate   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average Net
Assets(8)
  Ratio of Gross
Expenses to
Average    
Net Assets
(before waivers
and
reimburse
ments)(8)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
Multi-Sector
Intermediate
                                                                                                                                                                           

Bond Fund

                                                                     

Class A

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.76         0.47         0.49         0.96         (0.42 )                       (0.42 )               0.54       $ 10.30         10.15 %     $ 98,969         1.14 %(10)(12)       1.15 %       4.80 %       60 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.70         0.49         (0.85 )       (0.36 )       (0.40 )       (0.13 )       (0.05 )       (0.58 )       (5)       (0.94 )       9.76         (3.41 )(11)       104,833         1.10         1.10         4.81         66  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.77         0.54         0.11         0.65         (0.52 )       (0.20 )               (0.72 )               (0.07 )       10.70         6.18         119,423         1.11         1.11         5.00         54  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        11.15         0.57         (0.28 )       0.29         (0.55 )       (0.12 )               (0.67 )               (0.38 )       10.77         2.59         184,524         1.10         1.10         5.13         77  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.24         0.62         0.93         1.55         (0.64 )                       (0.64 )               0.91         11.15         15.51         196,554         1.13         1.13         5.73         76  

Class B

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.73         0.39         0.50         0.89         (0.35 )                       (0.35 )               0.54       $ 10.27         9.36 %     $ 1,717         1.88 %(10)(12)       1.90 %       4.04 %       60 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.67         0.41         (0.84 )       (0.43 )       (0.33 )       (0.13 )       (0.05 )       (0.51 )       (5)       (0.94 )       9.73         (4.14 )(11)       2,868         1.85         1.85         4.01         66  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.74         0.46         0.11         0.57         (0.44 )       (0.20 )               (0.64 )               (0.07 )       10.67         5.40         5,360         1.86         1.86         4.26         54  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        11.12         0.49         (0.28 )       0.21         (0.47 )       (0.12 )               (0.59 )               (0.38 )       10.74         1.83         7,603         1.85         1.85         4.39         77  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.22         0.54         0.92         1.46         (0.56 )                       (0.56 )               0.90         11.12         14.59         9,974         1.88         1.88         5.02         76  

Class C

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.85         0.40         0.50         0.90         (0.35 )                       (0.35 )               0.55       $ 10.40         9.34 %     $ 75,350         1.88 %(10)(12)       1.90 %       4.04 %       60 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.79         0.42         (0.85 )       (0.43 )       (0.33 )       (0.13 )       (0.05 )       (0.51 )       (5)       (0.94 )       9.85         (4.11 )(11)       84,099         1.85         1.85         4.06         66  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.86         0.47         0.10         0.57         (0.44 )       (0.20 )               (0.64 )               (0.07 )       10.79         5.33         96,072         1.86         1.86         4.25         54  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        11.23         0.49         (0.27 )       0.22         (0.47 )       (0.12 )               (0.59 )               (0.37 )       10.86         1.90         104,591         1.85         1.85         4.39         77  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.31         0.54         0.94         1.48         (0.56 )                       (0.56 )               0.92         11.23         14.65         108,595         1.88         1.88         4.98         76  

Class I

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.77         0.50         0.49         0.99         (0.45 )                       (0.45 )               0.54       $ 10.31         10.42 %     $ 123,435         0.88 %(10)(12)       0.90 %       5.04 %       60 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.71         0.52         (0.85 )       (0.33 )       (0.43 )       (0.13 )       (0.05 )       (0.61 )       (5)       (0.94 )       9.77         (3.17 )(11)       138,956         0.85         0.85         5.06         66  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.77         0.57         0.12         0.69         (0.55 )       (0.20 )               (0.75 )               (0.06 )       10.71         6.54         144,298         0.86         0.86         5.24         54  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        11.15         0.60         (0.28 )       0.32         (0.58 )       (0.12 )               (0.70 )               (0.38 )       10.77         2.85         86,387         0.85         0.85         5.38         77  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.24         0.64         0.93         1.57         (0.66 )                       (0.66 )               0.91         11.15         15.80         74,847         0.88         0.88         5.93         76  

Class R6

                                                                     

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.77         0.50         0.50         1.00         (0.46 )                       (0.46 )               0.54       $ 10.31         10.50 %     $ 2,004         0.81 %(10)(12)       0.83 %       5.12 %       60 %

11/14/14(6) to 9/30/15

        10.67         0.46         (0.81 )       (0.35 )       (0.37 )       (0.13 )       (0.05 )       (0.55 )       (5)       (0.90 )       9.77         (3.31 )(4)(11)       1,778         0.76         0.77 (3)       5.12 (3)       66  

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

98


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Total Distributions   Payment from Affiliate   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of
Net
Expenses to
Average
Net Assets(8)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average    
Net
Assets(8)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
Senior Floating                                                                                                                                                                  

Rate Fund

                                                                 

Class A

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.36         0.34         0.06         0.40         (0.34 )               (0.34 )               0.06       $ 9.42         4.42 %     $ 227,588         1.23 %(9)(10)(12)       1.24 %       3.67 %       48 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        9.72         0.38         (0.32 )       0.06         (0.39 )       (0.03 )       (0.42 )       (5)       (0.36 )       9.36         0.53 (11)       268,596         1.20 (9)       1.20         3.94         34  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        9.79         0.37         (0.07 )       0.30         (0.37 )               (0.37 )               (0.07 )       9.72         3.08         294,617         1.18 (9)       1.18         3.79         77  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        9.79         0.42         0.04         0.46         (0.46 )       (— )(5)       (0.46 )                       9.79         4.84         386,113         1.21 (9)       1.21         4.29         68  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.28         0.49         0.49         0.98         (0.47 )               (0.47 )               0.51         9.79         10.75         256,397         1.23 (9)       1.23         5.06         56  

Class C

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.37         0.27         0.06         0.33         (0.27 )               (0.27 )               0.06       $ 9.43         3.63 %     $ 111,839         1.98 %(9)(10)(12)       1.99 %       2.92 %       48 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        9.73         0.31         (0.33 )       (0.02 )       (0.31 )       (0.03 )       (0.34 )       (5)       (0.36 )       9.37         (0.22 )(11)       138,478         1.95 (9)       1.95         3.19         34  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        9.81         0.30         (0.08 )       0.22         (0.30 )               (0.30 )               (0.08 )       9.73         2.20         177,485         1.93 (9)       1.93         3.04         77  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        9.80         0.35         0.05         0.40         (0.39 )       (— )(5)       (0.39 )               0.01         9.81         4.15         182,667         1.96 (9)       1.96         3.51         68  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.29         0.41         0.50         0.91         (0.40 )               (0.40 )               0.51         9.80         9.92         95,078         1.98 (9)       1.98         4.31         56  

Class I

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.35         0.36         0.06         0.42         (0.36 )               (0.36 )               0.06       $ 9.41         4.69 %     $ 210,752         0.97 %(9)(10)(12)       0.98 %       3.91 %       48 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        9.71         0.40         (0.32 )       0.08         (0.41 )       (0.03 )       (0.44 )       (5)       (0.36 )       9.35         0.78 (11)       284,735         0.95 (9)       0.95         4.20         34  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        9.79         0.40         (0.09 )       0.31         (0.39 )               (0.39 )               (0.08 )       9.71         3.23         457,494         0.93 (9)       0.93         4.06         77  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        9.78         0.43         0.07         0.50         (0.49 )       (— )(5)       (0.49 )               0.01         9.79         5.21         381,791        
0.96
(9)
      0.96         4.41         68  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.27         0.51         0.49         1.00         (0.49 )               (0.49 )               0.51         9.78         11.04         94,193         0.98 (9)       0.98         5.31         56  
Tax-Exempt Bond                                                                  

Fund

                                                                 

Class A

                                                                 

1/1/16 to 9/30/16(14)

      $ 11.43         0.22         0.12         0.34         (0.22 )               (0.22 )               0.12       $ 11.55         3.00 %(4)     $ 69,711         0.87 %(3)(12)       1.03 %(3)       2.53 %(3)       9 %(4)

1/1/15 to 12/31/15

        11.46         0.30         (0.03 )       0.27         (0.29 )       (0.01 )       (0.30 )               (0.03 )       11.43         2.39         74,418         0.85         1.00         2.60         10  

1/1/14 to 12/31/14

        10.91         0.31         0.56         0.87         (0.32 )       (5)       (0.32 )               0.55         11.46         7.94         79,906         0.85         0.99         2.73         22  

1/1/13 to 12/31/13

        11.62         0.30         (0.71 )       (0.41 )       (0.30 )               (0.30 )               (0.71 )       10.91         (3.48 )       89,303         0.85         0.98         2.66         29  

1/1/12 to 12/31/12

        11.10         0.30         0.52         0.82         (0.30 )               (0.30 )               0.52         11.62         7.45         143,397         0.87 (12)       1.00         2.61         35  

1/1/11 to 12/31/11

        10.38         0.39         0.74         1.13         (0.41 )               (0.41 )               0.72         11.10         10.98         107,873         0.81         0.98         3.62         59  

Class C

                                                                 

1/1/16 to 9/30/16(14)

      $ 11.43         0.15         0.13         0.28         (0.16 )               (0.16 )               0.12       $ 11.55         2.42 %(4)     $ 26,833         1.61 %(3)(12)       1.78 %(3)       1.78 %(3)       9 %(4)

1/1/15 to 12/31/15

        11.46         0.21         (0.03 )       0.18         (0.20 )       (0.01 )       (0.21 )               (0.03 )       11.43         1.62         30,316         1.60         1.75         1.85         10  

1/1/14 to 12/31/14

        10.92         0.22         0.55         0.77         (0.23 )       (5)       (0.23 )               0.54         11.46         7.13         30,967         1.60         1.74         1.98         22  

1/1/13 to 12/31/13

        11.63         0.22         (0.72 )       (0.50 )       (0.21 )               (0.21 )               (0.71 )       10.92         (4.29 )       28,845         1.60         1.73         1.92         29  

1/1/12 to 12/31/12

        11.10         0.21         0.54         0.75         (0.22 )               (0.22 )               0.53         11.63         6.74         39,792         1.62 (12)       1.75         1.86         35  

1/1/11 to 12/31/11

        10.38         0.31         0.74         1.05         (0.33 )               (0.33 )               0.72         11.10         10.15         28,641         1.54         1.70         2.91         59  

Class I

                                                                 

1/1/16 to 9/30/16(14)

      $ 11.43         0.24         0.12         0.36         (0.24 )               (0.24 )               0.12       $ 11.55         3.19 %(4)     $ 104,679         0.62 %(3)(12)       0.78 %(3)       2.78 %(3)       9 %(4)

1/1/15 to 12/31/15

        11.46         0.33         (0.03 )       0.30         (0.32 )       (0.01 )       (0.33 )               (0.03 )       11.43         2.64         90,912         0.60         0.77         2.85         10  

1/1/14 to 12/31/14

        10.91         0.34         0.56         0.90         (0.35 )       (5)       (0.35 )               0.55         11.46         8.30         86,459         0.60         0.79         2.98         22  

1/1/13 to 12/31/13

        11.62         0.33         (0.71 )       (0.38 )       (0.33 )               (0.33 )               (0.71 )       10.91         (3.33 )       82,936         0.60         0.77         2.88         29  

1/1/12 to 12/31/12

        11.10         0.33         0.52         0.85         (0.33 )               (0.33 )               0.52         11.62         7.72         162,094         0.62 (12)       0.79         2.84         35  

1/1/11 to 12/31/11

        10.38         0.41         0.74         1.15         (0.43 )               (0.43 )               0.72         11.10         11.36         94,228         0.57         0.77         3.78         59  

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of
Net
Expenses to
Average
Net Assets(8)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average    
Net
Assets(8)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate

Wealth Masters

                                                                                                                                                       

Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 13.25         0.07         1.55         1.62         (0.03 )       (0.24 )       (0.27 )       1.35       $ 14.60         12.44 %     $ 33,204         1.46 %(10)(12)       1.54 %       0.53 %       30 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        14.50         0.05         (0.98 )       (0.93 )       (0.05 )       (0.27 )       (0.32 )       (1.25 )       13.25         (6.74 )       54,109         1.45         1.46         0.36         51  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.12         0.02         1.37         1.39                 (0.01 )       (0.01 )       1.38         14.50         10.67         55,881         1.45         1.46         0.11         62  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.22         (0.01 )       3.05         3.04         (0.09 )       (0.05 )       (0.14 )       2.90         13.12         30.09         5,169         1.45         3.29         (0.10 )       22  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         0.01         0.21         0.22                                 0.22         10.22         2.20 (4)       106         1.45 (3)       44.72 (3)       0.78 (3)       26 (4)

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 13.02         (0.03 )       1.51         1.48                 (0.24 )       (0.24 )       1.24       $ 14.26         11.56 %     $ 24,816         2.21 %(10)(12)       2.29 %       (0.22 )%       30 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        14.32         (0.06 )       (0.97 )       (1.03 )               (0.27 )       (0.27 )       (1.30 )       13.02         (7.41 )       34,171         2.20         2.21         (0.39 )       51  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.04         (0.09 )       1.38         1.29                 (0.01 )       (0.01 )       1.28         14.32         9.90         30,511         2.20         2.22         (0.65 )       62  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.21         (0.08 )       3.03         2.95         (0.07 )       (0.05 )       (0.12 )       2.83         13.04         29.11         1,742         2.20         4.41         (0.66 )       22  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         (— )(5)       0.21         0.21                                 0.21         10.21         2.10 (4)       107         2.20 (3)       45.67 (3)       0.04 (3)       26 (4)

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 13.30         0.08         1.58         1.66         (0.06 )       (0.24 )       (0.30 )       1.36       $ 14.66         12.75 %     $ 20,134         1.21 %(10)(12)       1.29 %       0.61 %       30 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        14.56         0.09         (1.00 )       (0.91 )       (0.08 )       (0.27 )       (0.35 )       (1.26 )       13.30         (6.53 )       32,495         1.20         1.21         0.62         51  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.14         0.05         1.39         1.44         (0.01 )       (0.01 )       (0.02 )       1.42         14.56         10.96         48,918         1.20         1.20         0.33         62  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.22         0.06         3.01         3.07         (0.10 )       (0.05 )       (0.15 )       2.92         13.14         30.37         44,813         1.20         4.64         0.52         22  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         0.01         0.21         0.22                                 0.22         10.22         2.20 (4)       818         1.20 (3)       44.40 (3)       1.04 (3)       26 (4)

Footnote Legend

(1)  Sales charges, where applicable, are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2)  Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3)  Annualized.
(4)  Not annualized.
(5)  Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
(6)  Inception date.
(7)  Due to a change in expense ratio, the ratio shown is a blended expense ratio.
(8)  The Funds will also indirectly bear their prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds in which they invest. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.
(9)  The Fund is currently under its expense limitation.
(10)  Earnings credits from the custodian were not material, as reflected in the Statements of Operations and had no impact on the Financial Highlights.
(11)  Payment from affiliate had no impact on total return.
(12)  Net expense ratio includes extraordinary proxy expenses.
(13)  Portfolio turnover calculation excludes security transactions that were distributed as a result of a redemption-in-kind.
(14)  The Fund changed its fiscal-year-end to September 30 during the period.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 1. Organization

Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company.

As of the date of this report, 31 funds of the Trust are offered for sale, of which ten (each a “Fund”) are reported in this annual report.

Each Fund’s investment objective is outlined in each Fund’s summary page.

 

  There is no guarantee that a Fund will achieve its objective.

All of the Funds offer Class A shares and Class C shares with the exception of the CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund which does not offer Class C shares. All of the Funds offer Class I shares. Class B shares are no longer available for purchase by new or existing shareholders, except for existing shareholders through Qualifying Transactions. For information regarding Qualifying Transactions, refer to each Fund’s prospectus. The Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund also offers Class R6 shares.

Class A shares of Low Duration Income Fund are sold with a front-end sales charge of 2.25% with some exceptions. Class A shares of the CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Senior Floating Rate Fund and Tax-Exempt Bond Fund are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 2.75% with some exceptions. Class A shares of the Bond Fund, High Yield Fund, and Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 3.75% with some exceptions. Class A shares of the Essential Resources, Low Volatility Equity and Wealth Masters Funds are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 5.75% with some exceptions. Generally, Class A shares are not subject to any charges by the Funds when redeemed; however, a 0.50% – 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) may be imposed on certain redemptions made within a certain period following purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The period for which such CDSC applies for the Funds is 18 months. The CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

Class B shares were generally sold with a CDSC, which declines from 5% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held. Class C shares are generally sold with a 1% CDSC, applicable if redeemed within one year of purchase. Class R6 and Class I shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or CDSC.

Class R6 shares are only available to participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, profit-sharing plans, defined benefit plans and other employer-directed plans. Class R6 shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees. No compensation, administrative payments, sub-transfer agency payments or service payments are paid to brokers or other entities from fund assets or the Distributor’s or an affiliate’s resources on sales of or investments in Class R6 Shares.

Virtus Mutual Funds may impose an annual fee on accounts having balances of less than $2,500. The small account fee may be waived in certain circumstances, as disclosed in the prospectuses and/or statements of additional information. The fees collected will be used to offset certain expenses of the Funds. These fees are reflected as “Low Balance Account Fees” in each Fund’s Statement of Operations for the period, as applicable.

Each Class of shares has identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except that each Class bears different distribution and/or service fees under a Board-approved Rule 12b-1 and/or shareholder servicing plan (“12b-1 plan”) and has exclusive voting rights with respect to such plans. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are not subject to a 12b-1 plan. Income and other expenses as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses of each Fund are borne pro rata by the holders of each class of shares.

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements are summarized below and for derivatives, included in Note 3 below. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

  A. Security Valuation

Security valuation procedures for each Fund, which include nightly price variance as well as back-testing such as bi-weekly unchanged price, monthly secondary source and transaction analysis, have been approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”, or the “Trustees”). All internally fair valued securities are approved by a valuation committee (the “Valuation Committee”) appointed by the Board. The Valuation Committee is comprised of certain members of management as identified to the Board and convenes independently from portfolio management. All internally fair valued securities, referred to below, are updated daily and reviewed in detail by the Valuation Committee monthly unless changes occur within the period. The Valuation Committee reviews the validity of the model inputs and any changes to the model. Quarterly fair valuations are reviewed by the Board.

Each Fund utilizes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The Funds’ policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period.

 

  •    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (security types generally include listed equities).

 

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

 

  •    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Valuation Committee’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

A description of the valuation techniques applied to a Fund’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:

Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded or, if no closing price is available, at the last bid price and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Restricted equity securities and private placements that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Certain non-U.S. securities may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, significant events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that non-U.S. markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that a Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) (at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), generally 4 p.m. Eastern time) that may impact the value of securities traded in these non-U.S. markets. In such cases the Fund fair values non-U.S. securities using an independent pricing service which considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the non-U.S. security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments such as ADRs, financial futures, ETFs, and certain indexes, as well as prices for similar securities. Such fair valuations are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain non-U.S. common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.

Debt securities, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. For most bond types, the pricing service utilizes matrix pricing that considers one or more of the following factors: yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, current cash flows, type, and current day trade information, as well as dealer-supplied prices. These valuations are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Structured debt instruments such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may also incorporate collateral analysis and utilize cash flow models for valuation and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Pricing services do not provide pricing for all securities and therefore indicative bids from dealers are utilized which are based on pricing models used by market makers in the security and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Debt securities that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Listed derivatives, such as treasury futures, that are actively traded are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Over-the-counter derivative contracts, which include forward currency contracts and equity-linked instruments, do not require material subjectivity as pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets and are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at NAV. Investments in closed-end funds are valued as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE each business day. Both are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

A summary of the inputs used to value a Fund’s net assets by each major security type is disclosed at the end of the Schedule of Investments for each Fund. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

  B. Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses from sales of securities are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date or, in the case of certain foreign securities, as soon as a Fund is notified. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Each Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts using the effective interest method. Any distributions from underlying funds are recorded in accordance with the character of the distributions as designated by the underlying funds.

Dividend income from REIT investments is recorded using management’s estimate of the income included in distributions received from the REIT investments. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and capital gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

  C. Income Taxes

Each Fund is treated as a separate taxable entity. It is the intention of each Fund to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes or excise taxes has been made.

Certain Funds may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. Each Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable based upon current interpretations of the tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

Management of the Funds has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. As of September 30, 2016, the tax years that remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations are from the year 2013 forward (with limited exceptions).

 

  D. Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions are recorded by each Fund on the ex-dividend date. For the Bond Fund, CA Tax-Exempt Fund, High Yield Fund, Low Duration Income Fund, Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund, Senior Floating Rate Fund and Tax-Exempt Bond Fund income distributions are declared and recorded daily and distributed monthly. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may include the treatment of non-taxable dividends, market premium and discount, non-deductible expenses, expiring capital loss carryovers, foreign currency gain or loss, gain or loss on futures contracts, partnerships, operating losses and losses deferred due to wash sales. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest.

 

  E. Expenses

Expenses incurred together by a Fund and other affiliated mutual funds are allocated in proportion to the net assets of each such fund, except where allocation of direct expense to each fund or an alternative allocation method can be more appropriately used.

 

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In addition to the net annual operating expenses that a Fund bears directly, the shareholders of a Fund indirectly bear the pro rata expenses of the underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests.

 

  F. Foreign Currency Translation

Non-U.S. investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the foreign currency exchange rate effective at the end of the reporting period. Cost of investments is translated at the currency exchange rate effective at the trade date. The gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between the trade and settlement date of a portfolio transaction is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. Likewise, the gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between the date income is accrued and the date it is paid is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

 

  G. When-issued Purchases and Forward Commitments (Delayed Delivery)

Certain Funds may engage in when-issued or forward commitment transactions. Securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis are also known as delayed delivery transactions. Delayed delivery transactions involve a commitment by a Fund to purchase or sell a security at a future date (ordinarily up to 90 days later). When-issued or forward commitments enable a Fund to lock in what is believed to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. Each Fund records when-issued and delayed delivery securities on the trade date. Each Fund maintains collateral for the securities purchased. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis begin earning interest on the settlement date.

 

  H. Interest-Only and Principal-Only Securities

Certain Funds may invest in stripped mortgage-backed securities. Stripped mortgage-backed securities represent a participation in, or are secured by, or payable from, mortgage loans on real property, and may be structured in classes with rights to receive varying proportions of principal and interest. Stripped mortgage-backed securities include interest-only securities (IOs) which receive all of the interest, and principal-only securities (POs) which receive all of the principal. The market value of these securities is highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and a rapid (slow) rate of principal payments may have an adverse (positive) effect on yield to maturity. Payments received for IOs are included in interest income. Because principal will not be received at the maturity of an IO, adjustments are made to the book value of the security on a daily basis until maturity and these adjustments are also included in interest income. Payments received for POs are treated as reductions to the cost and par value of the securities. Any pay down gains or losses associated with the payments received are included in interest income. If the underlying mortgage assets are greater than anticipated payments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities.

 

  I. Loan Agreements

Certain Funds may invest in direct debt instruments which are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower to lenders or lending syndicates. Loan agreements are generally non-investment grade and often involve borrowers that are highly leveraged. The Funds may invest in obligations of borrowers who are in bankruptcy proceedings. Loan agreements are typically senior in the corporate capital structure of the borrower. A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution (the “lender”) that acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. A Fund’s investments in loans may be in the form of participations in loans or assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties. When investing in loan participations, a Fund has the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the loan participation and only upon receipt by the lender of payments from the borrower. A Fund generally has no right to enforce compliance with the terms of the loan agreement with the borrower. As a result, a Fund may be subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the loan agreement. When a Fund purchases assignments from lenders it acquires direct rights against the borrower on the loan.

A Fund may invest in multiple series or tranches of a loan, which may have varying terms and carry different associated risks. Loan agreements may involve foreign borrowers, and investments may be denominated in foreign currencies. Direct indebtedness of emerging countries involves a risk that the government entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay the principal and interest when due.

The loan agreements have floating rate loan interests which generally pay interest at rates that are periodically determined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. The base lending rates are generally LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), the prime rate offered by one or more U.S. banks or the certificate of deposit rate. When a loan agreement is purchased a Fund may pay an assignment fee. On an ongoing basis, a Fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit portion of a loan agreement. Prepayment penalty fees are received upon the prepayment of a loan agreement by a borrower. Prepayment penalty, facility, commitment, consent and amendment fees are recorded to income as earned or paid.

At September 30, 2016, all loan agreements held by the Funds are assignment loans.

 

  J. Securities Lending

($ reported in thousands)

Certain Funds may loan securities to qualified brokers through an agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman (“BBH”), as a third party lending agent. Under the terms of agreement, a Fund doing so is required to maintain collateral with a market value not less than 100% of the market value of loaned securities. Collateral is adjusted daily in connection with changes in the market value of securities on loan. Collateral may consist of cash and securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Cash collateral is invested in a short-term money market fund. Dividends earned on the collateral and premiums paid by the broker are recorded as income by a Fund net of fees and rebates charged by BBH for its services as securities lending agent and in connection with this securities lending program. Lending portfolio securities involves a risk of delay in the recovery of the loaned securities or in the declining value of the collateral.

At September 30, 2016, the Wealth Masters Fund had securities on loan with a market value of $3,073 and cash collateral of $3,132.

 

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

  K. Earnings Credit and Interest

Through arrangements with each Fund’s custodian, each Fund either receives an earnings credit or interest on agreed upon target un-invested cash balances to reduce each Fund’s custody expenses. The credits are reflected as “Earnings credit from Custodian” and the interest is reflected under “Interest income” in each Fund’s Statements of Operations for the period, as applicable.

 

Note 3. Derivative Financial Instruments and Transactions

($ reported in thousands)

Disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities are intended to enable investors to understand how and why a Fund uses derivatives, how derivatives are accounted for, and how derivative instruments affect a fund’s results of operations and financial position. Summarized below are such disclosures and accounting policies for each specific type of derivative instrument used by certain Funds.

 

  A. Options contracts

An options contract provides the purchaser with the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call option) or sell (put option) a financial instrument at an agreed upon price. Certain Funds may purchase or write both put and call options on portfolio securities. The Fund is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Fund uses options contracts to hedge against changes in the values of equities.

When a Fund purchases an option, it pays a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as an asset. When a Fund writes an option, it receives a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as a liability. The asset or liability is adjusted daily to reflect the current market value of the option. Holdings of the Fund designated to cover outstanding written options are noted in the Schedules of Investments. Purchased options are reported as an asset within “Investment securities at value” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Options written are reported as a liability within “Written options outstanding at value”. Changes in value of the purchased option is included in “Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments” in the Statement of Operations. Changes in value of written options is included in “Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on written options”.

If an option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss to the extent of the premium received or paid. If an option is exercised, the premium received or paid is recorded as an adjustment to the proceeds from the sale or the cost basis of the purchase. The difference between the premium and the amount received or paid on affecting a closing purchase or sale transaction is also treated as a realized gain or loss. Gain or loss on purchased options is included in “Net realized gain/(loss) on investments” in the Statement of Operations. Gain or loss on written options is presented separately as “Net realized gain/(loss) on written options” in the Statement of Operations.

The risk in writing call options is that the Fund gives up the opportunity for profit if the market price of the security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing put options is that the Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the security decreases and the option is exercised. The risk in buying options is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. The use of such instruments may involve certain additional risks as a result of unanticipated movements in the market. Writers (sellers) of options are subject to unlimited risk of loss, as the seller will be obligated to deliver or take delivery of the security at a predetermined price which may, upon exercise of the option, be significantly different from the then-market value.

The Low Volatility Equity Fund invested in writing index call options and buying call options on VIX futures. Both are used as techniques for limiting the volatility of the Fund’s portfolio.

The Fund had transactions in written call options for the period ended September 30, 2016 as follows:

 

Written call options

    

Number of
contracts

      

Premium
received

 

Written Options outstanding at September 30, 2015

       25         $ 92   

Options written

       293           465   

Options closed

       (275        (463

Options expired

       (26        (90

Options exercised

                   
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Written Options outstanding at September 30, 2016

       17         $ 4   
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the Fund’s option contracts which have a primary risk exposure to equity contracts as of September 30, 2016:

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

Assets: Purchased call options at value

   $ 4 (1) 

Liabilities: Written options

     (2
  

 

 

 

Net asset (liability) balance

   $ 2   
  

 

 

 

Statements of Operations

 
Net realized gain (loss) on purchased options    $ (116 )(2) 

Net realized gain (loss) on written options

     (370

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on purchased options

     (3 )(3) 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on written options

     (52
  

 

 

 

Total realized and unrealized gain (loss) on purchased and written options

   $ (541
  

 

 

 
 

 

  (1)  Amount included in Investment in unaffiliated securities at value.
  (2)  Amount included in Net realized gain (loss) on unaffiliated investments.
  (3)  Amount included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on unaffiliated investments.
 

 

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the average daily premiums paid by the Fund for purchased call options were $9, and the average daily premiums received for written call options by the Fund were $41.

 

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

Note 4. Investment Advisory Fees and Related Party Transactions

($ reported in thousands except as noted)

 

  A. Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (“Virtus”), is the adviser to the Trust. The Adviser manages the Funds’ investment programs and general operations of the Funds, including oversight of the Funds’ subadvisers.

As compensation for its services to the Funds, the Adviser is entitled to a fee based upon the following annual rates as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Fund:

 

Essential Resources Fund

     1.10

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

     0.45   

 

       First $1 Billion        $1+ Billion  

Bond Fund

       0.45        0.40

Wealth Masters Fund

       0.85           0.80   

 

       First $1 Billion      $1+ Billion through $2 Billion      $2+ Billion  

CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

       0.45      0.40      0.35

High Yield Fund

       0.65         0.60         0.55   

Low Duration Income Fund

       0.55         0.50         0.45   

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

       0.55         0.50         0.45   

Senior Floating Rate Fund

       0.60         0.55         0.50   
       First $2 Billion      $2+ Billion through $4 Billion      $4+ Billion  

Low Volatility Equity Fund

       0.95      0.90      0.85

During the period covered by these financial statements, the Bond Fund, High Yield Fund, Multi-Sector Intermediate Fund, and the Senior Floating Rate Fund invested a portion of its assets in Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund, an affiliated mutual fund. In order to avoid any duplication of advisory fees, the Adviser has voluntarily waived its advisory fees in an amount equal to that which would otherwise be paid by the Fund on the assets invested in the Credit Opportunities Fund. For the period covered by these financial statements, the waiver amounted to $5, $2, $50, and $38, respectively. These waivers are in addition to the expense limitation and/or fee waiver covered elsewhere in these financial statements and are included in the Statements of Operations in “expenses reimbursed and/or waived by the investment adviser”.

 

  B. Subadvisers

The subadvisers manage the investments of each Fund for which they are paid a fee by the Adviser. The subadvisers and the Fund(s) they serve are as follows:

 

Fund

 

Subadviser

  

Fund

 

Subadviser

Bond Fund   NF(1)    Low Volatility Equity Fund   Rampart(4)
CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund   NF(1)   

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

 

NF(1)

Essential Resources Fund   KBI(3)    Senior Floating Rate Fund   NF(1)

High Yield Fund

 

NF(1)

   Tax-Exempt Bond Fund   NF(1)
Low Duration Income Fund  

NF(1)

   Wealth Masters Fund   Horizon(2)

 

  (1) Newfleet Asset Management, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus (“NF”)
  (2)  Horizon Asset Management, LLC (“Horizon”)
  (3)  KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd. (“KBI”)
  (4)  Rampart Investment Management Company, LLC (“Rampart”)
 

 

  C. Expense Limits and Fee Waivers

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit certain Funds’ total operating expenses (excluding dividend and interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses), so that such expenses do not exceed the percentages of the applicable Fund’s average daily net asset values as listed below.

 

       Class A      Class B      Class C      Class I      Through
Date
 

Bond Fund

       0.85      1.60      1.60      0.60      1/31/17   

CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

       0.85                         0.60         1/31/17   

Essential Resources Fund

       1.65                 2.40         1.40         1/31/17   

High Yield Fund

       1.15         1.90         1.90         0.90         1/31/17   

Low Duration Income Fund

       0.75                 1.50         0.50         4/30/17   

Low Volatility Equity Fund

       1.55                 2.30         1.30         1/31/17   

Senior Floating Rate Fund(1)

       1.20                 1.95         0.95         1/31/17   

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

       0.85                 1.60         0.60         4/30/17   

Wealth Masters Fund

       1.45                 2.20         1.20         1/31/17   

 

  (1) Excluding leverage expenses, if any.

 

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  D. Expense Recapture

For certain Funds, the Adviser may recapture operating expenses waived or reimbursed under these arrangements within three years after the date on which such waiver or reimbursement occurred. A Fund must pay its ordinary operating expenses before the Adviser is entitled to any reimbursement and must remain in compliance with any applicable expense limitations or, if none, the expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. All or a portion of the following Adviser reimbursed expenses may be recaptured as follows:

 

       Fiscal Year Ended  
       2017        2018        2019        Total  

Bond Fund

     $ 197         $ 204         $ 239         $ 640   

CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

       103           110           112           325   

Essential Resources Fund

                 113           121           234   

High Yield Fund

       150           146           183           479   

Low Duration Income Fund

       276           783           906           1,965   

Low Volatility Equity Fund

       81           55           67           203   

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

       269           290           242           801   

Wealth Masters Fund

       8           14           74           96   

 

  E. Distributor

VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the distributor of each Fund’s shares and has advised the Funds that for the fiscal year (the “period”) ended September 30, 2016, it retained net commissions of $28 for Class A shares and deferred sales charges of $30, $0 and $25 for Class A shares, Class B shares, and Class C shares respectively.

In addition, each Fund pays VP Distributors distribution and/or service fees under a 12b-1 plan as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each respective class at the annual rates of 0.25% for Class A shares, 1.00% for Class B shares and 1.00% for Class C shares; Class I shares and Class R6 shares are not subject to a 12b-1 plan. Prior to its elimination on February 26, 2015, VP Distributors was also entitled to a service fee under a Shareholder Services Plan for Class I shares of the Low Duration Income Fund and Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, at a rate of 0.05% of the average daily net assets, of such class of the Low Duration Income Fund and Tax-Exempt Bond Funds; however VP Distributors had waived such fee prior to its elimination, so each Fund’s Class I shares did not pay such fee during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Under certain circumstances, shares of certain Virtus Mutual Funds may be exchanged for shares of the same class of certain other Virtus Mutual Funds on the basis of the relative NAV per share at the time of the exchange. On exchanges with share classes that carry a CDSC, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply.

 

  F. Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the administrator and transfer agent to the Funds.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Funds incurred administration fees totaling $1,591 which are included in the Statements of Operations.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Funds incurred transfer agent fees totaling $1,774 which are included in the Statements of Operations. A portion of these fees are paid to outside entities that also provide services to the Trust.

 

  G. Affiliated Shareholders

At September 30, 2016, Virtus and its affiliates and the retirement plans of Virtus and its affiliates held shares of certain Funds which may be redeemed at any time that aggregated to the following:

 

       Shares        Aggregate Net
Asset Value
 
Essential Resources Fund          

Class A

       10,055         $ 91   

Class C

       10,007           90   

Class I

       483,600           4,377   
Low Duration Income Fund          

Class I

       344,459           3,754   
Low Volatility Equity Fund          

Class A

       10,289           119   

Class C

       10,197           116   

Class I

       134,208           1,561   
Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund          

Class R6

       10,363           107   
Senior Floating Rate Fund          

Class I

       475,774           4,487   

 

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

  H. Investments in Affiliates

A summary of the total long-term and short-term purchases and sales of an affiliated fund, Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund, during the period ended September 30, 2016 is as follows:

 

     Value,
beginning of
period
     Purchases      Sales
Proceeds
     Value, end
of period
     Dividend
Income
     Distributions
of Realized
Gains
 

Bond Fund

   $ 1,143       $ 9       $       $ 1,159       $ 44       $   

High Yield Fund

     342         8                 352         13           

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

     9,058         70                 9,186         349           

Senior Floating Rate Fund

     7,502         51         1,579         5,999         232           

The Funds do not invest in the underlying fund for the purpose of exercising management or control; however the investments made by one or more Funds within each Fund’s principal investment strategies may represent a significant portion of the underlying fund’s net assets. At September 30, 2016 the Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund was the owner of record of approximately 10% of the Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund.

 

  I. Payment from Affiliate

During the period the Adviser reimbursed certain funds for losses. These amounts are included in payments by affiliates in the Statements of Operations. There was no impact on the total return.

 

  J. Trustee Compensation

The Trust provides a deferred compensation plan for its Trustees who receive compensation from the Trust. Under the deferred compensation plan, Trustees may elect to defer all or a portion of their compensation. Amounts deferred are retained by the Trust, and then, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, in turn, may be invested in the shares of affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds selected by the participating Trustees. Investments in such instruments are included in “Other Assets” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2016.

 

Note 5. Purchases and Sales of Securities

($ reported in thousands)

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding U.S. Government and agency securities, short-term securities and written options) during the period ended September 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

       Purchases        Sales  

Bond Fund

     $ 34,669         $ 36,134   

CA Tax-Exempt Bond

       6,325           7,522   

Essential Resources Fund

       3,981           3,832   

High Yield Fund

       61,083           55,031   

Low Duration Income Fund

       179,460           90,834   

Low Volatility Equity Fund

       452           2,336   

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

       170,535           214,798   

Senior Floating Rate Fund

       293,880           427,236   

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

       26,711           18,160   

Wealth Masters Fund

       28,593           79,590   

Purchases and sales of long term U.S. Government and agency securities for the Funds during the period ended September 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

       Purchases        Sales  

Bond Fund

     $ 14,311         $ 11,739   

Low Duration Income Fund

       80,066           33,395   

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

       11,001           13,160   

 

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

Note 6. Capital Share Transactions

(reported in thousands)

Transactions in shares of capital stock, during the periods ended as indicated below, were as follows:

 

     Bond Fund     CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
    Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT  
Class A                 
Sale of shares      195      $ 2,159        248      $ 2,789        53      $ 647        245      $ 3,076   
Reinvestment of distributions      104        1,157        128        1,443        69        828        95        1,156   
Shares repurchased      (780     (8,631     (707     (7,970     (168     (2,042     (432     (5,262
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (481   $ (5,315     (331   $ (3,738     (46   $ (567     (92   $ (1,030
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class B                 
Sale of shares      (1)    $ (2)           $ (2)           $             $   
Reinvestment of distributions      (1)      2        (1)      4                               
Shares repurchased      (5     (56     (10     (106                            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (5   $ (54     (10   $ (102          $             $   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class C                 
Sale of shares      567      $ 6,059        1,066      $ 11,856             $             $   
Reinvestment of distributions      19        202        17        190                               
Shares repurchased      (560     (6,107     (827     (9,164                            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      26      $ 154        256      $ 2,882             $             $   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class I                 
Sale of shares      1,001      $ 11,191        429      $ 4,917        247      $ 3,008        66      $ 807   
Reinvestment of distributions      56        630        52        600        53        637        64        753   
Shares repurchased      (519     (5,836     (342     (3,905     (254     (3,058     (133     (1,613
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      538      $ 5,985        139      $ 1,612        46      $ 587        (3   $ (53
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Essential Resources Fund     High Yield Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    From Inception
March 23, 2015
to September 30, 2015
    Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT  
Class A                 
Sale of shares      8      $ 69        10      $ 103        1,752      $ 7,051        11,578      $ 49,167   
Reinvestment of distributions      (1)      (2)                    644        2,578        824        3,485   
Shares repurchased                                  (2,294     (9,050     (13,440     (56,820
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase / (Decrease)

     8      $ 69        10      $ 103        102      $ 579        (1,038   $ (4,168
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

                

Sale of shares

          $             $             $ (2)      1      $ 4   

Reinvestment of distributions

                                 (1)      2        1        3   

Shares repurchased

                                 (4     (17     (16     (66
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase / (Decrease)

          $             $        (4   $ (15     (14   $ (59
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class C                 
Sale of shares      1      $ 8        13      $ 129        372      $ 1,482        349      $ 1,452   
Reinvestment of distributions      (1)      (2)                    39        153        41        172   
Shares repurchased      (1     (5     (1)      (2)      (326     (1,257     (388     (1,603
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase / (Decrease)

     (1)    $ 3        13      $ 129        85      $ 378        2      $ 21   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class I                 
Sale of shares      101      $ 862        485      $ 4,847        2,307      $ 9,282        815      $ 3,498   
Reinvestment of distributions      4        31                      103        413        87        367   
Shares repurchased      (90     (775     (2     (19     (1,669     (6,558     (1,148     (4,834
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase / (Decrease)

     15      $ 118        483      $ 4,826        741      $ 3,137        (246   $ (969
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  Amount is less than 500.
(2)  Amount is less than $500.

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

    Low Duration Income Fund                
    Fiscal Period Ended
September 30, 2016
     Year Ended
December 31, 2015
     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
               
    SHARES      AMOUNT      SHARES      AMOUNT      SHARES      AMOUNT                
Class A                       
Sale of shares     3,603       $ 38,896         3,576       $ 38,617         5,969       $ 64,993         
Reinvestment of distributions     110         1,190         122         1,317         78         845         
Shares repurchased     (2,357      (25,460      (2,669      (28,924      (2,710      (29,548      
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       
Net Increase / (Decrease)     1,356       $ 14,626         1,029       $ 11,010         3,337       $ 36,290         
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       
Class C                       
Sale of shares     1,363       $ 14,668         2,142       $ 23,100         4,749       $ 51,623         
Reinvestment of distributions     28         307         35         383         27         295         
Shares repurchased     (1,282      (13,835      (2,751      (29,800      (2,383      (25,937      
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       
Net Increase / (Decrease)     109       $ 1,140         (574    $ (6,317      2,393       $ 25,981         
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       
Class I                       
Sale of shares     15,127       $ 163,364         11,692       $ 126,118         6,140       $ 66,872         
Reinvestment of distributions     214         2,320         181         1,955         127         1,386         
Shares repurchased     (6,365      (68,648      (6,345      (68,533      (2,558      (27,870      
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       
Net Increase / (Decrease)     8,976       $ 97,036         5,528       $ 59,540         3,709       $ 40,388         
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       
    Low Volatility Equity Fund      Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund  
    Year Ended
September 30 2016
     Year Ended
September 30, 2015
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
     Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
    SHARES      AMOUNT      SHARES      AMOUNT      SHARES      AMOUNT      SHARES      AMOUNT  
Class A                       
Sale of shares     25       $ 289         171       $ 2,056         1,400       $ 13,704         2,970       $ 30,801   
Reinvestment of distributions     3         40         1         7         383         3,779         565         5,794   
Shares repurchased     (67      (750      (34      (395      (2,914      (28,545      (3,956      (40,421
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)     (39    $ (421      138       $ 1,668         (1,131    $ (11,062      (421    $ (3,826
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Class B                       
Sale of shares           $               $         (1)     $ (2)       3       $ 36   
Reinvestment of distributions                                     8         77         19         196   
Shares repurchased                                     (135      (1,324      (230      (2,365
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)           $               $         (127    $ (1,247      (208    $ (2,133
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Class C                       
Sale of shares     19       $ 216         140       $ 1,648         1,047       $ 10,368         2,225       $ 23,203   
Reinvestment of distributions     2         23         (1)       2         213         2,115         337         3,489   
Shares repurchased     (103      (1,139      (39      (462      (2,552      (25,177      (2,927      (30,282
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)     (82    $ (900      101       $ 1,188         (1,292    $ (12,694      (365    $ (3,590
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Class I                       
Sale of shares     (1)     $ 2         6       $ 71         6,322       $ 61,665         7,369       $ 75,867   
Reinvestment of distributions     3         32         1         6         433         4,269         657         6,736   
Shares repurchased     (2      (26                      (9,006      (87,086      (7,278      (74,560
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)     1       $ 8         7       $ 77         (2,251    $ (21,152      748       $ 8,043   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Class R6                       
Sale of shares           $               $         33       $ 329         183       $ 1,906   
Reinvestment of distributions                                     8         81         5         40   
Shares repurchased                                     (29      (280      (6      (61
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)           $               $         12       $ 130         182       $ 1,885   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Amount is less than 500.
(2)  Amount is less than $500.

 

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

     Senior Floating Rate Fund                           
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
                          
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT                           
Class A                  
Sale of shares      1,242      $ 11,489        5,295      $ 51,097            
Reinvestment of distributions      895        8,271        1,177        11,287            
Shares repurchased      (6,679     (61,504     (8,090     (77,658         
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

          
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (4,542   $ (41,744     (1,618   $ (15,274         
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

          
Class C                  
Sale of shares      759      $ 7,026        1,575      $ 15,160            
Reinvestment of distributions      330        3,056        483        4,636            
Shares repurchased      (4,010     (37,034     (5,520     (53,095         
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

          
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (2,921   $ (26,952     (3,462   $ (33,299         
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

          
Class I                  
Sale of shares      9,465      $ 87,241        9,564      $ 91,910            
Reinvestment of distributions      690        6,376        1,206        11,564            
Shares repurchased      (18,214     (167,343     (27,432     (263,127         
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

          
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (8,059   $ (73,726     (16,662   $ (159,653         
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

          
     Tax-Exempt Bond Fund               
     Fiscal Period Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
December 31, 2015
    Year Ended
December 31, 2014
              
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT               
Class A                  
Sale of shares      494      $ 5,709        920      $ 10,518        1,272      $ 14,392        
Reinvestment of distributions      104        1,200        152        1,730        183        2,067        
Shares repurchased      (1,074     (12,421     (1,533     (17,468     (2,663     (30,083     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (476   $ (5,512     (461   $ (5,220     (1,208   $ (13,624     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      
Class C                  
Sale of shares      259      $ 2,996        576      $ 6,588        756      $ 8,588        
Reinvestment of distributions      28        322        41        465        43        484        
Shares repurchased      (617     (7,126     (666     (7,583     (739     (8,349     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (330   $ (3,808     (49   $ (530     60      $ 723        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      
Class I                  
Sale of shares      2,773      $ 32,072        1,916      $ 21,874        2,664      $ 30,145        
Reinvestment of distributions      161        1,868        191        2,180        173        1,952        
Shares repurchased      (1,827     (21,133     (1,696     (19,357     (2,889     (32,489     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      
Net Increase / (Decrease)      1,107      $ 12,807        411      $ 4,697        (52   $ (392     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

110


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

     Wealth Masters Fund        
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
                     
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT                             
Class A                    
Sale of shares      312      $ 4,201        1,889      $ 28,329              
Reinvestment of distributions      74        981        82        1,205              
Shares repurchased      (2,195     (29,176     (1,740     (25,440           
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

            

Net Increase / (Decrease)

     (1,809   $ (23,994     231      $ 4,094              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

            
Class C                    
Sale of shares      200      $ 2,581        1,134      $ 16,676              
Reinvestment of distributions      40        520        39        567              
Shares repurchased      (1,124     (14,664     (680     (9,890           
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

            

Net Increase / (Decrease)

     (884   $ (11,563     493      $ 7,353              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

            
Class I                    
Sale of shares      600      $ 8,275        1,346      $ 20,069              
Reinvestment of distributions      47        630        74        1,097              
Shares repurchased      (1,717     (22,935     (2,336     (33,811           
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

            

Net Increase / (Decrease)

     (1,070   $ (14,030     (916   $ (12,645           
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

            

 

Note 7. 10% Shareholders

As of September 30, 2016, certain Funds had individual shareholder account(s) and/or omnibus shareholder account(s) (comprised of a group of individual shareholders), which individually amounted to more than 10% of the total shares outstanding of each such Fund as detailed below:

 

       % of Shares
Outstanding
       Number of
Accounts
 

Bond Fund

       22        2   

CA-Tax Exempt Bond Fund

       33           1   

Essential Resources Fund

       91           1

Low Duration Income Fund

       27           2   

Low Volatility Equity Fund

       69           2   

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

       11           1   

Senior Floating Rate Fund

       35           2   

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

       11           1   

Wealth Masters Fund

       18           1   

 

  * Includes affiliated shareholder account(s)

 

Note 8. Credit Risk and Asset Concentration

In countries with limited or developing markets, investments may present greater risks than in more developed markets and the prices of such investments may be volatile. The consequences of political, social or economic changes in these markets may have disruptive effects on the market prices of these investments and the income they generate, as well as a Fund’s ability to repatriate such amounts.

High-yield/high-risk securities typically entail greater price volatility and/or principal and interest rate risk. There is a greater chance that an issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments on time. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of high-yield/high-risk securities may be complex, and as a result, it may be more difficult for the Adviser and/or subadviser to accurately predict risk.

Many municipalities insure repayment for their obligations. Although bond insurance reduces the risk of loss due to default by an issuer, such bonds remain subject to the risk that the market may fluctuate for other reasons, and there is no assurance that the insurance company will meet its obligations. Insured securities have been identified in the Schedule of Investments. A real or perceived decline in creditworthiness of a bond insurer can have an adverse impact on the value of insured bonds held in the Funds.

Certain Funds may invest a high percentage of their assets in specific sectors of the market in the pursuit of their investment objectives. Fluctuations in these sectors of concentration may have a greater impact on a Fund, positive or negative, than if a Fund did not concentrate its investments in such sectors.

At September 30, 2016, the following Funds held securities issued by various companies in specific sectors or countries as detailed below:

 

                    Fund

    

Sector

     Percentage of Total
Investments
 

Essential Resources Fund

    

Industrials

       27

Wealth Masters Fund

    

Consumer Discretionary

       32   

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

Note 9. Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Trustees and officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. Each Trustee has also entered into an indemnification agreement with the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that provide a variety of indemnifications to other parties. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds and that have not occurred. However, the Funds have not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements and expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 10. Federal Income Tax Information

($ reported in thousands)

At September 30, 2016, federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities held by the Funds were as follows:

 

Fund

   Federal
Tax Cost
    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Bond Fund

   $ 74,772      $ 2,662       $ (310   $ 2,352   

CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

     28,050        2,171         (21     2,150   

Essential Resources Fund

     4,817        213         (302     (89

High Yield Fund

     75,161        2,440         (2,691     (251

Low Duration Income Fund

     394,737        4,605         (529     4,076   

Low Volatility Equity Fund Securities

     3,076        616                616   

Low Volatility Equity Fund Options

     (2                      

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

     303,468        9,897         (13,162     (3,265

Senior Floating Rate Fund

     599,139        4,255         (16,215     (11,960

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

     187,658        13,783         (413     13,370   

Wealth Masters Fund

     76,169        8,669         (3,889     4,780   

Certain Funds have capital loss carryovers available to offset future realized capital gains, through the indicated expiration dates shown below:

 

     2017      2018      No Expiration      Total  
     Short-Term      Short-Term      Short-Term      Long-Term      Short-Term      Long-Term  

Bond Fund

   $ 3,149       $       $ 590       $ 858       $ 3,739       $ 858   

Essential Resources Fund

                     37                 37           

High Yield Fund

     13,758         9,151         936         1,348         23,845         1,348   

Low Duration Income Fund

     1,168                 128         644         1,296         644   

Low Volatility Equity Fund

                     96         145         96         145   

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

                     3,254         3,906         3,254         3,906   

Senior Floating Rate Fund

                     3,474         9,164         3,474         9,164   

Wealth Masters Fund

                             36                 36   

The Trust may not realize the benefit of these losses to the extent each Fund does not realize gains on investments prior to the expiration of the capital loss carryovers.

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for tax years beginning after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

Capital losses realized after October 31 and certain late year ordinary losses may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year. For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2016, certain Funds deferred and recognized post-October losses as follows:

 

Fund    Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Deferred
     Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Recognized
     Capital
Loss
Deferred
     Capital
Loss
Recognized
 

Bond Fund

   $       $       $ 386       $ 1,302   

Essential Resources Fund

                     356           

High Yield Fund

                     1,023         2,043   

Low Duration Income Fund

                             140   

Low Volatility Equity Fund

                     310           

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

                     4,369         6,431   

Senior Floating Rate Fund

                     11,582         9,748   

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

                             86   

Wealth Masters Fund

                     3,244           

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

The components of distributable earnings on a tax basis (excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation) which are disclosed in the Schedules of Investments) consist of the following:

 

       Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
       Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
       Undistributed
Tax-Exempt
Income
 

Bond Fund

     $ 125         $         $   

CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

                 161           48   

Essential Resources Fund

       29                       

High Yield Fund

       120                       

Low Duration Income Fund

       242                       

Low Volatility Equity Fund

       16                       

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

       1,172                       

Senior Floating Rate Fund

       758                       

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

                 258           109   

Wealth Masters Fund

       286                       

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund and the Tax-Exempt Bond Fund distributed $936 and $3,842 of exempt interest dividends, respectively.

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term gain distributions reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets, if any, are reported as ordinary income for federal tax purposes. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.

 

          2016                 2015        
    Tax Exempt
Income
    Ordinary
income
    Long-Term
Capital
Gains
    Total     Tax Exempt
Income
    Ordinary
income
    Long-Term
Capital
Gains
    Tax Return
of Capital
    Total  

Bond Fund

  $      $ 2,243      $      $ 2,243      $      $ 2,207      $      $ 379      $ 2,586   

CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

    936        18        706        1,660        1,130        33        1,061               2,224   

Essential Resources Fund

           31        (1)      31                                      

High Yield Fund

           3,678               3,678               4,752                      4,752   

Low Duration Income Fund

           4,715               4,715               3,654               543        4,197   

Low Volatility Equity Fund

           49        45        94               15                      15   

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

           12,588               12,588               14,411        3,975        1,912        20,298   

Senior Floating Rate Fund

           21,463               21,463               32,389        1,003               33,392   

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

    3,842        24               3,866        4,923        19        149               5,091   

Wealth Masters Fund

           1,747        519        2,266               2,974        48               3,022   

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

Note 11. Reclassification of Capital Accounts

($ reported in thousands)

For financial reporting purposes, book basis capital accounts are adjusted to reflect the tax character of permanent book/tax differences. Permanent reclassifications can arise from differing treatment of certain income and gain transactions, nondeductible current year net operating losses, expiring capital loss carryovers and investments in passive foreign investment companies. The reclassifications have no impact on the net assets or net asset value of the Funds. As of September 30, 2016, the Funds recorded reclassifications to increase (decrease) the accounts as listed below:

 

       Capital Paid in on
Shares of
Beneficial Interest
       Undistributed
Net Investment
Income (Loss)
       Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 

Bond Fund

     $         $ (126      $ 126   

CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

                             

Essential Resources Fund

                 (2        2   

High Yield Fund

                             

Low Duration Income Fund

                             

Low Volatility Equity Fund

                             

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

                 (304        304   

Senior Floating Rate Fund

                 (84        84   

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

                             

Wealth Masters Fund

                             

(1) Amount less than $500.

 

Note 12. Regulatory Matters and Litigation

From time to time, the Trust, the Funds’ Adviser and/or Subadvisers and/or their affiliates may be involved in litigation and arbitration as well as examinations and investigations by various regulatory bodies, including the SEC, involving compliance with, among other things, securities laws, client investment guidelines, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers and other laws and regulations affecting their products and other activities. At this time, the Adviser believes that the outcomes of such matters are not likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to be material to these financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

On February 20, 2015, a putative class action complaint (In re Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. Securities Litigation; formerly styled as Tom Cummins v. Virtus Investment Partners Inc. et al.) alleging violation of the federal securities laws was filed by an individual shareholder against Virtus and certain of its officers (the “defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On August 21, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”) amending the originally filed complaint and adding the Trust as a defendant. The Consolidated Complaint was purportedly filed on behalf of all purchasers of Virtus common stock between January 25, 2013 and May 11, 2015 (the “Class Period”). The Consolidated Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed material adverse facts relating to certain funds previously subadvised by F-Squared Investments, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“F-Squared”). The plaintiff seeks to recover unspecified damages. A motion to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint was filed on behalf of the defendants on October 21, 2015. Pursuant to an Opinion & Order (“Order”) filed on July 1, 2016, the court granted in part and denied in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss. Although the Order narrows the scope of the claims asserted, claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder survive the motion. The defendants filed an Answer to the Consolidated Complaint on August 5, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit is without merit and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Funds as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Funds.

On May 8, 2015, a putative class action complaint (Mark Youngers v. Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. et al.) alleging violations of certain provisions of the federal securities laws was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint, which was purportedly filed on behalf of purchasers of certain Virtus Funds previously subadvised by F-Squared between May 8, 2010 and December 22, 2014, inclusive (the “Class Period”), alleged claims against Virtus, certain Virtus officers and affiliates (including the Adviser, Euclid Advisors LLC (“Euclid”) and VP Distributors, LLC), the trustees and certain officers of the Trust, and certain other parties (the “defendants”). The complaint alleges that during the Class Period the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed or omitted material facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading. On October 1, 2015, the plaintiff filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint which, among other things, added a derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty on behalf of the Trust. On October 19, 2015, the United States District Court for the Central District of California entered an order transferring the action to the Southern District of New York. On January 4, 2016, Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint. Motions to dismiss were filed on behalf of Virtus, its officers and affiliates and the independent trustees on February 1, 2016. An Opinion & Order (“Order”) granting in part and denying in part the defendants’ motions to dismiss was issued on July 1, 2016. The Order dismissed all claims against the Adviser, Euclid, the independent trustees and certain of the other individual defendants and narrowed the claims asserted against the remaining defendants. The remaining defendants filed an Answer to the Second Amended Complaint on August 5, 2016. The defendants filed a motion to certify an interlocutory appeal of the July 1, 2016 order to the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on August 26, 2016. Oral argument on the motion is scheduled for October 7, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit has no basis in law or fact and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Funds as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Funds.

 

Note 13. Borrowings

($ reported in thousands)

On June 29, 2016, the Funds as well as other funds of the Trust (with the exception of the Senior Floating Rate Fund) renewed a $50,000 secured line of Credit. The Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) is with a commercial bank (the “Bank”) that allows the Funds to manage large unexpected redemptions and trade fails, up to a limit of one-third or one-fifth of each Fund’s total net assets in accordance with the Agreement. The agreement has a term of 364 days and is renewable by the Funds with the Bank’s consent. Interest is charged at the higher of the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or the Federal Funds rate plus an additional percentage rate on the amount borrowed. Commitment fees are charged on the undrawn balance. The Funds and other funds that are parties are individually, and not jointly, liable for their particular advances, if any, under the line of credit. The Bank has the ability to require repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Agreement upon certain circumstances such as an event of default.

No Funds made borrowings during the period and no Fund had any outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2016.

On April 30, 2012, the Senior Floating Rate Fund entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) with a commercial bank (the “Bank”) that allows the Fund to borrow cash from the Bank, up to a limit of $125,000. Borrowings under the Agreement are collateralized by investments of the Fund. Interest is charged at LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) plus an additional percentage rate on the amount borrowed. Commitment fees are charged on the undrawn balance. Total commitment fees paid and accrued for the period ended September 30, 2016, were $197 and are included in interest expense and fees on the Statement of Operations. The Agreement is renewable by the Fund with the Bank’s consent. The Agreement can also be converted to a 364 day fixed term facility, one time at the Fund’s option. The Bank has the ability to require repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Agreement upon certain circumstances such as an event of default. From October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016, the average daily borrowings under the Agreement and the weighted daily average interest rate were $24,124 and 1.222%, respectively. At September 30, 2016, the Fund had $30,000 in such outstanding borrowings with an interest rate of 1.374%.

 

Note 14. Illiquid and Restricted Securities

Investments are generally considered illiquid if they cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at the approximate amount at which such securities have been valued by a Fund. Additionally, the following information is also considered in determining liquidity: the frequency of trades and quotes for the investment, whether the investment is listed for trading on a recognized domestic exchange and/or whether two or more brokers are willing to purchase or sell the security at a comparable price, the extent of market making activity in the investment and the nature of the market for investment. Illiquid securities are footnoted as such at the end of each Fund’s Schedule of Investments where applicable. However, a portion of such footnoted securities could be liquid where it is determined that some, though not all, of the position could be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at the approximate amount at which such securities have been valued by the applicable Fund.

Restricted securities are illiquid securities, as defined above, not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). Generally, 144A securities are excluded from this category, except where defined as illiquid.

Each Fund will bear any costs, including those involved in registration under the 1933 Act, in connection with the disposition of such securities.

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

The following Funds held securities considered to be illiquid at September 30, 2016:

 

Fund

    

Aggregate Value

      

% of Fund’s
net assets

 

Bond Fund

     $ 324           0.42

High Yield Fund

       262           0.34   

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

       1,355           0.45   

Senior Floating Rate Fund

       5,117           0.93   

None of the securities referenced in this table are restricted.

At September 30, 2016, the Funds did not hold any securities that are both illiquid and restricted.

 

Note 15. Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there the following subsequent events require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

Effective November 3, 2016, the Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund and Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund began offering Class R6 Shares.

Effective November 1, 2016, the expense limits applicable to Virtus High Yield Fund (as discussed in Note 4C) have changed. The new limits are set forth in the Prospectus Supplement for that Fund dated November 1, 2016, in the back of this Shareholder Report.

 

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LOGO

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees of

Virtus Opportunities Trust and

Shareholders of the Funds, as defined:

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Virtus Essential Resources Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund, Virtus Low Duration Bond Fund, Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund, Virtus Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund, Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund, Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, and Virtus Wealth Masters Fund (constituting funds within Virtus Opportunities Trust, hereafter referred to as the “Funds”) at September 30, 2016, the results of each of their operations, the changes in each of their net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements 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 are free of material misstatement. An audit 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at September 30, 2016 by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, and transfer agent of the investee funds, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 22, 2016

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

TAX INFORMATION NOTICE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(Unaudited)

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Funds make the following disclosures for federal income tax purposes. Below is listed the percentages, or the maximum amount allowable, of its ordinary income dividends (“QDI”) to qualify for the lower tax rates applicable to individual shareholders, and the percentage of ordinary income dividends earned by the Funds which qualifies for the dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for corporate shareholders. The Funds designate the amounts below as long-term capital gains dividends (“LTCG”) ($ reported in thousands), or if subsequently different, the amounts will be designated in the next annual report. The actual percentage for the calendar year will be designated in year-end tax statements.

 

Fund

   QDI        DRD        LTCG  

Bond Fund

     0        0      $   

CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

                         214   

Essential Resources Fund

     100           58             

High Yield Fund

                           

Low Duration Income Fund

                           

Low Volatility Equity Fund

     100           100             

Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

                           

Senior Floating Rate Fund

                           

Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

                         258   

Wealth Masters Fund

     100           100           10   

For federal income tax purposes, 100% and 99% of the income dividends paid by the CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund and the Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, respectively qualify as exempt-interest dividends.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Essential Resources Fund (the “Fund”) recognized $79 ($ reported in thousands) of foreign source income on which the Fund paid foreign taxes of $7 ($ reported in thousands). This information is being furnished to you pursuant to notice requirements of Section 853(a) and 855(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

 

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CONSIDERATION OF SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS FOR VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY INCOME FUND AND VIRTUS ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FUND

BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is responsible for the consideration and approval of advisory and subadvisory agreements for the Trust. As further discussed below, at meetings held on January 26, 2016, and February 23-24, 2016, the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (such Act, the “1940 Act” and such Trustees, the “Independent Trustees”), considered and approved interim and new subadvisory agreements (together, the “Subadvisory Agreements”) with Kleinwort Benson Investors International, Ltd. (“KBII” or the “Subadviser”), subadviser to the Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund and Virtus Essential Resources Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).

KBII has served as the subadviser to each Fund since inception, and the Board previously approved subadvisory agreements with KBII (the “Old Subadvisory Agreements”) in 2014 and 2015. On January 13, 2016, Oddo & Cie, a French financial services group based primarily in Europe, (“Oddo”) acquired in excess of 25% of the outstanding shares of BHF Kleinwort Benson SA (“BHFKB”), an indirect parent of KBII. Under the 1940 Act, an acquisition of more than 25% of the voting shares of a company is generally considered to be a change in control. As the indirect parent company of KBII, a change in control at BHFKB also causes a change in control at KBII. Under the 1940 Act, when a change in control occurs, affected subadvisory agreements automatically terminate. In order to continue utilizing KBII as a subadviser, at a telephonic meeting held on January 26, 2016, the Board approved an interim subadvisory agreement (the “Interim Subadvisory Agreement”) effective January 13, 2016, with the proviso that such agreement may not continue for a period of more than 150 days from the termination event or the date on which a new subadvisory agreement is entered into. At an in-person meeting held on February 23-24, 2016, the Board then approved the new investment subadvisory agreement (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”) with KBII. The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by shareholders on May 26, 2016.

In considering the approval of the Interim Subadvisory Agreement and the New Subadvisory Agreement (collectively, the “Subadvisory Agreements”), the Board requested and evaluated information provided by Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA” or the “Adviser”) and the Subadviser which, in the Board’s view, constituted information necessary for the Board to form a judgment as to whether the approval of the Subadvisory Agreements would be in the best interests of each applicable Fund and its respective shareholders. The Board also considered information furnished throughout the year at regular Board meetings with respect to the services provided by VIA and already provided by the Subadviser for the Funds, including quarterly performance reports prepared by management containing reviews of investment results and periodic presentations from the Subadviser.

The Independent Trustees were separately advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Board considered all the criteria separately with respect to the applicable Fund and its shareholders. In their deliberations, the Trustees considered various factors, including those discussed below, none of which were controlling, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Independent Trustees also discussed the proposed approval of the Subadvisory Agreements in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of management were present.

 

Basis for the Board’s Recommendation

In making its determination with respect to the Interim Subadvisory Agreement, the Board took into account that it was approving an agreement of limited duration and that the Board would have an opportunity to consider a new subadvisory agreement at a meeting to be scheduled in the near future. The Board noted that the New Subadvisory Agreement would be submitted to shareholders for approval. The Board also took into consideration that the terms of Interim Subadvisory Agreement were substantially identical to the terms of the Old Subadvisory Agreements, including that there was no change in the compensation to be paid thereunder. The Board noted that the key difference between the Old Subadvisory Agreements and the Interim Subadvisory Agreement resulted from compliance with a regulatory requirement that interim advisory agreements have a limited term. The Board also considered that the Subadviser had been managing the Funds since they commenced operations, and that the Subadviser had stated that there would be no change in the scope or quality of services to be provided by it as a result of the change in control. Based on all of the foregoing considerations, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that approval of the Interim Subadvisory Agreement with KBII was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the Interim Subadvisory Agreement with respect to each Fund.

In making its determination with respect to the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board considered various factors, including:

 

  Nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by the Subadviser. The Trustees received in advance of the meeting information in the form of an extensive questionnaire completed by the Subadviser concerning a number of topics, including its investment philosophy, resources, operations and compliance structure. The Trustees noted that the Subadviser would continue to provide portfolio management, compliance with each Fund’s investment policies and procedures, compliance with applicable securities laws, and assurances thereof. The Trustees reviewed biographical information for the portfolio managers who would provide services under the New Subadvisory Agreement and had done so under the Old Subadvisory Agreements and the Interim Subadvisory Agreement, and noted the breadth and depth of experience of the portfolio managers. In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Trustees considered the Subadviser’s investment management process, including (a) the experience, capability and integrity of the Subadviser’s management and other personnel committed by the Subadviser to each Fund; (b) the quality and commitment of the Subadviser’s regulatory and legal compliance policies, procedures and systems; and (c) the Subadviser’s brokerage and trading practices. The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Subadviser to the Funds was reasonable.

 

  Investment Performance. The Board considered performance reports and discussions at Board meetings throughout the year, as well as data furnished in connection with the consideration of the New Subadvisory Agreement. The Board noted that the Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund had underperformed its benchmark for the 1- and 3-year periods, and considered the Subadviser’s explanation for the underperformance. The Board also noted that the Essential Resources Fund had a limited performance history, but that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark since its inception in March of 2015. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded that the Subadviser’s overall performance was satisfactory.

 

  Subadvisory Fee. The Board took into account that each Fund’s subadvisory fees are paid by the Adviser and not by the Funds, so that the Funds’ shareholders would not be directly impacted by those fees. The Board also noted that the fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement would be unchanged from those in the Old Subadvisory Agreements and the Interim Subadvisory Agreement. The Board concluded that the proposed subadvisory fees were fair and reasonable in light of services to be provided by the Subadviser and all factors considered.

 

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CONSIDERATION OF SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS FOR VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY INCOME FUND AND VIRTUS ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FUND

BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (Continued)

 

 

  Profitability and economies of scale. In considering the expected profitability to the Subadviser of its relationship with the Funds, the Board noted that the fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement would be paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fees that it receives under its Advisory Agreement and not by the Funds The Board also noted that there was no change to the subadvisory fee under the New Subadvisory Agreement. In considering the reasonableness of the fees payable by VIA to the Subadviser, the Board relied on the ability of VIA to negotiate the New Subadvisory Agreement and the fees thereunder at arm’s length. For each of the above reasons, the Board concluded that the profitability to the Subadviser and its affiliates from its relationship with the Funds was not a material factor in approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement.

 

  Other Benefits. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Subadviser and its affiliates from its relationship with the Funds and concluded that there were no other direct benefits to the Subadviser in providing investment advisory services to each Fund, other than the fees to be earned although there may be certain indirect benefits gained, including to the extent that serving the Funds could provide the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trust or certain reputational benefits.

Based on all of the foregoing considerations, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement with KBII was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the New Subadvisory Agreement with respect to each Fund.

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

MAY 19, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of all series of Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Insight Trust and Virtus Opportunities Trust, held on May 19, 2016, shareholders of Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) voted on the following proposals:

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
Proposal 1.    FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To elect six Trustees to serve on the Board of Trustees until the next meeting of shareholders at which Trustees are elected.

        

George R. Aylward

     1,145,056,198.477         24,756,597.221         0   

Thomas J. Brown

     1,144,160,222.050         25,652,573.650         0   

Donald C. Burke

     1,145,758,834.912         24,053,960.790         0   

Roger A. Gelfenbien

     1,144,297,795.833         25,514,999.865         0   

John R. Mallin

     1,144,938,076.292         24,874,719.410         0   

Hassell H. McClellan

     1,143,864,433.134         25,948,362.566         0   

Shareholders of the Trust voted to approve the above proposal.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
Proposal 2.    FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

        

Virtus CA Tax Exempt Bond Fund

     1,258,194.893         91,895.368         41,271.245   

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund

     3,015,152.206         198.283         0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

     3,672,832.400         0         0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

     620,793,093.034         25,302,093.728         9,306,937.262   

Virtus Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

     494,281.793         0         0   

Virtus Essential Resources Fund

     504,931.913         0         0   

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

     27,726,679.250         666,663.374         564,703.507   

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

     818,457.900         37,502.974         15,676.215   

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

     3,074,638.276         5,991.041         10,261.000   

Virtus International Wealth Masters Fund

     518,044.295         0         0   

Virtus Low Duration Income Fund

     10,449,114.393         779,684.940         311,840.943   

Virtus Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

     11,147,670.008         724,253.699         406,427.672   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     618,834,424.483         21,316,032.964         14,819,955.463   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
Proposal 6.    FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

     27,568,524.708         741,409.046         648,118.377   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     615,281,810.614         22,749,361.497         16,939,237.795   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

MAY 26, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund and Virtus Essential Resources Fund (collectively, the “Funds”), each a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust, held on May 26, 2016, shareholders voted on the following proposal:

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a new subadvisory agreement between Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., the Funds’ Investment Adviser, and Kleinwort Benson Investors International, Ltd., the Funds’ Subadviser.

        

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

     3,697,072.869         0         0   

Virtus Essential Resources Fund

     506,647.913         0         0   

Shareholders of the Funds voted to approve the above proposal.

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

JUNE 16, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund, Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund, Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund and Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund (each a “Fund”), held on June 16, 2016, shareholders of each Fund voted on the following proposal:

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
Proposal 2.    FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

        

Virtus Bond Fund

     3,027,478.512         194,272.268         147,040.417   

Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund

     3,636,950.694         307,905.417         172,360.145   

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund

     1,661,823.911         122,802.243         36,355.685   

Virtus High Yield Fund

     6,737,350.870         765,216.446         446,105.991   

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund

     2,728,863.703         48,714.840         63,894.599   

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund

     30,432,212.381         775,729.890         326,306.209   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

JULY 18, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Opportunities Fund, Virtus Herzfeld Fund, Virtus International Equity Fund, Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund, Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus Sector Trend Fund, Virtus Wealth Masters Fund, Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, held on July 18, 2016, shareholders of the Funds voted on the following proposals:

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
Proposal 2.    FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

        

Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund

     2,071,338.688         221,721.989         61,016.655   

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund

     6,475,669.315         399,601.579         221,211.057   

Virtus Herzfeld Fund

     2,285,754.412         134,756.871         89,510.278   

Virtus International Equity Fund

     347,976.498         45,434.960         4,980.529   

Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund

     234,510.520         7,334.000         90,835.796   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     14,196,247.698         691,146.713         476,502.196   

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     14,380,526.646         1,274,297.224         1,097,176.679   

Virtus Wealth Masters Fund

     2,759,756.937         182,003.481         154,822.394   

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund

     2,054,425.037         135,901.800         177,500.739   

Virtus Equity Trend Fund

     47,080,228.694         3,814,318.119         2,960,680.324   

Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund

     7,428,521.065         660,946.728         521,389.418   

Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

     7,423,225.114         802,129.342         492,588.498   

Shareholders of Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Opportunities Fund, Virtus Herzfeld Fund, Virtus International Equity Fund, Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund, Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus Sector Trend Fund and Virtus Wealth Masters Fund voted to approve the above proposal. Shareholders of Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund did not approve the above proposal.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
Proposal 6.    FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     14,250,883.760         1,251,197.022         1,249,922.768   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     13,928,178.018         864,726.603         570,992.984   

Shareholders of Virtus Sector Trend Fund voted to approve the above proposal. Shareholders of Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund did not approve the above proposal.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
Proposal 7.    FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     238,431,276.605         411,212,271.419         20,011,935.573   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     9,635,396.247         5,113,977.185         614,521.174   

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     9,706,807.226         5,648,494.88         1,396,703.437   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above did not approve the above proposal.

 

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FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES

(UNAUDITED)

 

Information pertaining to the trustees and officers of the Trust as of September 30, 2016, is set forth below. The statement of additional information (SAI) includes additional information about the trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 243-1574. The address of each individual, unless otherwise noted, is 100 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT 06103-4506. There is no stated term of office for trustees of the Trust.

Independent Trustees

 

   
Name,
Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Thomas J. Brown

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2010), D’Youville Senior Care Center; and Director (since 2005), VALIC Company Funds (49 portfolios).

Burke, Donald C.

YOB: 1961

Elected: 2016

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2014) closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director, Avista Corp. (energy company) (since 2011); Trustee, Goldman Sachs Fund Complex (2010 to 2014); and Director, BlackRock Luxembourg and Cayman Funds (2006 to 2010).

Roger A. Gelfenbien

YOB: 1943

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2000), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Director (since 1999), USAllianz Variable Insurance Product Trust (42 portfolios).

John R. Mallin

YOB: 1950

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Partner/Attorney (since 2003), McCarter & English LLP (law firm), Real Property Practice Group; and Member (since 2014), Counselors of Real Estate. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Horizon, Inc. (non-profit); and Trustee (since 1999), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios).

McClellan, Hassell H.

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2015

65 Portfolios

  Retired (since 2013); and Professor (1984 to 2013), Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios); and Director (since 2010), Barnes Group, Inc. (diversified global components manufacturer and logistical services company); Trustee, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) (since 2008); and Trustee, John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2000) (collectively, 228 portfolios).

McLoughlin, Philip

YOB: 1946

Elected: 1999

74 Portfolios

  Retired. Director and Chairman (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee/Director and Chairman (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Chairman and Trustee (since 2003), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director (since 1991) and Chairman (since 2010), Lazard World Trust Fund (closed-end investment firm in Luxembourg); and Trustee (since 1989) and Chairman (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

McNamara, Geraldine M.

YOB: 1951

Elected: 2001

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2003), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); and Trustee (since 2001), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Oates, James M.

YOB: 1946

Elected: 2000

70 Portfolios

  Managing Director (since 1994), Wydown Group (consulting firm). Director (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee/Director (since 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Chairman and Trustee (since 2005), John Hancock Fund Complex (228 portfolios); Director (2002 to 2014), New Hampshire Trust Company; Chairman (since 2000), Emerson Investment Management, Inc.; Non-Executive Chairman (2000 to 2014), Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) (financial services) Chairman and Director (1999 to 2014), Connecticut River Bank; Director (since 1996), Stifel Financial; and Trustee (since 1987), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Segerson, Richard E.

YOB: 1948

Elected: 2000

65 Portfolios

  Retired; and Managing Director (1998 to 2013), Northway Management Company. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios) and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Trustee (since 1983), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Verdonck, Ferdinand L.J.

YOB: 1942

Elected: 2005

65 Portfolios

  Vice Chairman (since 2014), Affirmed Therapeutics (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015), The J.P. Morgan Continental European Investment Trust; Director (2005 to 2013), Galapagos N.V. (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015) Groupe SNEF; and Mr. Verdonck is also a director of several non-U.S. companies. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); and Trustee (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

 

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FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Interested Trustee

The individual listed below is an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

   
Name,
Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds Overseen
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and
Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Aylward, George R.*

Trustee and President

YOB: 1964

Elected: 2006

70 Portfolios

  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005). Chairman and Trustee (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II; Trustee and President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC (2 portfolios); Trustee (since 2012) and President (since 2010), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee and President (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Funds (52 portfolios); and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.

Officers of the Trust Who Are Not Trustees

 

     

Name, Address and

Year of Birth

  Position(s) Held with Trust and
Length of Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Bradley, W. Patrick

YOB: 1972

  Executive Vice President (since 2016); Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016); Vice President (2011 to 2013); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006).   Executive Vice President, Fund Services (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Fund Services (2010 to 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2004), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) (since 2007), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2013 to 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

Carr, Kevin J.

YOB: 1954

  Senior Vice President (since 2013); Vice President (2005 to 2013); Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005).   Senior Vice President (since 2009), Vice President, Counsel and Secretary (2008 to 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2005) with Virtus affiliates; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2005 to 2013), Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (2013 to 2014), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Assistant Secretary (since 2012), Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (2005 to 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2013 to 2014), Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2012 to 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2011 to 2012), Virtus Closed-End Funds; and Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

Engberg, Nancy J.

YOB: 1956

 

Vice President and Chief Compliance

Officer since 2011.

  Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Compliance Officer (2008 to 2011 and since 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2003) with Virtus affiliates; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Vice President (since 2010) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), ETFis Series Trust I; and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II.

Waltman, Francis G.

YOB: 1962

  Executive Vice President (since 2013); Senior Vice President (2008-2013).   Executive Vice President, Product Development (since 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2008 to 2013), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2011 to 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

 

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Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund,

and Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund,

each a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated November 1, 2016 to the Summary Prospectuses dated January 28, 2016, as supplemented, and the Virtus Opportunities Trust Statutory Prospectus, dated January 28, 2016, as supplemented

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

As of November 1, 2016, Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund and Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund are offering Class R6 Shares, in addition to the share classes already offered by the funds. Additionally, Virtus High Yield Fund has increased its expense reimbursement arrangement, effective November 1, 2016. Accordingly, the funds’ prospectuses are hereby amended to add the following disclosure.

Virtus Bond Fund

The cover page of the statutory prospectus is hereby revised by replacing the row showing ticker symbols for the fund’s share classes with the row shown below:

 

      A    B    C    I    R6    T
Virtus Bond Fund    SAVAX    SAVBX    SAVCX    SAVYX    VBFRX     

The tables under “Fees and Expenses” in the fund’s summary prospectus and the summary section of the statutory prospectus are hereby revised to add the Class R6 column and to revise the associated footnotes as shown below:

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)      Class R6   
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)      None   
Maximum Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)      None   

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)      Class R6   
Management Fee      0.45%   
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees      None   
Other Expenses      0.36% (b) 
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses      0.01%   
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(c)      0.82%   
Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(d)      (0.27%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement(c)(d)      0.55%   

 

  (b)  Estimated for current fiscal year, as annualized.
  (c)  The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.
  (d)  The fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund’s total operating expenses (excluding dividend and interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 0.85% for Class A Shares, 1.60% for Class B Shares, 1.60% for Class C Shares, 0.60% for Class I Shares and 0.54% for Class R6 Shares through January 31, 2017. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the time such reimbursement occurred.

The Example table is hereby revised to add the Class R6 row as shown below:

 

      Share Status    1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  
Class R6    Sold or Held    $ 56       $ 235       $ 429       $ 988   

Virtus High Yield Fund

The cover page of the statutory prospectus is hereby revised by replacing the row showing ticker symbols for the fund’s share classes with the row shown below:

 

      A    B    C    I    R6    T  
Virtus High Yield Fund    PHCHX    PHCCX    PGHCX    PHCIX    VRHYX         


Table of Contents

The tables under “Fees and Expenses” in the fund’s summary prospectus and the summary section of the statutory prospectus are hereby revised to reflect the new expense reimbursement arrangements, to add the Class R6 column and to revise the associated footnotes:

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)      Class A         Class B         Class C         Class I         Class R6   
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)      3.75%         None         None         None         None   
Maximum Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)      None         5.00% (a)       1.00% (a)       None         None   

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)      Class A         Class B         Class C         Class I         Class R6   
Management Fees      0.65%         0.65%         0.65%         0.65%         0.65%   
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees      0.25%         1.00%         1.00%         None         None   
Other Expenses      0.42%         0.42%         0.42%         0.42%         0.36% (b) 
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses      0.01%         0.01%         0.01%         0.01%         0.01%   
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(c)      1.33%         2.08%         2.08%         1.08%         1.02%   
Less: Expense Reimbursement(d)      (0.32%      (0.32%      (0.32%      (0.32%      (0.32%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement(c)(d)      1.01%         1.76%         1.76%         0.76%         0.70%   

 

  (a)  The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
  (b)  Estimated for current fiscal year, as annualized.
  (c)  The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.
  (d)  The fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund’s total operating expenses (excluding dividend and interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.00% for Class A Shares, 1.75% for Class B Shares, 1.75% for Class C Shares, 0.75% for Class I Shares and 0.69% for Class R6 Shares through January 31, 2017. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the time such reimbursement occurred.

Under “Fees and Expenses, the “Example” table is hereby replaced with the following:

 

      Share Status    1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  
Class A    Sold or Held    $ 474       $ 750       $ 1,047       $ 1,890   
Class B    Sold    $ 579       $ 821       $ 1,089       $ 2,193   
   Held    $ 179       $ 621       $ 1,089       $ 2,193   
Class C    Sold    $ 279       $ 621       $ 1,089       $ 2,385   
   Held    $ 179       $ 621       $ 1,089       $ 2,385   
Class I    Sold or Held    $ 78       $ 312       $ 564       $ 1,288   
Class R6    Sold or Held    $ 72       $ 293       $ 532       $ 1,219   

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund

The cover page of the statutory prospectus is hereby revised by replacing the row showing ticker symbols for the fund’s share classes with the row shown below:

 

      A    B    C    I    R6    T
Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund    PSFRX         PFSRX    PSFIX    VRSFX     


Table of Contents

The tables under “Fees and Expenses” in the fund’s summary prospectus and the summary section of the statutory prospectus, are hereby revised to add the Class R6 column and to revise the associated footnote as shown below:

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)      Class R6   
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)      None   
Maximum Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)      None   

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)      Class R6   
Management Fee      0.60%   
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees      None   
Other Expenses      0.29% (b) 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses      0.89%   

 

  (b)  Estimated for current fiscal year, as annualized.

The Example table is hereby revised to add the Class R6 row as shown below:

 

      Share Status    1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  
Class R6    Sold or Held    $ 91       $ 284       $ 493       $ 1,096   

All Funds

In the first table in the section “More Information About Fund Expenses” on page 128 of the statutory prospectus, the rows corresponding to the funds are hereby replaced with the following.

 

      
 
Class A
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class B
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class C
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class I
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class R6
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class T
Shares
 
  
     Through Date   
Virtus Bond Fund      0.85%         1.60%         1.60%         0.60%         0.54%         N/A         January 31, 2017   
Virtus High Yield Fund      1.00%         1.75%         1.75%         0.75%         0.69%         N/A         January 31, 2017   
Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund*      1.20%         N/A         1.95%         0.95%         0.89%         N/A         January 31, 2017   

In the second table in the section “More Information About Fund Expenses” on page 129 of the statutory prospectus, the rows corresponding to the funds are hereby replaced and an associated footnote has been added.

 

      
 
Class A
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class B
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class C
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class I
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class R6
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class T
Shares
 
  
Virtus Bond Fund      0.86%         1.61%         1.61%         0.61%         0.55%         N/A   
Virtus High Yield Fund**      1.16%         1.91%         1.91%         0.91%         0.85% ***       N/A   
Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund*      1.20%         N/A         1.95%         0.95%         0.89%         N/A   

 

  ** Rates shown reflect prior expense reimbursement arrangements.
  *** Estimated based on then existing share classes.

Under “What are the classes and how do they differ?” on page 202 of the statutory prospectus, the table in this section is hereby amended to read “None” in the column entitled “Class R6” for Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund and Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund.

The Class R6 Shares subheading under “What arrangement is best for you?” on pages 202-204 of the statutory prospectus is hereby amended to read:

Class R6 Shares (Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund, Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund, Virtus International Small-Cap Fund, Virtus Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund, Virtus MultiSector Short Term Bond Fund, Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund and Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund only).

Investors should retain this supplement with the Prospectuses for future reference.

 

 

 

 

VOT 8020/BFHYFSFRFAddR6NewExpCap (11/16)


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Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

and Virtus Essential Resources Fund,

each a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated September 13, 2016 to the Summary and Statutory Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), each dated January 28, 2016, as supplemented

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

Effective September 1, 2016, the subadviser to the above-named funds changed its name from Kleinwort Benson Investors International, Ltd. to KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd. Accordingly, all references to the subadviser’s previous name in each fund’s summary prospectus, the statutory prospectus and SAI are hereby changed to reflect the subadviser’s new name, KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd. and references to the defined term “KBII” are hereby changed to “KBIGI (North America).” Also, KBIGI (North America)’s affiliate, Kleinwort Benson Investors Dublin Ltd., has changed its name to KBI Global Investors Ltd. Accordingly, all references to that entity’s previous name in each fund’s summary prospectus, the statutory prospectus and SAI are hereby changed to reflect its new name, KBI Global Investors Ltd.

Investors should retain this supplement with the Prospectuses and SAI for future reference.

VOT 8020 KBIINameChange (9/2016)


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Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund, a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated September 7, 2016 to the Summary and Statutory Prospectuses dated January 28, 2016

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

Effective September 7, 2016, Michael Davis and Warun Kumar are added as portfolio managers of the fund. Accordingly, the disclosure under “Portfolio Management” in the summary prospectuses and in the summary section of the statutory prospectus is hereby revised to read:

> Michael Davis, a Portfolio Manager at Rampart is a manager of the fund. Mr. Davis has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since September 2016.

> Brendan R. Finneran, Portfolio Manager and Trader at Rampart, is a manager of the fund. Mr. Finneran has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since June 2013.

> Robert F. Hofeman, Jr., Portfolio Manager and Trader at Rampart, is a manager of the fund. Mr. Hofeman has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since June 2013.

> Warun Kumar, Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager at Rampart, is a manager of the fund. Mr. Kumar has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since September 2016.

In the section “Portfolio Management” on page 188 of the statutory prospectus, the table under the subheading “Rampart” is hereby replaced with the following:

 

Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund

   Michael Davis (since September 2016)
     Brendan R. Finneran (since June 2013)
     Robert F. Hofeman, Jr. (since June 2013)
     Warun Kumar (since September 2016)

The narrative under the referenced table is hereby amended by adding the following biographical information for Mr. Davis and Mr. Kumar:

Michael Davis. Mr. Davis is Portfolio Manager at Rampart (since September 2016) and at VIA (since 2014) and has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, including investment management and capital markets. Prior to joining Virtus in 2014, he was a founding partner of Varick Asset Management, an independent alternative manager focused on the development of innovative portfolio solutions and investment strategies. Before forming Varick, Mr. Davis worked in the institutional asset management division of Barclays Capital, focused on quantitative and derivative-based investment strategies. Prior to Barclays, he worked in the derivative structuring group at Lehman Brothers. Mr. Davis started his career at Merrill Lynch in the asset-backed finance business.

Warun Kumar. Mr. Kumar is Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager at Rampart (since October 2015), and Portfolio Manager at Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc., an affiliate of VIA (since May 2014). Before joining Virtus, Mr. Kumar was founder and managing partner of Varick Asset Management, an independent alternative manager focused on the development of innovative portfolio solutions and investment strategies for high net worth investors and institutional clients (2010 to 2014). Prior to forming Varick, Mr. Kumar was the U.S. head of Barclays Capital Fund Solutions, where he led the investment committee and managed business expansion throughout the Americas (2007 to 2010). Mr. Kumar’s investment management career began at Volaris Advisors, where he was a partner and headed the derivative advisory business. In addition to these roles, Mr. Kumar has held senior positions in the capital markets divisions of Lehman Brothers and Robertson Stephens, and was a founding partner of Sigma Advisors, an alternative investment advisory firm. Mr. Kumar began his financial services career in 1993 as a member of JP Morgan’s equity derivatives business.

All other disclosure concerning the fund, including fees and expenses, remains unchanged from the prospectuses dated January 28, 2016.

Investors should retain this supplement with the Prospectuses for future reference.

VOT 8020/LVE PMChanges (9/2016)


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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

101 Munson Street

Greenfield, MA 01301-9668

 

Trustees

George R. Aylward

Thomas J. Brown

Donald C. Burke

Roger A. Gelfenbein

John R. Mallin

Hassell H. McClellan

Philip R. McLoughlin, Chairman

Geraldine M. McNamara

James M. Oates

Richard E. Segerson

Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck

Officers

George R. Aylward, President

Francis G. Waltman, Executive Vice President

W. Patrick Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Kevin J. Carr, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary

Nancy J. Engberg, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Investment Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Principal Underwriter

VP Distributors, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Custodian

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

1 Chase Manhattan Plaza

New York, NY 10005-1401

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

2001 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

How to Contact Us

Mutual Fund Services

     1-800-243-1574   

Adviser Consulting Group

     1-800-243-4361   

Website

     Virtus.com   
 

 

 

Important Notice to Shareholders

The Securities and Exchange Commission has modified mailing regulations for semiannual and annual shareholder fund reports to allow mutual fund companies to send a single copy of these reports to shareholders who share the same mailing address. If you would like additional copies, please call Mutual Fund Services at 1-800-243-1574.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

  

P.O. Box 9874

Providence, RI 02940-8074

  

 

For more information about Virtus Mutual Funds,

please call your financial representative, or contact us

at 1-800-243-1574 or Virtus.com.

 

8008

   11-16


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

September 30, 2016

TRUST NAME: VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Not FDIC Insured

No Bank Guarantee

May Lose Value

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

(“Real Estate Securities Fund”)

 

Message to Shareholders

    1   

Disclosure of Fund Expenses

    2   

Key Investment Terms

    4   

Fund Summary

    6   

Schedule of Investments

    10   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

    12   

Statement of Operations

    13   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    14   

Financial Highlights

    16   

Notes to Financial Statements

    20   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    28   

Tax Information Notice

    29   

Results of Shareholder Meeting

    30   

Fund Management Tables

    34   

 

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES AND VOTING RECORD (FORM N-PX)

The subadviser votes proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with procedures that have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“Trustees,” or the “Board”). You may obtain a description of these procedures, along with information regarding how the Fund voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, free of charge, by calling toll-free 1-800-243-1574. This information is also available through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

FORM N-Q INFORMATION

The Trust files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the Fund with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-SEC-0330.

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus which includes information concerning the sales charge, the Fund’s record and other pertinent information.


Table of Contents

MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS

To My Fellow Shareholders of Virtus Mutual Funds:

 

LOGO   

I am pleased to present this annual report that reviews the performance of your fund for the 12 months ended September 30, 2016.

 

During the first half of the fiscal year, global equity markets were challenged by falling oil prices, China’s slowdown, and concerns over the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) first rate hike in nine years, which occurred in December 2015. Equities plummeted in early 2016, but stabilizing oil prices and the Fed’s softened stance on further rate hikes for 2016 sparked a rally in mid-February that lasted until June. The U.K.’s June 23 “Brexit” decision to leave the European Union triggered a selloff that was largely short-lived. Calm was restored by better-than-expected corporate earnings, an improving global economic picture, and reassurance that the world’s central banks would continue to provide monetary stimulus. By

the end of September, U.S. equity markets had recovered much of their losses, and the 12-month period was positive for many asset classes.

 

For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, U.S. small-cap stocks kept pace with U.S. large-cap stocks, as measured by the 15.47% and 15.43% returns of the Russell 2000® Index and S&P 500® Index, respectively. Within international equities, emerging markets significantly outperformed their developed peers, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) up 16.78%, while the MSCI EAFE® Index (net) returned 6.52%.

 

Demand for U.S. Treasuries remained strong, driven by foreign investors seeking safe havens and yield in light of the negative interest rate environment in many international economies. On September 30, 2016, the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yielded 1.60% compared with 2.06% one year earlier. For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, the broader U.S. fixed income market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks Treasuries and other investment-grade debt securities, gained 5.19%, while non-investment grade bonds rose 12.73%, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index.

 

The strength of the global economy will likely remain a leading concern for markets in the months ahead, and investors will watch with great interest the actions of the Fed and other major central banks. The U.S. economy’s continued growth, as evidenced by recent strong jobs, housing, and consumer spending data, should give investors reason for optimism, but future market direction will be determined largely by the ability of corporations to continue to produce robust earnings.

 

Market uncertainty is an ever-present reminder of the importance of portfolio diversification, including exposure to both traditional and alternative asset classes. While diversification cannot guarantee a profit or prevent a loss, owning a variety of asset classes may cushion your portfolio against inevitable market fluctuations. Your financial advisor can help you ensure that your portfolio is adequately diversified across asset classes and investment strategies.

 

As always, thank you for entrusting Virtus with your assets. Should you have questions about your account or require assistance, please visit our website at Virtus.com, or call our customer service team at 1-800-243-1574. We appreciate your business and remain committed to your long-term financial success.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

George R. Aylward

President, Virtus Mutual Funds

 

October 2016

 

Performance data quoted represents past results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

 

1


Table of Contents

VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2016 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of costs on your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of the Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund (the “Fund”), you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges on purchases of Class A shares and contingent deferred sales charges on Class B and Class C shares; and (2) ongoing costs, including investment advisory fees, distribution and service fees, and other expenses. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are sold without a sales charge and do not incur distribution and service fees. For further information regarding applicable sales charges, see Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period. The following Expense Table illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways.

Actual Expenses

The first section of the accompanying table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section, 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 section under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second section of the accompanying 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 your 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 your Fund and other 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 accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying 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. The calculations assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Your actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of your investment and timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

 

2


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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) (Continued)

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2016 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Expense Table                                
       

Beginning
Account

Value
April 1, 2016

       Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2016
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
       Expenses
Paid
During
Period*
 

Actual

                   
Class A      $ 1,000.00         $ 1,039.70           1.41      $ 7.19   
Class B        1,000.00           1,035.70           2.16           10.99   
Class C        1,000.00           1,035.40           2.16           10.99   
Class I        1,000.00           1,041.10           1.16           5.92   
Class R6        1,000.00           1,041.70           0.99           5.05   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

         
Class A        1,000.00           1,017.95           1.41           7.11   
Class B        1,000.00           1,014.20           2.16           10.88   
Class C        1,000.00           1,014.20           2.16           10.88   
Class I        1,000.00           1,019.20           1.16           5.86   
Class R6        1,000.00           1,020.05           0.99           5.00   

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, which is net of waived fees and reimbursed expenses, if applicable, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (183) expenses were accrued in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 366 to reflect the one-half year period.

 

  The Fund may invest in other funds, and the annualized expense ratios noted above do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. If such fees and expenses were included, the expenses would have been higher.

 

  You can find more information about the Fund’s expenses in the Financial Statements section that follows. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, refer to the prospectus.

 

3


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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Bank of England

The Bank of England is the United Kingdom’s Central Bank.

Bank of Japan

The Bank of Japan is the Japanese Central Bank.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

European Central Bank (“ECB”)

The European Central Bank (ECB) is responsible for conducting monetary policy for the euro area. The ECB was established as the core of the Eurosystem and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). The ESCB comprises the ECB and the National Central Banks (NCBs) of all 17 EU Member States whether they have adopted the Euro or not.

Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)

The Central Bank of the United States, responsible for controlling the money supply, interest rates and credit with the goal of keeping the U.S. economy and currency stable.

Governed by a seven-member board, the system includes 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, 25 branches and all national and state banks that are part of the system.

FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index

The FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index is a free-float market capitalization index measuring equity tax-qualified real estate investment trusts, which meet minimum size and liquidity criteria, that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ National Market System. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS)

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) is a standardized classification system for equities that was developed by, and is the exclusive property and a service mark of, MSCI Inc. (MSCI) and Standard & Poor’s, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (S&P). As of September 1, 2016, the GICS structure comprises 11 sectors, 24 industry groups, 68 industries, and 157 subindustries.

MSCI EAFE® Index (net)

The MSCI EAFE® Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The

 

4


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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net)

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust)

A publicly traded company that owns, develops and operates income-producing real estate such as apartments, office buildings, hotels, shopping centers and other commercial properties.

Russell 2000® Index

The Russell 2000® Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell Universe, which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

S&P 500® Index

The S&P 500® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

 

5


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REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

 

Fund Summary

Portfolio Manager Commentary by

Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: PHRAX

Class B: PHRBX

Class C: PHRCX

Class I: PHRIX

Class R6: VRREX

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has investment objectives of capital appreciation and income with approximately equal emphasis.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 15.58%, Class B shares returned 14.70%, Class C shares returned 14.70%, Class I shares returned 15.85% and Class R6 shares returned 16.06%. For the fiscal year, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based equity index, returned 15.43%, and the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index, the Fund’s style-specific index appropriate for comparison, returned 19.86%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

U.S. real estate equities outperformed U.S. equities during the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, as measured by the 19.86% increase in the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index versus the 15.43% increase in the S&P 500® Index.

In many ways the macro environment during the Fund’s fiscal year came full circle. While global central banks remained rather dovish over the course of the fiscal year, at the outset in December 2015, the U.S. Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) announced an increase in the target range for the federal funds rate to 0.25% to 0.50% after seven years in the 0% to 0.25% range. While admittedly this was a small move, it was the first time the Fed increased rates in over nine years. At that time the Fed also appeared to be signaling that several more rate increases would be coming in the next year.

The likelihood of further rate increases quickly faded as policy uncertainty out of China and concerns regarding global economic growth sent

global equity markets into a tailspin in early 2016. Also of note during the first quarter of 2016 were further monetary policy actions by the Bank of Japan (“BOJ”) and European Central Bank (“ECB”) seeking to stimulate economic growth and inflation. The BOJ embraced for the first time a negative interest rate policy and the ECB extended its negative interest rate policy.

During the second quarter of 2016, voters in the U.K. delivered a shocking result on June 23 to leave the European Union (“EU”). Despite polls indicating that the result would be close, very few observers actually believed that the “Brexit” camp would carry the day. Volatility in the global equity and currency markets spiked dramatically following the vote, with the British pound falling 11.1% in the first two days. The U.K. political situation also became more uncertain as Prime Minister Cameron announced his resignation, and Theresa May was appointed as his successor on July 11. It became apparent that Article 50, a two-year negotiating process for the U.K. to leave the EU, would not be engaged anytime soon. As of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, the ultimate implications of Brexit on the U.K. and the broader European Union remained very uncertain and would likely take months, if not years, to gain greater clarity. In the meantime, U.K. risk premiums increased and the British pound experienced increased pressure.

As the Fund’s fiscal year came to a close, the Fed appeared once again to be contemplating an increase in the federal funds rate after not raising it since December 2015. Based on the rhetoric leading up to their respective September policy meetings and the meetings themselves, major global central banks seemed to be questioning to varying degrees the efficacy of current monetary policy to achieve their medium term inflation goals. More than ever, central bankers appeared to be indicating that it would be difficult to achieve their inflation goals without an assist from fiscal policy and structural economic reforms.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms on page 4.

 

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REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND (Continued)   

 

To provide further support of these events on the bond market, the 10-Year U.S. Treasury started the Fund’s fiscal year with a yield of 2.04%, sold off to a peak yield in November 2015 of 2.34%, then rallied on and off again to a low yield of 1.36% post the Brexit vote in the U.K., to finally finish the fiscal year at 1.59%.

Thematically, real estate companies remained active on the capital raising front, particularly in the U.S., Europe excluding the U.K., and Japan as they looked to fund redevelopment, development, and acquisitions of companies or portfolios of assets. In addition, it was a common occurrence for companies to lock in long-term, inexpensive fixed-rate debt. Portfolio pruning and asset recycling were additional sources of capital and were more evident in the U.S. than in other markets, as is often the case. We also witnessed ongoing mergers and acquisition activity. Our global travels during the period brought us to numerous countries and cities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific regions and were helpful in providing timely updates on the space and asset markets in each locale. Additionally, quality time was spent visiting existing REIT holdings in the Fund and conducting due diligence on potential new investment opportunities. At a high level, the strong appetite for high-quality commercial real estate from a wide and deep pool of institutional capital sources was evident across most locations as reflected in recent asset market pricing trends.

From our time spent in London, it was difficult to detect negative ramifications from the fallout of the Brexit vote. On the contrary, the anecdotal observations were positive as it related to tourist activity and retail spending, both of which have benefited from the dramatic fall in the British pound since the June vote. However, based on the limited amount of commercial real estate transaction activity since the vote, we know there has been a small negative impact to real estate values, particularly city-oriented offices, and that rental levels have softened a bit. While we have yet to witness a Brexit-related benefit to other

cities, it could be an incremental future demand driver for the likes of Paris, Frankfurt, Dublin, and New York, should possible relocations from London occur. For the time being, decision making, as it relates to London office space, has slowed. As a whole, new office development would be needed in any of the European cities mentioned to accommodate a significant move, were it to occur, from London. New York would also be in a position to absorb demand from London.

After the market closed on August 31, real estate became the eleventh sector of the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) – the first sector added since the classification system was created in 1999. Importantly, we believe this decision reflects the views of industry participants that real estate is a separate asset class with distinct investment characteristics, particularly relative to other financial companies.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

For the one-year period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund demonstrated solid performance, yet lagged its style-specific benchmark. The Fund’s relative performance to the benchmark was driven by security selection and sector allocation, as both detracted from performance over the period.

On the whole, central banks remained dovish throughout the fiscal year, as witnessed by the Fed, ECB, BOJ, and Bank of England (“BOE”), and global bonds rallied. Although early in the Fund’s fiscal year, the Fed was predicting three to four staggered increases in the federal funds rate for 2016, it did not raise rates further after December 2015. As a result, any portfolio management steps taken to position for such moves, while one could suggest were prudent, were, in fact, premature. In fact, in the U.S., the best performing property sector was freestanding retail, a property sector with the longest lease durations, and the most bond-like in the benchmark.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms on page 4.

 

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Table of Contents
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND (Continued)   

 

Within U.S. property sectors, freestanding retail, data centers (which became a new property sector late in 2015), and industrial demonstrated the best total returns over the last 12 months. Lodging, self-storage, and apartments were the laggards, yet all property sectors delivered positive returns.

Based on both property sector allocation and security selection, the largest positive contributors to the Fund’s relative performance during the fiscal year were the industrial sector, as a result of an overweight allocation and strong performance; health care, as a result of an underweight allocation; and diversified, due to an underweight allocation.

The most significant detractors from the Fund’s relative performance during the fiscal year were lodging, due to an overweight allocation during its period of underperformance and security selection; freestanding retail, due to an underweight allocation and its top performance among property sectors in an environment that favored the bond-like qualities of the sector; and the office sector, resulting from an overweight allocation and security selection.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objectives.

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Real Estate: The fund may be negatively affected by factors specific to the real estate market, including interest rates, leverage, property, and management.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocations  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors as a percentage of total investments at September 30, 2016.

 

     

Office

    14

Apartments

    12   

Shopping Centers

    11   

Industrials

    11   

Data Centers

    11   

Regional Malls

    11   

Self Storage

    8   

Other

    22   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms on page 4.

 

8


Table of Contents
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND (Continued)   

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
     1
Year
    5
Years
    10
Years
    Since
Inception
    Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2      15.58     14.79     5.86              
Class A Shares at POP3,4      8.93        13.44        5.24                 
Class B Shares at NAV2      14.70        13.93        5.06                 
Class B Shares with CDSC4      10.87        13.93        5.06                 
Class C Shares with NAV2 and with CDSC4      14.70        13.93        5.07                 
Class I Shares at NAV2      15.85        15.08               5.28     12/29/06   
Class R6 Shares at NAV2      16.06                      9.10        11/12/14   
S&P 500® Index      15.43        16.37        7.24        5          
FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index      19.86        15.91        6.35        6          

Fund Expense Ratios7: A Shares: 1.36%, B Shares: 2.11%, C Shares: 2.11%, I Shares: 1.11%, R6 Shares 0.93%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  CDSC (contingent deferred sales charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for Class B shares decline from 5% to 0% over a five-year period. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchases on which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares are 1% within the first year and 0% thereafter.
5  The index returned 6.71% for Class I shares and 5.56% for Class R6 shares since the inception date of the respective class.
6  The index returned 5.53% for Class I shares and 10.30% for Class R6 shares since the inception date of the respective class.
7  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.

Growth of $10,000 for periods ended 9/30

 

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A,

Class B, and Class C shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

9


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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES      VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—98.8%   
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS—98.8%   
DATA CENTERS—10.7%  

Coresite Realty Corp.

    270,900       $ 20,057   

CyrusOne, Inc.

    196,000         9,324   

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    512,850         49,808   

Equinix, Inc.

    148,500         53,497   
    

 

 

 
       132,686   
    

 

 

 
DIVERSIFIED—4.1%   

Vornado Realty Trust

    506,700         51,283   
    

 

 

 
       51,283   
    

 

 

 
HEALTH CARE—7.7%   

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    627,775         21,382   

Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. Class A

    948,200         30,931   

Ventas, Inc.

    390,361         27,571   

Welltower, Inc.

    212,241         15,869   
    

 

 

 
       95,753   
    

 

 

 
INDUSTRIAL/OFFICE—24.4%   
Industrial—10.9%  

DCT Industrial Trust, Inc.

    979,303         47,545   

Duke Realty Corp.

    1,613,952         44,109   

Prologis, Inc.

    802,752         42,980   
    

 

 

 
       134,634   
    

 

 

 
Office—13.5%  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    108,983         14,853   

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    1,219,170         12,728   

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    820,829         30,067   

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    654,942         34,135   

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    667,942         46,322   

Paramount Group, Inc.

    1,808,236         29,637   
    

 

 

 
       167,742   
    

 

 

 

Total Industrial/Office

       302,376   
    

 

 

 
LODGING/RESORTS—3.6%   

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    808,986         12,596   

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    573,363         15,251   

RLJ Lodging Trust

    801,652         16,859   
    

 

 

 
       44,706   
    

 

 

 
    SHARES      VALUE  
RESIDENTIAL—15.5%   
Apartments—11.7%  

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    349,117       $ 17,760   

Apartment Investment & Management Co. Class A

    243,800         11,193   

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    176,290         31,351   

Equity Residential

    473,145         30,438   

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    245,740         54,726   
    

 

 

 
       145,468   
    

 

 

 
Manufactured Homes—2.6%   

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    216,053         16,675   

Sun Communities, Inc.

    189,300         14,856   
    

 

 

 
       31,531   
    

 

 

 
Single Family Homes—1.2%   

American Homes 4 Rent Class A

    682,300         14,765   
    

 

 

 
       14,765   
    

 

 

 

Total Residential

  

     191,764   
    

 

 

 
RETAIL—24.5%   
Free Standing—2.8%  

STORE Capital Corp.

    1,182,843         34,858   
    

 

 

 
       34,858   
    

 

 

 
Regional Malls—10.6%  

General Growth Properties, Inc.

    1,057,575         29,189   

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    493,541         102,168   
    

 

 

 
       131,357   
    

 

 

 
Shopping Centers—11.1%  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    1,153,696         32,061   

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    223,200         34,357   

Regency Centers Corp.

    447,700         34,693   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

10


Table of Contents

VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES      VALUE  
Shopping Centers (continued)  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

    923,432       $ 35,977   
    

 

 

 
       137,088   
    

 

 

 

Total Retail

       303,303   
    

 

 

 
SELF STORAGE—8.3%   

CubeSmart

    1,264,650         34,474   

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    394,183         31,302   

Public Storage

    165,692         36,973   
    

 

 

 
               102,749   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $795,302)
         1,224,620   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—98.8%   
(Identified Cost $795,302)         1,224,620   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—98.8%
(Identified Cost $795,302)
         1,224,620 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—1.2%

   

     14,677   
  

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 1,239,297   
    

 

 

 

FOOTNOTE LEGEND:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 9 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

     Total Value at
September 30, 2016
     Level 1
Quoted Prices
 

Equity Securities:

     

Common Stocks

   $ 1,224,620       $ 1,224,620   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 1,224,620       $ 1,224,620   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

There are no Level 2 (significant observable inputs) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

11


Table of Contents

VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ Reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

Assets   

Investment in securities at value(1)

   $ 1,224,620   

Cash

     9,588   

Receivables

  

Investment securities sold

     11,000   

Fund shares sold

     3,996   

Dividends and interest receivable

     5,136   

Prepaid expenses

     57   

Prepaid trustee retainer

     27   

Other assets

     17   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     1,254,441   
  

 

 

 
Liabilities   

Payables

  

Fund shares repurchased

     5,351   

Investment securities purchased

     8,231   

Investment advisory fees

     762   

Distribution and service fees

     168   

Administration fees

     126   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     381   

Professional fees

     13   

Trustee fees and expenses

     29   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     17   

Other accrued expenses

     66   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     15,144   
  

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 1,239,297   
  

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:   

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

   $ 654,957   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

       

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     155,022   

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     429,318   
  

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 1,239,297   
  

 

 

 
Class A   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 36.87   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1-5.75%)

   $ 39.12   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     14,378,976   

Net Assets

   $ 530,135   
Class B   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 36.28   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     14,437   

Net Assets

   $ 524   
Class C   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 36.77   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     1,827,766   

Net Assets

   $ 67,216   
Class I   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 36.83   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     16,830,219   

Net Assets

   $ 619,818   
Class R6   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 36.84   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     586,517   

Net Assets

   $ 21,604   

(1) Investment in securities at cost

   $ 795,302   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

12


Table of Contents

VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

Investment Income   

Dividends

   $ 34,640   

Interest

     31   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     34,671   
  

 

 

 
Expenses   

Investment advisory fees

     9,561   

Service fees, Class A

     1,462   

Distribution and service fees, Class B

     9   

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     669   

Administration fees

     1,629   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     2,862   

Registration fees

     131   

Printing fees and expenses

     318   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     127   

Professional fees

     47   

Custodian fees

     26   

Miscellaneous expenses

     93   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     16,934   

Low balance account fees

     (1) 
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     16,934   
  

 

 

 
Net investment income (loss)      17,737   
  

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     207,975   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     (35,860
  

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      172,115   
  

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations    $ 189,852   
  

 

 

 

 

(1)  Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


Table of Contents

VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(Reported in thousands)

 

     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS     
From Operations     

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 17,737      $ 21,459   

Net realized gain (loss)

     207,975        197,947   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (35,860     (43,973
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations      189,852        175,433   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders     

Net investment income, Class A

     (7,500     (9,863

Net investment income, Class B

     (4     (10

Net investment income, Class C

     (382     (399

Net investment income, Class I

     (9,664     (11,111

Net investment income, Class R6

     (251     (12

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

     (4,959     (2,206

Net realized short-term gains, Class B

     (9     (7

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

     (548     (189

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

     (5,095     (1,983

Net realized short-term gains, Class R6

     (91     (— )(1) 

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

     (92,687     (36,741

Net realized long-term gains, Class B

     (183     (122

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

     (10,113     (3,144

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

     (93,730     (33,016

Net realized long-term gains, Class R6

     (1,630     (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders      (226,846     (98,808
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
From Share Transactions     
Sale of shares     

Class A (3,093 and 5,635 shares, respectively)

     113,074        229,447   

Class B (1 and —(2) shares, respectively)

     18        14   

Class C (184 and 249 shares, respectively)

     6,659        10,111   

Class I (4,851 and 3,839 shares, respectively)

     174,976        156,081   

Class R6 (562 and 55 shares, respectively)

     21,137        2,219   
Reinvestment of distributions     

Class A (2,973 and 1,152 shares, respectively)

     100,358        46,862   

Class B (5 and 3 shares, respectively)

     177        124   

Class C (300 and 83 shares, respectively)

     10,097        3,363   

Class I (3,135 and 1,103 shares, respectively)

     105,792        44,771   

Class R6 (58 and —(2) shares, respectively)

     1,972        17   
Shares repurchased     

Class A (7,850 and 10,962 shares, respectively)

     (285,777     (439,189

Class B (29 and 43 shares, respectively)

     (1,038     (1,694

Class C (377 and 330 shares, respectively)

     (13,622     (13,174

Class I (8,024 and 6,450 shares, respectively)

     (293,340     (260,654

Class R6 (77 and 12 shares, respectively)

     (2,763     (489
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions      (62,280     (222,191
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets      (99,274     (145,566
Net Assets     

Beginning of period

     1,338,571        1,484,137   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
End of period    $ 1,239,297      $ 1,338,571   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

          $ 64   

 

(1)  Amount is less than $500.
(2)  Amount is less than 500 shares.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


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Table of Contents

VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

     Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
   Net Investment Income
(Loss)(2)
   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   Total from
Investment Operations
   Dividends from Net
Investment Income
   Distributions from Net
Realized Gains                               
   Total Distributions

Class A

                                                                            

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

     $ 38.45          0.47          4.80          5.27          (0.48 )        (6.37 )        (6.85 )

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

       36.65          0.51          3.76          4.27          (0.53 )        (1.94 )        (2.47 )

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

       35.10          0.29          3.86          4.15          (0.29 )        (2.31 )        (2.60 )

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

       34.19          0.36          0.91          1.27          (0.36 )                 (0.36 )

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

       26.05          0.21          8.24          8.45          (0.31 )                 (0.31 )

Class B

                                  

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

     $ 37.90          0.17          4.75          4.92          (0.17 )        (6.37 )        (6.54 )

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

       36.13          0.17          3.74          3.91          (0.20 )        (1.94 )        (2.14 )

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

       34.62          (0.01 )        3.84          3.83          (0.01 )        (2.31 )        (2.32 )

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

       33.72          0.10          0.89          0.99          (0.09 )                 (0.09 )

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

       25.71          0.02          8.06          8.08          (0.07 )                 (0.07 )

Class C

                                  

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

     $ 38.37          0.20          4.78          4.98          (0.21 )        (6.37 )        (6.58 )

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

       36.59          0.22          3.73          3.95          (0.23 )        (1.94 )        (2.17 )

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

       35.04          0.01          3.87          3.88          (0.02 )        (2.31 )        (2.33 )

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

       34.14          0.08          0.92          1.00          (0.10 )                 (0.10 )

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

       26.02          (0.03 )        8.22          8.19          (0.07 )                 (0.07 )

 

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

Change in Net Asset Value    Net Asset Value, End of Period    Total
Return(1)
   Net Assets, End of Period
(000’s)
   Ratio of Expenses to
Average Net Assets(3)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income  
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
   Portfolio Turnover Rate
                                                                        
    (1.58 )      $ 36.87          15.58 %      $ 530,135          1.39 %(7)       1.29 %        31 %
    1.80          38.45          11.34          621,507          1.36         1.26          22  
    1.55          36.65          12.75          745,473          1.38         0.79          28  
    0.91          35.10          3.70          745,631          1.40         1.00          30  
    8.14          34.19          32.49          789,925          1.41         0.67          24  
                              
    (1.62 )      $ 36.28          14.70 %      $ 524          2.14 %(7)       0.48 %        31 %
    1.77          37.90          10.51          1,418          2.11         0.42          22  
    1.51          36.13          11.91          2,770          2.13         (0.02 )        28  
    0.90          34.62          2.92          3,978          2.15         0.29          30  
    8.01          33.72          31.49          6,761          2.16         0.07          24  
                              
    (1.60 )      $ 36.77          14.70 %      $ 67,216          2.15 %(7)       0.55 %        31 %
    1.78          38.37          10.49          66,023          2.11         0.56          22  
    1.55          36.59          11.91          62,889          2.13         0.04          28  
    0.90          35.04          2.93          63,005          2.15         0.23          30  
    8.12          34.14          31.48          60,941          2.16         (0.10 )        24  

 

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

     Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
   Net Investment Income
(Loss)(2)
   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   Total from
Investment Operations
   Dividends from Net
Investment Income
   Distributions from Net
Realized Gains                               
   Total Distributions

Class I

                                                                            

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

     $ 38.42          0.56          4.80          5.36          (0.58 )        (6.37 )        (6.95 )

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

       36.62          0.62          3.75          4.37          (0.63 )        (1.94 )        (2.57 )

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

       35.07          0.39          3.86          4.25          (0.39 )        (2.31 )        (2.70 )

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

       34.16          0.43          0.92          1.35          (0.44 )                 (0.44 )

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

       26.03          0.30          8.22          8.52          (0.39 )                 (0.39 )

Class R6

                                  

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

     $ 38.42          0.70          4.73          5.43          (0.64 )        (6.37 )        (7.01 )

11/12/14(4) to 9/30/15

       40.32          0.79          (0.06 )        0.73          (0.69 )        (1.94 )        (2.63 )

 

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

Change in Net Asset Value    Net Asset Value, End of Period    Total
Return(1)
   Net Assets, End of Period
(000’s)
   Ratio of Expenses to
Average Net Assets(3)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income  
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
   Portfolio Turnover Rate
                                                                        
    (1.59 )      $ 36.83          15.85 %      $ 619,818          1.14 %(7)       1.52 %        31 %
    1.80          38.42          11.63          647,976          1.11         1.55          22  
    1.55          36.62          13.04          673,005          1.13         1.07          28  
    0.91          35.07          3.96          494,963          1.15         1.21          30  
    8.13          34.16          32.80          422,374          1.16         0.93          24  
                              
    (1.58 )      $ 36.84          16.06 %      $ 21,604          0.98 %(7)       1.93 %        31 %
    (1.90 )        38.42          1.54 (6)        1,647          0.94 (5)       2.30 (5)        22  

Footnote Legend

(1)  Sales charges, where applicable, are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2)  Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3)  The Fund may invest in other funds, and the annualized expense ratios do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds.
(4)  Inception date of class.
(5)  Annualized.
(6)  Not annualized.
(7)  Expense ratios include extraordinary proxy expenses

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 1. Organization

Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company.

As of the date of this report, 31 funds of the Trust are offered for sale, of which the Real Estate Securities Fund (the “Fund”) is reported in this annual report. The Fund’s investment objectives are outlined in the Fund Summary Page. There is no guarantee the Fund will achieve its objective.

The Fund offers Class A shares, Class C shares, Class I shares and Class R6 shares for sale. Class B shares are no longer available for purchase by new or existing shareholders, except by existing shareholders through Qualifying Transactions. (For information regarding Qualifying Transactions, refer to the Fund’s prospectus.)

Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 5.75% with some exceptions. Generally, Class A shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) may be imposed on certain redemptions made within a certain period following purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The period for which the CDSC applies for the Fund is 18 months. The CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

Class B shares were generally sold with a CDSC which declines from 5% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held.

Class C shares are generally sold with a 1% CDSC, applicable if redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or CDSC.

Class R6 shares are only available to participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, profit sharing plans, defined benefit plans and other employer directed plans. Class R6 shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees. No compensation, administrative payments, sub-transfer agency payments or service payments are paid to brokers or other entities from fund assets or the Distributor’s or an affiliate’s resources on sales of or investments in Class R6 Shares.

Virtus Mutual Funds may impose an annual fee on accounts having balances of less than $2,500. The small account fee may be waived in certain circumstances, as disclosed in the prospectuses and/or statements of additional information. The fees collected will be used to offset certain expenses of the Fund. These fees are reflected as “Low Balance Account Fees” in the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the period, as applicable.

Each class of shares has identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except that each class bears different distribution and/or service fees under a Board-approved Rule 12b-1 and/or shareholder service plan (“12b-1 plan”) and has exclusive voting rights with respect to such plans. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are not subject to a 12b-1 plan. Income and other expenses as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses of the Fund are borne pro rata by the holders of each class of shares.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the

 

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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

  A. Security Valuation

Security valuation procedures for the Fund, which include nightly price variance, as well as back-testing such as bi-weekly unchanged price, monthly secondary source and transaction analysis, have been approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”, or the “Trustees”). All internally fair valued securities are approved by a valuation committee (the “Valuation Committee”) appointed by the Board. The Valuation Committee is comprised of certain members of management as identified to the Board and convenes independently from portfolio management. All internally fair valued securities are updated daily and reviewed in detail by the Valuation Committee monthly unless changes occur within the period. The Valuation Committee reviews the validity of the model inputs and any changes to the model. Quarterly fair valuations are reviewed by the Board.

The Fund utilizes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. It is the Fund’s policy to recognize transfers at the end of the reporting period.

 

      Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (security types generally include listed equities).

 

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

 

      Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Valuation Committee’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

A description of the valuation techniques applied to the Fund’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:

Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded or, if no closing price is available, at the last bid price and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Restricted equity securities and private placements that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Certain non-U.S. securities may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, significant events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that non-U.S. markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) (at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), generally 4 p.m. Eastern time) that may impact the value of securities traded in these non-U.S. markets. In such cases the Fund fair values non-U.S. securities using an independent pricing service which considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the non-U.S. security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments such as American Depositary Receipts, financial futures, exchange-traded funds, and certain indexes, as well as prices for similar securities. Such fair valuations are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain non-U.S. common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.

 

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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Listed derivatives that are actively traded are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Over-the-counter derivative contracts, which include forward currency contracts and equity-linked instruments, do not require material subjectivity as pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets and are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at NAV. Investments in closed-end funds are valued as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE each business day. Both are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s net assets by each major security type is disclosed at the end of the Schedule of Investments for the Fund. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

  B. Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses from the sale of securities are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date or, in the case of certain foreign securities, as soon as the Fund is notified. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts using the effective interest method.

Dividend income from REIT investments is recorded using management’s estimate of the income included in distributions received from the REIT investments. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and capital gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

  C. Income Taxes

The Fund is treated as a separate taxable entity. It is the intention of the Fund to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes or excise taxes has been made.

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable based upon current interpretations of the tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

Management of the Fund has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. As of September 30, 2016, the tax years that remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations are from the year 2013 forward (with limited exceptions).

 

  D. Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions are recorded by the Fund on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may include the treatment of non-taxable dividends, market premium and discount, non-deductible expenses, expiring capital loss carryovers, foreign currency gain or loss, gain or loss on futures contracts, partnerships, operating losses

 

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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

and losses deferred due to wash sales. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest.

 

  E. Expenses

Expenses incurred together by the Fund and other affiliated mutual funds are allocated in proportion to the net assets of each such fund, except where allocation of direct expense to each fund or an alternative allocation method can be more appropriately used.

In addition to the net operating expenses that the Fund bears directly, the shareholders of the Fund indirectly bear the Fund’s pro rata expenses of any underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests.

 

  F. Earnings Credit and Interest

Through arrangements with the Fund’s custodian, the Fund either receives an earnings credit or interest on agreed upon target un-invested cash balances to reduce the Fund’s custody expenses. The credits are reflected as “Earnings credit from Custodian” and the interest is reflected under “Interest income” in the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the period, as applicable.

Note 3. Investment Advisory Fees and Related Party Transactions

($ reported in thousands except as noted)

 

  A. Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (“Virtus”), is the adviser to the Trust. The Adviser manages the Fund’s investment program and general operations of the Fund, including oversight of the Fund’s subadviser.

As compensation for its services to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a fee based upon the following annual rates as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund:

 

First $1 Billion

 

$1 Billion through
$2 Billion

 

$2+ Billion

0.75%   0.70%   0.65%

 

  B. Subadviser

Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (the “Subadviser”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, is the subadviser to the Fund. The subadviser manages the investments of the Fund for which the Subadviser is paid a fee by the Adviser.

 

  C. Distributor

VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. VP Distributors has advised the Fund that for the fiscal year (the “period”) ended September 30, 2016, it retained net commissions of $16 for Class A shares and deferred sales charges of $4 for Class C shares.

In addition, the Fund pays VP Distributors distribution and/or service fees under a 12b-1 plan as a percentage of the daily average net assets of each respective class at

 

23


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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

the annual rates as follows: 0.25% for Class A shares, 1.00% for Class B shares, and 1.00% for Class C shares. Class R6 shares and Class I shares are not subject to a 12b-1 plan.

Under certain circumstances, shares of certain Virtus Mutual Funds may be exchanged for shares of the same class of certain other Virtus Mutual Funds on the basis of the relative NAV per share at the time of the exchange. On exchanges with share classes that carry a CDSC, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply.

 

  D. Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as administrator and transfer agent to the Fund.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund incurred administration fees totaling $1,266 which are included in the Statement of Operations.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund incurred transfer agent fees totaling $2,786 which are included in the Statement of Operations. A portion of these fees was paid to outside entities that also provide services to the Trust.

 

  E. Affiliated Shareholders

At September 30, 2016, Virtus and its affiliates, and the retirement plans of Virtus and its affiliates, held shares of the Fund which may be redeemed at any time that aggregated to the following:

 

     Shares        Aggregate
Net Asset
Value
 

Class I

     118,789         $ 4,375   
Class R6      3,200           118   

 

  F. Trustee Compensation

The Trust provides a deferred compensation plan for its Trustees who receive compensation from the Trust. Under the deferred compensation plan, Trustees may elect to defer all or a portion of their compensation. Amounts deferred are retained by the Trust, and then, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, in turn, may be invested in the shares of affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds selected by the participating Trustees. Investments in such instruments are included in “Other Assets” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2016.

Note 4. Purchases and Sales of Securities

($ reported in thousands)

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding U.S. Government and agency securities and short-term securities) during the period ended September 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

     Purchases        Sales  
   $ 402,144         $ 663,310   

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government and agency securities for the period ended September 30, 2016.

 

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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 5. Borrowings

($ reported in thousands)

On June 29, 2016, the Fund and other affiliated funds renewed a $50,000 secured line of credit. The Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) is with a commercial bank (the “Bank”) that allows the Fund to borrow cash from the Bank to manage large unexpected redemptions and trade fails, up to a limit of one-fifth of the Fund’s total net assets in accordance with the Agreement. The agreement has a term of 364 days and is renewable by the Fund with the Bank’s consent. Interest is charged at the higher of the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or the Federal Funds rate plus an additional percentage rate on the amount borrowed. Commitment fees are charged on the undrawn balance. The Fund and other affiliated funds are individually, and not jointly, liable for their particular advances, if any, under the line of credit. The Bank has the ability to require repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Agreement upon certain circumstances such as an event of default.

The Fund had no outstanding borrowings at any time during the period ended September 30, 2016.

Note 6. 10% Shareholders

As of September 30, 2016, the Fund had individual shareholder account(s) and/or omnibus shareholder account(s) (comprised of a group of individual shareholders), which individually amounted to more than 10% of the total shares outstanding of the Fund as detailed below:

 

     % of
Shares
Outstanding
       Number
of
Accounts
 
     22        2*   

* The shareholders are not affiliated with Virtus.

Note 7. Credit Risk and Asset Concentrations

The Fund may invest a high percentage of its assets in specific sectors of the market in its pursuit of its investment objective. Fluctuations in these sectors of concentration may have a greater impact on the Fund, positive or negative, than if the Fund did not concentrate its investments in such sectors.

Note 8. Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Trustees and officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. Each Trustee has also entered into an indemnification agreement with the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that provide a variety of indemnifications to other parties. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and that have not occurred. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

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VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 9. Federal Income Tax Information

($ reported in thousands)

At September 30, 2016, federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities held by the Fund were as follows:

 

Federal
Tax Cost

 

Unrealized
Appreciation

 

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

 

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

$814,521   $420,256   $(10,157)   $410,099

The components of distributable earnings on a tax basis (excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation) (which are disclosed above) consist of the following:

 

     Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
       Undistributed
Long-term
Capital Gains
 
   $ 6,457         $ 167,784   

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term gain distributions reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets, if any, are reported as ordinary income for federal tax purposes. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

 

     Year Ended  
     2016        2015  

Ordinary Income

   $ 28,503         $ 25,780   

Long-Term Capital Gains

     198,343           73,028   
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

   $ 226,846         $ 98,808   
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Note 10. Regulatory Matters and Litigation

From time to time, the Trust, the Fund’s Adviser and/or Subadviser and/or their affiliates may be involved in litigation and arbitration as well as examinations and investigations by various regulatory bodies, including the SEC, involving compliance with, among other things, securities laws, client investment guidelines, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers and other laws and regulations affecting their products and other activities. At this time, the Adviser believes that the outcomes of such matters are not likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to be material to these financial statements.

On February 20, 2015, a putative class action complaint (In re Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. Securities Litigation; formerly styled as Tom Cummins v. Virtus Investment Partners Inc. et al.) alleging violation of the federal securities laws was filed by an individual shareholder against Virtus and certain of its officers (the “defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On August 21, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”) amending the originally filed complaint and adding the Trust as a defendant. The Consolidated Complaint

 

26


Table of Contents

VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

was purportedly filed on behalf of all purchasers of Virtus common stock between January 25, 2013 and May 11, 2015 (the “Class Period”). The Consolidated Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed material adverse facts relating to certain funds previously subadvised by F-Squared Investments, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“F-Squared”). The plaintiff seeks to recover unspecified damages. A motion to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint was filed on behalf of the defendants on October 21, 2015. Pursuant to an Opinion & Order (“Order”) filed on July 1, 2016, the court granted in part and denied in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss. Although the Order narrows the scope of the claims asserted, claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder survive the motion. The defendants filed an Answer to the Consolidated Complaint on August 5, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit is without merit and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Fund as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Fund.

On May 8, 2015, a putative class action complaint (Mark Youngers v. Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. et al.) alleging violations of certain provisions of the federal securities laws was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint, which was purportedly filed on behalf of purchasers of certain Virtus Funds previously subadvised by F-Squared between May 8, 2010 and December 22, 2014, inclusive (the “Class Period”), alleged claims against Virtus, certain Virtus officers and affiliates (including the Adviser, Euclid Advisors LLC (“Euclid”) and VP Distributors, LLC), the trustees and certain officers of the Trust, and certain other parties (the “defendants”). The complaint alleges that during the Class Period the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed or omitted material facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading. On October 1, 2015, the plaintiff filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint which, among other things, added a derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty on behalf of the Trust. On October 19, 2015, the United States District Court for the Central District of California entered an order transferring the action to the Southern District of New York. On January 4, 2016, Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint. Motions to dismiss were filed on behalf of Virtus, its officers and affiliates and the independent trustees on February 1, 2016. An Opinion & Order (“Order”) granting in part and denying in part the defendants’ motions to dismiss was issued on July 1, 2016. The Order dismissed all claims against the Adviser, Euclid, the independent trustees and certain of the other individual defendants and narrowed the claims asserted against the remaining defendants. The remaining defendants filed an Answer to the Second Amended Complaint on August 5, 2016. The defendants filed a motion to certify an interlocutory appeal of the July 1, 2016 order to the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on August 26, 2016. Oral argument on the motion is scheduled for October 7, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit has no basis in law or fact and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Fund as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Fund.

Note 11. Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there are no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

27


Table of Contents

LOGO

Report of Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees of

Virtus Opportunities Trust and Shareholders of

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund:

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund (one of the funds constituting Virtus Opportunities Trust, hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) at September 30, 2016, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements 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 are free of material misstatement. An audit 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at September 30, 2016 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 22, 2016

 

28


Table of Contents

VIRTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

TAX INFORMATION NOTICE (Unaudited)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund makes the following disclosures for federal income tax purposes. Below is listed the percentage, or the maximum amount allowable, of its ordinary income dividends (“QDI”) to qualify for the lower tax rates applicable to individual shareholders, and the percentage of ordinary income dividends earned by the Fund which qualifies for the dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for corporate shareholders. The actual percentage of QDI and DRD for the calendar year will be designated in year-end tax statements. The Fund designates the amount below as long-term capital gains dividends (“LTCG”) taxable at a 20% rate, or lower depending on the shareholder’s income ($ reported in thousands). LTCG amount, if subsequently different, will be designated in the next annual report.

 

    QDI    

 

    DRD    

 

    LTCG    

—%   —%   $196,075

 

29


Table of Contents

RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

MAY 19, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of all series of Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Insight Trust and Virtus Opportunities Trust, held on May 19, 2016, shareholders of Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) voted on the following proposals:

Proposal 1.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To elect six Trustees to serve on the Board of Trustees until the next meeting of shareholders at which Trustees are elected.

        

George R. Aylward

     1,145,056,198.477         24,756,597.221         0   

Thomas J. Brown

     1,144,160,222.050         25,652,573.650         0   

Donald C. Burke

     1,145,758,834.912         24,053,960.790         0   

Roger A. Gelfenbien

     1,144,297,795.833         25,514,999.865         0   

John R. Mallin

     1,144,938,076.292         24,874,719.410         0   

Hassell H. McClellan

     1,143,864,433.134         25,948,362.566         0   

Shareholders of the Trust voted to approve the above proposal.

Proposal 2.

 

    Number of Eligible Votes:  
    FOR     AGAINST     ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

     

Virtus CA Tax Exempt Bond Fund

    1,258,194.893        91,895.368        41,271.245   

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    3,015,152.206        198.283        0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

    3,672,832.400        0        0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

    620,793,093.034        25,302,093.728        9,306,937.262   

Virtus Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

    494,281.793        0        0   

Virtus Essential Resources Fund

    504,931.913        0        0   

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

    27,726,679.250        666,663.374        564,703.507   

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

    818,457.900        37,502.974        15,676.215   

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

    3,074,638.276        5,991.041        10,261.000   

Virtus International Wealth Masters Fund

    518,044.295        0        0   

Virtus Low Duration Income Fund

    10,449,114.393        779,684.940        311,840.943   

Virtus Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

    11,147,670.008        724,253.699        406,427.672   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

    618,834,424.483        21,316,032.964        14,819,955.463   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

 

30


Table of Contents

RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING (Continued)

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

MAY 19, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Proposal 6.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

     27,568,524.708         741,409.046         648,118.377   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     615,281,810.614         22,749,361.497         16,939,237.795   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

 

31


Table of Contents

RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

JULY 18, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Opportunities Fund, Virtus Herzfeld Fund, Virtus International Equity Fund, Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund, Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus Sector Trend Fund, Virtus Wealth Masters Fund, Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, held on July 18, 2016, shareholders of the Funds voted on the following proposals:

Proposal 2.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

        

Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund

     2,071,338.688         221,721.989         61,016.655   

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund

     6,475,669.315         399,601.579         221,211.057   

Virtus Herzfeld Fund

     2,285,754.412         134,756.871         89,510.278   

Virtus International Equity Fund

     347,976.498         45,434.960         4,980.529   

Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund

     234,510.520         7,334.000         90,835.796   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     14,196,247.698         691,146.713         476,502.196   

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     14,380,526.646         1,274,297.224         1,097,176.679   

Virtus Wealth Masters Fund

     2,759,756.937         182,003.481         154,822.394   

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund

     2,054,425.037         135,901.800         177,500.739   

Virtus Equity Trend Fund

     47,080,228.694         3,814,318.119         2,960,680.324   

Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund

     7,428,521.065         660,946.728         521,389.418   

Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

     7,423,225.114         802,129.342         492,588.498   

Shareholders of Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Opportunities Fund, Virtus Herzfeld Fund, Virtus International Equity Fund, Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund, Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus Sector Trend Fund and Virtus Wealth Masters Fund voted to approve the above proposal. Shareholders of Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund did not approve the above proposal.

Proposal 6.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     14,250,883.760         1,251,197.022         1,249,922.768   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     13,928,178.018         864,726.603         570,992.984   

Shareholders of Virtus Sector Trend Fund voted to approve the above proposal. Shareholders of Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund did not approve the above proposal.

 

32


Table of Contents

RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING (Continued)

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

JULY 18, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Proposal 7.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     238,431,276.605         411,212,271.419         20,011,935.573   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     9,635,396.247         5,113,977.185         614,521.174   

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     9,706,807.226         5,648,494.88         1,396,703.437   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above did not approve the above proposal.

 

33


Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED)

Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Trust as of September 30, 2016, is set forth below. The statement of additional information (SAI) includes additional information about the Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 243-1574. The address of each individual, unless otherwise noted, is 100 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT 06103-4506. There is no stated term of office for Trustees of the Trust.

Independent Trustees

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years and

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Thomas J. Brown

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2010), D’Youville Senior Care Center; and Director (since 2005), VALIC Company Funds (49 portfolios).

Burke, Donald C.

YOB: 1961

Elected: 2016

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2014) closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director, Avista Corp. (energy company) (since 2011); Trustee, Goldman Sachs Fund Complex (2010 to 2014); and Director, BlackRock Luxembourg and Cayman Funds (2006 to 2010).

Roger A. Gelfenbien

YOB: 1943

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2000), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Director (since 1999), USAllianz Variable Insurance Product Trust (42 portfolios).

John R. Mallin

YOB: 1950

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Partner/Attorney (since 2003), McCarter & English LLP (law firm), Real Property Practice Group; and Member (since 2014), Counselors of Real Estate. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Horizon, Inc. (non-profit); and Trustee (since 1999), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios).

McClellan, Hassell H.

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2015

65 Portfolios

  Retired (since 2013); and Professor (1984 to 2013), Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios); and Director (since 2010), Barnes Group, Inc. (diversified global components manufacturer and logistical services company); Trustee, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) (since 2008); and Trustee, John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2000) (collectively, 228 portfolios).

McLoughlin, Philip

YOB: 1946

Elected: 1999

74 Portfolios

  Retired. Director and Chairman (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee/Director and Chairman (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Chairman and Trustee (since 2003), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director (since 1991) and Chairman (since 2010), Lazard World Trust Fund (closed-end investment firm in Luxembourg); and Trustee (since 1989) and Chairman (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

McNamara, Geraldine M.

YOB: 1951

Elected: 2001

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2003), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); and Trustee (since 2001), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

 

34


Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

 

Independent Trustees (Continued)

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years and

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Oates, James M.

YOB: 1946

Elected: 2000

70 Portfolios

  Managing Director (since 1994), Wydown Group (consulting firm). Director (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee/Director (since 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Chairman and Trustee (since 2005), John Hancock Fund Complex (228 portfolios); Director (2002 to 2014), New Hampshire Trust Company; Chairman (since 2000), Emerson Investment Management, Inc.; Non-Executive Chairman (2000 to 2014), Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) (financial services) Chairman and Director (1999 to 2014), Connecticut River Bank; Director (since 1996), Stifel Financial; and Trustee (since 1987), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Segerson, Richard E.

YOB: 1948

Elected: 2000

65 Portfolios

  Retired; and Managing Director (1998 to 2013), Northway Management Company. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios) and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Trustee (since 1983), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Verdonck, Ferdinand L.J.

YOB: 1942

Elected: 2005

65 Portfolios

  Vice Chairman (since 2014), Affirmed Therapeutics (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015), The J.P. Morgan Continental European Investment Trust; Director (2005 to 2013), Galapagos N.V. (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015) Groupe SNEF; and Mr. Verdonck is also a director of several non-U.S. companies. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); and Trustee (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Interested Trustee

The individual listed below is an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years and
Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Aylward, George R.*

Trustee and President

YOB: 1964

Elected: 2006

70 Portfolios

  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005). Chairman and Trustee (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II; Trustee and President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC (2 portfolios); Trustee (since 2012) and President (since 2010), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee and President (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Funds (52 portfolios); and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.

 

35


Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

 

Officers of the Trust Who Are Not Trustees

 

Name, Address and

Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with
Trust and Length of

Time Served

  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Bradley, W. Patrick

YOB: 1972

  Executive Vice President (since 2016); Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016); Vice President (2011 to 2013); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006).   Executive Vice President, Fund Services (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Fund Services (2010 to 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2004), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) (since 2007), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2013 to 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

Carr, Kevin J.

YOB: 1954

  Senior Vice President (since 2013); Vice President (2005 to 2013); Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005).   Senior Vice President (since 2009), Vice President, Counsel and Secretary (2008 to 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2005) with Virtus affiliates; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2005 to 2013), Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (2013 to 2014), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Assistant Secretary (since 2012), Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (2005 to 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2013 to 2014), Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2012 to 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2011 to 2012), Virtus Closed-End Funds; and Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

 

36


Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

 

Officers of the Trust Who Are Not Trustees (Continued)

 

Name, Address and

Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with
Trust and Length of

Time Served

  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Engberg, Nancy J.

YOB: 1956

 

Vice President and Chief Compliance

Officer since 2011.

  Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Compliance Officer (2008 to 2011 and since 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2003) with Virtus affiliates; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Vice President (since 2010) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), ETFis Series Trust I; and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II.

Waltman, Francis G.

YOB: 1962

  Executive Vice President (since 2013); Senior Vice President (2008-2013).   Executive Vice President, Product Development (since 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2008 to 2013), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2011 to 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

 

37


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

101 Munson Street

Greenfield, MA 01301-9668

 

Trustees

George R. Aylward

Thomas J. Brown

Donald C. Burke

Roger A. Gelfenbein

John R. Mallin

Hassell H. McClellan

Philip R. McLoughlin, Chairman

Geraldine M. McNamara

James M. Oates

Richard E. Segerson

Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck

Officers

George R. Aylward, President

Francis G. Waltman, Executive Vice President

W. Patrick Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Kevin J. Carr, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary

Nancy J. Engberg, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Investment Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Principal Underwriter

VP Distributors, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Custodian

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

1 Chase Manhattan Plaza

New York, NY 10005-1401

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

2001 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

How to Contact Us

Mutual Fund Services

     1-800-243-1574   

Adviser Consulting Group

     1-800-243-4361   

Website

     Virtus.com   
 

 

Important Notice to Shareholders

The Securities and Exchange Commission has modified mailing regulations for semiannual and annual shareholder fund reports to allow mutual fund companies to send a single copy of these reports to shareholders who share the same mailing address. If you would like additional copies, please call Mutual Fund Services at 1-800-243-1574.


Table of Contents

 

For more information about

Virtus Mutual Funds, please call

your financial representative, or

contact us at 1-800-243-1574

or Virtus.com

 

8009    11-16

 

LOGO

P.O. Box 9874

Providence, RI 02940-8074

 


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

September 30, 2016

TRUST NAME: VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Not FDIC Insured

No Bank Guarantee

May Lose Value

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

(“Foreign Opportunities Fund”)

 

Message to Shareholders

    1   

Disclosure of Fund Expenses

    2   

Key Investment Terms

    4   

Fund Summary

    6   

Schedule of Investments

    10   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

    12   

Statement of Operations

    13   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    14   

Financial Highlights

    16   

Notes to Financial Statements

    20   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    30   

Tax Information Notice

    31   

Results of Shareholder Meeting

    32   

Fund Management Tables

    34   

 

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES AND VOTING RECORD (FORM N-PX)

The subadviser votes proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with procedures that have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“Trustees,” or the “Board”). You may obtain a description of these procedures, along with information regarding how the Fund voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, free of charge, by calling toll-free 1-800-243-1574. This information is also available through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

FORM N-Q INFORMATION

The Trust files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the Fund with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-SEC-0330.

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus which includes information concerning the sales charge, the Fund’s record and other pertinent information.


Table of Contents

MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

To My Fellow Shareholders of Virtus Mutual Funds:

 

LOGO   

I am pleased to present this annual report that reviews the performance of your fund for the 12 months ended September 30, 2016.

 

During the first half of the fiscal year, global equity markets were challenged by falling oil prices, China’s slowdown, and concerns over the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) first rate hike in nine years, which occurred in December 2015. Equities plummeted in early 2016, but stabilizing oil prices and the Fed’s softened stance on further rate hikes for 2016 sparked a rally in mid-February that lasted until June. The U.K.’s June 23 “Brexit” decision to leave the European Union triggered a selloff that was largely short-lived. Calm was restored by better-than-expected corporate earnings, an improving global economic picture, and reassurance that the world’s central banks would continue to provide monetary stimulus. By

the end of September, U.S. equity markets had recovered much of their losses, and the 12-month period was positive for many asset classes.

 

For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, U.S. small-cap stocks kept pace with U.S. large-cap stocks, as measured by the 15.47% and 15.43% returns of the Russell 2000® Index and S&P 500® Index, respectively. Within international equities, emerging markets significantly outperformed their developed peers, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) up 16.78%, while the MSCI EAFE® Index (net) returned 6.52%.

 

Demand for U.S. Treasuries remained strong, driven by foreign investors seeking safe havens and yield in light of the negative interest rate environment in many international economies. On September 30, 2016, the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yielded 1.60% compared with 2.06% one year earlier. For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, the broader U.S. fixed income market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks Treasuries and other investment-grade debt securities, gained 5.19%, while non-investment grade bonds rose 12.73%, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index.

 

The strength of the global economy will likely remain a leading concern for markets in the months ahead, and investors will watch with great interest the actions of the Fed and other major central banks. The U.S. economy’s continued growth, as evidenced by recent strong jobs, housing, and consumer spending data, should give investors reason for optimism, but future market direction will be determined largely by the ability of corporations to continue to produce robust earnings.

 

Market uncertainty is an ever-present reminder of the importance of portfolio diversification, including exposure to both traditional and alternative asset classes. While diversification cannot guarantee a profit or prevent a loss, owning a variety of asset classes may cushion your portfolio against inevitable market fluctuations. Your financial advisor can help you ensure that your portfolio is adequately diversified across asset classes and investment strategies.

 

As always, thank you for entrusting Virtus with your assets. Should you have questions about your account or require assistance, please visit our website at Virtus.com, or call our customer service team at 1-800-243-1574. We appreciate your business and remain committed to your long-term financial success.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

George R. Aylward

President, Virtus Mutual Funds

 

October 2016

 

Performance data quoted represents past results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

 

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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2016 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of costs on your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of the Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges on purchases of Class A shares and contingent deferred sales charges on Class C shares; and (2) ongoing costs, including investment advisory fees, distribution and service fees, and other expenses. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are sold without a sales charge and do not incur distribution and service fees. For further information regarding applicable sales charges, see Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period. The following Expense Table illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways.

Actual Expenses

The first section of the accompanying table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section, 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 section under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second section of the accompanying 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 your 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 your Fund and other 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 accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying 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. The calculations assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Your actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of your investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

 

2


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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) (Continued)

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2016 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Expense Table                                
       

Beginning
Account
Value

April 1, 2016

      

Ending
Account Value

September 30, 2016

       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
       Expenses
Paid
During
Period*
 

Actual

                   

Class A

     $ 1,000.00         $ 1,037.70           1.46      $   7.44   

Class C

       1,000.00           1,034.00           2.21           11.24   

Class I

       1,000.00           1,039.20           1.21           6.17   
Class R6        1,000.00           1,039.80           1.11           5.66   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

Class A

       1,000.00           1,017.70           1.46           7.36   

Class C

       1,000.00           1,013.95           2.21           11.13   

Class I

       1,000.00           1,018.95           1.21           6.11   
Class R6        1,000.00           1,019.45           1.11           5.60   

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, which is net of waived fees and reimbursed expenses, if applicable, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (183) expenses were accrued in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 366 to reflect the one-half year period.

 

  The Fund may invest in other funds, and the annualized expense ratios noted above do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. If such fees and expenses were included, the expenses would have been higher.

 

  You can find more information about the Fund’s expenses in the Financial Statements section that follows. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, refer to the prospectus.

 

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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

American Depositary Receipt (ADR)

Represents shares of foreign companies traded in U.S. dollars on U.S. exchanges that are held by a U.S. bank or trust. Foreign companies use ADRs in order to make it easier for Americans to buy their shares.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

European Central Bank (“ECB”)

The European Central Bank (ECB) is responsible for conducting monetary policy for the eurozone. The ECB was established as the core of the Eurosystem and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). The ESCB comprises the ECB and the national central banks (NCBs) of all 17 European Union Member States whether they have adopted the Euro or not.

Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)

The Central Bank of the United States, responsible for controlling the money supply, interest rates and credit with the goal of keeping the U.S. economy and currency stable. Governed by a seven-member board, the system includes 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, 25 branches and all national and state banks that are part of the system.

MSCI EAFE® Index (net)

A free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net)

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

A publicly traded company that owns, develops, and operates income producing real estate such as apartments, office buildings, hotels, shopping centers, and other commercial properties.

 

4


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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Russell 2000® Index

The Russell 2000® Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell Universe, which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

S&P 500® Index

The S&P 500® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

 

5


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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

Fund Summary

Portfolio Manager Commentary by

Vontobel Asset Management, Inc.

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: JVIAX

Class C: JVICX

Class R6: VFOPX

Class I: JVXIX

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 9.77%, Class C shares returned 8.94%, Class I shares returned 10.05%, and Class R6 shares returned 10.16%. For the fiscal year, the MSCI EAFE® Index (net), which serves as the Fund’s the broad-based and style-specific index appropriate for comparison, returned 6.52%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distribution and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown.

How did the market perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

The performance of the MSCI EAFE® Index was positive in the first quarter of the Fund’s fiscal year, negative in the second and third quarters, and positive in the fourth quarter.

Global equity markets were generally positive throughout the fiscal year, with emerging markets outperforming their developed market counterparts. After posting slightly positive results in the fourth quarter of 2015, emerging market equities rebounded early in 2016, driven by stronger commodity prices, a sharp rise in many emerging market currencies, and lower expectations for U.S. interest rate increases. The rally reversed in May as investors digested waning commodities prices and the prospect of a U.S. rate hike. Emerging markets rebounded again over the summer as lower-than-expected interest rates in the United States continued to support demand for higher-yielding assets in the emerging world. Improved capital flows helped some emerging market currencies recover lost ground relative to the U.S. dollar, and stabilizing commodity prices helped a number of markets.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the European Central Bank (“ECB”) announced stimulus and cut its deposit rate by 0.10% to -0.3%, which was on the lower end of expectations and disappointed markets. In the first quarter of 2016, the ECB announced a stimulus package that lowered its main policy rates and expanded its asset purchase program. While the package exceeded investors’ expectations, ECB President Mario Draghi hinted that future hikes were unlikely to be forthcoming, which drove European stocks down. Economic data signaled that the eurozone economy continued to grow, albeit slowly. In the second quarter of 2016, European equity markets gained momentum with a weaker euro, encouraging macroeconomic data, and hopes for a new debt deal with Greece. On June 23, the U.K.’s unexpected vote to exit the European Union (“Brexit”) shocked financial markets, prompting increased volatility with a sell-off in global risk assets, rallies in safe-haven assets, and a sharp decline in the British pound against its major trading currencies. However, most global equity market indices recovered some of their losses in the few trading days after the Brexit decision. In the third quarter of 2016, European markets were bolstered by a rapid recovery from the Brexit sell-off and a generally optimistic earnings reporting season for the second quarter of 2016.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The following discussion highlights the specific stocks that provided the largest contributions to the Fund’s performance and those that were the largest detractors. As bottom-up stock pickers, we hope that investors find this useful and gain a greater understanding of how we invest their capital.

Stocks that Helped Absolute Performance

 

¢   Philip Morris International (“PMI”) (U.S.) – Investors were drawn to the company which

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

6


Table of Contents
VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND (Continued)   

 

   

continued to perform well. PMI produces and sells cigarettes under brands such as Marlboro and L&M. In our opinion as of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, the company continues to have strong pricing power, leading brands, consistent constant currency earnings growth, opportunities for cost savings, and a large dividend. The company also has been investing behind next generation products such as its heat-not-burn device, iQos.

 

¢   British American Tobacco (“BAT”) (U.K.) – With its stability and consistency of earnings, BAT was also a top contributor to Fund performance. While based in the U.K., its earnings typically come from outside the U.K. Currency, after years of being a headwind, turned into a tailwind due to favorable currency translation as BAT reports its earnings in British pounds. The company also reported solid numbers for the first quarter of 2016, again, highlighting its strong business model even in volatile markets. BAT is one of the world’s largest tobacco companies, with market leadership in more than 50 of the 180 markets in which it operates. Nearly 60% of the company’s revenue and over 70% of volumes have been generated from emerging markets. It has great global brands including Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, and Rothmans. As of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, we believe the company should be able to deliver consistent high single-digit earnings growth in constant currencies as it has strong pricing power, and opportunities to increase margins through cost saving measures, while paying a very hefty dividend.

Stocks that Hurt Absolute Performance

 

¢   Persimmon (U.K.) – Even though Persimmon was a bottom performer for the year, as of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year we continue to like the company and believe it’s a strong business in a fundamentally strong industry in the U.K. However, due to the uncertainty around the effects of Brexit, concerns around continued volume growth, and pricing of new
   

home sales in the U.K., it is difficult to analyze the company in the near and medium term. As a result, we sold the stock.

 

¢   Lloyds Banking Group (U.K.) – Following the Brexit referendum, Lloyds’ stock sold off in the last few days of June, as the resulting uncertainty raised the chances that the U.K. will slide into a recession. As of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year we continue to like Lloyds’ competitive position in the concentrated U.K. banking market. As the largest U.K. retail bank, Lloyds enjoys substantial economies of scale, with operations comprised of simple retail and commercial businesses. However, the macroeconomic environment will be challenging, as both consumer and business confidence will suffer from the uncertainty surrounding the U.K.’s relationship with the European Union.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any performance results portrayed reflect the reinvestment of dividends and other earnings. Any companies described in this commentary may or may not currently represent a position in the subadviser’s client portfolios. Also, any sector and industry weights described in the commentary may or may not have changed since the writing of this commentary. The information and methodology described in this commentary should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell securities.

Any projections, forecasts or estimates contained in this commentary are based on a variety of estimates and assumptions. There can be no assurance that the estimates or

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms on page 4.

 

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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND (Continued)   

 

assumptions made will prove accurate, and actual results may differ materially.

In the event a company described in this commentary is a position in the subadviser’s client portfolios, the securities identified and described do not represent all of the securities purchased, sold or recommended. The reader should not assume that an investment in any securities identified was or will be profitable or that investment recommendations or investment decisions we make in the future will be profitable.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 
Asset Allocations  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

     

Consumer Staples

    41

Information Technology

    15   

Consumer Discretionary

    13   

Health Care

    12   

Financials

    12   

Industrials

    6   

Real Estate

    1   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms on page 4.

 

8


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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND (Continued)   

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
   

1

Year

   

5

Years

   

10

Years

    Since
Inception
    Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2     9.77     8.41     3.90              
Class A Shares at POP3,4     3.46        7.14        3.29                 
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4     8.94        7.61        3.12                 
Class I Shares at NAV2     10.05        8.69        4.18                 
Class R6 Shares at NAV2     10.16                      3.10     11/14/14   
MSCI EAFE® Index (net)*     6.52        7.39        1.82        -0.46 5        
S&P 500® Index*     15.43        16.37        7.24        5.56 5        

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: 1.41%; C Shares: 2.16%; I Shares: 1.16%; R6 Shares: 1.05%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (contingent deferred sales charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchases in which a finder’s fee was paid and all Class C shares are 1% within the first year and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the inception date of Class R6 shares.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.
* The MSCI EAFE® Index (net) is an appropriate Broad Based Index.
* The Fund is no longer using the S&P 500® Index.

Growth of $10,000 for periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A, Class C and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

9


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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES      VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—98.9%   
Consumer Discretionary—12.7%  

Alimentation Couche –Tard, Inc. Class B (Canada)

    672,132       $ 32,573   

Domino’s Pizza Group plc (United Kingdom)

    4,179,840         20,235   

Hermes International SA (France)

    36,011         14,654   

Naspers Ltd. Class N (South Africa)

    210,717         36,473   

Paddy Power Betfair plc (Ireland)

    180,949         20,469   

Priceline Group, Inc. (The) (United States)(2)

    20,737         30,514   

Shimano, Inc. (Japan)

    95,100         14,125   

Sodexo SA (France)

    127,605         15,195   
    

 

 

 
       184,238   
    

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—40.1%  

Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V. (Belgium)

    220,839         28,926   

British American Tobacco plc (United Kingdom)

    1,323,671         84,582   

Chocoladefabrike Lindt & Spruengli AG (Switzerland)

    4,214         24,356   

Diageo plc (United Kingdom)

    861,544         24,684   

Imperial Brands plc (United Kingdom)

    675,643         34,797   

ITC Ltd. (India)

    3,810,702         13,829   

Japan Tobacco, Inc. (Japan)

    623,200         25,511   

L’Oreal SA (France)

    118,238         22,328   

Nestle S.A. Registered Shares (Switzerland)

    736,180         58,008   

Philip Morris International, Inc. (United States)

    800,299         77,805   

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (United Kingdom)

    722,969         68,078   

SABMiller plc (United Kingdom)

    569,994         33,209   
    SHARES      VALUE  
Consumer Staples (continued)  

Unicharm Corp. (Japan)

    1,000,300       $ 25,955   

Unilever N.V. CVA (Netherlands)

    1,253,502         57,839   
    

 

 

 
       579,907   
    

 

 

 
Financials—11.9%  

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. (Japan)

    155,300         24,839   

Housing Development Finance Corp. (India)

    2,451,483         51,420   

Housing Development Finance Corp. Bank Ltd. (India)

    3,898,167         74,646   

Lloyds Banking Group plc (United Kingdom)

    10,249,583         7,247   

UBS Group AG (Switzerland)

    1,009,625         13,749   
    

 

 

 
       171,901   
    

 

 

 
Health Care—12.1%  

Coloplast A/S Class B (Denmark)

    202,293         15,688   

CSL Ltd. (Australia)

    297,073         24,429   

Essilor International SA (France)

    166,076         21,417   

Grifols SA (Spain)

    1,083,112         23,337   

Novo Nordisk A/S Class B (Denmark)

    607,718         25,252   

Ramsay Health Care Ltd. (Australia)

    260,603         15,857   

Roche Holding AG (Switzerland)

    195,978         48,616   
    

 

 

 
       174,596   
    

 

 

 
Industrials—5.6%  

Aena SA (Spain)(3)

    160,990         23,746   

Bureau Veritas SA (France)

    1,005,114         21,560   

Canadian National Railway Co. (Canada)

    304,915         19,932   

DCC plc (Ireland)

    175,535         15,983   
    

 

 

 
       81,221   
    

 

 

 
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES      VALUE  
Information Technology—15.1%  

Accenture plc Class A (United States)

    245,756       $ 30,024   

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Sponsored ADR (China)(2)

    288,850         30,557   

Alphabet, Inc. Class C (United States)(2)

    59,285         46,082   

MasterCard, Inc. Class A (United States)

    364,728         37,118   

SAP SE (Germany)

    497,224         45,199   

Tencent Holdings Ltd. (Cayman Islands)

    1,066,618         29,654   
    

 

 

 
       218,634   
    

 

 

 
Real Estate—1.4%  

Link REIT (The) (Hong Kong)

    2,656,907         19,613   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $969,686)
         1,430,110   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—98.9%   
(Identified Cost $969,686)         1,430,110   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—98.9%
(Identified Cost $969,686)
     1,430,110(1)  

Other assets and liabilities,
net—1.1%

   

     15,176   
    

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $ 1,445,286   
    

 

 

 

Abbreviations:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

FOOTNOTE LEGEND:

 

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 9 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Non-income producing.
(3) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $23,746 or 1.6% of net assets

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)†  

United Kingdom

     19

United States

     15   

Switzerland

     10   

India

     10   

France

     7   

Japan

     6   

Netherlands

     4   

Other

     29   

Total

     100

 

 

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

 

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

    Total Value at
September 30, 2016
    Level 1
Quoted Prices
     Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Equity Securities:

      

Common Stocks

  $ 1,430,110      $ 1,110,231       $ 319,879   
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

  $ 1,430,110      $ 1,110,231       $ 319,879   
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held as of September 30, 2016.

 

For information regarding the abbreviations, See Key Investment Terms starting on page 4

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

11


Table of Contents

VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(Reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

Assets   

Investment in securities at value(1)

   $ 1,430,110   

Cash

     9,810   
Receivables   

Investment securities sold

     21,831   

Fund shares sold

     5,154   

Dividends and interest receivable

     1,854   

Tax reclaims

     4,401   

Prepaid expenses

     62   

Prepaid trustee retainer

     30   

Other assets

     19   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     1,473,271   
  

 

 

 
Liabilities   
Payables   

Fund shares repurchased

     2,474   

Investment securities purchased

     23,646   

Investment advisory fees

     1,012   

Distribution and service fees

     170   

Administration fees

     145   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     408   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     14   

Professional fees

     35   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     19   

Other accrued expenses

     62   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     27,985   
  

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 1,445,286   
  

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:   

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

   $ 1,169,308   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     7,909   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     (192,189

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     460,258   
  

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 1,445,286   
  

 

 

 
Class A   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 29.62   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–5.75%)

   $ 31.43   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, $0.001 par value, unlimited authorization

     12,414,610   

Net Assets

   $ 367,684   
Class C   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 29.23   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, $0.001 par value, unlimited authorization

     3,837,182   

Net Assets

   $ 112,180   
Class I   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 29.63   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, $0.001 par value, unlimited authorization

     32,357,750   

Net Assets

   $ 958,835   
Class R6   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 29.63   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     222,301   

Net Assets

   $ 6,587   

(1) Investment in securities at cost

   $ 969,686   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

12


Table of Contents

VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

Investment Income   

Dividends

   $ 36,469   

Interest

     (1) 

Security lending, net of fees

     35   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (1,996
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     34,508   
  

 

 

 
Expenses   

Investment advisory fees

     13,969   

Service fees, Class A

     1,000   

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     1,195   

Administration fees

     2,068   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     2,529   

Registration fees

     135   

Printing fees and expenses

     391   

Custodian fees

     149   

Professional fees

     106   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     163   

Miscellaneous expenses

     140   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     21,845   

Earnings credit from custodian

     (74

Low balance account fees

     (3
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     21,768   
  

 

 

 
Net investment income (loss)      12,740   
  

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     54,341   

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

     770   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     91,254   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translation

     (27
  

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      146,338   
  

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations    $ 159,078   
  

 

 

 

 

(1)  Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


Table of Contents

VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

($ Reported in thousands)

 

     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS     
From Operations     

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 12,740      $ 19,610   

Net realized gain (loss)

     55,111        (54,757

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     91,227        (7,892
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations      159,078        (43,039
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders     

Net investment income, Class A

     (3,571     (4,099

Net investment income, Class C

     (544     (244

Net investment income, Class I

     (13,003     (14,754

Net investment income, Class R6

     (68     (22
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders      (17,186     (19,119
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
From Share Transactions     
Sale of shares     

Class A (2,270 and 3,683 shares, respectively)

     64,565        104,669   

Class C (463 and 981 shares, respectively)

     12,947        27,884   

Class I (12,573 and 13,604 shares, respectively)

     353,363        387,428   

Class R6 (134 and 170 shares, respectively)

     3,639        4,966   
Reinvestment of distributions     

Class A (117 and 133 shares, respectively)

     3,301        3,774   

Class C (17 and 8 shares, respectively)

     484        211   

Class I (432 and 488 shares, respectively)

     12,258        13,901   

Class R6 (2 and 1 shares, respectively)

     68        22   
Shares repurchased     

Class A (4,907 and 5,843 shares, respectively)

     (139,993     (164,218

Class C (1,006 and 855 shares, respectively)

     (28,344     (24,083

Class I (25,875 and 13,756 shares, respectively)

     (736,620     (390,723

Class R6 (79 and 6 shares, respectively)

     (2,122     (165
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions      (456,454     (36,334
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets      (314,562     (98,492
Net Assets     

Beginning of period

     1,759,848        1,858,340   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
End of period    $ 1,445,286      $ 1,759,848   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ 7,909      $ 11,585   

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK.


Table of Contents

VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

    Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income
(Loss)(2)
  Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from
Investment Operations
  Dividends from Net
Investment Income
  Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period 

Class A

                                                                               

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

    $ 27.21        
0.19
 
      2.47         2.66         (0.25 )       (0.25 )       2.41       $ 29.62  

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

      28.12         0.25         (0.92 )       (0.67 )       (0.24 )       (0.24 )       (0.91 )       27.21  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

      27.01         0.24         1.03         1.27         (0.16 )       (0.16 )       1.11         28.12  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

      25.42         0.23         1.63         1.86         (0.27 )       (0.27 )       1.59         27.01  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

      20.83         0.27         4.73         5.00         (0.41 )       (0.41 )       4.59         25.42  

Class C

                               

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

    $ 26.95         (0.02 )       2.42         2.40         (0.12 )       (0.12 )       2.28       $ 29.23  

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

      27.88         0.04         (0.91 )       (0.87 )       (0.06 )       (0.06 )       (0.93 )       26.95  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

      26.82         0.04         1.02         1.06                         1.06         27.88  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

      25.27         0.03         1.62         1.65         (0.10 )       (0.10 )       1.55         26.82  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

      20.57         0.10         4.70         4.80         (0.10 )       (0.10 )       4.70         25.27  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


Table of Contents

VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)

SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

Total Return(1)   Net Assets, End of Period
(000’s)
  Ratio of Expenses to
Average Net Assets(3)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
                                               
    9.77 %     $ 367,684         1.45 %(8)(9)       0.68 %       25 %
    (2.41 )       406,429         1.41         0.89         32  
    4.72         477,036         1.43         0.85         31  
    7.37         676,149         1.46         0.85         29  
    24.34         398,166         1.45         1.16         47  
                 
    8.94 %     $ 112,180         2.20 %(8)(9)       (0.06 )%       25 %
    (3.13 )       117,568         2.17         0.15         32  
    3.95         117,906         2.18         0.15         31  
    6.56         101,655         2.21         0.10         29  
    23.43         54,634         2.20         0.42         47  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


Table of Contents

VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)

SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

    Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income
(Loss)(2)
  Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from
Investment Operations
  Dividends from Net
Investment Income
  Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period 

Class I

                                                                               

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

    $ 27.23         0.26         2.46         2.72         (0.32 )       (0.32 )       2.40       $ 29.63  

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

      28.14         0.32         (0.91 )       (0.59 )       (0.32 )       (0.32 )       (0.91 )       27.23  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

      27.03         0.32         1.02         1.34         (0.23 )       (0.23 )       1.11         28.14  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

      25.43         0.28         1.66         1.94         (0.34 )       (0.34 )       1.60         27.03  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

      20.89         0.34         4.72         5.06         (0.52 )       (0.52 )       4.54         25.43  

Class R6

                               

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

    $ 27.24         0.33         2.42         2.75         (0.36 )       (0.36 )       2.39       $ 29.63  

11/14/14(4) to 9/30/15

      28.66         0.36         (1.45 )       (1.09 )       (0.33 )       (0.33 )       (1.42 )       27.24  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

18


Table of Contents

VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)

SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

Total Return(1)   Net Assets, End of Period
(000’s)
  Ratio of Expenses to
Average Net Assets(3)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
                                               
    10.05 %     $ 958,835         1.20 %(5)(8)       0.90 %       25 %
    (2.16 )       1,231,349         1.17         1.14         32  
    4.97         1,263,398         1.18         1.13         31  
    7.66         1,048,274         1.21         1.04         29  
    24.64         672,948         1.20         1.46         47  
                 
    10.16 %     $ 6,587         1.10 %(5)(8)       1.14 %       25 %
    (3.84 )(7)       4,502         1.07 (6)       1.44 (6)       32  

 

Footnote Legend

(1) Sales charges, where applicable, are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) The Fund may invest in other funds, and the annualized expense ratios do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds.
(4)  Inception date of class.
(5)  Earnings credits from custodian were not material, as reflected in the Statement of Operations, and had no impact on the financial highlights.
(6)  Annualized.
(7)  Not annualized.
(8)  Ratio includes extraordinary proxy expenses.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

19


Table of Contents

VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 1. Organization

Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company.

As of the date of this report, 31 funds of the Trust are offered for sale, of which the Foreign Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is reported in this annual report. The Fund’s investment objective is outlined in the Fund Summary Page. There is no guarantee the Fund will achieve its objective.

The Fund offers Class A shares, Class C shares, Class I shares and Class R6 shares.

Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 5.75% with some exceptions. Generally, Class A shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) may be imposed on certain redemptions made within a certain period following purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The period for which the CDSC applies for the Fund is 18 months. The CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

Class C shares are generally sold with a 1% CDSC, applicable if redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or CDSC.

Class R6 shares are only available to participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, profit sharing plans, defined benefit plans and other employer directed plans. Class R6 shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees. No compensation, administrative payments, sub-transfer agency payments or service payments are paid to brokers or other entities from fund assets or the Distributor’s or an affiliate’s resources on sales of or investments in Class R6 Shares.

Virtus Mutual Funds may impose an annual fee on accounts having balances of less than $2,500. The small account fee may be waived in certain circumstances, as disclosed in the prospectuses and/or statements of additional information. The fees collected will be used to offset certain expenses of the Fund. These fees are reflected as “Low Balance Account Fees” in the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the period, as applicable.

Each class of shares has identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except that each class bears different distribution and/or service fees under a Board-approved Rule 12b-1 and/or shareholder service plan (“12b-1 plan”) and has exclusive voting rights with respect to such plans. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are not subject to a 12b-1 plan. Income and other expenses as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses of the Fund are borne pro rata by the holders of each class of shares.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

20


Table of Contents

VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

  A. Security Valuation

Security valuation procedures for the Fund, which include nightly price variance, as well as back-testing such as bi-weekly unchanged price, monthly secondary source and transaction analysis, have been approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”, or the “Trustees”). All internally fair valued securities are approved by a valuation committee (the “Valuation Committee”) appointed by the Board. The Valuation Committee is comprised of certain members of management as identified to the Board and convenes independently from portfolio management. All internally fair valued securities are updated daily and reviewed in detail by the Valuation Committee monthly unless changes occur within the period. The Valuation Committee reviews the validity of the model inputs and any changes to the model. Quarterly fair valuations are reviewed by the Board.

The Fund utilizes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers at the end of the reporting period.

 

  •    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (security types generally include listed equities).

 

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

 

  •    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Valuation Committee’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

A description of the valuation techniques applied to the Fund’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:

Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded or, if no closing price is available, at the last bid price and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Restricted equity securities and private placements that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Certain non-U.S. securities may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, significant events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that non-U.S. markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) (at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), generally 4 p.m. Eastern time) that may impact the value of securities traded in these non-U.S. markets. In such cases the Fund fair values non-U.S. securities using an independent pricing service which considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the non-U.S. security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments such as ADRs, financial futures, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), and certain indexes, as well as prices for similar securities. Such fair valuations are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain non-U.S. common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.

 

21


Table of Contents

VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Listed derivatives that are actively traded are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Over-the-counter derivative contracts, which include forward currency contracts and equity-linked instruments, do not require material subjectivity as pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets and are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at NAV. Investments in closed-end funds are valued as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE each business day. Both are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s net assets by each major security type is disclosed at the end of the Schedule of Investments for the Fund. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

  B. Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses from the sale of securities are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date or, in the case of certain foreign securities, as soon as the Fund is notified. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts using the effective interest method.

 

  C. Income Taxes

The Fund is treated as a separate taxable entity. It is the intention of the Fund to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes or excise taxes has been made.

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable based upon current interpretations of the tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

Management of the Fund has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. As of September 30, 2016, the tax years that remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations are from the year 2013 forward (with limited exceptions).

 

  D. Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions are recorded by the Fund on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may include the treatment of non-taxable dividends, market premium and discount, non-deductible expenses, expiring capital loss carryovers, foreign currency gain or loss, gain or loss on futures contracts, partnerships, operating losses and losses deferred due to wash sales. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest.

 

  E. Expenses

Expenses incurred together by the Fund and other affiliated mutual funds are allocated in proportion to the net assets of each such fund, except where allocation of direct expense to each fund or an alternative allocation method can be more appropriately used.

 

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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

In addition to the net operating expenses that the Fund bears directly, the shareholders of the Fund indirectly bear the Fund’s pro rata expenses of any underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests.

 

  F. Foreign Currency Translation

Non-U.S. investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the foreign currency exchange rate effective at the end of the reporting period. Cost of investments is translated at the currency exchange rate effective at the trade date. The gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between the trade and settlement date of a portfolio transaction is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. Likewise, the gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between the date income is accrued and the date it is paid is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

 

  G. Securities Lending

($ reported in thousands)

The Fund may loan securities to qualified brokers through an agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman (“BBH”), as a third party lending agent. Under the terms of the agreement, when doing so the Fund is required to maintain collateral with a market value not less than 100% of the market value of loaned securities. Collateral is adjusted daily in connection with changes in the market value of securities on loan. Collateral may consist of cash and securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Cash collateral is invested in a short-term money market fund. Dividends earned on the collateral and premiums paid by the broker are recorded as income by the Fund net of fees and rebates charged by BBH for its services as securities lending agent and in connection with this securities lending program. Lending portfolio securities involves a risk of delay in the recovery of the loaned securities or in the declining value of the collateral.

At September 30, 2016, the Fund had no securities on loan.

 

  I. Earnings Credit and Interest

Through arrangements with the Fund’s custodian, the Fund either receives an earnings credit or interest on agreed upon target un-invested cash balances to reduce the Fund’s custody expenses. The credits are reflected as “Earnings credit from Custodian” and the interest is reflected under “Interest income” in the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the period, as applicable.

Note 3. Investment Advisory Fees and Related Party Transactions

($ reported in thousands except as noted)

 

  A. Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (“Virtus”), is the adviser to the Trust. The Adviser manages the Fund’s investment program and general operations of the Fund, including oversight of the Fund’s subadviser.

 

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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

As compensation for its services to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a fee based upon the following annual rates as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund:

 

First $2 Billion

 

$2+ Billion –
$4 Billion

 

$4+ Billion

0.85%   0.80%   0.75%

 

  B. Subadviser

Vontobel Asset Management, Inc. (the “Subadviser”) is the Subadviser to the Fund. The subadviser manages the investments of the Fund for which the subadviser is paid a fee by the Adviser.

 

  C. Distributor

VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. VP Distributors has advised the Fund that for the fiscal year (the “period”) ended September 30, 2016, it retained net commissions of $16 for Class A shares and deferred sales charges of $3 for Class A shares and $7 for Class C shares.

In addition, the Fund pays VP Distributors distribution and/or service fees under a 12b-1 plan, as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each respective class at the annual rates as follows: Class A shares 0.25% and Class C shares 1.00%. Class R6 shares and Class I shares are not subject to a 12b-1 plan.

Under certain circumstances, shares of certain Virtus Mutual Funds may be exchanged for shares of the same class of certain other Virtus Mutual Funds on the basis of the relative NAV per share at the time of the exchange. On exchanges with share classes that carry a CDSC, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply.

 

  D. Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the administrator and transfer agent to the Fund.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund incurred administration fees totaling $1,607 which are included in the Statement of Operations.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund incurred transfer agent fees totaling $2,421 which are included in the Statement of Operations. A portion of these fees was paid to outside entities that also provide services to the Trust.

 

  E. Affiliated Shareholders

At September 30, 2016, Virtus and its affiliates, and the retirement plans of Virtus and its affiliates, held shares of the Fund which may be redeemed at any time that aggregated the following:

 

     Shares        Aggregate
Net Asset
Value
 

Class R6 shares

     3,575           106   

 

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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

  F. Trustee Compensation

The Trust provides a deferred compensation plan for its Trustees who receive compensation from the Trust. Under the deferred compensation plan, Trustees may elect to defer all or a portion of their compensation. Amounts deferred are retained by the Trust, and then, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, in turn, may be invested in the shares of affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds selected by the participating Trustees. Investments in such instruments are included in “Other Assets” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2016.

Note 4. Purchases and Sales of Securities

($ reported in thousands)

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding U.S. Government and agency securities, and short-term securities) during the period ended September 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

     Purchases        Sales  
   $ 395,574         $ 875,287   

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government and agency securities for the Fund during the period ended September 30, 2016.

Note 5. Borrowings

($ reported in thousands)

On June 29, 2016, the Fund and other affiliated funds renewed a $50,000 secured line of credit. The Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) with a commercial bank (the “Bank”) that allows the Fund to borrow cash from the Bank to manage large unexpected redemptions and trade fails, up to a limit of one-third of the Fund’s total net assets in accordance with the Agreement. The agreement has a term of 364 days and is renewable by the Fund with the Bank’s consent. Interest is charged at the higher of the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or the Federal Funds rate plus an additional percentage rate on the amount borrowed. Commitment fees are charged on the undrawn balance. The Fund and other affiliated funds are individually, and not jointly, liable for their particular advances, if any, under the line of credit. The Bank has the ability to require repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Agreement upon certain circumstances such as an event of default.

The Fund had no outstanding borrowings at any time during the period ended September 30, 2016.

Note 6. 10% Shareholders

As of September 30, 2016, the Fund had individual shareholder account(s) and/or omnibus shareholder account(s) (comprised of a group of individual shareholders), which individually amounted to more than 10% of the total shares outstanding of the Fund as detailed below:

 

     % of
Shares
Outstanding
       Number
of
Accounts
 
     33        2*   

 

  * The shareholders are not affiliated with Virtus.

 

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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 7. Credit Risk and Asset Concentrations

In countries with limited or developing markets, investments may present greater risks than in more developed markets and the prices of such investments may be volatile. The consequences of political, social or economic changes in these markets may have disruptive effects on the market prices of these investments and the income they generate, as well as the Fund’s ability to repatriate such amounts.

The Fund may invest a high percentage of its assets in specific sectors of the market in the pursuit of its investment objective. Fluctuations in these sectors of concentration may have a greater impact on the Fund, positive or negative, than if the Fund did not concentrate its investments in such sectors.

At September 30, 2016, the Fund held securities issued by various companies in specific sectors detailed below:

 

     Sector        Percentage of Total
Investments
 
     Consumer Staples           41

Note 8. Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Trustees and officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. Each Trustee has also entered into an indemnification agreement with the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that provide a variety of indemnifications to other parties. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and that have not occurred. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

Note 9. Federal Income Tax Information

($ reported in thousands)

At September 30, 2016, federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities held by the Fund were as follows:

 

Federal
Tax Cost

 

Unrealized
Appreciation

 

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

 

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

$977,333  

$465,469

  $(12,692)   $452,777

The Fund has capital loss carryovers available to offset future realized capital gains, through the indicated expiration dates shown below:

 

    2018    

 

    Total    

Short-Term

 

Long-Term

 

Short-Term

 

Long-Term

175,299

   

175,299

 

The Fund may not realize the benefit of these losses to the extent the Fund does not realize gains on investments prior to the expiration of the capital loss carryovers.

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for tax years beginning after December 22, 2010, may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

 

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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund utilized losses of $18,882 deferred in prior years against current year capital gains.

Capital losses realized after October 31 and certain late year losses may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 the Fund deferred and recognized qualified late-year losses as follows:

 

Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Deferred

 

Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Recognized

 

Capital
Loss
Deferred

 

Capital
Loss
Recognized

$—

  $—   $9,243   $45,251

The components of distributable earnings on a tax basis (excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation) (which is disclosed above) consist of the following:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

 

Undistributed
Long-term
Capital Gains

$7,908   $—

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

 

     Year Ended  
     2016        2015  

Ordinary Income

   $ 17,186         $ 19,119   
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

   $ 17,186         $ 19,119   
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term gain distributions reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets, if any, are reported as ordinary income for federal tax purposes. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.

Note 10. Reclassifications of Capital Accounts

($ reported in thousands)

For financial reporting purposes, book basis capital accounts are adjusted to reflect the tax character of permanent book/tax differences. Permanent reclassifications can arise from differing treatment of certain income and gain transactions, nondeductible current year net operating losses, expiring capital loss carryovers and investments in passive foreign investment companies. The reclassifications have no impact on the net assets or net asset value of the Fund. As of September 30, 2016, the Fund recorded reclassifications to increase (decrease) the accounts as listed below:

 

Capital Paid
in on Shares of
Beneficial
Interest

 

Undistributed
Net Investment
Income (Loss)

 

Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)

$—(1)   $770   $(770)

 

  (1)  Amount less than $500.

 

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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 11. Regulatory Matters and Litigation

From time to time, the Trust, the Adviser and/or Subadviser and/or their affiliates may be involved in litigation and arbitration as well as examinations and investigations by various regulatory bodies, including the SEC, involving compliance with, among other things, securities laws, client investment guidelines, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers and other laws and regulations affecting their products and other activities. At this time, the Adviser believes that the outcomes of such matters are not likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to be material to these financial statements.

On February 20, 2015, a putative class action complaint (In re Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. Securities Litigation; formerly styled as Tom Cummins v. Virtus Investment Partners Inc. et al.) alleging violation of the federal securities laws was filed by an individual shareholder against Virtus and certain of its officers (the “defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On August 21, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”) amending the originally filed complaint and adding the Trust as a defendant. The Consolidated Complaint was purportedly filed on behalf of all purchasers of Virtus common stock between January 25, 2013 and May 11, 2015 (the “Class Period”). The Consolidated Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed material adverse facts relating to certain funds previously subadvised by F-Squared Investments, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“F-Squared”). The plaintiff seeks to recover unspecified damages. A motion to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint was filed on behalf of the defendants on October 21, 2015. Pursuant to an Opinion & Order (“Order”) filed on July 1, 2016, the court granted in part and denied in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss. Although the Order narrows the scope of the claims asserted, claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder survive the motion. The defendants filed an Answer to the Consolidated Complaint on August 5, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit is without merit and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Funds as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Fund.

On May 8, 2015, a putative class action complaint (Mark Youngers v. Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. et al.) alleging violations of certain provisions of the federal securities laws was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint, which was purportedly filed on behalf of purchasers of certain Virtus Funds previously subadvised by F-Squared between May 8, 2010 and December 22, 2014, inclusive (the “Class Period”), alleged claims against Virtus, certain Virtus officers and affiliates (including the Adviser, Euclid Advisors LLC (“Euclid”) and VP Distributors, LLC), the trustees and certain officers of the Trust, and certain other parties (the “defendants”). The complaint alleges that during the Class Period the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed or omitted material facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading. On October 1, 2015, the plaintiff filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint which, among other things, added a derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty on behalf of the Trust. On October 19, 2015, the United States District Court for the Central District of California entered an order transferring the action to the Southern District of New York. On January 4, 2016, Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint. Motions to dismiss were filed on behalf of Virtus, its officers and affiliates and the independent trustees on February 1, 2016. An Opinion & Order (“Order”) granting in part and denying in part the defendants’ motions to

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

dismiss was issued on July 1, 2016. The Order dismissed all claims against the Adviser, Euclid, the independent trustees and certain of the other individual defendants and narrowed the claims asserted against the remaining defendants. The remaining defendants filed an Answer to the Second Amended Complaint on August 5, 2016. The defendants filed a motion to certify an interlocutory appeal of the July 1, 2016 order to the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on August 26, 2016. Oral argument on the motion is scheduled for October 7, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit has no basis in law or fact and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Fund as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Fund.

Note 12. Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there are no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

Report of Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees of

Virtus Opportunities Trust and Shareholders of

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund:

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund (one of the funds constituting Virtus Opportunities Trust, hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) at September 30, 2016, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements 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 are free of material misstatement. An audit 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at September 30, 2016 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 22, 2016

 

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VIRTUS FOREIGN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

TAX INFORMATION NOTICE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund makes the following disclosures for federal income tax purposes. Below is listed the percentage, or the maximum amount allowable, of its ordinary income dividends (“QDI”) to qualify for the lower tax rates applicable to individual shareholders, and the percentage of ordinary income dividends earned by the Fund which qualifies for the dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for corporate shareholders. The actual percentage of QDI and DRD for the calendar year will be designated in year-end tax statements. The Fund designates the amounts below as long-term capital gains dividends (“LTCG”) taxable at a 20% rate, or lower depending on the shareholder’s income ($ reported in thousands). LTCG amounts, if subsequently different, will be designated in the next annual report.

 

    QDI    

 

    DRD    

 

    LTCG    

100%   26%   $—

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund recognized $32,638 ($ reported in thousands), of foreign source income on which the Fund paid foreign taxes of $1,996 ($ reported in thousands). This information is being furnished to you pursuant to notice requirements of Section 853(a) and 855(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

 

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Table of Contents

RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

MAY 19, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of all series of Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Insight Trust and Virtus Opportunities Trust, held on May 19, 2016, shareholders of Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) voted on the following proposals:

Proposal 1.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To elect six Trustees to serve on the Board of Trustees until the next meeting of shareholders at which Trustees are elected.

        

George R. Aylward

     1,145,056,198.477         24,756,597.221         0   

Thomas J. Brown

     1,144,160,222.050         25,652,573.650         0   

Donald C. Burke

     1,145,758,834.912         24,053,960.790         0   

Roger A. Gelfenbien

     1,144,297,795.833         25,514,999.865         0   

John R. Mallin

     1,144,938,076.292         24,874,719.410         0   

Hassell H. McClellan

     1,143,864,433.134         25,948,362.566         0   

Shareholders of the Trust voted to approve the above proposal.

Proposal 2.

 

    Number of Eligible Votes:  
    FOR     AGAINST     ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

     

Virtus CA Tax Exempt Bond Fund

    1,258,194.893        91,895.368        41,271.245   

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    3,015,152.206        198.283        0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

    3,672,832.400        0        0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

    620,793,093.034        25,302,093.728        9,306,937.262   

Virtus Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

    494,281.793        0        0   

Virtus Essential Resources Fund

    504,931.913        0        0   

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

    27,726,679.250        666,663.374        564,703.507   

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

    818,457.900        37,502.974        15,676.215   

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

    3,074,638.276        5,991.041        10,261.000   

Virtus International Wealth Masters Fund

    518,044.295        0        0   

Virtus Low Duration Income Fund

    10,449,114.393        779,684.940        311,840.943   

Virtus Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

    11,147,670.008        724,253.699        406,427.672   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

    618,834,424.483        21,316,032.964        14,819,955.463   

 

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Table of Contents

RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING (Continued)

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

MAY 19, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

Proposal 6.

 

    Number of Eligible Votes:  
    FOR     AGAINST     ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

     

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

    27,568,524.708        741,409.046        648,118.377   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

    615,281,810.614        22,749,361.497        16,939,237.795   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

 

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Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED)

Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Trust as of September 30, 2016, is set forth below. The statement of additional information (SAI) includes additional information about the Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 243-1574. The address of each individual, unless otherwise noted, is 100 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT 06103-4506. There is no stated term of office for Trustees of the Trust.

Independent Trustees

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years and

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Thomas J. Brown

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2010), D’Youville Senior Care Center; and Director (since 2005), VALIC Company Funds (49 portfolios).

Burke, Donald C.

YOB: 1961

Elected: 2016

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2014) closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director, Avista Corp. (energy company) (since 2011); Trustee, Goldman Sachs Fund Complex (2010 to 2014); and Director, BlackRock Luxembourg and Cayman Funds (2006 to 2010).

Roger A. Gelfenbien

YOB: 1943

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2000), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Director (since 1999), USAllianz Variable Insurance Product Trust (42 portfolios).

John R. Mallin

YOB: 1950

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Partner/Attorney (since 2003), McCarter & English LLP (law firm), Real Property Practice Group; and Member (since 2014), Counselors of Real Estate. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Horizon, Inc. (non-profit); and Trustee (since 1999), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios).

McClellan, Hassell H.

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2015

65 Portfolios

  Retired (since 2013); and Professor (1984 to 2013), Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios); and Director (since 2010), Barnes Group, Inc. (diversified global components manufacturer and logistical services company); Trustee, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) (since 2008); and Trustee, John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2000) (collectively, 228 portfolios).

McLoughlin, Philip

YOB: 1946

Elected: 1999

74 Portfolios

  Retired. Director and Chairman (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee/Director and Chairman (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Chairman and Trustee (since 2003), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director (since 1991) and Chairman (since 2010), Lazard World Trust Fund (closed-end investment firm in Luxembourg); and Trustee (since 1989) and Chairman (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

McNamara, Geraldine M.

YOB: 1951

Elected: 2001

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2003), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); and Trustee (since 2001), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

 

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Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

 

Independent Trustees (Continued)

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years and

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Oates, James M.

YOB: 1946

Elected: 2000

70 Portfolios

  Managing Director (since 1994), Wydown Group (consulting firm). Director (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee/Director (since 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Chairman and Trustee (since 2005), John Hancock Fund Complex (228 portfolios); Director (2002 to 2014), New Hampshire Trust Company; Chairman (since 2000), Emerson Investment Management, Inc.; Non-Executive Chairman (2000 to 2014), Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) (financial services) Chairman and Director (1999 to 2014), Connecticut River Bank; Director (since 1996), Stifel Financial; and Trustee (since 1987), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Segerson, Richard E.

YOB: 1948

Elected: 2000

65 Portfolios

  Retired; and Managing Director (1998 to 2013), Northway Management Company. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios) and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Trustee (since 1983), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Verdonck, Ferdinand L.J.

YOB: 1942

Elected: 2005

65 Portfolios

  Vice Chairman (since 2014), Affirmed Therapeutics (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015), The J.P. Morgan Continental European Investment Trust; Director (2005 to 2013), Galapagos N.V. (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015) Groupe SNEF; and Mr. Verdonck is also a director of several non-U.S. companies. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); and Trustee (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Interested Trustee

The individual listed below is an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years and
Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Aylward, George R.*

Trustee and President

YOB: 1964

Elected: 2006

70 Portfolios

  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005). Chairman and Trustee (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II; Trustee and President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC (2 portfolios); Trustee (since 2012) and President (since 2010), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee and President (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Funds (52 portfolios); and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.

 

35


Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

 

Officers of the Trust Who Are Not Trustees

 

Name, Address and

Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with
Trust and Length of

Time Served

  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Bradley, W. Patrick

YOB: 1972

  Executive Vice President (since 2016); Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016); Vice President (2011 to 2013); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006).   Executive Vice President, Fund Services (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Fund Services (2010 to 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2004), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) (since 2007), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2013 to 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

Carr, Kevin J.

YOB: 1954

  Senior Vice President (since 2013); Vice President (2005 to 2013); Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005).   Senior Vice President (since 2009), Vice President, Counsel and Secretary (2008 to 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2005) with Virtus affiliates; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2005 to 2013), Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (2013 to 2014), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Assistant Secretary (since 2012), Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (2005 to 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2013 to 2014), Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2012 to 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2011 to 2012), Virtus Closed-End Funds; and Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

 

36


Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

 

Officers of the Trust Who Are Not Trustees (Continued)

 

Name, Address and

Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with
Trust and Length of

Time Served

  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Engberg, Nancy J.

YOB: 1956

  Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2011.   Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Compliance Officer (2008 to 2011 and since 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2003) with Virtus affiliates; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Vice President (since 2010) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), ETFis Series Trust I; and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II.

Waltman, Francis G.

YOB: 1962

  Executive Vice President (since 2013); Senior Vice President (2008-2013).   Executive Vice President, Product Development (since 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2008 to 2013), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2011 to 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

 

37


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

101 Munson Street

Greenfield, MA 01301-9668

 

Trustees

George R. Aylward

Thomas J. Brown

Donald C. Burke

Roger A. Gelfenbein

John R. Mallin

Hassell H. McClellan

Philip R. McLoughlin, Chairman

Geraldine M. McNamara

James M. Oates

Richard E. Segerson

Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck

Officers

George R. Aylward, President

Francis G. Waltman, Executive Vice President

W. Patrick Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Kevin J. Carr, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary

Nancy J. Engberg, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Investment Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Principal Underwriter

VP Distributors, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Custodian

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

1 Chase Manhattan Plaza

New York, NY 10005-1401

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

2001 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

How to Contact Us

Mutual Fund Services

     1-800-243-1574   

Adviser Consulting Group

     1-800-243-4361   

Website

     Virtus.com   
 

 

Important Notice to Shareholders

The Securities and Exchange Commission has modified mailing regulations for semiannual and annual shareholder fund reports to allow mutual fund companies to send a single copy of these reports to shareholders who share the same mailing address. If you would like additional copies, please call Mutual Fund Services at 1-800-243-1574.


Table of Contents

 

For more information about

Virtus Mutual Funds, please call

your financial representative, or

contact us at 1-800-243-1574

or Virtus.com

 

8011    11-16

 

LOGO

P.O. Box 9874

Providence, RI 02940-8074

 


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund*

Virtus Equity Trend Fund*

Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund*

Virtus Herzfeld Fund

Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund*

Virtus Sector Trend Fund*

 

September 30, 2016

TRUST NAME: VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

* Prospectus supplements applicable to these funds appear at the back of this annual report.

LOGO

Not FDIC Insured

No Bank Guarantee

May Lose Value


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

Message to Shareholders

  

     1   

Disclosure of Fund Expenses

  

     2   

Key Investment Terms

  

     4   
Fund   Fund
Summary
     Schedule
of
Investments
 

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund (“Alternatives Diversifier Fund”)

    7         25   

Virtus Equity Trend Fund (“Equity Trend Fund”)

    10         26   

Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund (“Global Equity Trend Fund”)

    13         28   

Virtus Herzfeld Fund (“Herzfeld Fund”)

    16         31   

Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund (“Multi-Asset Trend Fund”)

    19         32   

Virtus Sector Trend Fund (“Sector Trend Fund”)

    22         35   

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

       39   

Statements of Operations

       41   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

       43   

Financial Highlights

       46   

Notes to Financial Statements

       50   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

       61   

Tax Information Notice

       62   

Results of Shareholder Meetings

       63   

Fund Management Tables

       65   

 

Proxy Voting Procedures and Voting Record (Form N-PX)

The subadvisers vote proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with procedures that have been approved by the Board of Trustees (“Trustees” or the “Board”) of the Trust. You may obtain a description of these procedures, along with information regarding how the Funds voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, free of charge, by calling toll-free 1-800-243-1574. This information is also available through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

Form N-Q Information

The Trust files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for each Fund with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-SEC-0330.

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Funds presented in this book unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus which includes information concerning the sales charge, each Fund’s record and other pertinent information.


Table of Contents

MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS

To My Fellow Shareholders of Virtus Mutual Funds:

 

LOGO   

I am pleased to present this annual report that reviews the performance of your fund for the 12 months ended September 30, 2016.

 

During the first half of the fiscal year, global equity markets were challenged by falling oil prices, China’s slowdown, and concerns over the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) first rate hike in nine years, which occurred in December 2015. Equities plummeted in early 2016, but stabilizing oil prices and the Fed’s softened stance on further rate hikes for 2016 sparked a rally in mid-February that lasted until June. The U.K.’s June 23 “Brexit” decision to leave the European Union triggered a selloff that was largely

short-lived. Calm was restored by better-than-expected corporate earnings, an improving global economic picture, and reassurance that the world’s central banks would continue to provide monetary stimulus. By the end of September, U.S. equity markets had recovered much of their losses, and the 12-month period was positive for many asset classes.

 

For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, U.S. small-cap stocks kept pace with U.S. large-cap stocks, as measured by the 15.47% and 15.43% returns of the Russell 2000® Index and S&P 500® Index, respectively. Within international equities, emerging markets significantly outperformed their developed peers, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) up 16.78%, while the MSCI EAFE® Index (net) returned 6.52%.

 

Demand for U.S. Treasuries remained strong, driven by foreign investors seeking safe havens and yield in light of the negative interest rate environment in many international economies. On September 30, 2016, the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yielded 1.60% compared with 2.06% one year earlier. For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, the broader U.S. fixed income market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks Treasuries and other investment-grade debt securities, gained 5.19%, while non-investment grade bonds rose 12.73%, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index.

 

The strength of the global economy will likely remain a leading concern for markets in the months ahead, and investors will watch with great interest the actions of the Fed and other major central banks. The U.S. economy’s continued growth, as evidenced by recent strong jobs, housing, and consumer spending data, should give investors reason for optimism, but future market direction will be determined largely by the ability of corporations to continue to produce robust earnings.

 

Market uncertainty is an ever-present reminder of the importance of portfolio diversification, including exposure to both traditional and alternative asset classes. While diversification cannot guarantee a profit or prevent a loss, owning a variety of asset classes may cushion your portfolio against inevitable market fluctuations. Your financial advisor can help you ensure that your portfolio is adequately diversified across asset classes and investment strategies.

 

As always, thank you for entrusting Virtus with your assets. Should you have questions about your account or require assistance, please visit our website at Virtus.com, or call our customer service team at 1-800-243-1574. We appreciate your business and remain committed to your long-term financial success.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

 

George R. Aylward

President, Virtus Mutual Funds

 

October 2016

Performance data quoted represents past results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

 

1


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

For the six-month period of April 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of costs on your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a Virtus Opportunities Trust Fund (each, a “Fund”) you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges on purchases of Class A shares and contingent deferred sales charges on Class C shares; and (2) ongoing costs, including investment advisory fees, distribution and service fees, and other expenses. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are sold without sales charges and do not incur distribution and service fees. For further information regarding applicable sales charges, see Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period. The following Expense Table illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways.

Actual Expenses

The first section of the accompanying table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section, 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 section under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second section of the accompanying table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not your 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 your Fund and other 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 accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying 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. The calculations assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Your actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of your investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

Expense Table         
     Beginning
Account Value
April 1, 2016
    Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2016
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Expenses Paid
During
Period*
 

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

  

       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,074.00        0.75   $ 3.89   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,069.80        1.51        7.81   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,075.00        0.51        2.65   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,021.25        0.75        3.79   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,017.45        1.51        7.62   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,022.45        0.51        2.58   

Equity Trend Fund

  

       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,037.30        1.46   $ 7.44   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,033.90        2.06        10.47   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,038.80        1.28        6.52   

Class R6

    1,000.00        1,039.60        1.07        5.46   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,017.70        1.46        7.36   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,014.70        2.06        10.38   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,018.60        1.28        6.46   

Class R6

    1,000.00        1,019.65        1.07        5.40   

Global Equity Trend Fund

  

       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,055.20        1.79   $ 9.20   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,051.00        2.54        13.02   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,056.00        1.54        7.92   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,016.05        1.79        9.02   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,012.30        2.54        12.78   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,017.30        1.54        7.77   

Herzfeld Fund

  

       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,118.60        1.63   $ 8.63   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,114.70        2.38        12.58   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,119.60        1.37        7.26   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,016.85        1.63        8.22   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,013.10        2.38        11.98   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,018.15        1.37        6.91   

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

  

       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,058.50        1.61   $ 8.29   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,054.30        2.36        12.12   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,059.40        1.36        7.00   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,016.95        1.61        8.12   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,013.20        2.36        11.88   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,018.20        1.36        6.86   
 

 

2


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) (Continued)

For the six-month period of April 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016

 

     Beginning
Account Value
April 1, 2016
    Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2016
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Expenses Paid
During
Period*
 

Sector Trend Fund

  

       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,026.40        1.04   $ 5.27   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,022.20        1.79        9.05   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,027.30        0.79        4.00   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,019.80        1.04        5.25   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,016.05        1.79        9.02   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,021.05        0.79        3.99   
* Expenses are equal to the relevant Fund’s annualized expense ratio, which is net of waived fees and reimbursed expenses, if applicable, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (183) expenses were accrued in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 366 to reflect the one-half year period.

For Funds which may invest in other funds, the annualized expense ratios noted above do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. If such fees and expenses had been included, the expenses would have been higher.

You can find more information about the Funds’ expenses in the Financial Statements section that follows. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, refer to the prospectus.

 

 

3


Table of Contents

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS

(Unaudited)

 

Alternatives Diversifier Composite Index

The Alternatives Diversifier Composite consists of Diversified Trends Index (15%)*, FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index-net (20%)**, MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index (15%)*** , S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index (10%), Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index (15%), Deutsche Bank G10 Currency Harvest Index (15%)**** and Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index (10%). The indexes are unmanaged, their returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and they are not available for direct investment. *Prior to 3/1/12 was the HFRX Equity Market Neutral Index (20%). **Prior to 6/1/15 was the UBS Global Investors (Real Estate) Index (20%). ***Prior to 9/1/08 was a mix of the MSCI USA Utilities Index (65%), MSCI World Telecom Services Index (20%) and MSCI World ex US Utilities Index (15%). ****Prior to 3/1/12 was Deutsche Bank G10 Currency Harvest Index (10%).

American Depositary Receipt (ADR)

Represents shares of foreign companies traded in U.S. dollars on U.S. exchanges that are held by a U.S. bank or a trust. Foreign companies use ADRs in order to make it easier for Americans to buy their shares.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Brexit

A combination of the words “Britain” and “exit” which refers to Britain’s withdrawal form the European Union.

Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index (“VIX®”) shows the market’s expectation of 30-day volatility. It is constructed using the implied volatilities of a wide range of S&P 500® Index options. This volatility is meant to be forward looking and is calculated from both calls and puts. The VIX® is a widely used measure of market risk and is often referred to as the “investor fear gauge.” The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index

The Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index is designed to mirror the investable universe of the U.S. dollar denominated leveraged loan market, calculated on a total return basis.

Deutsche Bank G10 Currency Harvest Index

The Deutsche Bank G10 Currency Harvest Index consists of long futures contracts on the three G10 currencies associated with the highest interest rates and short futures contracts on the three G10 currencies associated with the lowest interest rates.

Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index

The Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index (DBLCI) tracks the performance of six commodity futures: sweet light crude oil (WTI), heating oil, aluminum, gold, wheat, and corn.

Diversified Trends Index

The Diversified Trends Index is the S&P Diversified Trends Indicator, a diversified composite of global commodity and financial futures that are highly liquid. The components are formed into sectors that are long or short the underlying futures using a rules-based methodology. The indicator measures the extent and duration of the trends of these sectors in aggregate. The index is calculated on a total return basis.

 

4


Table of Contents

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Dow Jones Global Moderate Portfolio Index

The Dow Jones Global Moderate Portfolio Index is a benchmark that takes 60% of the risk of the global securities market. It is a total returns index that is a time-varying weighted average of stocks, bonds, and cash. The index is the efficient allocation of stocks, bonds, and cash in a portfolio with 60% of the risk of the Dow Jones Aggressive Portfolio Index. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

European Union (“EU”)

The European Union (“EU”) is a unique economic and political union of 28 European countries. The EU was created in the aftermath of the Second World War that has become a single market for goods and services and it created the single currency the euro.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF)

An open-end fund that is traded on a stock exchange. Most ETFs have a portfolio of stocks or bonds that track a specific market index.

Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)

The Central Bank of the United States, responsible for controlling the money supply, interest rates and credit with the goal of keeping the U.S. economy and currency stable. Governed by a seven-member board, the system includes 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, 25 branches and all national and state banks that are part of the system.

FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index (net)

The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index (net) is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index measuring global real estate securities, which meet minimum size, liquidity and investment focus criteria. The index is a sub-set of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Investment Focus Index Series, which separates the existing constituents into both Rental and Non-Rental Indices. A company is classified as Rental if the rental revenue from properties is greater than or equal to 70% of total revenue. The classification is based on revenue sources as disclosed in the latest published financial statement. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS)

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) is a standardized classification system for equities that was developed by, and is the exclusive property and a service mark of, MSCI Inc. (MSCI) and Standard & Poor’s, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (S&P). As of September 1, 2016, the GICS structure comprises 11 sectors, 24 industry groups, 68 industries, and 157 subindustries.

Herzfeld Composite Index (60% MSCI AC World Index (net)/40% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

The composite index consists of 60% MSCI AC World Index (net) and 40% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The MSCI AC World Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures equity performance of developed and emerging markets. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. Each index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

HFRX Equity Market Neutral Index

The HFRX Equity Market Neutral Index is a common benchmark for long/short market neutral hedge funds, which employ sophisticated quantitative techniques of analyzing price data to ascertain information about future price movement and relationships between select securities for purchase and sale.

iShares®

Represents shares of an open-end exchange-traded fund.

Master Limited Partnership (MLP)

A type of limited partnership that is publicly traded. The partnership must derive most of its cash flows from real estate, natural resources and commodities.

 

5


Table of Contents

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

MSCI All-Country World ex USA Utilities Index

The MSCI All-Country World (ACWI) ex USA Utilities Index includes large and mid cap securities across 22 of 23 developed markets countries (excluding the US) and 23 emerging markets countries. All securities in the index are classified in the utilities sector as per the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®).

MSCI All Country World Index (Net)

The MSCI All Country World Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures equity performance of developed and emerging markets. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

MSCI EAFE® Index (net)

The MSCI EAFE® (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net)

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

MSCI USA Utilities Index

The MSCI USA Utilities Index is designed to capture the large and mid cap segments of the U.S. equity universe. All securities in the index are classified in the utilities sector as per the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®).

MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index

The MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index is a market capitalization weighted index that measures performance of global infrastructure companies by capturing broad and diversified opportunities across telecommunication, utilities, energy, transportation, and social infrastructure sectors. The telecommunication, infrastructure and utilities sectors each represent one-third of the index weight, while energy, transportation and social infrastructure sectors have a combined weight of the remaining one-third of the index. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested.

MSCI World Telecom Services Index

The MSCI World Telecom Services Index is designed to capture the large and midcap segments across 23 developed markets countries. All securities in the index are classified in the Telecommunication Services sector as per the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®).

Russell 2000® Index

The Russell 2000® Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell Universe, which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

S&P 500® Index

The S&P 500® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index

The S&P North American Natural Resources Index provides investors with a benchmark that represents U.S. traded securities that are classified under the GICS® energy and materials sector excluding the chemicals industry; and steel sub-industry.

UBS Global Investors (Real Estate) Index

The UBS Global Investors (Real Estate) Index measures the global investable universe of publicly traded real estate securities that derive 70% or more of total revenue from rental income.

 

6


Table of Contents

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: PDPAX

Class C: PDPCX Class I: VADIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Virtus Investment Advisers

 

¢   The Fund is non-diversified and has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 9.74%, Class C shares returned 8.86%, and Class I shares returned 9.94%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based equity index, returned 15.43%, and the Alternatives Diversifier Composite Index, the Fund’s style-specific index appropriate for comparison, returned 8.70%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

Effective September 7, 2016, the Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund’s former subadviser and portfolio managers were removed from the management of the Fund. The commentary below, which discusses performance achieved largely by the former subadviser and portfolio managers, was provided by the Fund’s adviser.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Global markets continued to experience increased volatility over the 12-month period, with correlations increasing between domestic and international equities before bottoming in February. At their lows, the S&P 500® Index was down 12.47% and the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) was down 14.16%, as a result of China growth concerns, global recession, and central bank disappointments. However, the S&P 500® Index and MSCI ACWI both staged strong recoveries, and ended the period strongly positive, up 15.43% and 11.96%, respectively. Also impacting markets was the much anticipated U.K. “Brexit” vote on June 23, which resulted in the unexpected outcome to withdraw from the European Union. Following the Brexit decision, markets grinded higher through September, as central banks remained accommodative.

Bond markets remained subdued for the period, with government yields in most developed markets

trending lower, resulting in higher bond prices. However, concerns over rising interest rates remained an overhang, with consensus anticipating a rate hike at the Fed’s end-of-year meeting.

Commodity markets were heavily under pressure during the period. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil fell to a low of $26.21 a barrel on February 11 before recovering to almost $50.00 by fiscal year-end after oversupply and inventories found better equilibrium. Generally, the slow pace of global growth, particularly in China, caused industrial metals and other natural resources to be under pressure before slowly recovering later in the period.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund’s sector selection within commodities and slight underweight was a positive performance driver, as it was a volatile asset class, ultimately ending in slightly negative territory at the end of the period. The Fund’s exposure to global infrastructure securities was also beneficial, with the snap-back in energy-related companies, as well as strong performance from defensive sectors such as utilities, contributing strongly versus the benchmark.

Detractors from performance were primarily driven by the Fund’s underweight to real estate, both domestic and international, with both sector and security selection bringing down performance relative to the benchmark. Global currencies were also challenging to navigate; while absolute returns were positive, they slightly lagged the benchmark. The U.S. dollar hit a high point at the end of November 2015, before retreating, and by fiscal year-end, negatively impacted the portfolio.

Effective September 7, 2016, the Fund’s management changed, and the portfolio began to transition to the new management. The transition continued through the end of the period.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment

advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Derivatives: Investments in derivatives such as futures, options, forwards, and swaps may increase volatility or cause a loss greater than the principal investment.

Allocation: The fund’s exposure to different asset classes may not be optimal for market conditions at a given time. Asset allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets.

Foreign Investing: Investing internationally involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Real Estate: The fund may be negatively affected by factors specific to the real estate market, including interest rates, leverage, property, and management.

Fund of funds: Because the fund can invest in other funds, it indirectly bears its proportionate share of the operating expenses and management fees of the underlying fund(s).

Affiliated Funds: The fund’s adviser can select affiliated and/or unaffiliated funds, which may create a conflict of interest.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

7


Table of Contents
Alternatives Diversifier Fund (Continued)   

 

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Affiliated Equity Mutual Funds

    50

Exchange-Traded Funds

    49   

Money Market Mutual Fund

    1   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

8


Table of Contents

Alternatives Diversifier Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16            
       1 year        5 years        10 years        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        9.74        3.65        1.74                    
Class A Shares at POP3,4        3.43           2.43           1.14                       
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        8.86           2.86           0.97                       
Class I Shares at NAV        9.94           3.90                     4.04        10/1/09   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           16.37           7.24           13.59 5           
Alternatives Diversifier Composite Index        8.70           3.63           2.30           4.00 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: 1.62%; C Shares: 2.37%; I Shares: 1.37%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the inception date of Class I.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Expense ratios include fees and expenses associated with underlying funds.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A and Class C shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

9


Table of Contents

Equity Trend Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VAPAX

Class C: VAPCX

Class I: VAPIX

Class R6: VRPAX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Virtus Investment Advisers

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 0.74%, Class C shares returned 0.08%, Class I shares returned 0.98%, and Class R6 shares returned 1.15%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, both the broad-based equity index and the style specific index, returned 15.43%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Over the past 12 months, the S&P 500® Index climbed by over 15%. While this performance is slightly above historical averages, the encouraging headline number masks the significant turbulence that was experienced along the way.

The beginning of October 2015 marked the point of rebound from a steep, but brief, 10% market correction during August and September. The strong relief rally which persisted through October faded as year-end 2015 approached, and November and December were marked by sideways performance and increasing risk (as measured by the CBOE Volatility Index (“VIX® Index”). Expectations of central bank rate increases, multiple tensions in the geopolitical arena, and a minor meltdown in the junk bond market all contributed to a general sense of discomfort.

This discomfort was validated in January 2016 with another steep market correction. The losses extended into February with fear evolving into outright panic. Existing concerns related to slowing growth in China were exacerbated by a steep decline in oil prices, highlighting the stagnant levels of global economic growth. By the third week of February, though, the wave of selling had passed, and the “greed” trade had taken over from the “fear” trade. A strong, extended rally was in place that would last until late spring/early

summer. At that point, the U.K.’s pending “Brexit” vote became the “fear of the moment,” taking some of the steam out of the stock market.

Global market reaction to the eventual Brexit decision in late June was puzzling. In the first two trading sessions after the vote, the U.S. equity market dropped in excess of 5%, as measured by the S&P 500® Index. European markets fared even worse. Within a week, however, the prior market highs were regained. It appeared that the rally was back in place but, in fact, it evolved into a frustrating, sideways market throughout the rest of the summer. A brief risk flare in the middle of September – loosely linked to Federal Reserve rate hike fears – was dispatched relatively quickly and the market level at fiscal year-end was near all-time highs.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund trailed the S&P 500® Index by over 14% for the year. The underperformance was primarily due to two whipsaw events that occurred in rapid succession. A “whipsaw” event is when a stock (or index) price quickly reverses direction. The Fund can be impacted by these events because price moves drive both the portfolio allocations and the risk management mechanisms. For example, the dramatic risk flare that occurred in August and September 2015 (at the end of the Fund’s 2015 fiscal year) caused the Fund to adopt a defensive posture and introduce a significant allocation to cash equivalents. This happened as the S&P 500® Index level fell below its 200-day moving average, signaling that all weak sub-industries in the portfolio (as measured by their own 200-day moving average analyses) should be removed from the portfolio and replaced with cash equivalents. As the market’s strong recovery began in early October 2015, over half the Fund’s assets were invested in cash equivalents, and full equity exposure did not resume until the beginning of November, at which point the Fund significantly trailed the Index. Unfortunately, by that time, the market had begun to weaken once again.

A similar whipsaw event occurred in the first quarter of 2016. Between December 31, 2015 and March 24, 2016, the performance of the U.S. stock market was essentially flat. In the early weeks of the quarter, though, the market had declined by more than 10%. The severity of the decline, and the steepness of the

subsequent recovery, led to another situation where the Fund adopted a large allocation to cash equivalents, just in time for the recovery to begin. In this case, the Fund locked in additional underperformance as it had less than 30% exposure to equities during the market’s 10% rebound. As with the prior whipsaw event, this defensive positioning was guided by a breach of the key 200-day moving average price level by the S&P 500® Index. At the time of the whipsaw, the VIX® Index was elevated, reaching levels in excess of 28, indicating significant stress in the stock market. By the time the portfolio was fully re-invested in equities, the VIX® had quickly fallen to below 14.

The Fund has built-in mechanisms to mitigate the negative impact of this sort of event, but whipsaws cannot be avoided entirely. The most damaging feature of the past year, though, was the fact that the Fund experienced two whipsaw events in a relatively short period of time. While single, isolated whipsaw events can be observed with some frequency, it is exceedingly rare for two severe events to occur so close together. The damage caused by these two whipsaw events can be seen if we separate the performance on those days when the Fund was fully invested from those days when the Fund had an allocation to cash equivalents. Nearly 12% of the 14.4% of underperformance experienced during the year occurred during periods when the Fund had a defensive cash equivalent position in place.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

10


Table of Contents
Equity Trend Fund (Continued)   

 

Allocation: The fund’s exposure to different asset classes may not be optimal for market conditions at a given time. Asset allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

    

Consumer Discretionary

    24

Information Technology

    14   

Consumer Staples

    13   

Industrials

    12   

Materials

    10   

Health Care

    9   

Real Estate

    8   

Other

    10   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

11


Table of Contents

Equity Trend Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        5 years        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        0.74        6.44        7.90        7/1/10   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        -5.05           5.18           6.89           7/1/10   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        0.08           5.66           7.11           7/1/10   
Class I Shares at NAV        0.98           6.69           8.16           7/1/10   
Class R6 Shares at NAV        1.15                     -5.64           11/12/14   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           16.37           5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 1.55%, Net 1.44%; C Shares: Gross 2.30%, Net 2.04%; I Shares: Gross 1.30%, Net 1.26%; R6 Shares: Gross 1.23%, Net 1.05%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1 Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5 The index returned 15.10% for Classes A, C, and I since the inception date of those respective classes and 5.56% since the inception date of Class R6.
6 The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net expense: Expenses reduced by the contractual fee waiver, in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver. Expense ratios include fees and expenses associated with underlying funds.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on July 1, 2010 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

12


Table of Contents

Global Equity Trend Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VGPAX

Class C: VGPCX

Class I: VGPIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Virtus Investment Advisers

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of capital appreciation. In pursuing this objective, the Fund maintains an emphasis on preservation of capital.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 1.84%, Class C shares returned 1.04%, and Class I shares returned 2.15%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based equity index, returned 15.43%. MSCI All Country World Index (net), the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison returned 11.96%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Over the past 12 months, the S&P 500® Index climbed by over 15%. The MSCI All-Country World Index (net) was up 11.96% during the same period. In both cases, the encouraging headline numbers masked significant turbulence that was experienced along the way.

The beginning of October 2015 marked the point of rebound from a steep, but brief, global market correction during August and September. The strong relief rally which persisted through October faded as year-end 2015 approached, and November and December were marked by sideways performance in the U.S. and further deterioration globally. Expectations of central bank rate increases, multiple tensions in the geopolitical arena, and a minor meltdown in the junk bond market all contributed to a general sense of discomfort.

This discomfort was validated in January 2016 with another steep market correction. The losses extended into February with a second dip, as fear evolved into outright panic. Existing concerns related to slowing growth in China were exacerbated by a steep decline in oil prices, highlighting the stagnant levels of global economic growth. By the third week of February,

though, the wave of selling had passed, and the “greed” trade had taken over from the “fear” trade. A strong, extended rally was in place that would last until late spring/early summer. At that point, the U.K.’s pending “Brexit” vote became the “fear of the moment,” taking some of the steam out of global markets, especially outside the U.S.

Global market reaction to the eventual Brexit decision in late June was puzzling. In the first two trading sessions after the vote, the U.S. equity market dropped in excess of 5%, as measured by the S&P 500® Index. European markets fared far worse in the initial panic. In due course, though, the prior market highs were regained. It appeared that the rally was back in place, but it evolved into a frustrating, sideways, choppy market throughout the rest of the summer, with the U.S. underperforming global markets (but still up for the period). A brief risk flare in the middle of September, which was loosely linked to interest rate fears, was dispatched relatively quickly and the market level at the end of September was near all-time highs.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund’s underperformance of its benchmark was primarily due to two whipsaw events that occurred in rapid succession.

A “whipsaw” event is when a stock or index price quickly reverses direction. The Fund can be impacted by these events because price moves drive both the portfolio allocations and the risk management mechanisms. For example, the dramatic risk flare that occurred in August and September 2015 (at the end of the Fund’s 2015 fiscal year) caused the Fund to adopt a defensive posture in the U.S. portion of the portfolio and introduce a significant allocation to cash equivalents. This happened as the S&P 500® Index level fell below its 200-day moving average, signaling that all weak U.S. sub-industries in the portfolio (as measured by their own 200-day moving average analyses) should be removed from the portfolio and replaced with cash equivalents. During this period, given the relative weakness in non-U.S. markets, the global portion of the portfolio maintained an additional cash buffer, leading to cash equivalent levels approaching 70% of the total portfolio. As the market’s strong recovery began in early October 2015, this significant defensive positioning weighed on the

Fund’s ability to participate. Unfortunately, by the time the Fund began to reduce its position in cash equivalents and take on additional risk, the markets had begun to weaken once again.

A similar whipsaw event occurred in the first quarter of 2016. Between December 31, 2015 and March 24, 2016, the performance of the U.S. stock market was essentially flat, and global markets were down slightly. In the early weeks of the quarter, though, the U.S. equity market had declined by more than 10%, and global equity markets were down about 12%. The severity of these declines, and the steepness of the subsequent recovery, led to another situation where the Fund adopted a large allocation to cash equivalents, just in time for the recovery to begin.

The Fund has built-in mechanisms to mitigate the negative impact of this sort of event, but whipsaws cannot be avoided entirely. The most damaging feature of the past year, though, was the fact that the Fund experienced two whipsaw events in a relatively short period of time. While single, isolated whipsaw events can be observed with some frequency, it is exceedingly rare for two severe events to occur so close together.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Exchange Traded Funds: The value of an ETF may be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track. The costs of owning the ETF may exceed the cost of investing directly in the underlying securities.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

13


Table of Contents
Global Equity Trend Fund (Continued)   

 

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Allocation: The fund’s exposure to different asset classes may not be optimal for market conditions at a given time. Asset allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

Fund of funds: Because the fund can invest in other funds, it indirectly bears its proportionate share of the operating expenses and management fees of the underlying fund(s).

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

    

Common Stocks

      58

Consumer Discretionary

    14    

Information Technology

    8       

Consumer Staples

    7       

Industrials

    6       

Materials

    6       

Health Care

    6       

All other Common Stocks

    11       

Exchange-Traded Funds

      42   
     

 

 

 

Total

      100
           

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

14


Table of Contents

Global Equity Trend Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16            
       1 year        5 years        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        1.84        3.95        2.48        3/15/11   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        -4.01           2.73           1.39           3/15/11   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        1.04           3.21           1.72           3/15/11   
Class I Shares at NAV        2.15           4.22           2.72           3/15/11   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           16.37           12.30 5           
MSCI AC World Index (Net)        11.96           10.63           6.87 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: 1.78%; C Shares: 2.53%; I Shares: 1.53%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Expense ratios include fees and expenses associated with underlying funds.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 15, 2011 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

15


Table of Contents

Herzfeld Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VHFAX

Class C: VHFCX

Class I: VHFIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc.

 

¢   The Fund is non-diversified and has investment objectives of capital appreciation and current income.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 16.04%, Class C shares returned 15.22%, and Class I shares returned 16.40%. For the same period, the Fund’s style-specific benchmark, the Herzfeld Composite Index, which consists of 60% MSCI All Country World Index (net) and 40% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index, returned 9.43%. Performance for the composite’s underlying indices over the period was 11.96% for the MSCI AC World Index (net) and 5.19% for the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Over the Fund’s fiscal year, global equity markets rose 11.96%, as measured by the MSCI All Country World Index (net), while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index gained 5.19%, providing solid returns for both asset classes. The rally in equities was due to the rebound in commodity-sensitive stocks, with energy, industrials, and materials leading the way, while technology continued to be an area investors looked to for growth. Within fixed income, credit and high yield rallied as fears of defaults in commodity-sensitive companies abated, leading to strong gains in those sectors.

The trend of widening closed-end fund discounts that started in September 2012 ended in January 2016, which gave a boost to the product class through the end of September 2016. The closed-end fund (“CEF”) industry started the fiscal year with an average weighted discount of -9.99%, and closed the year at -5.03%, narrowing 4.96 percentage points (Source: Bloomberg, compiled by Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors). Discount narrowing and positive returns for both equity and fixed income CEFs is the holy

grail for CEF investors as leveraged positions during a bull market enhance returns, and discount narrowing adds to the alpha.

The period was not without its headaches, however. Between the solid fiscal year gains, global equity markets saw their sharpest sell-off since 2009, with the MSCI AC World Index (net) dropping more than 10% in the first six weeks of 2016 before reversing course in mid-February. The sell-off followed the first Fed rate hike since 2006, increasing worries of a slowing China once again, and the continued bear market in oil.

In January at the peak of selling, CEFs traded at their widest discounts since the “flash crash” of August 2015 (the widest they had been since 2009), before making an about-face and starting the current discount narrowing trend. Cyclical discount-narrowing trends have historically peaked at premiums before reversing. CEF investors continued to buy fixed income funds, through the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, as they exhibited the strongest discount narrowing trends.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

Significant CEF discount narrowing, after more than three years of discount widening had a positive effect on the Fund’s performance in the fiscal year. The use of leverage by the CEF holdings hurt the Fund for the first part of the fiscal year before helping generate strong returns since February. From September 30, 2015 to February 11, 2016, the Fund’s A share (VHFAX) dropped 8.92% on a total return basis before rallying 27.41% on a total return basis through the end of the fiscal year.

The Fund was fully invested as we headed into calendar 2016. Historically, CEFs have exhibited discount narrowing in the first few months of the year due to the year-end phenomenon of discount widening as a direct result of seasonal tax-loss selling. However, discounts widened significantly to start the year, exacerbating the Fund’s poor performance. We remained invested throughout the equity market sell-off in the early part of 2016 as we believed the CEFs were exhibiting capitulation which is typically the best time to buy. Remaining fully invested once the sell-off started turned out to be the correct decision as the rebound was extremely sharp

for CEFs. The last thing investors in CEFs typically want to do is chase a rising market as it is difficult to add to positions at attractive prices because few investors are selling shares and the spreads are wide.

Energy CEFs provided the best returns in the period for the Fund but were also the most volatile. They were the worst performers from the start of the Fund’s fiscal year through February before becoming the best performers over the next seven months and for the one-year period. We continued to overweight energy, through the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, as we believe the rebound in this space would continue.

Preferred shares provided some of the best risk-adjusted returns for the portfolio, although they lagged the overall return of the Fund. Our top three preferred holdings, Oxford Lane 8.125% (“OXLCN”), Oxford Lane 7.50% (“OXLCO”), and MVC Capital 7.25% (“MVCB”), generated returns in excess of 10% while exhibiting less volatility than the overall CEF market. We continued to hold a large portion of the portfolio in these preferred shares, through the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, as fixed income CEFs were not attractive with their narrow discounts and lower yields at that time.

Health care was the weakest performer in the fiscal year as political discourse was the main driver of the price action. Presidential candidates excoriated increasing drug prices in the news, focusing on some of the bad actors in the space which worried investors. As a result, our large allocation to healthcare hurt the Fund’s performance over the period. Over the last six months, health care showed signs of a rebound. We continued to like the space through the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, due to its historically low valuations combined with future expected growth.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objectives.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

16


Table of Contents
Herzfeld Fund (Continued)   

 

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Equity Funds

    30

Preferred Stocks

    26   

International Equity Funds

    17   

Fixed Income Funds

    6   

International Fixed Income Funds

    1   

Other (includes short-term investments)

    20   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 

Closed-end Funds: Closed-end funds may trade at a discount from their net asset values, which may affect whether the fund will realize gains or losses. They may also employ leverage, which may increase volatility.

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Fund of funds: Because the fund can invest in other funds, it indirectly bears its proportionate share of the operating expenses and management fees of the underlying fund(s).

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

17


Table of Contents

Herzfeld Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
     1 year      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2      16.04      6.83      9/5/12   
Class A Shares at POP3,4      9.36         5.28         9/5/12   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC      15.22         6.04         9/5/12   
Class I Shares at NAV      16.40         7.11         9/5/12   

MSCI AC World Index (net)

     11.96         8.99 5         
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index      5.19         2.57 5         
Herzfeld Composite: 60% MSCI AC World Index (net) / 40% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index      9.43         6.53 5         

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 2.91%, Net 2.78%; C Shares: Gross 3.66%, Net 3.53%; I Shares: Gross 2.66%, Net 2.53%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by the contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver. Expense ratios include fees and expenses associated with underlying funds.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 5, 2012 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

18


Table of Contents

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VAAAX

Class C: VAACX

Class I: VAISX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Virtus Investment Advisers

 

  The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of capital appreciation. In pursuing this objective, the Fund maintains an emphasis on preservation of capital.

 

  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 3.82%, Class C shares returned 3.06%, and Class I shares returned 4.08%*. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based equity index, returned 15.43%. Dow Jones Global Moderate Portfolio Index, the Fund’s style-specific index appropriate for comparison, returned 10.98%.

 

* See footnote 7 on page 21.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Over the past 12 months, the S&P 500® Index climbed by over 15%. The Dow Jones Moderate Portfolio Index, which is the Fund’s primary benchmark, climbed by nearly 11%. While the headline numbers are positive, investors experienced significant turbulence along the way.

The beginning of October 2015 marked the point of rebound from a steep, but brief, global market correction during August and September. The strong relief rally which persisted through October faded as year-end 2015 approached, and November and December were marked by sideways performance in the U.S. and further deterioration globally. Expectations of central bank rate increases, multiple tensions in the geopolitical arena, and a minor meltdown in the junk bond market all contributed to a general sense of discomfort.

This discomfort was validated in January 2016, with another steep market correction. The losses extended into February, with a second dip, as fear evolved into outright panic. Existing concerns related to slowing growth in China were exacerbated by a steep decline in oil prices, highlighting the stagnant levels of global economic growth.

By the third week of February, though, the wave of selling had passed, and the “greed” trade had taken over from the “fear” trade. A strong, extended rally was in place that would last until late spring/early summer. At that point, the U.K.’s pending “Brexit” vote became the “fear of the moment,” taking some of the steam out of global markets, especially outside of the U.S.

Global market reaction to the eventual Brexit decision in late June was puzzling. In the first two trading sessions after the vote, the U.S. equity market dropped in excess of 5%, as measured by the S&P 500® Index. European markets fared even worse. Within a week, however, the prior market highs were regained. It appeared that the rally was back in place but, in fact, it evolved into a frustrating, sideways market throughout the rest of the summer. A brief risk flare in the middle of September —loosely linked to Federal Reserve rate hike fears — was dispatched relatively quickly and the market level at fiscal year-end was near all-time highs.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund’s underperformance of the benchmark was primarily due to two whipsaw events that occurred in rapid succession.

A “whipsaw” event is when a stock (or index) price quickly reverses direction. The Fund can be impacted by these events because price moves drive both the portfolio allocations and the risk management mechanisms. For example, the dramatic risk flare that occurred in August and September 2015 (at the end of the Fund’s 2015 fiscal year) caused the Fund to adopt a defensive posture in the U.S. equity portion of the portfolio, introducing a significant allocation to cash equivalents. This happened as the S&P 500® Index level fell below its 200-day moving average, signaling that all weak U.S. sub-industries in the portfolio (as measured by their own 200-day moving average analyses) should be removed from the portfolio and replaced with cash equivalents. During this period, given the relative weakness in non-U.S. markets, the global portion of the portfolio maintained an additional cash buffer, leading to increased cash equivalent levels across the total portfolio, and highly conservative positioning in the alternatives and fixed income components. As the market’s strong recovery began in early October 2015, this significant defensive

positioning weighed on the Fund’s ability to participate. Unfortunately, by the time the Fund began to reduce the cash equivalents position and take on additional risk, the markets had begun to weaken once again.

A similar whipsaw event occurred in the first quarter of 2016. Between December 31, 2015 and March 24, 2016, the performance of the U.S. stock market was essentially flat, and global markets were down slightly. In the early weeks of the quarter, though, the U.S. market had declined by more than 10%, and global markets were down about 12%. The severity of these declines, and the steepness of the subsequent recovery, led to another situation where the Fund adopted a large allocation to cash equivalents, just in time for the recovery to begin.

The Fund has built-in mechanisms to mitigate the negative impact of this sort of event, but whipsaws cannot be avoided entirely. The most damaging feature of the past year, though, was the fact that the Fund experienced two whipsaw events in a relatively short period of time. While single, isolated whipsaw events can be observed with some frequency, it is exceedingly rare for two severe events to occur so close together.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

19


Table of Contents
Multi-Asset Trend Fund (Continued)   

 

Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Exchange Traded Funds: The value of an ETF may be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track. The costs of owning the ETF may exceed the cost of investing directly in the underlying securities.

Commodity-Linked: Commodity-linked instruments may experience a return different than the commodity they attempt to track and may also be exposed to counterparty risk.

Allocation: The fund’s exposure to different asset classes may not be optimal for market conditions at a given time. Asset allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Exchange-Traded Funds

      63

Common Stocks

      37   

Consumer Discretionary

    9    

Information Technology

    5       

Consumer Staples

    5       

All other Common Stocks

    18       
     

 

 

 

Total

      100
           

 

 

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

20


Table of Contents

Multi-Asset Trend Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16            
       1 year        5 years        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        3.82        3.71        2.75        3/15/11   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        -2.15           2.49           1.66           3/15/11   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        3.06           2.94           2.01           3/15/11   
Class I Shares at NAV7        4.08           3.95           3.00           3/15/11   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           16.37           12.30 5           
Dow Jones Global Moderate Portfolio IndexSM        10.98           8.66           6.70 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: 1.75%; C Shares: 2.50%; I Shares: 1.50%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Expense ratios include fees and expenses associated with underlying funds.
7  Total Return for the report period presented in the table differs from the return in the Financial Highlights. The total return presented in the above table is calculated based on the NAV at which shareholder transactions were processed. The total return presented in the Financial Highlights section of the report is calculated in the same manner, but also takes into account certain adjustments that are necessary under generally accepted accounting principals required in the annual report and semiannual report.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 15, 2011 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

21


Table of Contents

Sector Trend Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: PWBAX

Class C: PWBCX Class I: VARIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Virtus Investment Advisers

 

  The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

 

  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 3.45%*, Class C shares returned 2.60%, and Class I shares returned 3.65%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, which is both the broad-based equity index and the Fund’s style-specific benchmark, returned 15.43%.

 

* See footnote 7 on page 24.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Over the past 12 months, the S&P 500® Index climbed by over 15%. While this performance is slightly above historical averages, the encouraging headline number masks the significant turbulence that was experienced along the way.

The beginning of October 2015 marked the point of rebound from a steep, but brief, 10% market correction during August and September. The strong relief rally which persisted through October faded as year-end 2015 approached, and November and December were marked by sideways performance and increasing risk (as measured by the CBOE Volatility Index (“VIX® Index”). Expectations of central bank rate increases, multiple tensions in the geopolitical arena, and a minor meltdown in the junk bond market all contributed to a general sense of discomfort.

This discomfort was validated in January 2016 with another steep market correction. The losses extended into February with fear evolving into outright panic. Existing concerns related to slowing growth in China were exacerbated by a steep decline in oil prices, highlighting the stagnant levels of global economic growth. By the third week of February, though, the wave of selling had passed, and the “greed” trade had taken over from the “fear” trade. A strong, extended

rally was in place that would last until late spring/early summer. At that point, the U.K.’s pending “Brexit” vote became the “fear of the moment,” taking some of the steam out of the stock market.

Global market reaction to the eventual Brexit decision in late June was puzzling. In the first two trading sessions after the vote, the U.S. equity market dropped in excess of 5%, as measured by the S&P 500® Index. European markets fared even worse. Within a week, however, the prior market highs were regained. It appeared that the rally was back in place but, in fact, it evolved into a frustrating, sideways market throughout the rest of the summer. A brief risk flare in the middle of September loosely linked to Federal Reserve rate hike fears was dispatched relatively quickly and the market level at fiscal year-end was near all-time highs.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund trailed the S&P 500® Index by over 11% for the year. This underperformance was primarily due to two whipsaw events that occurred in rapid succession.

A “whipsaw” event is when a stock (or index) price quickly reverses direction. The Fund can be impacted by these events because price moves drive both the portfolio allocations and the risk management mechanisms. For example, the dramatic risk flare that occurred in August and September 2015 (at the end of the Fund’s 2015 fiscal year) caused the Fund to adopt a defensive posture and introduce a significant allocation to cash equivalents. During the first week of October 2015, the Fund reached a 100% allocation to cash equivalents. This defensive positioning was adopted as each of the nine (at the time) sectors within the S&P 500® Index fell below their 200-day average levels (a measurement that is subject to a five-day confirmation period). The timing was unfortunate, as it became clear in hindsight that the market’s strong recovery had already begun. Full equity exposure didn’t resume until the beginning of November, at which point the Fund had locked in 8.04% of underperformance. By that time, the market had begun to weaken once again.

A similar whipsaw event occurred in the first quarter of 2016. Between December 31, 2015 and March 24, 2016, the performance of the U.S. stock market was

essentially flat. In the early weeks of the quarter, though, the market had declined by more than 10%. The severity of the decline, and the steepness of the subsequent recovery, led to another situation where the Fund adopted a large allocation to cash equivalents, just in time for the recovery to begin. In this case, the Fund handled the whipsaw much better, but still locked in a loss of 1.41%. One big difference during this whipsaw as compared to the last was the relatively smaller allocation to cash equivalents, maxing out at around 60% of the portfolio.

The Fund has built-in mechanisms to mitigate the negative impact of this sort of event, but whipsaws cannot be avoided entirely. The most damaging feature of the past year, though, was the fact that the Fund experienced two whipsaw events in a relatively short period of time. While single, isolated whipsaw events can be observed with some frequency, it is exceedingly rare for two severe events to occur so close together.

The damage caused by these two whipsaw events can be seen if we separate the performance on those days when the Fund was fully invested from those days when the Fund had an allocation to cash equivalents. Over 9% of the underperformance experienced during the year occurred during periods when the Fund had a defensive cash equivalent position in place.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

22


Table of Contents
Sector Trend Fund (Continued)   

 

Allocation: The fund’s exposure to different asset classes may not be optimal for market conditions at a given time. Asset allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund’s prospectus.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Consumer Staples

    20

Utilities

    20   

Consumer Discretionary

    15   

Health Care

    15   

Energy

    5   

Industrials

    5   

Financials

    5   

Other

    15   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

23


Table of Contents

Sector Trend Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        5 years        10 years        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2,7        3.45        9.96        5.38                    
Class A Shares at POP3,4        -2.49           8.66           4.76                       
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        2.60           9.12           4.60                       
Class I Shares at NAV        3.65           10.21                     10.02        10/1/09   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           16.37           7.24           13.59 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares 1.01%; C Shares 1.76%; I Shares 0.76%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the inception date of Class I shares.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Expense ratios include fees and expenses associated with underlying funds.
7  Total Return for the report period presented in the table differs from the return in the Financial Highlights. The total return presented in the above table is calculated based on the NAV at which shareholder transactions were processed. The total return presented in the Financial Highlights section of the report is calculated in the same manner, but also takes into account certain adjustments that are necessary under generally accepted accounting principals required in the annual report and semiannual report.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A and Class C shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

24


Table of Contents

VIRTUS ALTERNATIVES DIVERSIFIER FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUNDS(3)—50.0%   
Equity Funds—42.4%   

Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund Class I

    684,076      $ 9,734   

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund Class I

    176,175        5,143   

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund Class I

    766,372        5,564   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund Class I

    118,789        4,375   
   

 

 

 
      24,816   
   

 

 

 
Fixed Income Fund—7.6%   

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund Class I

    475,774        4,486   
TOTAL AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUNDS
(Identified Cost $20,545)
        29,302   
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS(3)—49.0%   

Global X Uranium Index Fund

    1,570        21   

iShares S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index Fund

    308,910        10,645   

PowerShares DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund(2)

    539,600        8,099   

PowerShares DB G10 Currency Harvest Fund(2)

    226,250        5,638   

Vaneck Vectors Agribusiness Index Fund

    40,700        2,033   

Vaneck Vectors Coal Index Fund

    172,332        2,034   

WisdomTree Managed Futures Strategy Fund(2)

    5,800        244   
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Identified Cost $27,197)         28,714   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.0%   
(Identified Cost $47,742)             58,016   
    SHARES     VALUE  
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—0.6%   
Money Market Mutual Fund—0.6%   

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.360%)(3)

    324,668      $ 325   
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT
(Identified Cost $325)
        325   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.6%
(Identified Cost $48,067)
        58,341 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—0.4%

  

    218   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 58,559   
   

 

 

 

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Non-income producing.
(3)  Shares of these funds are publicly offered and the prospectus and annual reports of each are publicly available.

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

    Total Value at,
September 30,
2016
     Level 1
Quoted Prices
 

Equity Securities:

  

Affiliated Mutual Funds

  $ 29,302       $ 29,302   

Exchange-Traded Funds

    28,714         28,714   

Short-Term Investments

    325         325   
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

  $ 58,341       $ 58,341   
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

There are no Level 2 (significant observable inputs) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

25


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EQUITY TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—99.3%   
Consumer Discretionary—24.1%   

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    13,416      $ 2,001   

Amazon.com, Inc.(2)

    15,388        12,884   

AutoNation, Inc.(2)

    13,387        652   

AutoZone, Inc.(2)

    5,496        4,223   

Best Buy Co., Inc.

    389,420        14,868   

CarMax, Inc.(2)

    36,931        1,970   

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(2)

    1,784        755   

Comcast Corp. Class A

    165,054        10,950   

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    6,284        385   

Dollar General Corp.

    44,493        3,114   

Dollar Tree, Inc.(2)

    36,734        2,899   

Expedia, Inc.

    5,048        589   

Foot Locker, Inc.

    17,649        1,195   

Gap, Inc. (The)

    33,223        739   

Genuine Parts Co.

    150,046        15,072   

Hasbro, Inc.

    79,033        6,270   

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    79,754        10,263   

Horton (D.R.), Inc.

    146,179        4,415   

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

    242,069        5,410   

L Brands, Inc.

    35,589        2,519   

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    79,617        3,629   

Lennar Corp. Class A

    79,754        3,377   

LKQ Corp.(2)

    179,910        6,380   

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    56,497        4,080   

Mattel, Inc.

    238,916        7,234   

McDonald’s Corp.

    52,550        6,062   

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(2)

    37,194        7,451   

Netflix, Inc.(2)

    16,617        1,638   

Newell Brands, Inc.

    252,632        13,304   

NIKE, Inc. Class B

    231,187        12,172   

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(2)

    17,865        5,004   

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    138,664        11,786   

Priceline Group, Inc. (The)(2)

    2,005        2,950   

PulteGroup, Inc.

    141,512        2,836   

Ross Stores, Inc.

    55,624        3,577   

Starbucks Corp.

    85,561        4,632   

Target Corp.

    95,614        6,567   

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    92,208        6,895   

TripAdvisor, Inc.(2)

    4,356        275   

Urban Outfitters, Inc.(2)

    13,983        483   

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    163,362        15,915   

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    24,629        2,237   
   

 

 

 
      229,657   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—12.8%   

Altria Group, Inc.

    83,263        5,265   

Brown-Forman Corp. Class B

    84,798        4,023   

Campbell Soup Co.

    9,595        525   

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    9,571        459   

Clorox Co. (The)

    4,955        620   

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    162,326        6,870   

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    35,066        2,600   

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

    24,197        1,140   

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class A

    80,118        13,339   

CVS Health Corp.

    64,629        5,751   

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

    6,542        597   

General Mills, Inc.

    31,857        2,035   

Hershey Co. (The)

    8,539        816   

Hormel Foods Corp.

    12,918        490   

J.M. Smucker Co. (The)

    5,669        768   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Consumer Staples—continued   

Kellogg Co.

    13,502      $ 1,046   

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    13,782        1,739   

Kraft Heinz Co.(The)

    31,149        2,788   

McCormick & Co., Inc.

    5,957        595   

Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.

    9,880        781   

Molson Coors Brewing Co. Class B

    173,256        19,024   

Mondelez International, Inc. Class A

    66,826        2,934   

Monster Beverage Corp.(2)

    5,098        748   

PepsiCo, Inc.

    60,728        6,605   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    67,225        6,536   

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    102,723        9,219   

Reynolds American, Inc.

    45,883        2,163   

Sysco Corp.

    343,665        16,843   

Tyson Foods, Inc. Class A

    14,467        1,080   

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    50,832        4,098   
   

 

 

 
      121,497   
   

 

 

 
Energy—1.5%   

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    82,522        3,349   

Phillips 66

    72,758        5,861   

Tesoro Corp.

    18,991        1,511   

Valero Energy Corp.

    73,955        3,920   
   

 

 

 
      14,641   
   

 

 

 
Financials—4.4%   

Allstate Corp. (The)

    36,510        2,526   

AON plc

    50,799        5,714   

CHUBB Ltd.

    40,402        5,077   

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    12,800        965   

CME Group, Inc.

    32,824        3,431   

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    11,546        3,110   

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    96,509        6,490   

Moody’s Corp.

    16,673        1,805   

NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (The)

    11,147        753   

Progressive Corp. (The)

    54,521        1,717   

S&P Global, Inc.

    26,229        3,320   

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    26,567        3,043   

Willis Towers Watson plc

    25,698        3,412   

XL Group Ltd.

    27,227        916   
   

 

 

 
      42,279   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—9.0%   

Abbott Laboratories

    52,349        2,214   

Aetna, Inc.

    18,510        2,137   

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    41,343        1,947   

Allergan plc

    4,381        1,009   

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    22,255        1,798   

Anthem, Inc.

    13,929        1,745   

Bard (C.R.), Inc.

    2,693        604   

Baxter International, Inc.

    19,761        941   

Becton, Dickinson & Co.

    7,586        1,363   

Boston Scientific Corp.(2)

    48,615        1,157   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    18,595        1,003   

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    37,362        2,903   

Centene Corp.(2)

    7,925        531   

Cigna Corp.

    13,824        1,801   

Danaher Corp.

    18,139        1,422   

DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.

    249,779        14,844   

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(2)

    8,137        981   

Eli Lilly & Co.

    10,881        873   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

Endo International plc(2)

    2,492      $ 50   

Henry Schein, Inc.(2)

    9,357        1,525   

Hologic, Inc.(2)

    8,075        314   

Humana, Inc.

    8,126        1,437   

Illumina, Inc.(2)

    18,616        3,382   

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(2)

    1,353        981   

Johnson & Johnson

    30,854        3,645   

Mallinckrodt plc(2)

    1,412        98   

McKesson Corp.

    26,133        4,358   

Medtronic plc

    49,857        4,308   

Merck & Co., Inc.

    31,154        1,944   

Mylan NV(2)

    4,962        189   

Patterson Cos., Inc.

    9,862        453   

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    14,683        824   

Perrigo Co. plc

    1,714        158   

Pfizer, Inc.

    68,830        2,331   

St. Jude Medical, Inc.

    9,450        754   

Stryker Corp.

    11,622        1,353   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    50,947        8,104   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    51,534        7,215   

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.(2)

    3,575        356   

Waters Corp.(2)

    10,258        1,626   

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    6,664        866   

Zoetis, Inc.

    5,506        286   
   

 

 

 
      85,830   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—11.4%   

3M Co.

    19,875        3,503   

Allegion plc

    87,449        6,026   

Avery Dennison Corp.

    22,874        1,779   

Boeing Co. (The)

    20,133        2,652   

Cintas Corp.

    154,888        17,440   

Dover Corp.

    17,896        1,318   

Dun & Bradstreet Corp. (The)

    10,924        1,493   

Equifax, Inc.

    35,348        4,757   

Flowserve Corp.

    15,794        762   

Fortive Corp.

    9,376        477   

General Dynamics Corp.

    9,340        1,449   

General Electric Co.

    326,830        9,681   

Honeywell International, Inc.

    23,853        2,781   

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    38,206        4,579   

Ingersoll-Rand plc

    30,625        2,081   

L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.

    2,382        359   

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    7,768        1,862   

Masco Corp.

    303,419        10,410   

Nielsen Holdings plc

    108,075        5,790   

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    5,679        1,215   

Parker Hannifin Corp.

    15,698        1,971   

Pentair plc

    20,716        1,331   

Raytheon Co.

    9,374        1,276   

Republic Services, Inc.

    77,105        3,890   

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

    4,203        355   

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    3,115        568   

Snap-On, Inc.

    6,994        1,063   

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    17,055        2,097   

Stericycle, Inc.(2)

    26,991        2,163   

Textron, Inc.

    8,524        339   

TransDigm Group, Inc.(2)

    1,717        496   

United Technologies Corp.

    24,628        2,502   

Waste Management, Inc.

    132,909        8,474   

Xylem, Inc.

    20,807        1,091   
   

 

 

 
      108,030   
   

 

 

 
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

26


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EQUITY TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
Information Technology—14.0%   

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    148,674      $ 6,586   

Adobe Systems, Inc.(2)

    49,841        5,410   

Akamai Technologies,
Inc.(2)

    7,701        408   

Alliance Data Systems Corp.(2)

    1,655        355   

Alphabet, Inc. Class A(2)

    6,018        4,839   

Alphabet, Inc. Class C(2)

    6,175        4,800   

Amphenol Corp. Class A

    110,554        7,177   

Analog Devices, Inc.

    9,171        591   

Applied Materials, Inc.

    298,939        9,013   

Autodesk, Inc.(2)

    22,802        1,649   

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    11,943        1,053   

Broadcom Ltd.

    11,345        1,957   

CA, Inc.

    7,448        246   

Citrix Systems, Inc.(2)

    15,245        1,299   

Corning, Inc.

    387,635        9,168   

eBay, Inc.(2)

    37,638        1,238   

Electronic Arts, Inc.(2)

    91,582        7,821   

Facebook, Inc. Class A(2)

    54,189        6,951   

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    7,290        562   

First Solar, Inc.(2)

    2,832        112   

Fiserv, Inc.(2)

    5,920        589   

Global Payments, Inc.

    4,974        382   

Intel Corp.

    143,728        5,426   

Intuit, Inc.

    25,799        2,838   

KLA-Tencor Corp.

    54,832        3,822   

Lam Research Corp.

    42,188        3,996   

Linear Technology Corp.

    8,237        488   

MasterCard, Inc. Class A

    25,628        2,608   

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    5,825        362   

Micron Technology, Inc.(2)

    33,906        603   

Microsoft Corp.

    222,506        12,816   

NVIDIA Corp.

    14,806        1,014   

Oracle Corp.

    78,358        3,078   

Paychex, Inc.

    8,461        490   

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(2)

    28,756        1,178   

Qorvo, Inc.(2)

    3,719        207   

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    45,391        3,109   

Red Hat, Inc.(2)

    4,759        385   

salesforce.com, Inc.(2)

    62,138        4,432   

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    5,970        455   

Symantec Corp.

    18,429        463   

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    30,638        2,150   

Total System Services, Inc.

    4,694        221   

VeriSign, Inc.(2)

    3,326        260   

Verisk Analytics, Inc.(2)

    47,034        3,823   

Visa, Inc. Class A

    50,371        4,166   

Western Union Co. (The)

    14,064        293   

Xerox Corp.

    26,512        269   

Xilinx, Inc.

    7,863        427   

Yahoo!, Inc.(2)

    29,250        1,261   
   

 

 

 
      132,846   
   

 

 

 
Materials—10.1%   

Alcoa, Inc.(2)

    1,305,081        13,233   

Dow Chemical Co. (The)

    120,154        6,228   

Du Pont (E.I.) de Nemours & Co.

    93,214        6,243   

Eastman Chemical Co.

    16,353        1,107   

Ecolab, Inc.

    31,836        3,875   

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    9,620        1,375   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Materials—continued   

International Paper Co.

    104,012      $ 4,990   

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    39,263        7,032   

Newmont Mining Corp.

    453,117        17,803   

Nucor Corp.

    275,333        13,615   

PPG Industries, Inc.

    32,286        3,337   

Sealed Air Corp.

    49,541        2,270   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    9,488        2,625   

Vulcan Materials Co.

    79,387        9,029   

Westrock Co.

    66,369        3,218   
   

 

 

 
      95,980   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—8.0%   

American Tower Corp.

    36,658        4,154   

Apartment Investment & Management Co. Class A

    25,166        1,155   

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    23,056        4,100   

Crown Castle International Corp.

    29,424        2,772   

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    10,032        974   

Equinix, Inc.

    6,142        2,213   

Equity Residential

    61,652        3,966   

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    11,047        2,460   

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    11,023        875   

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    7,197        1,108   

General Growth Properties, Inc.

    82,053        2,265   

HCP, Inc.

    94,508        3,587   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    15,576        585   

Kimco Realty Corp.

    57,684        1,670   

Macerich Co. (The)

    18,773        1,518   

Prologis, Inc.

    295,047        15,797   

Public Storage

    13,048        2,912   

Realty Income Corp.

    32,477        2,174   

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    37,524        7,768   

UDR, Inc.

    44,484        1,601   

Ventas, Inc.

    68,974        4,872   

Welltower, Inc.

    72,964        5,455   

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    68,919        2,201   
   

 

 

 
      76,182   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—1.4%   

AT&T, Inc.

    167,768        6,813   

CenturyLink, Inc.

    16,310        447   

Frontier Communications Corp.

    39,384        164   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    111,574        5,800   
   

 

 

 
      13,224   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—2.6%   

Ameren Corp.

    13,315        655   

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    17,198        1,104   

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    25,281        587   

CMS Energy Corp.

    15,587        655   

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    16,245        1,223   

Dominion Resources, Inc.

    31,653        2,351   

DTE Energy Co.

    9,849        923   

Duke Energy Corp.

    24,924        1,995   

Edison International

    11,046        798   

Entergy Corp.

    6,562        504   

Eversource Energy

    11,199        607   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Utilities—continued   

Exelon Corp.

    33,150      $ 1,104   

FirstEnergy Corp.

    14,132        467   

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    16,228        1,985   

NiSource, Inc.

    18,375        443   

PG&E Corp.

    26,054        1,594   

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    4,767        362   

PPL Corp.

    23,185        802   

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    27,757        1,162   

SCANA Corp.

    7,305        529   

Sempra Energy

    12,902        1,383   

Southern Co.

    32,290        1,656   

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    16,436        984   

XCEL Energy, Inc.

    17,824        733   
   

 

 

 
              24,606   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $858,155)
        944,772   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.3%   
(Identified Cost $858,155)        944,772   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.3%
(Identified Cost $858,155)
        944,772 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—0.7%

  

    7,012   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%     $ 951,784   
   

 

 

 

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Non-income producing.

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Schedules of Investments):

 

     Total Value at
September 30,
2016
    Level 1
Quoted Prices
 

Equity Securities:

    

Common Stocks

   $ 944,772      $ 944,772   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 944,772      $ 944,772   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

There are no Level 2 (significant observable inputs) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

27


Table of Contents

 

VIRTUS GLOBAL EQUITY TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—57.2%   
Consumer Discretionary—14.2%   

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    211      $ 31   

Amazon.com, Inc.(2)

    177        148   

AutoNation, Inc.(2)

    208        10   

AutoZone, Inc.(2)

    81        62   

Best Buy Co., Inc.

    5,838        223   

CarMax, Inc.(2)

    537        29   

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(2)

    26        11   

Comcast Corp. Class A

    2,312        153   

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    95        6   

Dollar General Corp.

    674        47   

Dollar Tree, Inc.(2)

    561        44   

Expedia, Inc.

    69        8   

Foot Locker, Inc.

    344        23   

Gap, Inc. (The)

    563        13   

Genuine Parts Co.

    2,164        217   

Hasbro, Inc.

    1,067        85   

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    1,088        140   

Horton (D.R.), Inc.

    2,439        74   

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

    2,633        59   

L Brands, Inc.

    620        44   

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    1,329        61   

Lennar Corp. Class A

    1,332        56   

LKQ Corp.(2)

    3,241        115   

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    753        54   

Mattel, Inc.

    3,742        113   

McDonald’s Corp.

    737        85   

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(2)

    625        125   

Netflix, Inc.(2)

    286        28   

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.

    4,209        222   

NIKE, Inc. Class B

    3,606        190   

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(2)

    277        78   

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    1,695        144   

Priceline Group, Inc. (The)(2)

    29        43   

PulteGroup, Inc.

    2,389        48   

Ross Stores, Inc.

    840        54   

Starbucks Corp.

    1,287        70   

Target Corp.

    1,608        110   

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    1,310        98   

TripAdvisor, Inc.(2)

    67        4   

Urban Outfitters, Inc.(2)

    203        7   

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    2,284        223   

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    343        31   
   

 

 

 
      3,386   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—7.0%   

Altria Group, Inc.

    1,229        78   

Brown-Forman Corp. Class B

    1,176        56   

Campbell Soup Co.

    142        8   

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    151        7   

Clorox Co. (The)

    78        10   

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    2,219        94   

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    556        41   

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

    306        14   

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class A

    960        160   

CVS Health Corp.

    1,081        96   

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

    119        11   

General Mills, Inc.

    437        28   

Hershey Co. (The)

    121        12   

Hormel Foods Corp.

    268        10   

J.M. Smucker Co. (The)

    91        12   

Kellogg Co.

    191        15   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Consumer Staples—continued   

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    227      $ 29   

Kraft Heinz Co.(The)

    417        37   

McCormick & Co., Inc.

    80        8   

Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.

    138        11   

Molson Coors Brewing Co. Class B

    2,103        231   

Mondelez International, Inc. Class A

    1,086        48   

Monster Beverage Corp.(2)

    73        11   

PepsiCo, Inc.

    803        87   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    1,012        98   

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    1,573        141   

Reynolds American, Inc.

    557        26   

Sysco Corp.

    4,205        206   

Tyson Foods, Inc. Class A

    211        16   

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    857        69   
   

 

 

 
      1,670   
   

 

 

 
Energy—0.9%   

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    1,257        51   

Phillips 66

    1,131        91   

Tesoro Corp.

    297        23   

Valero Energy Corp.

    1,146        61   
   

 

 

 
      226   
   

 

 

 
Financials—2.4%    

Allstate Corp. (The)

    488        34   

AON plc

    699        79   

CHUBB Ltd.

    587        74   

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    193        14   

CME Group, Inc.

    545        57   

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    190        51   

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    1,304        88   

Moody’s Corp.

    290        31   

NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (The)

    196        13   

Progressive Corp. (The)

    826        26   

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    416        48   

Willis Towers Watson plc

    355        47   

XL Group Ltd.

    420        14   
   

 

 

 
      576   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—5.7%   

Abbott Laboratories

    893        38   

Aetna, Inc.

    284        33   

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    568        27   

Allergan plc(2)

    70        16   

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    371        30   

Anthem, Inc.

    201        25   

Bard (C.R.), Inc.

    27        6   

Baxter International, Inc.

    358        17   

Becton, Dickinson & Co.

    117        21   

Boston Scientific Corp.(2)

    614        15   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    319        17   

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    623        48   

Centene Corp.(2)

    154        10   

Cigna Corp.

    201        26   

Danaher Corp.

    259        20   

DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.

    3,350        199   

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(2)

    113        14   

Eli Lilly & Co.

    190        15   

Endo International plc(2)

    39        1   

Henry Schein, Inc.(2)

    150        24   

Hologic, Inc.(2)

    151        6   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

Humana, Inc.

    123      $ 22   

Illumina, Inc.(2)

    318        58   

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(2)

    22        16   

Johnson & Johnson

    524        62   

Mallinckrodt plc(2)

    27        2   

McKesson Corp.

    425        71   

Medtronic plc

    728        63   

Merck & Co., Inc.

    541        34   

Mylan NV(2)

    78        3   

Patterson Cos., Inc.

    157        7   

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    196        11   

Perrigo Co. plc

    25        2   

Pfizer, Inc.

    1,161        39   

St. Jude Medical, Inc.

    123        10   

Stryker Corp.

    158        18   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    705        112   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    733        103   

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.(2)

    47        5   

Waters Corp.(2)

    141        22   

Welltower, Inc.

    1,076        81   

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    87        11   

Zoetis, Inc.

    88        5   
   

 

 

 
      1,365   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—6.2%   

3M Co.

    257        45   

Allegion plc

    1,128        78   

Avery Dennison Corp.

    388        30   

Boeing Co. (The)

    295        39   

Cintas Corp.

    2,225        251   

Dover Corp.

    272        20   

Dun & Bradstreet Corp. (The)

    130        18   

Equifax, Inc.

    460        62   

Flowserve Corp.

    224        11   

Fortive Corp.

    122        6   

General Dynamics Corp.

    116        18   

General Electric Co.

    4,319        128   

Honeywell International, Inc.

    356        41   

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    535        64   

Ingersoll-Rand plc

    420        28   

L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.

    24        4   

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    117        28   

Masco Corp.

    4,007        137   

Nielsen Holdings plc

    1,542        83   

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    70        15   

Parker Hannifin Corp.

    217        27   

Pentair plc

    279        18   

Raytheon Co.

    125        17   

Republic Services, Inc.

    1,063        54   

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

    66        6   

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    40        7   

Snap-On, Inc.

    92        14   

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    224        28   

Stericycle, Inc.(2)

    476        38   

Textron, Inc.

    122        5   

TransDigm Group, Inc.(2)

    31        9   

United Technologies Corp.

    357        36   

Waste Management, Inc.

    1,766        113   

Xylem, Inc.

    276        14   
   

 

 

 
      1,492   
   

 

 

 
 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

28


Table of Contents

VIRTUS GLOBAL EQUITY TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
Information Technology—8.1%   

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    2,450      $ 109   

Adobe Systems, Inc.(2)

    680        74   

Akamai Technologies, Inc.(2)

    50        3   

Alliance Data Systems Corp.(2)

    24        5   

Alphabet, Inc. Class A(2)

    80        64   

Alphabet, Inc. Class C(2)

    83        65   

Amphenol Corp. Class A

    1,611        105   

Analog Devices, Inc.

    143        9   

Applied Materials, Inc.

    4,594        139   

Autodesk, Inc.(2)

    346        25   

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    201        18   

Broadcom Ltd.

    180        31   

CA, Inc.

    117        4   

Citrix Systems, Inc.(2)

    196        17   

Corning, Inc.

    5,684        134   

eBay, Inc.(2)

    313        10   

Electronic Arts, Inc.(2)

    1,526        130   

Equinix, Inc.

    78        28   

Facebook, Inc. Class A(2)

    570        73   

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    122        9   

First Solar, Inc.(2)

    36        1   

Fiserv, Inc.(2)

    116        12   

Global Payments, Inc.

    73        6   

Intel Corp.

    2,280        86   

Intuit, Inc.

    358        39   

KLA-Tencor Corp.

    885        62   

Lam Research Corp.

    625        59   

Linear Technology Corp.

    121        7   

MasterCard, Inc. Class A

    431        44   

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    99        6   

Micron Technology, Inc.(2)

    492        9   

Microsoft Corp.

    2,886        166   

NVIDIA Corp.

    189        13   

Oracle Corp.

    1,163        46   

Paychex, Inc.

    136        8   

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(2)

    492        20   

Qorvo, Inc.(2)

    41        2   

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    649        44   

Red Hat, Inc.(2)

    73        6   

salesforce.com, Inc.(2)

    810        58   

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    101        8   

Symantec Corp.

    270        7   

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    463        32   

Total System Services, Inc.

    73        3   

VeriSign, Inc.(2)

    20        2   

Verisk Analytics, Inc.(2)

    671        55   

Visa, Inc. Class A

    837        69   

Western Union Co. (The)

    214        4   

Xerox Corp.

    444        4   

Xilinx, Inc.

    123        7   

Yahoo!, Inc.(2)

    226        10   
   

 

 

 
      1,947   
   

 

 

 
Materials—6.0%   

Alcoa, Inc.

    22,122        224   

Dow Chemical Co. (The)

    1,806        94   

Du Pont (E.I.) de Nemours & Co.

    1,380        92   

Eastman Chemical Co.

    256        17   

Ecolab, Inc.

    535        65   

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    157        23   

International Paper Co.

    1,741        84   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Materials—continued   

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    460      $ 82   

Newmont Mining Corp.

    6,081        239   

Nucor Corp.

    4,161        206   

PPG Industries, Inc.

    543        56   

Sealed Air Corp.

    837        38   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    148        41   

Vulcan Materials Co.

    1,037        118   

Westrock Co.

    1,078        52   
   

 

 

 
      1,431   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—4.1%   

American Tower Corp.

    482        55   

Apartment Investment & Management Co. Class A

    368        17   

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    351        62   

Crown Castle International Corp.

    385        36   

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    191        19   

Equity Residential

    978        63   

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    161        36   

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    149        12   

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    118        18   

General Growth Properties, Inc.

    1,048        29   

HCP, Inc.

    1,373        52   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    205        8   

Kimco Realty Corp.

    683        20   

Macerich Co. (The)

    203        16   

Prologis, Inc.

    4,399        235   

Public Storage

    192        43   

Realty Income Corp.

    430        29   

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    520        108   

UDR, Inc.

    706        25   

Ventas, Inc.

    1,010        71   

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    949        30   
   

 

 

 
      984   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—0.8%   

AT&T, Inc.

    2,492        101   

CenturyLink, Inc.

    233        7   

Frontier Communications Corp.

    491        2   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,639        85   
   

 

 

 
      195   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—1.8%   

Ameren Corp.

    258        13   

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    277        18   

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    447        10   

CMS Energy Corp.

    285        12   

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    306        23   

Dominion Resources, Inc.

    615        46   

DTE Energy Co.

    191        18   

Duke Energy Corp.

    398        32   

Edison International

    190        14   

Entergy Corp.

    114        9   

Eversource Energy

    198        11   

Exelon Corp.

    522        17   

FirstEnergy Corp.

    271        9   

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    257        31   

NiSource, Inc.

    332        8   

PG&E Corp.

    271        17   

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    72        5   

PPL Corp.

    357        12   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Utilities—continued   

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    537      $ 23   

SCANA Corp.

    141        10   

Sempra Energy

    222        24   

Southern Co.

    529        27   

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    325        19   

XCEL Energy, Inc.

    266        11   
   

 

 

 
              419   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $12,522)
        13,691   
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS(3)—42.0%   

iShares MSCI Australia Index Fund

    58,930        1,232   

iShares MSCI Brazil Capped Index Fund

    41,042        1,384   

iShares MSCI Hong Kong Index Fund

    58,212        1,281   

iShares MSCI India Index Fund

    42,038        1,236   

iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund

    95,090        1,193   

iShares MSCI South Korea Capped Index Fund

    22,605        1,314   

iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped Index Fund

    37,916        1,158   

iShares MSCI Taiwan Index Fund

    78,821        1,238   
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS
(Identified Cost $9,088)
        10,036   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.2%   
(Identified Cost $21,610)             23,727   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.2%
(Identified Cost $21,610)
        23,727 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—0.8%

  

    203   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 23,930   
   

 

 

 

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Non-income producing.
(3)  Shares of these funds are publicly offered and the prospectus and annual reports of each are publicly available.

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

United States

    83

Korea

    6   

India

    5   

Taiwan

    5   

Ireland

    1   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

29


Table of Contents

VIRTUS GLOBAL EQUITY TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

     Total Value at
September 30,
2016
    Level 1
Quoted Prices
 

Equity Securities:

    

Common Stocks

   $ 13,691      $ 13,691   

Exchange-Traded Funds

     10,036        10,036   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 23,727      $ 23,727   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

There are no Level 2 (significant observable inputs) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

30


Table of Contents

VIRTUS HERZFELD FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
CLOSED END FUNDS(3)—54.1%   
Equity Funds—29.8%   

Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc.

    52,189      $ 686   

Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc.

    37,946        756   

Allianzgi NFJ Dividend Interest & Premium Strategy Fund

    57,707        729   

Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund

    126,834        968   

BlackRock Science & Technology Trust

    122,284        2,278   

Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

    261,002        2,187   

Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust (The)

    57,157        596   

Gabelli Multimedia Trust, Inc.

    36,000        277   

General American Investors Co., Inc.

    29,765        972   

Liberty All Star Equity Fund

    183,754        952   

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

    115,986        1,471   

Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.

    2,824        73   

Tortoise Pipeline & Energy Fund, Inc.

    74,979        1,588   

Tri-Continental Corp.

    24,736        529   
   

 

 

 
      14,062   
   

 

 

 
Fixed Income Funds—6.5%   

NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund

    90,845        2,020   

PIMCO Dynamic Credit Income Fund

    50,240        1,024   
   

 

 

 
      3,044   
   

 

 

 
International Equity Funds—17.1%   

Aberdeen Japan Equity Fund, Inc.

    71,048        584   

Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund

    105,759        920   

Clough Global Opportunities Fund

    40,477        391   

Delaware Enhanced Global Dividend and Income Fund

    18,872        191   

First Trust Dynamic Europe Equity Income Fund

    38,955        612   

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc.

    56,954        602   

New Germany Fund, Inc. (The)

    45,240        649   
    SHARES     VALUE  
International Equity Funds—continued   

Taiwan Fund, Inc. (The)(2)

    10,400      $ 180   

Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund

    123,203        2,154   

Tekla World Healthcare Fund

    106,990        1,569   

Templeton Dragon Fund, Inc.

    10,137        178   
   

 

 

 
      8,030   
   

 

 

 
International Fixed Income Fund—0.7%   

Diversified Real Asset Income Fund

    19,626        338   
TOTAL CLOSED END FUNDS
(Identified Cost $25,205)
        25,474   
PREFERRED STOCKS—25.4%   
Financials—25.4%   

Eagle Point Credit Co., Inc. 7.00%

    152,396        3,889   

Eagle Point Credit Co., Inc. Series A 7.75%

    19,349        507   

MVC Capital, Inc.
7.25%

    84,231        2,127   

Oxford Lane Capital Corp. 7.50%

    61,456        1,577   

Oxford Lane Capital Corp. 8.125%

    150,730        3,881   
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Identified Cost $11,614)
        11,981   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—79.5%   
(Identified Cost $36,819)             37,455   
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—19.4%   
Money Market Mutual Fund—19.4%   

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield
0.360%)(3)

    9,167,116        9,167   
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (Identified Cost $9,167)         9,167   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—98.9%
(Identified Cost $45,986)
        46,622 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—1.1%

  

    517   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 47,139   
   

 

 

 

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Non-income producing.
(3)  Shares of these funds are publicly offered and the prospectus and annual reports of each are publicly available.

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

    Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
 

Equity Securities:

   

Closed-End Funds

  $ 25,474      $ 25,474   

Preferred Stocks

    11,981        11,981   

Short-Term Investments

    9,167        9,167   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

  $ 46,622      $ 46,622   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

There are no Level 2 (significant observable inputs) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

31


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-ASSET TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—35.9%   
Consumer Discretionary—8.4%   

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    661      $ 99   

Amazon.com, Inc.(2)

    787        659   

AutoNation, Inc.(2)

    748        36   

AutoZone, Inc.(2)

    299        230   

Best Buy Co., Inc.

    20,240        773   

CarMax, Inc.(2)

    1,908        102   

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(2)

    135        57   

Comcast Corp. Class A

    8,601        571   

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    460        28   

Dollar General Corp.

    2,232        156   

Dollar Tree, Inc.(2)

    1,894        150   

Expedia, Inc.

    275        32   

Foot Locker, Inc.

    937        63   

Gap, Inc. (The)

    1,495        33   

Genuine Parts Co.

    7,559        759   

Hasbro, Inc.

    3,965        315   

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    4,076        525   

Horton (D.R.), Inc.

    6,505        196   

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

    15,114        338   

L Brands, Inc.

    1,854        131   

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    3,538        161   

Lennar Corp. Class A

    3,545        150   

LKQ Corp.(2)

    9,377        333   

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    3,004        217   

Mattel, Inc.

    12,259        371   

McDonald’s Corp.

    2,675        309   

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(2)

    1,680        337   

Netflix, Inc.(2)

    948        93   

Newell Brands, Inc.

    11,217        591   

NIKE, Inc. Class B

    11,763        619   

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(2)

    914        256   

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    6,773        576   

Priceline Group, Inc. (The)(2)

    126        185   

PulteGroup, Inc.

    6,278        126   

Ross Stores, Inc.

    2,807        180   

Starbucks Corp.

    4,281        232   

Target Corp.

    4,896        336   

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    4,806        359   

TripAdvisor, Inc.(2)

    237        15   

Urban Outfitters, Inc.(2)

    523        18   

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    8,304        809   

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    1,292        117   
   

 

 

 
    11,643   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—4.8%   

Altria Group, Inc.

    4,928        312   

Brown-Forman Corp. Class B

    4,251        202   

Campbell Soup Co.

    880        48   

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    588        28   

Clorox Co. (The)

    335        42   

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    8,247        349   

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    1,866        138   

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

    1,947        92   

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class A

    3,600        599   

CVS Health Corp.

    2,871        255   

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

    453        41   

General Mills, Inc.

    2,502        160   

Hershey Co. (The)

    684        65   

Hormel Foods Corp.

    1,360        52   

J.M. Smucker Co. (The)

    353        48   

Kellogg Co.

    911        71   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Consumer Staples—continued   

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    764      $ 96   

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

    2,421        217   

McCormick & Co., Inc.

    549        55   

Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.

    798        63   

Molson Coors Brewing Co. Class B

    8,460        929   

Mondelez International, Inc. Class A

    6,664        292   

Monster Beverage Corp.(2)

    316        46   

PepsiCo, Inc.

    3,020        328   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    3,966        386   

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    5,525        496   

Reynolds American, Inc.

    3,343        158   

Sysco Corp.

    17,367        851   

Tyson Foods, Inc. Class A

    988        74   

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    2,258        182   
   

 

 

 
    6,675   
   

 

 

 
Energy—0.6%   

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    4,322        175   

Phillips 66

    3,911        315   

Tesoro Corp.

    964        77   

Valero Energy Corp.

    3,845        204   
   

 

 

 
    771   
   

 

 

 
Financials—1.7%   

Allstate Corp. (The)

    2,733        189   

AON plc

    2,685        302   

CHUBB Ltd.

    2,977        374   

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    1,012        76   

CME Group, Inc.

    1,470        154   

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    90        2   

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    533        144   

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    5,037        339   

Moody’s Corp.

    755        82   

NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (The)

    543        37   

Progressive Corp. (The)

    4,045        127   

S&P Global, Inc.

    1,159        147   

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    1,973        226   

Willis Towers Watson plc

    1,305        173   

XL Group Ltd.

    2,037        68   
   

 

 

 
    2,440   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—3.2%   

Abbott Laboratories

    2,818        119   

Aetna, Inc.

    922        106   

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    2,310        109   

Allergan plc(2)

    238        55   

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    1,000        81   

Anthem, Inc.

    761        95   

Bard (C.R.), Inc.

    145        32   

Baxter International, Inc.

    947        45   

Becton, Dickinson & Co.

    433        78   

Boston Scientific Corp.(2)

    2,871        68   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    850        46   

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    1,648        128   

Centene Corp.(2)

    397        27   

Cigna Corp.

    719        94   

Danaher Corp.

    1,253        98   

DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.

    14,065        836   

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(2)

    456        55   

Eli Lilly & Co.

    525        42   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

Endo International plc(2)

    138      $ 3   

Henry Schein, Inc.(2)

    428        70   

Hologic, Inc.(2)

    389        15   

Humana, Inc.

    423        75   

Illumina, Inc.(2)

    1,000        182   

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(2)

    81        59   

Johnson & Johnson

    1,382        163   

Mallinckrodt plc(2)

    73        5   

McKesson Corp.

    1,143        191   

Medtronic plc

    2,614        226   

Merck & Co., Inc.

    1,421        89   

Mylan NV(2)

    244        9   

Patterson Cos., Inc.

    442        20   

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    830        47   

Perrigo Co. plc

    94        9   

Pfizer, Inc.

    3,062        104   

St. Jude Medical, Inc.

    490        39   

Stryker Corp.

    643        75   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    2,637        419   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    2,604        364   

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.(2)

    191        19   

Waters Corp.(2)

    526        83   

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    369        48   

Zoetis, Inc.

    256        13   
   

 

 

 
    4,441   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—4.1%   

3M Co.

    1,487        262   

Allegion plc

    4,434        306   

Avery Dennison Corp.

    1,028        80   

Boeing Co. (The)

    1,024        135   

Cintas Corp.

    7,928        893   

Dover Corp.

    1,008        74   

Dun & Bradstreet Corp. (The)

    555        76   

Equifax, Inc.

    1,810        244   

Flowserve Corp.

    888        43   

Fortive Corp.

    678        34   

General Dynamics Corp.

    506        78   

General Electric Co.

    16,700        495   

Honeywell International, Inc.

    1,300        152   

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    1,948        233   

Ingersoll-Rand plc

    1,536        104   

L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.

    144        22   

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    387        93   

Masco Corp.

    15,495        532   

Nielsen Holdings plc

    5,562        298   

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    294        63   

Parker Hannifin Corp.

    826        104   

Pentair plc

    1,013        65   

Raytheon Co.

    550        75   

Republic Services, Inc.

    3,946        199   

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

    164        14   

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    241        44   

Snap-On, Inc.

    351        53   

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    892        110   

Stericycle, Inc.(2)

    1,402        112   

Textron, Inc.

    402        16   

TransDigm Group, Inc.(2)

    109        31   

United Technologies Corp.

    1,314        133   

Waste Management, Inc.

    6,700        427   

Xylem, Inc.

    1,008        53   
   

 

 

 
      5,653   
   

 

 

 
 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

32


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-ASSET TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
Information Technology—4.9%   

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    6,622      $ 293   

Adobe Systems, Inc.(2)

    2,530        275   

Akamai Technologies, Inc.(2)

    460        24   

Alliance Data Systems
Corp.(2)

    91        20   

Alphabet, Inc. Class A(2)

    460        370   

Alphabet, Inc. Class C(2)

    480        373   

Amphenol Corp. Class A

    5,839        379   

Analog Devices, Inc.

    444        29   

Applied Materials, Inc.

    15,232        459   

Autodesk, Inc.(2)

    1,108        80   

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    571        50   

Broadcom Ltd.

    580        100   

CA, Inc.

    669        22   

Citrix Systems, Inc.(2)

    858        73   

Corning, Inc.

    20,600        487   

eBay, Inc.(2)

    2,426        80   

Electronic Arts, Inc.(2)

    4,074        348   

Facebook, Inc. Class A(2)

    2,071        266   

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    349        27   

First Solar, Inc.(2)

    224        9   

Fiserv, Inc.(2)

    288        29   

Global Payments, Inc.

    194        15   

Intel Corp.

    7,339        277   

Intuit, Inc.

    1,403        154   

KLA-Tencor Corp.

    2,546        177   

Lam Research Corp.

    2,154        204   

Linear Technology Corp.

    310        18   

MasterCard, Inc. Class A

    1,121        114   

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    287        18   

Micron Technology, Inc.(2)

    1,180        21   

Microsoft Corp.

    10,265        591   

NVIDIA Corp.

    711        49   

Oracle Corp.

    5,179        203   

Paychex, Inc.

    391        23   

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(2)

    1,307        54   

Qorvo, Inc.(2)

    271        15   

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    2,194        150   

Red Hat, Inc.(2)

    245        20   

salesforce.com, Inc.(2)

    3,235        231   

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    338        26   

Symantec Corp.

    868        22   

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    1,495        105   

Total System Services, Inc.

    240        11   

VeriSign, Inc.(2)

    160        12   

Verisk Analytics, Inc.(2)

    2,396        195   

Visa, Inc. Class A

    2,230        184   

Western Union Co. (The)

    634        13   

Xerox Corp.

    1,141        12   

Xilinx, Inc.

    287        16   

Yahoo!, Inc.(2)

    2,126        92   
   

 

 

 
      6,815   
   

 

 

 
Materials—3.6%   

Alcoa, Inc.(2)

    67,810        688   

Dow Chemical Co. (The)

    6,168        320   

Du Pont (E.I.) de Nemours & Co.

    4,925        330   

Eastman Chemical Co.

    851        58   

Ecolab, Inc.

    1,421        173   

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    444        63   

International Paper Co.

    4,616        221   

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    1,993        357   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Materials—continued   

Newmont Mining Corp.

    29,564      $ 1,161   

Nucor Corp.

    14,400        712   

PPG Industries, Inc.

    1,448        150   

Sealed Air Corp.

    2,200        101   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    426        118   

Vulcan Materials Co.

    4,021        457   

Westrock Co.

    2,882        140   
   

 

 

 
      5,049   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—3.0%   

American Tower Corp.

    1,889        214   

Apartment Investment & Management Co. Class A

    1,343        62   

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    1,195        212   

Crown Castle International Corp.

    1,494        141   

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    539        52   

Equinix, Inc.

    316        114   

Equity Residential

    3,175        204   

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    584        130   

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    658        52   

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    723        111   

General Growth Properties, Inc.

    5,480        151   

HCP, Inc.

    4,844        184   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    923        35   

Kimco Realty Corp.

    3,646        106   

Macerich Co. (The)

    1,148        93   

Prologis, Inc.

    15,051        806   

Public Storage

    664        148   

Realty Income Corp.

    2,327        156   

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    2,229        461   

UDR, Inc.

    2,173        78   

Ventas, Inc.

    3,654        258   

Welltower, Inc.

    3,837        287   

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    3,627        116   
   

 

 

 
    4,171   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—0.5%   

AT&T, Inc.

    8,967        364   

CenturyLink, Inc.

    964        26   

Frontier Communications Corp.

    2,835        12   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    5,732        298   
   

 

 

 
    700   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—1.1%   

Ameren Corp.

    905        45   

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    1,105        71   

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    1,544        36   

CMS Energy Corp.

    1,064        45   

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    979        74   

Dominion Resources, Inc.

    2,124        158   

DTE Energy Co.

    654        61   

Duke Energy Corp.

    1,583        127   

Edison International

    661        48   

Entergy Corp.

    396        30   

Eversource Energy

    772        42   

Exelon Corp.

    2,301        77   

FirstEnergy Corp.

    849        28   

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    1,066        130   

NiSource, Inc.

    1,317        32   

PG&E Corp.

    1,691        103   

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    246        19   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Utilities—continued   

PPL Corp.

    1,517      $ 52   

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    1,673        70   

SCANA Corp.

    449        32   

Sempra Energy

    860        92   

Southern Co.

    2,171        111   

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    992        59   

XCEL Energy, Inc.

    1,097        45   
   

 

 

 
              1,587   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $45,429)
        49,945   
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS(3)—60.3%   

iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

    116,417        16,008   

iShares Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index Fund

    54,682        4,410   

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond Index Fund

    91,923        8,021   

iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond Fund

    64,621        7,960   

iShares JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Fund

    70,922        8,313   

iShares MSCI Australia Index Fund

    205,773        4,301   

iShares MSCI Brazil Capped Index Fund

    145,084        4,894   

iShares MSCI Hong Kong Index Fund

    196,616        4,327   

iShares MSCI India Index Fund

    141,844        4,172   

iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund

    340,280        4,267   

iShares MSCI South Korea Capped Index Fund

    74,321        4,320   

iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped Index Fund

    135,679        4,145   

iShares MSCI Taiwan Index Fund

    282,122        4,429   

PowerShares DB Gold
Fund(2)

    105,651        4,500   
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS
(Identified Cost $77,169)
        84,067   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—96.2%   
(Identified Cost $122,598)        134,012   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—96.2% (Identified Cost $122,598)         134,012 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—3.8%

  

    5,270   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%     $ 139,282   
   

 

 

 

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Non-income producing.
(3)  Shares of these funds are publicly offered and the prospectus and annual reports of each are publicly available.
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

33

 


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-ASSET TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

    Total Value at
September 30,
2016
    Level 1
Quoted Prices
 

Equity Securities:

   

Common Stocks

  $ 49,945      $ 49,945   

Exchange-Traded Funds

    84,067        84,067   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

  $ 134,012      $ 134,012   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

There are no Level 2 (significant observable inputs) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

34


Table of Contents

VIRTUS SECTOR TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—99.1%   
Consumer Discretionary—15.1%   

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    1,914      $ 285   

Amazon.com, Inc.(2)

    10,109        8,464   

AutoNation, Inc.(2)

    1,714        84   

AutoZone, Inc.(2)

    758        582   

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.

    3,964        171   

Best Buy Co., Inc.

    7,110        271   

BorgWarner, Inc.

    5,163        182   

CarMax, Inc.(2)

    4,958        265   

Carnival Corp.

    11,107        542   

CBS Corp. Class B

    10,565        578   

Charter Communications, Inc. Class A(2)

    5,657        1,527   

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(2)

    756        320   

Coach, Inc.

    7,149        261   

Comcast Corp. Class A

    62,259        4,130   

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    3,249        199   

Delphi Automotive plc

    7,013        500   

Discovery Communications, Inc. Class A(2)

    3,896        105   

Discovery Communications, Inc. Class C(2)

    5,776        152   

Dollar General Corp.

    6,721        470   

Dollar Tree, Inc.(2)

    6,074        479   

Expedia, Inc.

    3,138        366   

Foot Locker, Inc.

    3,495        237   

Ford Motor Co.

    100,559        1,214   

Gap, Inc. (The)

    5,609        125   

Garmin Ltd.

    2,982        144   

General Motors Co.

    36,585        1,162   

Genuine Parts Co.

    3,837        385   

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)

    6,794        219   

H&R Block, Inc.

    5,664        131   

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    9,823        248   

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    4,681        246   

Harman International Industries, Inc.

    1,803        152   

Hasbro, Inc.

    2,938        233   

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    32,010        4,119   

Horton (D.R.), Inc.

    8,827        267   

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

    10,320        231   

Johnson Controls International plc

    24,397        1,135   

Kohl’s Corp.

    4,614        202   

L Brands, Inc.

    6,238        442   

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    3,505        160   

Lennar Corp. Class A

    4,877        207   

LKQ Corp.(2)

    7,957        282   

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    22,784        1,645   

Macy’s, Inc.

    7,866        291   

Marriott International, Inc. Class A

    8,288        558   

Mattel, Inc.

    8,927        270   

McDonald’s Corp.

    22,082        2,547   

Michael Kors Holdings Ltd.(2)

    4,420        207   

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(2)

    1,633        327   

Netflix, Inc.(2)

    11,040        1,088   

Newell Brands, Inc.

    12,431        655   

News Corp. Class A

    9,835        138   

News Corp. Class B

    3,086        44   

NIKE, Inc. Class B

    34,650        1,824   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

Nordstrom, Inc.

    3,010      $ 156   

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(2)

    2,457        688   

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    6,088        518   

Phillips-Van Heusen Corp.

    2,027        224   

Priceline Group, Inc. (The)(2)

    1,289        1,897   

PulteGroup, Inc.

    8,022        161   

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    1,452        147   

Ross Stores, Inc.

    10,222        657   

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    4,319        324   

Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. Class A

    2,477        157   

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    1,964        146   

Staples, Inc.

    16,735        143   

Starbucks Corp.

    37,640        2,038   

Target Corp.

    14,843        1,019   

TEGNA, Inc.

    5,545        121   

Tiffany & Co.

    2,752        200   

Time Warner, Inc.

    19,958        1,589   

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    16,916        1,265   

Tractor Supply Co.

    3,499        236   

TripAdvisor, Inc.(2)

    2,947        186   

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. Class A

    27,452        665   

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. Class B

    12,549        311   

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.(2)

    1,512        360   

Under Armour, Inc. Class A(2)

    4,748        184   

Under Armour, Inc. Class C(2)

    4,780        162   

Urban Outfitters, Inc.(2)

    2,308        80   

VF Corp.

    8,500        476   

Viacom, Inc. Class B

    9,026        344   

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    37,743        3,505   

Whirlpool Corp.

    1,941        315   

Wyndham Worldwide Corp.

    2,852        192   

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    2,122        207   

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    9,534        866   
   

 

 

 
      60,607   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—19.7%   

Altria Group, Inc.

    75,428        4,769   

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    26,969        1,137   

Brown-Forman Corp. Class B

    9,054        430   

Campbell Soup Co.

    10,731        587   

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    10,974        526   

Clorox Co. (The)

    6,465        809   

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    165,372        6,999   

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    39,117        2,900   

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

    20,625        972   

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class A

    11,378        1,894   

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    19,337        2,949   

Coty, Inc. Class A

    2,953        69   

CVS Health Corp.

    46,391        4,128   

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

    9,266        846   

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The) Class A

    10,653        943   

General Mills, Inc.

    27,159        1,735   

Hershey Co. (The)

    6,910        661   

Hormel Foods Corp.

    16,322        619   

J.M. Smucker Co. (The)

    5,957        807   

Kellogg Co.

    12,174        943   

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    16,132        2,035   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Consumer Staples—continued   

Kraft Heinz Co.(The)

    25,475      $ 2,280   

Kroger Co. (The)

    45,709        1,357   

McCormick & Co., Inc.

    6,049        604   

Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.

    8,600        680   

Molson Coors Brewing Co. Class B

    9,942        1,092   

Mondelez International, Inc. Class A

    62,324        2,736   

Monster Beverage Corp.(2)

    6,598        969   

PepsiCo, Inc.

    34,976        3,804   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    66,257        6,442   

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    113,332        10,172   

Reynolds American, Inc.

    39,323        1,854   

Sysco Corp.

    23,813        1,167   

Tyson Foods, Inc. Class A

    16,584        1,238   

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

    63,770        4,599   

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    38,618        3,113   

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

    15,045        427   
   

 

 

 
      79,292   
   

 

 

 
Energy—5.1%   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

    8,586        544   

Apache Corp.

    6,378        407   

Baker Hughes, Inc.

    8,407        424   

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

    15,076        389   

Chesapeake Energy Corp.(2)

    12,733        80   

Chevron Corp.

    28,389        2,922   

Cimarex Energy Co.

    1,380        185   

Concho Resources, Inc.(2)

    2,068        284   

ConocoPhillips

    13,436        584   

Devon Energy Corp.

    8,829        390   

EOG Resources, Inc.

    9,754        943   

EQT Corp.

    2,542        185   

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    41,065        3,584   

FMC Technologies, Inc.(2)

    5,986        178   

Halliburton Co.

    15,260        685   

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    1,567        106   

Hess Corp.

    4,889        262   

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    28,159        651   

Marathon Oil Corp.

    14,610        231   

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    7,702        313   

Murphy Oil Corp.

    3,172        96   

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    7,055        259   

Newfield Exploration Co.(2)

    2,854        124   

Noble Energy, Inc.

    8,571        306   

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    9,799        715   

ONEOK, Inc.

    3,086        159   

Phillips 66

    6,455        520   

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    5,655        1,050   

Range Resources Corp.

    4,545        176   

Schlumberger Ltd.

    21,238        1,670   

Southwestern Energy Co.(2)

    9,375        130   

Spectra Energy Corp.

    13,660        584   

Tesoro Corp.

    5,394        429   

Transocean Ltd.(2)

    5,073        54   

Valero Energy Corp.

    9,252        490   

Williams Cos., Inc. (The)

    14,035        431   
   

 

 

 
      20,540   
   

 

 

 
Financials—5.0%   

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.(2)

    443        64   

Aflac, Inc.

    3,362        242   

Allstate Corp. (The)

    3,035        210   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

35


Table of Contents

VIRTUS SECTOR TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
Financials—continued   

American Express Co.

    6,344      $ 406   

American International Group, Inc.

    8,371        497   

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    1,337        133   

AON plc

    2,169        244   

Assurant, Inc.

    491        45   

Bank of America Corp.

    83,612        1,308   

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    8,843        353   

BB&T Corp.

    6,693        252   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
Class B(2)

    15,623        2,257   

BlackRock, Inc.

    997        361   

Capital One Financial Corp.

    4,169        299   

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    9,932        314   

CHUBB Ltd.

    3,797        477   

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    1,224        92   

Citigroup, Inc.

    23,970        1,132   

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    4,284        106   

CME Group, Inc.

    2,760        288   

Comerica, Inc.

    1,429        68   

Discover Financial Services

    3,317        188   

E*Trade Financial Corp.(2)

    2,244        65   

Fifth Third Bancorp

    6,278        128   

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    2,922        104   

Gallagher (Arthur J.) & Co.

    1,445        73   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    3,105        501   

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    3,171        136   

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    8,984        89   

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    972        262   

Invesco Ltd.

    3,409        107   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    29,806        1,985   

KeyCorp

    8,960        109   

Legg Mason, Inc.

    763        26   

Leucadia National Corp.

    2,656        51   

Lincoln National Corp.

    1,945        91   

Loews Corp.

    2,280        94   

M&T Bank Corp.

    1,288        149   

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    4,246        286   

MetLife, Inc.

    9,091        404   

Moody’s Corp.

    1,369        148   

Morgan Stanley

    12,099        388   

NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (The)

    925        62   

Navient Corp.

    2,618        38   

Northern Trust Corp.

    1,759        120   

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    2,567        41   

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    4,054        365   

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    2,215        114   

Progressive Corp. (The)

    4,713        148   

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    3,611        295   

Regions Financial Corp.

    10,318        102   

S&P Global, Inc.

    2,163        274   

SL Green Realty Corp.

    3,513        380   

State Street Corp.

    3,027        211   

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

    4,129        181   

Synchrony Financial

    6,511        182   

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    2,053        136   

Torchmark Corp.

    917        59   

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    2,353        269   

U.S. Bancorp

    13,236        568   

Unum Group

    1,950        69   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Financials—continued   

Wells Fargo & Co.

    37,553      $ 1,663   

Willis Towers Watson plc

    1,068        142   

XL Group Ltd.

    2,260        76   

Zions Bancorp

    1,693        52   
   

 

 

 
      20,079   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—14.7%   

Abbott Laboratories

    26,612        1,125   

AbbVie, Inc.

    34,637        2,185   

Aetna, Inc.

    7,683        887   

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    7,034        331   

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(2)

    4,769        584   

Allergan plc

    8,902        2,050   

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    4,017        324   

Amgen, Inc.

    15,973        2,664   

Anthem, Inc.

    5,726        718   

Bard (C.R.), Inc.

    1,651        370   

Baxter International, Inc.

    10,578        504   

Becton, Dickinson & Co.

    4,648        835   

Biogen, Inc.(2)

    4,775        1,495   

Boston Scientific Corp.(2)

    29,124        693   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    35,789        1,930   

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    6,862        533   

Celgene Corp.(2)

    16,534        1,728   

Centene Corp.(2)

    3,638        244   

Cerner Corp.(2)

    6,399        395   

Cigna Corp.

    5,650        736   

Cooper Cos, Inc. (The)

    1,035        186   

Danaher Corp.

    12,947        1,015   

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc.(2)

    3,518        232   

DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.

    5,020        298   

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(2)

    4,570        551   

Eli Lilly & Co.

    20,721        1,663   

Endo International plc(2)

    4,215        85   

Express Scripts Holding Co.(2)

    14,177        1,000   

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    28,122        2,225   

HCA Holdings, Inc.(2)

    6,327        479   

Henry Schein, Inc.(2)

    1,739        283   

Hologic, Inc.(2)

    5,937        231   

Humana, Inc.

    3,441        609   

Illumina, Inc.(2)

    3,128        568   

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(2)

    825        598   

Johnson & Johnson

    58,251        6,881   

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings(2)

    2,173        299   

Mallinckrodt plc(2)

    2,307        161   

McKesson Corp.

    4,960        827   

Medtronic plc

    29,521        2,551   

Merck & Co., Inc.

    59,176        3,693   

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(2)

    571        240   

Mylan NV(2)

    9,832        375   

Patterson Cos., Inc.

    1,780        82   

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    2,329        131   

Perrigo Co. plc

    3,043        281   

Pfizer, Inc.

    129,431        4,384   

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    3,076        260   

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(2)

    1,608        646   

St. Jude Medical, Inc.

    6,252        499   

Stryker Corp.

    6,753        786   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    8,390        1,335   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    20,484      $ 2,868   

Universal Health Services, Inc. Class B

    1,908        235   

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.(2)

    2,000        199   

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(2)

    5,279        460   

Waters Corp.(2)

    1,734        275   

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    4,322        562   

Zoetis, Inc.

    10,619        552   
   

 

 

 
      58,936   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—5.1%   

3M Co.

    6,650        1,172   

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    472        125   

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    1,323        87   

Allegion plc

    1,027        71   

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    5,710        209   

Ametek, Inc.

    2,501        120   

Avery Dennison Corp.

    3,544        276   

Boeing Co. (The)

    6,493        855   

Caterpillar, Inc.

    6,634        589   

Cintas Corp.

    1,102        124   

CSX Corp.

    12,111        369   

Cummins, Inc.

    3,044        390   

Deere & Co.

    3,432        293   

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    8,067        318   

Dover Corp.

    2,014        148   

Dun & Bradstreet Corp. (The)

    392        54   

Eaton Corp. plc

    5,988        393   

Emerson Electric Co.

    7,309        398   

Equifax, Inc.

    1,756        236   

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    1,933        100   

Fastenal Co.

    3,133        131   

FedEx Corp.

    2,810        491   

Flowserve Corp.

    1,392        67   

Fluor Corp.

    2,180        112   

Fortive Corp.

    3,634        185   

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

    1,662        97   

General Dynamics Corp.

    3,361        522   

General Electric Co.

    70,701        2,094   

Honeywell International, Inc.

    8,627        1,006   

Hunt (JB) Transport Services, Inc.

    935        76   

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    3,640        436   

Ingersoll-Rand plc

    2,769        188   

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.(2)

    1,317        68   

Kansas City Southern

    1,161        108   

L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.

    824        124   

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    2,859        685   

Masco Corp.

    3,966        136   

Nielsen Holdings plc

    3,593        192   

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    3,672        356   

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    2,051        439   

PACCAR, Inc.

    4,339        255   

Parker Hannifin Corp.

    1,815        228   

Pentair plc

    1,770        114   

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    2,282        41   

Quanta Services, Inc.(2)

    1,621        45   

Raytheon Co.

    3,448        469   

Republic Services, Inc.

    2,492        126   

Robert Half International, Inc.

    1,967        74   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

36


Table of Contents

VIRTUS SECTOR TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
Industrials—continued   

Robinson (C.H.) Worldwide, Inc.

    1,526      $ 108   

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    1,809        221   

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

    1,798        152   

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    1,090        199   

Ryder System, Inc.

    1,036        68   

Snap-On, Inc.

    620        94   

Southwest Airlines Co.

    7,293        284   

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    1,614        199   

Stericycle, Inc.(2)

    911        73   

Textron, Inc.

    3,592        143   

TransDigm Group, Inc.(2)

    532        154   

Union Pacific Corp.

    9,695        946   

United Continental Holdings, Inc.(2)

    3,132        164   

United Parcel Service, Inc. Class B

    7,533        824   

United Rentals, Inc.(2)

    935        73   

United Technologies Corp.

    8,756        890   

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

    815        183   

Waste Management, Inc.

    4,726        301   

Xylem, Inc.

    1,919        101   
   

 

 

 
      20,369   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—4.5%   

Accenture plc Class A

    2,789        341   

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    3,117        138   

Adobe Systems, Inc.(2)

    2,245        244   

Akamai Technologies, Inc.(2)

    824        44   

Alliance Data Systems
Corp.(2)

    274        59   

Alphabet, Inc. Class A(2)

    1,309        1,052   

Alphabet, Inc. Class C(2)

    1,313        1,021   

Amphenol Corp. Class A

    1,412        92   

Analog Devices, Inc.

    1,420        91   

Apple, Inc.

    24,012        2,715   

Applied Materials, Inc.

    4,862        147   

Autodesk, Inc.(2)

    905        65   

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    2,061        182   

Broadcom Ltd.

    1,780        307   

CA, Inc.

    1,492        49   

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    22,640        718   

Citrix Systems, Inc.(2)

    724        62   

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. Class A(2)

    2,761        132   

Corning, Inc.

    4,702        111   

CSRA, Inc.

    766        21   

eBay, Inc.(2)

    4,772        157   

Electronic Arts, Inc.(2)

    1,371        117   

F5 Networks, Inc.(2)

    318        40   

Facebook, Inc. Class A(2)

    10,228        1,312   

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    1,511        116   

First Solar, Inc.(2)

    402        16   

Fiserv, Inc.(2)

    1,005        100   

FLIR Systems, Inc.

    689        22   

Global Payments, Inc.

    728        56   

Harris Corp.

    586        54   

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    7,482        170   

HP Inc.

    7,749        120   

Intel Corp.

    20,474        773   

International Business Machines Corp.

    3,888        618   

Intuit, Inc.

    1,116        123   

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    1,856        45   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Information Technology—continued   

KLA-Tencor Corp.

    740      $ 52   

Lam Research Corp.

    740        70   

Linear Technology Corp.

    1,118        66   

MasterCard, Inc. Class A

    4,272        435   

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    1,004        62   

Micron Technology, Inc.(2)

    4,729        84   

Microsoft Corp.

    34,442        1,984   

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    784        60   

NetApp, Inc.

    1,350        48   

NVIDIA Corp.

    2,415        165   

Oracle Corp.

    13,911        546   

Paychex, Inc.

    1,479        86   

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(2)

    5,074        208   

Qorvo, Inc.(2)

    626        35   

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    6,524        447   

Red Hat, Inc.(2)

    835        67   

salesforce.com, Inc.(2)

    2,891        206   

Seagate Technology plc

    1,433        55   

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    881        67   

Symantec Corp.

    2,800        70   

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    1,630        105   

Teradata Corp.(2)

    689        21   

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    4,486        315   

Total System Services, Inc.

    792        37   

VeriSign, Inc.(2)

    441        34   

Verisk Analytics, Inc.(2)

    1,686        137   

Visa, Inc. Class A

    8,392        694   

Western Digital Corp.

    1,281        75   

Western Union Co. (The)

    2,300        48   

Xerox Corp.

    4,060        41   

Xilinx, Inc.

    1,183        64   

Yahoo!, Inc.(2)

    3,958        171   
   

 

 

 
      17,985   
   

 

 

 
Materials—4.9%   

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    6,674        1,003   

Albemarle Corp.

    4,150        355   

Alcoa, Inc.(2)

    50,875        516   

Ball Corp.

    6,767        555   

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    9,262        225   

Dow Chemical Co. (The)

    41,468        2,149   

Du Pont (E.I.) de Nemours & Co.

    32,234        2,159   

Eastman Chemical Co.

    5,788        392   

Ecolab, Inc.

    9,714        1,182   

FMC Corp.

    5,376        260   

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.

    46,823        508   

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    3,086        441   

International Paper Co.

    15,209        730   

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. Class A

    9,952        803   

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    2,502        448   

Monsanto Co.

    16,125        1,648   

Mosaic Co. (The)

    13,727        336   

Newmont Mining Corp.

    20,842        819   

Nucor Corp.

    12,088        598   

Owens-Illinois, Inc.(2)

    7,586        139   

PPG Industries, Inc.

    9,847        1,018   

Praxair, Inc.

    10,512        1,270   

Sealed Air Corp.

    7,767        356   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    3,044        842   

Vulcan Materials Co.

    5,114        582   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Materials—continued   

Westrock Co.

    9,451      $ 458   
   

 

 

 
      19,792   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—4.9%   

American Tower Corp.

    14,850        1,683   

Apartment Investment & Management Co. Class A

    5,488        252   

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    4,803        854   

Boston Properties, Inc.

    5,378        733   

CBRE Group, Inc. Class A(2)

    10,362        290   

Crown Castle International Corp.

    11,781        1,110   

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    5,157        501   

Equinix, Inc.

    2,496        899   

Equity Residential

    12,777        822   

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    2,294        511   

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    4,398        349   

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    2,483        382   

General Growth Properties, Inc.

    20,416        563   

HCP, Inc.

    16,351        620   

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    25,967        404   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    8,548        321   

Kimco Realty Corp.

    14,701        426   

Macerich Co. (The)

    4,220        341   

Prologis, Inc.

    18,445        988   

Public Storage

    5,199        1,160   

Realty Income Corp.

    9,056        606   

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    10,947        2,266   

UDR, Inc.

    9,358        337   

Ventas, Inc.

    12,273        867   

Vornado Realty Trust

    6,013        609   

Welltower, Inc.

    12,515        936   

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    26,259        839   
   

 

 

 
      19,669   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—0.5%   

AT&T, Inc.

    27,390        1,112   

CenturyLink, Inc.

    2,519        69   

Frontier Communications Corp.

    6,012        25   

Level 3 Communications,
Inc.(2)

    1,347        63   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    14,935        776   
   

 

 

 
      2,045   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—19.6%   

AES Corp.

    85,331        1,097   

Alliant Energy Corp.

    29,105        1,115   

Ameren Corp.

    31,235        1,536   

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    63,406        4,071   

American Water Works Co., Inc.

    22,740        1,702   

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    55,687        1,294   

CMS Energy Corp.

    36,521        1,534   

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    39,126        2,946   

Dominion Resources, Inc.

    80,004        5,942   

DTE Energy Co.

    23,152        2,169   

Duke Energy Corp.

    81,651        6,535   

Edison International

    41,798        3,020   

Entergy Corp.

    22,896        1,757   

Eversource Energy

    40,762        2,208   

Exelon Corp.

    118,205        3,935   

FirstEnergy Corp.

    54,622        1,807   

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    59,922        7,330   

NiSource, Inc.

    41,681        1,005   
 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

37


Table of Contents

VIRTUS SECTOR TREND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
Utilities—continued   

NRG Energy, Inc.

    41,140      $ 461   

PG&E Corp.

    64,167        3,925   

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    14,560        1,106   

PPL Corp.

    87,090        3,011   

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    64,888        2,717   

SCANA Corp.

    18,280        1,323   

Sempra Energy

    32,117        3,443   

Southern Co.

    125,207        6,423   

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    40,417        2,420   

XCEL Energy, Inc.

    65,660        2,701   
   

 

 

 
              78,533   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $375,117)
        397,847   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.1%   
(Identified Cost $375,117)             397,847   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.1%
(Identified Cost $375,117)
        397,847 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—0.9%

  

    3,712   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 401,559   
   

 

 

 

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Non-income producing.

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

     Total Value at
September 30,
2016
     Level 1
Quoted Prices
 

Equity Securities:

     

Common Stocks

   $ 397,847       $ 397,847   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 397,847       $ 397,847   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

There are no Level 2 (significant observable inputs) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

38


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(Reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Alternatives
Diversifier
Fund
    Equity
Trend
Fund
     Global
Equity Trend
Fund
 
             
Assets        

Investment in unaffiliated securities at value(1)

   $ 29,039      $ 944,772       $ 23,727   

Investments in affiliated funds at value(2)

     29,302                  

Cash

     300                226   

Receivables

       

Investment securities sold

            15,507           

Fund shares sold

     83        191         12   

Dividends and interest receivable

     (3)      1,541         23   

Prepaid trustee retainer

     1        22         1   

Prepaid expenses

     23        49         18   

Other assets

     1        13         (3) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     58,749        962,095         24,007   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Liabilities        

Cash overdraft

            1,885           

Payables

       

Fund shares repurchased

     119        6,708         14   

Investment advisory fees

            822         20   

Distribution and service fees

     20        414         11   

Administration fees

     6        99         3   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     18        198         7   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     1        10         (3) 

Professional fees

     19        28         18   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     1        13         (3) 

Other accrued expenses

     6        134         4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     190        10,311         77   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 58,559      $ 951,784       $ 23,930   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:        

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

   $ 127,270      $ 1,465,643       $ 36,349   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     316        (1,663      (207

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     (79,301     (598,813      (14,328

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     10,274        86,617         2,116   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 58,559      $ 951,784       $ 23,930   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Class A        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 10.89      $ 12.23       $ 9.94   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–5.75%)

   $ 11.55      $ 12.98       $ 10.55   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     1,760,761        20,041,186         840,123   

Net Assets

   $ 19,171      $ 245,109       $ 8,351   
Class C        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 10.73      $ 11.88       $ 9.69   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     1,826,873        35,663,123         1,162,279   

Net Assets

   $ 19,611      $ 423,675       $ 11,267   
Class I        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 10.89      $ 12.31       $ 10.00   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     1,815,229        22,978,762         431,008   

Net Assets

   $ 19,777      $ 282,818       $ 4,312   
Class R6        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $      $ 12.34       $   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

            14,720           

Net Assets

   $      $ 182       $   

(1) Investment in unaffiliated securities at cost

   $ 27,522      $ 858,155       $ 21,610   

(2) Investment in affiliated funds at cost

   $ 20,545      $       $   

(3) Amount is less than $500.

       

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

39


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(Reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Herzfeld
Fund
     Multi-Asset
Trend
Fund
     Sector
Trend
Fund
 
Assets         

Investment in securities at value(1)

   $ 46,622       $ 134,012       $ 397,847   

Cash

     750         5,173         4,706   

Receivables

        

Investment securities sold

     65         1,432         40,527   

Fund shares sold

     83         25         587   

Dividends and interest receivable

     50         85         803   

Prepaid trustee retainer

     1         3         9   

Prepaid expenses

     32         20         36   

Other assets

     1         2         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     47,604         140,752         444,520   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Liabilities         

Payables

        

Fund shares repurchased

     90         1,199         1,765   

Investment securities purchased

     289                 40,697   

Investment advisory fees

     29         118         150   

Distribution and service fees

     14         75         165   

Administration fees

     5         15         41   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     13         28         81   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     1         1         4   

Professional fees

     19         18         19   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     1         2         5   

Other accrued expenses

     4         14         34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     465         1,470         42,961   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 47,139       $ 139,282       $ 401,559   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:         

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

   $ 48,009       $ 163,588       $ 442,248   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     5         (529      2,144   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     (1,511      (35,191      (65,564

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     636         11,414         22,731   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 47,139       $ 139,282       $ 401,559   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Class A         

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 10.92       $ 10.31       $ 11.29   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–5.75%)

   $ 11.59       $ 10.94       $ 11.98   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     1,012,667         2,890,104         11,639,415   

Net Assets

   $ 11,060       $ 29,798       $ 131,389   
Class C         

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 10.88       $ 10.10       $ 11.04   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     1,430,483         8,018,321         15,146,948   

Net Assets

   $ 15,568       $ 80,962       $ 167,265   
Class I         

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 10.94       $ 10.34       $ 11.28   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     1,874,859         2,757,612         9,121,404   

Net Assets

   $ 20,511       $ 28,522       $ 102,905   

(1) Investment in securities at cost

   $ 45,986       $ 122,598       $ 375,117   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

40


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Alternatives
Diversifier
Fund
    Equity
Trend
Fund
    Global
Equity Trend
Fund
 
             
Investment Income       

Dividends

   $ 210      $ 20,226      $ 424   

Dividends from affiliated funds

     763                 

Interest

            46        3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     973        20,272        427   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Expenses       

Investment advisory fees

            13,889        371   

Service fees, Class A

     50        933        31   

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     216        5,876        158   

Administration fees

     80        1,750        47   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     123        1,872        62   

Registration fees

     46        198        47   

Printing fees and expenses

     20        377        12   

Custodian fees

     7        50        2   

Professional fees

     23        42        19   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     6        134        3   

Miscellaneous expenses

     7        131        6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     578        25,252        758   

Less expenses reimbursed and/or waived by investment adviser

            (1,475     (7

Earnings credit from custodian

     (1              

Low balance account fees

     (1)      (1)        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     577        23,777        751   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     396        (3,505     (324
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments       

Net realized gain (loss) on unaffiliated investments

     (3,160     (51,631     (1,741

Net realized gain (loss) on affiliated investments

     3,486                 

Capital gain distributions from affiliated funds

     1,938                 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on unaffiliated investments

     5,474        68,111        1,774   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on affiliated investments

     (2,816              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      4,922        16,480        33   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 5,318      $ 12,975      $ (291
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

41


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Herzfeld
Fund
     Multi-Asset
Trend
Fund
    Sector
Trend
Fund
 
             
Investment Income        

Dividends

   $ 2,213       $ 2,883      $ 8,805   

Interest

             19        18   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     2,213         2,902        8,823   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Expenses        

Investment advisory fees

     446         1,875        1,953   

Service fees, Class A

     20         99        344   

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     152         1,049        1,741   

Administration fees

     56         237        547   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     61         275        588   

Registration fees

     52         54        164   

Printing fees and expenses

     15         51        115   

Custodian fees

     4         3        7   

Professional fees

     21         21        26   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     4         17        39   

Miscellaneous expenses

     5         18        35   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     836         3,699        5,559   

Less expenses reimbursed and/or waived by investment adviser

     (55               

Earnings credit from custodian

     (1               

Low balance account fees

             (1)      (1
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     780         3,699        5,558   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     1,433         (797     3,265   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments        

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (3,058      (5,127     (17,641

Capital gain distributions from underlying funds

     2,512                  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     5,023         9,563        25,827   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      4,477         4,436        8,186   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 5,910       $ 3,639      $ 11,451   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     Alternatives Diversifier Fund        Equity Trend Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
       Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
                 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                  
From Operations                  

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 396         $ 1,799         $ (3,505      $ (15,311

Net realized gain (loss)

     2,264           400           (51,631        179,217   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     2,658           (12,509        68,111           (738,910
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations      5,318           (10,310        12,975           (575,004
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders                  

Net investment income, Class A

     (140        (652                  (816

Net investment income, Class C

     (97        (386                    

Net investment income, Class I

     (177        (977                  (4,384

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

                                   (96,936

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

                                   (98,311

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

                                   (160,323

Net realized short-term gains, Class R6

                                   (5

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

                                   (286,197

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

                                   (289,362

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

                                   (473,696

Net realized long-term gains, Class R6

                                   (15
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders      (414        (2,015                  (1,410,045
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)                  

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     (7,767        (9,920        (278,173        (984,779

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     (7,687        (8,585        (326,634        (668,784

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     (12,448        (12,643        (317,745        (2,373,748

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class R6

                         85           120   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions      (27,902        (31,148        (922,467        (4,027,191
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets      (22,998        (43,473        (909,492        (6,012,240
Net Assets                  

Beginning of fiscal year

     81,557           125,030           1,861,276           7,873,516   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
End of fiscal year    $ 58,559         $ 81,557         $ 951,784         $ 1,861,276   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of fiscal year

   $ 316         $ 411         $ (1,663      $ (8,830

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

43


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
       Global Equity Trend Fund      Herzfeld Fund  
       Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
                 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                  
From Operations                  

Net investment income (loss)

     $ (324      $ (487    $ 1,433         $ 929   

Net realized gain (loss)

       (1,741        (8,221      (546        218   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

       1,774           (10,115      5,023           (4,845
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations        (291        (18,823      5,910           (3,698
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders                  

Net investment income, Class A

                 (271      (348        (283

Net investment income, Class C

                         (527        (365

Net investment income, Class I

                 (467      (971        (414

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

                 (1,492                (122

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

                 (1,771                (166

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

                 (1,788                (74

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

                 (3,944      (77        (104

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

                 (4,687      (151        (143

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

                 (4,759      (232        (69
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders                  (19,179      (2,306        (1,740
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)                  

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

       (10,228        (45,890      2,011           428   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

       (10,974        (36,615      (595        6,251   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

       (11,474        (70,130      3,886           13,715   
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions        (32,676        (152,635      5,302           20,394   
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets        (32,967        (190,637      8,906           14,956   
Net Assets                  

Beginning of fiscal year

       56,897           247,534         38,233           23,277   
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
End of fiscal year      $ 23,930         $ 56,897       $ 47,139         $ 38,233   
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of fiscal year

     $ (207      $ (698    $ 5         $   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

44


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     Multi-Asset Trend Fund        Sector Trend Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
       Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
                 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                  
From Operations                  

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (797      $ (2,088      $ 3,265         $ 1,801   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (5,127        (20,676        (17,641        94,402   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     9,563           (21,205        25,827           (139,165
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations      3,639           (43,969        11,451           (42,962
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders                  

Net investment income, Class A

     (41        (516        (986        (1,055

Net investment income, Class C

                                   (406

Net investment income, Class I

     (244        (1,292        (1,649        (1,161

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

               (3,223                  (13,616

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

               (7,394                  (13,013

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

               (6,241                  (12,582

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

               (7,765                  (59,091

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

               (17,829                  (56,735

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

               (15,105                  (54,658
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders      (285        (59,365        (2,635        (212,317
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)                  

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     (26,252        (68,771        (28,578        (72,892

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     (60,210        (146,112        (42,844        (2,219

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     (45,575        (206,162        (69,127        (62,196
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions      (132,037        (421,045        (140,549        (137,307
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets      (128,683        (524,379        (131,733        (392,586
Net Assets                  

Beginning of fiscal year

     267,965           792,344           533,292           925,878   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
End of fiscal year    $ 139,282         $ 267,965         $ 401,559         $ 533,292   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of fiscal year

   $ (529      $ (2,581      $ 2,144         $ 1,513   

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

45


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Capital Gains Distributions
Received from Affiliated Funds(2)
  Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss)
  Total from
Investment Operations
  Dividends from
Net Investment
Income
  Total
Distributions
  Change in
Net Asset Value
  Net Asset
Value, End of Period
  Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets,
End of Period

(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average
Net Assets(8)
  Ratio of
Gross Expenses to Average    

Net Assets (before
waivers and

reimburse
ments)(8)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
Alternatives                                                                                                                                                        

Diversifier Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.99         0.08         0.31         0.58         0.97         (0.07 )       (0.07 )       0.90       $ 10.89         9.74 %     $ 19,171         0.74 %(9)(12)       0.74 %       0.80 %       56 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.31         0.19         0.09         (1.39 )       (1.11 )       (0.21 )       (0.21 )       (1.32 )       9.99         (10.02 )       25,377         0.64         0.64         1.77         46  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.97         0.15         0.07         0.25         0.47         (0.13 )       (0.13 )       0.34         11.31         4.28         39,076         0.65         0.65         1.32         27  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        11.10         0.21                 (0.13 )       0.08         (0.21 )       (0.21 )       (0.13 )       10.97         0.73         51,339         0.58 (7)       0.63         1.93         24  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.68         0.10                 1.38         1.48         (0.06 )       (0.06 )       1.42         11.10         15.37         65,463         0.45         0.65         0.95         29  

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.90         (5)       0.31         0.56         0.87         (0.04 )       (0.04 )       0.83       $ 10.73         8.86 %     $ 19,611         1.49 %(9)(12)       1.49 %       0.04 %       56 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.21         0.11         0.09         (1.39 )       (1.19 )       (0.12 )       (0.12 )       (1.31 )       9.90         (10.66 )       25,637         1.39         1.39         1.02         46  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.83         0.07         0.07         0.25         0.39         (0.01 )       (0.01 )       0.38         11.21         3.47         38,005         1.40         1.40         0.58         27  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.93         0.13                 (0.13 )               (0.10 )       (0.10 )       (0.10 )       10.83         (0.05 )       44,850         1.33 (7)       1.38         1.22         24  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.55         0.02                 1.36         1.38                         1.38         10.93         14.45         57,336         1.20         1.40         0.20         29  

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.98         0.11         0.31         0.56         0.98         (0.07 )       (0.07 )       0.91       $ 10.89         9.94 %     $ 19,777         0.49 %(9)(12)       0.49 %       1.04 %       56 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.30         0.22         0.09         (1.39 )       (1.08 )       (0.24 )       (0.24 )       (1.32 )       9.98         (9.77 )       30,543         0.39         0.39         1.99         46  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.98         0.18         0.08         0.24         0.50         (0.18 )       (0.18 )       0.32         11.30         4.52         47,949         0.40         0.40         1.56         27  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        11.12         0.16                 (0.05 )       0.11         (0.25 )       (0.25 )       (0.14 )       10.98         1.00         111,396         0.36 (7)       0.38         1.48         24  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.70         0.13                 1.38         1.51         (0.09 )       (0.09 )       1.42         11.12         15.63         37,590         0.20         0.40         1.21         29  

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

46


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets, End of Period
(In thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average Net Assets(8)
  Ratio of
Gross Expenses
to Average    
Net Assets
(before
waivers and
reimbursements)(8)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate

Equity Trend

                                                                                                                                                       

Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 12.14         (0.01 )       0.10         0.09                                 0.09       $ 12.23         0.74 %     $ 245,109         1.50 %(7)(12)       1.58 %       (0.05 )%       229 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        17.39         (0.03 )       (1.79 )       (1.82 )       (0.01 )       (3.42 )       (3.43 )       (5.25 )       12.14         (12.79 )       520,337         1.60 (11)       1.60         (0.22 )       674  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        15.52         0.06         2.29         2.35         (0.04 )       (0.44 )       (0.48 )       1.87         17.39         15.31         2,044,955         1.61 (11)       1.61         0.36         227  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        13.43         0.11         2.09         2.20         (0.11 )               (0.11 )       2.09         15.52         16.50         1,937,456         1.62 (11)       1.62         0.75         140  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        11.69         0.10         1.73         1.83         (0.09 )               (0.09 )       1.74         13.43         15.74         1,323,109         1.64         1.64         0.80         297  

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 11.87         (0.08 )       0.09         0.01                                 0.01       $ 11.88         0.08 %     $ 423,675         2.16 %(7)(12)       2.33 %       (0.69 )%       229 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        17.16         (0.13 )       (1.76 )       (1.89 )               (3.40 )       (3.40 )       (5.29 )       11.87         (13.45 )       746,390         2.36 (11)       2.36         (0.97 )       674  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        15.39         (0.06 )       2.27         2.21                 (0.44 )       (0.44 )       1.77         17.16         14.48         1,988,290         2.36 (11)       2.36         (0.38 )       227  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        13.34                 2.07         2.07         (0.02 )               (0.02 )       2.05         15.39         15.55         1,307,857         2.37 (11)       2.37         0.02         140  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        11.62         0.01         1.72         1.73         (0.01 )               (0.01 )       1.72         13.34         14.91         767,602         2.38         2.39         0.09         297  

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 12.19         0.02         0.10         0.12                                 0.12       $ 12.31         0.98 %     $ 282,818         1.29 %(7)(12)       1.33 %       0.16 %       229 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        17.42         0.01         (1.80 )       (1.79 )       (0.02 )       (3.42 )       (3.44 )       (5.23 )       12.19         (12.57 )       594,460         1.35 (11)       1.35         0.04         674  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        15.54         0.10         2.30         2.40         (0.08 )       (0.44 )       (0.52 )       1.88         17.42         15.61         3,840,271         1.36 (11)       1.36         0.62         227  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        13.45         0.15         2.08         2.23         (0.14 )               (0.14 )       2.09         15.54         16.75         2,580,005         1.37 (11)       1.37         1.02         140  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        11.71         0.14         1.72         1.86         (0.12 )               (0.12 )       1.74         13.45         15.98         1,479,042         1.39         1.39         1.10         297  

Class R6

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 12.20         0.06         0.08         0.14                                 0.14       $ 12.34         1.15 %     $ 182         1.10 %(7)(12)       1.25 %       0.49 %       229 %

11/12/14(6) to 9/30/15

        17.20         0.01         (1.57 )       (1.56 )       (0.02 )       (3.42 )       (3.44 )       (5.00 )       12.20         (11.39 )(4)       89         1.28 (3)(11)       1.28 (3)       0.10 (3)       674  
Global Equity                                                              

Trend Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.76         (0.06 )       0.24         0.18                                 0.18       $ 9.94         1.84 %     $ 8,351         1.77 %(12)       1.79 %       (0.60 )%       282 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        12.42         (0.03 )       (1.48 )       (1.51 )       (0.07 )       (1.08 )       (1.15 )       (2.66 )       9.76         (13.21 )       18,523         1.68 (11)       1.68         (0.23 )       614  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        11.76         0.07         0.91         0.98         (0.02 )       (0.30 )       (0.32 )       0.66         12.42         8.43         75,879         1.66 (10)       1.65         0.55         205  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.56         0.04         1.26         1.30         (0.06 )       (0.04 )       (0.10 )       1.20         11.76         12.32         56,689         1.75 (10)       1.71         0.33         194  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.42         0.08         1.12         1.20         (0.06 )               (0.06 )       1.14         10.56         12.75         27,699         1.75         1.78         0.83         258  

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.59         (0.13 )       0.23         0.10                                 0.10       $ 9.69         1.04 %     $ 11,267         2.52 %(12)       2.54 %       (1.35 )%       282 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        12.24         (0.09 )       (1.48 )       (1.57 )               (1.08 )       (1.08 )       (2.65 )       9.59         (13.88 )       22,376         2.41 (11)       2.43         (0.87 )       614  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        11.64         (0.02 )       0.92         0.90                 (0.30 )       (0.30 )       0.60         12.24         7.69         72,013         2.37 (10)       2.40         (0.17 )       205  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.50         (0.05 )       1.25         1.20         (0.02 )       (0.04 )       (0.06 )       1.14         11.64         11.52         44,239         2.48 (10)       2.46         (0.42 )       194  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.40         (5)       1.12         1.12         (0.02 )               (0.02 )       1.10         10.50         12.04         21,051         2.50         2.53         0.01         258  

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.79         (0.04 )       0.25         0.21                                 0.21       $ 10.00         2.15 %     $ 4,312         1.51 %(12)       1.52 %       (0.40 )%       282 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        12.47         (5)       (1.50 )       (1.50 )       (0.10 )       (1.08 )       (1.18 )       (2.68 )       9.79         (13.06 )       15,998         1.43 (11)       1.43         0.01         614  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        11.80         0.10         0.92         1.02         (0.05 )       (0.30 )       (0.35 )       0.67         12.47         8.68         99,642         1.44 (10)       1.41         0.80         205  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.58         0.07         1.25         1.32         (0.06 )       (0.04 )       (0.10 )       1.22         11.80         12.59         38,889         1.50 (10)       1.46         0.58         194  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.42         0.09         1.14         1.23         (0.07 )               (0.07 )       1.16         10.58         13.15         19,112         1.50         1.52         0.90         258  

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

47


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total Return(1)   Net Assets, End of Period
(In thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average Net Assets(8)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average    
Net Assets (before waivers and
reimburse
ments)(8)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate

Herzfeld Fund

                                                                                                                                                       

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.91         0.34         1.20         1.54         (0.43 )       (0.10 )       (0.53 )       1.01       $ 10.92         16.04 %     $ 11,060         1.61 %(9)(12)       1.74 %       3.33 %       53 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.37         0.35         (1.12 )       (0.77 )       (0.37 )       (0.32 )       (0.69 )       (1.46 )       9.91         (7.17 )       8,324         1.60         1.73         3.20         57  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.45         0.34         1.02         1.36         (0.36 )       (0.08 )       (0.44 )       0.92         11.37         13.21         9,212         1.60         1.93         3.04         53  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.21         0.33         0.18         0.51         (0.26 )       (0.01 )       (0.27 )       0.24         10.45         5.10         2,917         1.60         2.60         3.13         22  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         0.04         0.17         0.21                                 0.21         10.21         2.10 (4)       105         1.60 (3)       37.91 (3)       5.93         3 (4)

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.87         0.27         1.19         1.46         (0.35 )       (0.10 )       (0.45 )       1.01       $ 10.88         15.22 %     $ 15,568         2.36 %(9)(12)       2.49 %       2.61 %       53 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.34         0.26         (1.11 )       (0.85 )       (0.30 )       (0.32 )       (0.62 )       (1.47 )       9.87         (7.94 )       14,761         2.35         2.48         2.39         57  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.43         0.26         1.01         1.27         (0.28 )       (0.08 )       (0.36 )       0.91         11.34         12.34         10,624         2.35         2.70         2.35         53  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.21         0.25         0.19         0.44         (0.21 )       (0.01 )       (0.22 )       0.22         10.43         4.36         4,942         2.35         3.25         2.40         22  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         0.03         0.18         0.21                                 0.21         10.21         2.10 (4)       102         2.35 (3)       38.62 (3)       5.21         3 (4)

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.92         0.37         1.21         1.58         (0.46 )       (0.10 )       (0.56 )       1.02       $ 10.94         16.40 %     $ 20,511         1.36 %(9)(12)       1.49 %       3.59 %       53 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.39         0.37         (1.12 )       (0.75 )       (0.40 )       (0.32 )       (0.72 )       (1.47 )       9.92         (7.01 )       15,148         1.35         1.47         3.39         57  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.46         0.38         1.01         1.39         (0.38 )       (0.08 )       (0.46 )       0.93         11.39         13.54         3,441         1.35         1.71         3.40         53  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.21         0.09         0.46         0.55         (0.29 )       (0.01 )       (0.30 )       0.25         10.46         5.41         1,765         1.35         3.71         0.86         22  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         0.03         0.18         0.21                                 0.21         10.21         2.10 (4)       1,017         1.35 (3)       38.61 (3)       4.39         3 (4)
Multi-Asset Trend                                                              

Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.94         (0.01 )       0.39         0.38         (0.01 )               (0.01 )       0.37       $ 10.31         3.82 %     $ 29,798         1.61 %(11)(12)       1.61 %       (0.07 )%       223 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.85         (0.02 )       (0.92 )       (0.94 )       (0.04 )       (0.93 )       (0.97 )       (1.91 )       9.94         (8.58 )       55,214         1.62 (11)       1.62         (0.15 )       519  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        11.28         0.10         0.69         0.79         (0.07 )       (0.15 )       (0.22 )       0.57         11.85         6.97         143,765         1.62 (11)       1.62         0.83         337  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.67         0.06         0.62         0.68         (0.05 )       (0.02 )       (0.07 )       0.61         11.28         6.39         114,697         1.64 (11)       1.64         0.51         275  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.69         0.09         0.98         1.07         (0.09 )               (0.09 )       0.98         10.67         11.08         66,122         1.73         1.70         0.84         211  

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.80         (0.08 )       0.38         0.30                                 0.30       $ 10.10         3.06 %     $ 80,962         2.36 %(11)(12)       2.36 %       (0.80 )%       223 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.73         (0.09 )       (0.91 )       (1.00 )               (0.93 )       (0.93 )       (1.93 )       9.80         (9.23 )       139,223         2.36 (11)       2.37         (0.89 )       519  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        11.19         0.01         0.68         0.69                 (0.15 )       (0.15 )       0.54         11.73         6.15         331,980         2.35 (11)       2.37         0.09         337  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.60         (0.02 )       0.63         0.61                 (0.02 )       (0.02 )       0.59         11.19         5.71         230,459         2.37 (11)       2.39         (0.23 )       275  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.66         0.02         0.96         0.98         (0.04 )               (0.04 )       0.94         10.60         10.13         131,330         2.45         2.45         0.16         211  

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.99         0.02         0.38         0.40         (0.05 )               (0.05 )       0.35       $ 10.34         3.97 %     $ 28,522         1.36 %(11)(12)       1.36 %       0.16 %       223 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        11.88         0.01         (0.91 )       (0.90 )       (0.06 )       (0.93 )       (0.99 )       (1.89 )       9.99         (8.36 )       73,528         1.36 (11)       1.36         0.11         519  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        11.31         0.13         0.69         0.82         (0.10 )       (0.15 )       (0.25 )       0.57         11.88         7.20         316,599         1.37 (11)       1.37         1.06         337  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.69         0.08         0.63         0.71         (0.07 )       (0.02 )       (0.09 )       0.62         11.31         6.70         248,984         1.39 (11)       1.39         0.74         275  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.71         0.12         0.96         1.08         (0.10 )               (0.10 )       0.98         10.69         11.24         146,634         1.49         1.46         1.17         211  

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total Return(1)   Net Assets End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average Net Assets(8)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average    
Net Assets (before waivers and
reimburse
ments)(8)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate

Sector Trend Fund

                                                                                                                                                       

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 11.00         0.11         0.26         0.37         (0.08 )               (0.08 )       0.29       $ 11.29         3.36 %     $ 131,389         1.05 %(12)       1.05 %       1.00 %       337 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        15.21         0.05         (0.71 )       (0.66 )       (0.05 )       (3.50 )       (3.55 )       (4.21 )       11.00         (6.19 )       156,759         0.98         0.98         0.39         576  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.87         0.15         2.25         2.40         (0.13 )       (0.93 )       (1.06 )       1.34         15.21         17.81         316,571         0.98         0.98         1.02         129  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        12.15         0.17         2.11         2.28         (0.17 )       (0.39 )       (0.56 )       1.72         13.87         19.63         257,492         1.00         1.00         1.29         123  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.67         0.14         1.68         1.82         (0.12 )       (0.22 )       (0.34 )       1.48         12.15         17.51         199,268         1.02         1.02         1.22         190  

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 10.76         0.03         0.25         0.28                                 0.28       $ 11.04         2.60 %     $ 167,265         1.80 %(12)       1.80 %       0.24 %       337 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        15.02         (0.04 )       (0.69 )       (0.73 )       (0.02 )       (3.51 )       (3.53 )       (4.26 )       10.76         (6.86 )       206,556         1.74         1.74         (0.34 )       576  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.73         0.04         2.21         2.25         (0.03 )       (0.93 )       (0.96 )       1.29         15.02         16.89         296,160         1.73         1.73         0.28         129  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        12.03         0.07         2.10         2.17         (0.08 )       (0.39 )       (0.47 )       1.70         13.73         18.80         217,861         1.74         1.75         0.57         123  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.56         0.06         1.67         1.73         (0.04 )       (0.22 )       (0.26 )       1.47         12.03         16.60         157,461         1.75         1.77         0.53         190  

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 11.02         0.13         0.27         0.40         (0.14 )               (0.14 )       0.26       $ 11.28         3.65 %     $ 102,905         0.80 %(12)       0.80 %       1.21 %       337 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        15.21         0.08         (0.71 )       (0.63 )       (0.05 )       (3.51 )       (3.56 )       (4.19 )       11.02         (5.90 )       169,977         0.73         0.73         0.65         576  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.87         0.19         2.25         2.44         (0.17 )       (0.93 )       (1.10 )       1.34         15.21         18.08         313,147         0.73         0.73         1.29         129  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        12.15         0.20         2.11         2.31         (0.20 )       (0.39 )       (0.59 )       1.72         13.87         19.92         173,096         0.75         0.75         1.56         123  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.67         0.17         1.68         1.85         (0.15 )       (0.22 )       (0.37 )       1.48         12.15         17.71         122,198         0.77         0.77         1.53         190  

Footnote Legend

(1)  Sales charges, where applicable, are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2)  Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3)  Annualized.
(4)  Not annualized.
(5)  Amount is less than $0.005.
(6)  Inception date.
(7)  Due to a change in expense cap, the ratio shown is a blended expense ratio.
(8)  The Funds will also indirectly bear their prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds in which they invest. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.
(9)  Earnings credits from custodian were not material, as reflected in the Statements of Operations, and had no impact on Financial Highlights.
(10)  See Note 3C in the Notes to Financial Statements for information on recapture of expense previously waived.
(11)  The Fund is currently under its expense limitation.
(12)  Net expense ratios include extraordinary proxy expenses.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 1. Organization

Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company.

As of the date of this report, 31 funds of the Trust are offered for sale, of which six (each a “Fund”) are reported in this annual report.

The Funds’ investment objectives are outlined in each Fund’s summary page. There is no guarantee that a Fund will achieve its objective(s).

All of the Funds offer Class A shares, Class C shares, and Class I shares. The Equity Trend Fund now offers Class R6 shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 5.75% with some exceptions. Generally, Class A shares are not subject to any charges by the Funds when redeemed; however, a 0.50% – 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) may be imposed on certain redemptions made within a certain period following purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The period for which such CDSC applies for the Funds is 18 months. The CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

Class C shares are generally sold with a 1% CDSC, applicable if redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or CDSC. Class R6 shares are only available to participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, profit sharing plans, defined benefit plans and other employer directed plans. Class R6 shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees. No compensation, administrative payments, sub-transfer agency payments or service payments are paid to brokers or other entities from fund assets or the Distributor’s or an affiliate’s resources on sales of or investments in Class R6 Shares.

Virtus Mutual Funds may impose an annual fee on accounts having balances of less than $2,500. The small account fee may be waived in certain circumstances, as disclosed in the prospectuses and/or statements of additional information. The fees collected will be used to offset certain expenses of the Funds. These fees are reflected as “Low Balance Account Fees” in each Fund’s Statements of Operations for the period, as applicable.

Each class of shares has identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except that each Class bears different distribution and/or service fees under a Board-approved Rule 12b-1 and/or shareholder servicing plan (“12b-1 Plan”) and has exclusive voting rights with respect to such plans. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are not subject to a 12b-1 Plan. Income and other expenses as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses of each Fund are borne pro rata by the holders of each class of shares.

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

  A. Security Valuation

Security valuation procedures for each Fund, which include nightly price variance as well as back-testing such as bi-weekly unchanged price, monthly secondary source and transaction analysis, have been approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”, or the “Trustees”). All internally fair valued securities are approved by a valuation committee (the “Valuation Committee”) appointed by the Board. The Valuation Committee is comprised of certain members of management as identified to the Board and convenes independently from portfolio management. All internally fair valued securities are updated daily and reviewed in detail by the Valuation Committee monthly unless changes occur within the period. The Valuation Committee reviews the validity of the model inputs and any changes to the model. Quarterly fair valuations are reviewed by the Board.

Each Fund utilizes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The Funds’ policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period.

 

  •    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (security types generally include listed equities).

 

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

 

  •    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Valuation Committee’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

A description of the valuation techniques applied to a Fund’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:

Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded or, if no closing price is available, at the last bid price and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Restricted equity securities and private placements that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Certain non-U.S. securities may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, significant events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that non-U.S. markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that a Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) (at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), generally 4 p.m. Eastern time) that may impact the value of securities traded in these non-U.S. markets. In such cases the Fund fair values non-U.S. securities using an independent pricing service which considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the non-U.S. security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments such as ADRs, financial futures, ETFs, and certain indexes, as well as prices for similar securities. Such fair valuations are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain non-U.S. common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.

 

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Debt securities, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. For most bond types, the pricing service utilizes matrix pricing which considers one or more of the following factors: yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, current cash flows, type, and current day trade information, as well as dealer-supplied prices. These valuations are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Structured debt instruments such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may also incorporate collateral analysis and utilize cash flow models for valuation and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Pricing services do not provide pricing for all securities and therefore indicative bids from dealers are utilized which are based on pricing models used by market makers in the security and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Debt securities that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Listed derivatives that are actively traded are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Over-the-counter derivative contracts, which include forward currency contracts and equity-linked instruments, do not require material subjectivity as pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets and are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at NAV. Investments in closed-end funds and ETFs are valued as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE each business day. Both are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

A summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ net assets by each major security type is disclosed at the end of the Schedule of Investments for each Fund. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

  B. Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses from sales of securities are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date or, in the case of certain foreign securities, as soon as a Fund is notified. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Each Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts using the effective interest method. Any distributions from underlying funds are recorded in accordance with the character of the distributions as designated by the underlying funds.

 

  C. Income Taxes

Each Fund is treated as a separate taxable entity. It is the intention of each Fund to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes or excise taxes has been made.

Certain Funds may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. Each Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable based upon current interpretations of the tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

Management of the Funds has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. As of September 30, 2016, the tax years that remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations are from the year 2013 forward (with limited exceptions).

 

  D. Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions are recorded by each Fund on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may include the treatment of non-taxable dividends, market premium and discount, non-deductible expenses, expiring capital loss carryovers, foreign currency gain or loss, gain or loss on futures contracts, partnerships, operating losses and losses deferred due to wash sales. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest.

 

  E. Expenses

Expenses incurred together by a fund and other affiliated mutual funds are allocated in proportion to the net assets of each such fund, except where allocation of direct expense to each fund or an alternative allocation method can be more appropriately used.

In addition to the net annual operating expenses that a fund bears directly, the shareholders of a fund indirectly bear the pro-rata expenses of any underlying mutual funds in which the fund invests.

 

  F. Foreign Currency Translation

Non-U.S. investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the foreign currency exchange rate effective at the end of the reporting period. Cost of investments is translated at the currency exchange rate effective at the trade date. The gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between the trade and settlement date of a portfolio transaction is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. Likewise, the gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between the date income is accrued and the date it is paid is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

 

  G. Securities Lending

Certain Funds may loan securities to qualified brokers through an agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman (“BBH”), as a third party lending agent. Under the terms of agreement, when doing so the Fund is required to maintain collateral with a market value not less than 100% of the market value of loaned securities. Collateral is adjusted daily in connection with changes in the market value of securities on loan. Collateral may consist of cash and securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Cash collateral is invested in a short-term money market fund. Dividends earned on the collateral and premiums paid by the broker are recorded as income by the Fund net of fees and rebates charged by BBH for its

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

services as securities lending agent and in connection with this securities lending program. Lending portfolio securities involves a risk of delay in the recovery of the loaned securities or in the declining value of the collateral.

At September 30, 2016, none of the Funds had securities on loan.

 

  H. Earnings Credit and Interest

Through arrangements with each Fund’s custodian, each Fund either receives an earnings credit or interest on agreed upon target un-invested cash balances to reduce each Fund’s custody expenses. The credits are reflected as “Earnings credit from Custodian” and the interest is reflected under “Interest income” in each Fund’s Statements of Operations for the period, as applicable.

 

Note 3. Investment Advisory Fees and Related Party Transactions

($ reported in thousands except as noted)

 

  A. Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (“Virtus”), is the adviser to the Trust. The Adviser manages the Funds’ investment programs and general operations of the Funds, including oversight of the Funds’ subadvisers.

As compensation for its services to the Funds, the Adviser is entitled to a fee based upon the following annual rates as a percentage of the average daily net assets (except as otherwise noted) of the following Funds:

 

       First $2 Billion      $2+ Billion through $4 Billion      $4+ Billion  

Global Equity Trend Fund

       1.00      0.95      0.90

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

       1.00         0.95         0.90   
       First $1 Billion      $1+ Billion         

Herzfeld Fund

       1.00         0.95      

Sector Trend Fund

       0.45         0.40      
       First $4 Billion      $4+ Billion         

Equity Trend Fund

       1.00      0.95   

Alternatives Diversifier Fund – the Adviser has discontinued charging an advisory fee.

 

  B. Subadvisers

Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. serves as the subadviser (“subadviser”) to Virtus Herzfeld Fund, managing the investments of that Fund for which the subadviser is paid a fee by the Adviser. Prior to September 7, 2016, Euclid Advisors LLC served as a subadviser to the remaining Funds; since that date those Funds do not have a subadviser.

 

  C. Expense Limits and Fee Waivers

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit certain Funds’ total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, if any), so that such expenses do not exceed the percentages of the Fund’s average daily net asset values as listed below through January 31, 2017.

 

       Class A        Class C        Class I        Class R6  

Equity Trend Fund*

       1.42        2.02        1.24        1.03

Global Equity Trend Fund

       1.75           2.50           1.50             

Herzfeld Fund

       1.60           2.35           1.35             

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

       1.75           2.50           1.50             

 

    expenses are currently below the cap level.
  * Effective February 8, 2016. For the period of October 1, 2015, through February 5, 2016, the expense caps were as follows for Class A, Class C, Class I, and Class R6, respectively: 1.70%, 2.45%, 1.45%, and 1.38%.

 

  D. Expense Recapture

For certain Funds, the Adviser may recapture operating expenses waived or reimbursed under these arrangements, within three years after the date on which such waiver or reimbursement occurred. A Fund must pay its ordinary operating expenses before the Adviser is entitled to any reimbursement and must remain in compliance with any applicable expense limitations or, if none, the expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. All or a portion of the following Adviser reimbursed expenses may be recaptured as follows:

 

       Fiscal Year Ended  
       2017        2018        2019        Total  

Equity Trend Fund

     $         $         $ 1,475         $ 1,475   

Global Equity Trend Fund

                           7          
7
  

Herzfeld Fund

       56           40           55           151   

 

  E. Distributor

VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the distributor of each Fund’s shares. VP Distributors has advised the Funds that for the fiscal year (the “period”) ended September 30, 2016, it retained net commissions of $37 of Class A shares and deferred sales charges of $36 and $91 for Class A shares and Class C shares, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

In addition, each Fund pays VP Distributors distribution and/or service fees under a 12b-1 Plan as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each respective class at the annual rates of 0.25%(1) for Class A shares and 1.00%(1)(2) for Class C shares. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are not subject to a 12b-1 Plan.

Under certain circumstances, shares of certain Virtus Mutual Funds may be exchanged for shares of the same class of certain other Virtus Mutual Funds on the basis of the relative NAV per share at the time of the exchange. On exchanges with share classes that carry a CDSC, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply.

 

  (1)  The Funds invest in ETFs. In addition to the fees listed the Funds bear their proportionate shares of any distribution and shareholder servicing fees of the ETFs.
  (2)  The Funds’ distributor has contractually agreed to waive its 12b-1 fees applicable to Class C shares to the extent that the Funds’ investments in underlying ETFs with their own 12b-1 fees would otherwise cause the total 12b-1 fees paid directly or indirectly by the Fund to exceed the limits set forth in applicable law or regulation.

 

  F. Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the administrator and transfer agent to the Funds.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Funds incurred administration fees from the Trust totaling $2,070 which are included in the Statements of Operations.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Funds incurred transfer agent fees from the Trust totaling $2,741 which are included in the Statements of Operations. A portion of these fees was paid to outside entities that also provide services to the Trust.

 

  G. Affiliated Shareholders

At September 30, 2016, Virtus and its affiliates held shares of certain Funds which may be redeemed at any time that aggregated the following:

 

       Shares        Aggregate
Net Asset
Value
 

Equity Trend Fund

         

Class R6

       14,720         $ 182   

Herzfeld Fund

         

Class A

       11,982           131   

Class C

       11,670           127   

Class I

       96,718           1,058   

 

  H. Investments in Affiliates

A summary of the Alternatives Diversifier Fund’s total long-term and short-term purchases and sales of the Class I shares of the affiliated underlying funds(1) during the period ended September 30, 2016, is as follows:

 

       Value,
beginning

of period
       Purchases(2)        Sales
Proceeds
 

Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund

     $ 15,334         $ 3,658         $ 9,850   

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund

       7,542           188           3,200   

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund

       7,707           3,138           5,500   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

       7,189           3,681           5,830   

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund

       12,164           2,487           10,075   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $ 49,936         $ 13,152         $ 34,455   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
       Value,
end
of period
       Dividend
Income
       Distributions
of Realized
Gains
 

Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund

     $ 9,734         $ 253         $ 605   

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund

       5,143           91           97   

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund

       5,564           88             

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

       4,375           94           1,236   

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund

       4,486           237             
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $ 29,302         $ 763         $ 1,938   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (1)  The Alternatives Diversifier Fund does not invest in the underlying funds for the purpose of exercising management or control; however, investments made by the Fund within each of its principal investment strategies may represent a significant portion of an underlying fund’s net assets. At September 30, 2016, the Fund was the owner of record of approximately 16% of Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund.
  (2)  Includes reinvested dividends from income and capital gain distributions.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

  I. Trustee Compensation

The Trust provides a deferred compensation plan for its Trustees who receive compensation from the Trust. Under the deferred compensation plan, Trustees may elect to defer all or a portion of their compensation. Amounts deferred are retained by the Trust, and then, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, in turn, may be invested in the shares of affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds selected by the participating Trustees. Investments in such instruments are included in “Other Assets” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2016.

 

Note 4. Purchases and Sales of Securities

($ reported in thousands)

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding U.S. Government and agency securities, and short-term securities) during the period ended September 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

       Purchases        Sales  

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

     $ 35,711         $ 61,646   

Equity Trend Fund

       2,676,708           2,758,568   

Global Equity Trend Fund

       77,327           73,613   

Herzfeld Fund

       21,684           22,996   

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

       346,120           383,133   

Sector Trend Fund

       1,475,298           1,199,981   

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government and agency securities for the Funds during the period ended September 30, 2016.

 

Note 5. Borrowings

($ reported in thousands)

On June 29, 2016, the Funds and other affiliated funds renewed a $50,000 secured line of credit. The Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) is with a commercial bank (the “Bank”) that allows the Funds to borrow cash from the Bank to manage large unexpected redemptions and trade fails, up to a limit of one-third or one-fifth of each Fund’s total net assets in accordance with the Agreement. The Agreement has a term of 364 days and is renewable by the Funds with the Bank’s consent. Interest is charged at the higher of the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or the Federal Funds rate plus an additional percentage rate on the amount borrowed. Commitment fees are charged on the undrawn balance. The Funds and other affiliated funds are individually, and not jointly, liable for their particular advances, if any, under the line of credit. The Bank has the ability to require repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Agreement upon certain circumstances such as an event of default.

From February 17, 2016, to February 29, 2016, the Herzfeld Fund made borrowings. The average daily borrowings under the Agreement and the weighted daily average interest rate were $407 and 1.43%, respectively. No other Funds made borrowings during the period and no Fund had any outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2016.

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 6. Capital Share Transactions

(reported in thousands)

Transactions in shares of capital stock, during the periods ended as indicated below, were as follows:

 

     Alternatives Diversifier Fund     Equity Trend Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
    Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT  

Class A

                
Sale of shares      233      $ 2,463        240      $ 2,652        1,506      $ 18,086        14,875      $ 216,781   
Reinvestment of distributions      13        130        55        607                      26,015        358,962   
Plan of Reorganization (Note 12)                                  7,287        82,432                 
Shares repurchased      (1,026     (10,360     (1,209     (13,179     (31,626     (378,691     (115,604     (1,560,522
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (780   $ (7,767     (914   $ (9,920     (22,833   $ (278,173     (74,714   $ (984,779
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class C                 
Sale of shares      46      $ 462        75      $ 825        1,455      $ 17,143        16,872      $ 238,376   
Reinvestment of distributions      8        78        28        309                      24,034        325,886   
Plan of Reorganization (Note 12)                                  11,669        128,740                 
Shares repurchased      (817     (8,227     (904     (9,720     (40,364     (472,517     (93,877     (1,233,046
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (763   $ (7,687     (801   $ (8,586     (27,240   $ (326,634     (52,971   $ (668,784
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class I                 
Sale of shares      386      $ 3,967        1,229      $ 13,567        4,635      $ 56,183        39,668      $ 574,419   
Reinvestment of distributions      16        153        62        681                      37,699        521,659   
Plan of Reorganization (Note 12)                                  11,946        135,785                 
Shares repurchased      (1,648     (16,568     (2,472     (26,891     (42,372     (509,713     (248,990     (3,469,826
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (1,246   $ (12,448     (1,181   $ (12,643     (25,791   $ (317,745     (171,623   $ (2,373,748
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class R6                 
Sale of shares           $             $             $        6      $ 100   
Reinvestment of distributions                                                1        20   
Plan of Reorganization (Note 12)                                  7        85        (1)      (2) 
Shares repurchased                                                (1)      (2) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)           $             $        7      $ 85        7      $ 120   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Global Equity Trend Fund                          
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
                         
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT        
Class A           
Sale of shares      107      $ 1,027        1,197      $ 13,144     
Reinvestment of distributions                    509        5,652     
Shares repurchased      (1,165     (11,255     (5,916     (64,685  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (1,058   $ (10,228     (4,210   $ (45,889  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
Class C           
Sale of shares      80      $ 754        635      $ 6,902     
Reinvestment of distributions                    584        6,384     
Shares repurchased      (1,251     (11,728     (4,770     (49,901  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (1,171   $ (10,974     (3,551   $ (36,615  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
Class I           
Sale of shares      97      $ 932        992      $ 11,048     
Reinvestment of distributions                    631        7,036     
Shares repurchased      (1,299     (12,406     (7,982     (88,214  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (1,202   $ (11,474     (6,359   $ (70,130  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1)  Amount is less than 500.
(2)  Amount is less than $500.

 

55


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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

     Herzfeld Fund     Multi-Asset Trend Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
    Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT  
Class A                 
Sale of shares      517      $ 5,537        612      $ 6,823        214      $ 2,114        1,899      $ 20,815   
Reinvestment of distributions      41        422        47        506        4        39        1,017        11,007   
Shares repurchased      (386     (3,948     (628     (6,901     (2,880     (28,405     (9,493     (100,593
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      172      $ 2,011        31      $ 428        (2,662   $ (26,252     (6,577   $ (68,771
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class C                 
Sale of shares      347      $ 3,484        967      $ 10,722        312      $ 3,029        2,972      $ 31,920   
Reinvestment of distributions      67        677        63        671                      2,252        24,117   
Shares repurchased      (478     (4,756     (472     (5,142     (6,498     (63,239     (19,312     (202,149
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (64   $ (595     558      $ 6,251        (6,186   $ (60,210     (14,088   $ (146,112
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class I                 
Sale of shares      1,886      $ 19,264        1,671      $ 18,514        471      $ 4,647        3,215      $ 35,797   
Reinvestment of distributions      118        1,200        52        553        22        217        1,924        20,908   
Shares repurchased      (1,656     (16,578     (499     (5,352     (5,099     (50,439     (24,418     (262,867
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      348      $ 3,886        1,224      $ 13,715        (4,606   $ (45,575     (19,279   $ (206,162
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Sector Trend Fund        
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
             
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT                          
Class A                 
Sale of shares      3,103      $ 34,166        11,512      $ 142,000           
Reinvestment of distributions      78        850        5,546        66,431           
Shares repurchased      (5,799     (63,594     (23,619     (281,323        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (2,618   $ (28,578     (6,561   $ (72,892        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         
Class C                 
Sale of shares      3,892      $ 42,476        9,549      $ 113,509           
Reinvestment of distributions                    4,741        55,847           
Shares repurchased      (7,943     (85,320     (14,803     (171,575        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (4,051   $ (42,844     (513   $ (2,219        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         
Class I                 
Sale of shares      4,289      $ 46,797        19,340      $ 231,425           
Reinvestment of distributions      121        1,318        5,015        60,118           
Shares repurchased      (10,715     (117,242     (29,519     (353,739        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (6,305   $ (69,127     (5,164   $ (62,196        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

Note 7. 10% Shareholders

As of September 30, 2016, certain Funds had individual shareholder account(s) and/or omnibus shareholder account(s) (comprised of a group of individual shareholders), which individually amounted to more than 10% of the total shares outstanding of each such Fund as detailed below.

 

       % of Shares
Outstanding
       Number of
Accounts
 

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

       12        1   

Global Equity Trend Fund

       15           1   

Herzfeld Fund

       66           5   

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

       21           1   

* Includes affiliated shareholder accounts.

 

Note 8. Credit Risk and Asset Concentration

Certain Funds may invest a high percentage of their assets in specific sectors of the market in their pursuit of their investment objectives. Fluctuations in these sectors of concentration may have a greater impact on a Fund, positive or negative, than if a Fund did not concentrate its investments in such sectors. At September 30, 2016, the Funds did not invest a high percentage of their assets in specific sectors.

 

Note 9. Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Trustees and officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. Each Trustee has entered into an indemnification agreement with the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that provide a variety of indemnifications to other parties. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds and that have not occurred. However, the Funds have not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements and expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 10. Federal Income Tax Information

($ reported in thousands)

At September 30, 2016, federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities held by the Funds were as follows:

 

      Federal
Tax Cost
     Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

   $ 75,793       $ 7,375       $ (24,827   $ (17,452

Equity Trend Fund

     865,765         93,316         (14,309     79,007   

Global Equity Trend Fund

     21,828         2,105         (206     1,899   

Herzfeld Fund

     46,079         1,826         (1,283     543   

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

     123,261         11,525         (774     10,751   

Sector Trend Fund

     378,753         24,548         (5,454     19,094   

Certain Funds have capital loss carryovers available to offset future realized capital gains, through the indicated expiration dates shown below:

 

    2018     No Expiration     Total  
    Short-Term     Long-Term     Short-Term     Long-Term     Short-Term     Long-Term  

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

  $ 49,187      $      $      $      $ 49,187      $   

Equity Trend Fund

                  533,867               533,867          

Global Equity Trend Fund

                  12,017        42        12,017        42   

Herzfeld Fund

                  489               489          

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

                  28,586               28,586          

Sector Trend Fund

    1,080               36,964        1,695        38,044        1,695   

The Trust may not realize the benefit of these losses to the extent each Fund does not realize gains on investments prior to the expiration of the capital loss carryovers.

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for tax years beginning after December 22, 2010, may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the following Funds utilized losses deferred in prior years against current year capital gains:

 

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

   $ 2,742   

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Capital losses realized after October 31, and certain late year ordinary losses may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Funds deferred and recognized post-October losses as follows:

 

     Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Deferred
     Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Recognized
     Capital
Loss
Deferred
     Capital
Loss
Recognized
 

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

   $       $       $ 2,389       $ 2,312   

Equity Trend Fund

     1,663         9,400         57,335         386,068   

Global Equity Trend Fund

     207         705         2,051         12,067   

Herzfeld Fund

                     929         327   

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

     529         2,881         5,942         28,669   

Sector Trend Fund

                     22,188         42,927   

 

  (1)  Amount is less than $500.

The components of distributable earnings on a tax basis (excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation) which are disclosed above) consist of the following:

 

     Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
     Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
 

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

   $ 316       $   

Equity Trend Fund

               

Global Equity Trend Fund

               

Herzfeld Fund

     5           

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

               

Sector Trend Fund

     2,144           

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term gain distributions reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets, if any, are reported as ordinary income for federal tax purposes. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended September 30, 2016, and 2015, was as follows:

 

     2016      2015  
     Ordinary
income
     Long-Term
Capital Gains
     Total      Ordinary
income
     Long-Term
Capital Gains
     Total  

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

   $ 414       $       $ 414       $ 2,015       $       $ 2,015   

Equity Trend Fund

                             360,775         1,049,270         1,410,045   

Global Equity Trend Fund

                             5,789         13,389         19,178   

Herzfeld Fund

     1,846         460         2,306         1,424         315         1,739   

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

     285                 285         18,666         40,699         59,365   

Sector Trend Fund

     2,635                 2,635         41,833         170,484         212,317   

 

Note 11. Reclassifications of Capital Accounts

($ reported in thousands)

For financial reporting purposes, book basis capital accounts are adjusted to reflect the tax character of permanent book/tax differences. Permanent reclassifications can arise from differing treatment of certain income and gain transactions, nondeductible current year net operating losses, expiring capital loss carryovers and investments in passive foreign investment companies. The reclassifications have no impact on the net assets or net asset value of the Funds. As of September 30, 2016, the Funds recorded reclassifications to increase (decrease) the accounts as listed below:

 

       Capital Paid in on
Shares of
Beneficial Interest
       Undistributed
Net Investment
Income (Loss)
       Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

     $ 20         $ (77      $ 57   

Equity Trend Fund

       138,232           10,672           (148,904

Global Equity Trend Fund

       (816        816             

Herzfeld Fund

                 417           (417

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

       (3,194        3,134           60   

 

Note 12. Plans of Reorganization

 

  A.

On October 22, 2015, the Board of Trustees of Virtus Opportunities Trust approved an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”) with respect to Virtus Dynamic Trend Fund (the “Merged Fund”), a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust, and Virtus Equity Trend Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”), a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust, which provided for the transfer of all of the assets of the Merged Fund for shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption of the liabilities of the Merged Fund. The purpose of the transaction was to eliminate the offering of overlapping Funds with similar investment objectives and similar investment strategies within the Virtus Mutual Fund Complex, while simultaneously creating

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

  economies of scale for the surviving Funds that were intended to lower Fund expenses. For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Acquiring Fund were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received from the Merged Fund was carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Acquiring Fund’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

On January 15, 2016, Class B shares were converted into Class A shares in the Merged Fund.

The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of shares on February 5, 2016. The share transactions associated with the merger are as follows:

 

Merged Fund

 

Shares Outstanding

    

Acquiring Fund

  

Shares Converted

      

Merged Fund
Net Asset Value of
Converted Shares

 

Virtus Dynamic Trend Fund

  Class   A     9,028      

Virtus Equity Trend Fund

   Class    A     7,287         $ 82,432   
    C     15,688             C     11,669           128,740   
    I     14,645             I     11,946           135,785   
    R     9             R     7           85   

The net assets and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) immediately before the acquisition were as follows:

 

Merged Fund

    

Net
Assets

      

Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

      

Acquiring
      Fund      

  

Net
Assets

Virtus Dynamic Trend Fund      $ 347,042         $ 1,481         Virtus Equity Trend Fund    $1,271,368

Assuming the acquisition had been completed on October 1, 2015, the Virtus Equity Trend Fund results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2016, would have been as follows:

 

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 2,270 (a) 

Net gain (loss) on investments

     (13,042 )(b) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in assets from operations

   $ (10,772

 

  (a)  $(3,505), as reported in the Statement of Operations, plus $5,775 Net Investment Income from Virtus Dynamic Trend Fund pre-merger.

 

  (b)  $16,480, as reported in the Statement of Operations, plus $(29,522) Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments from Virtus Dynamic Trend Fund pre-merger.

Because the combined Funds have been managed as an integrated single Fund since the completion date it is also not feasible to separate the income/(losses) and gains/(losses) of the merged Virtus Dynamic Trend Fund that have been included in the acquiring Virtus Equity Trend Fund Statement of Operations since February 5, 2016.

 

Note 13. Illiquid and Restricted Securities

Investments are generally considered illiquid if they cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at the approximate amount at which such securities have been valued by a Fund. Additionally, the following information is also considered in determining liquidity: the frequency of trades and quotes for the investment, whether the investment is listed for trading on a recognized domestic exchange and/or whether two or more brokers are willing to purchase or sell the security at a comparable price, the extent of market making activity in the investment and the nature of the market for investment. Illiquid securities are footnoted as such at the end of each Fund’s Schedule of Investments, where applicable. However, a portion of such footnoted securities could be liquid where it is determined that some, though not all, of the position could be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at the approximate amount at which such securities have been valued by the applicable Fund.

Restricted securities are illiquid securities, as defined above, not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). Generally, 144A securities are excluded from this category, except where defined as illiquid.

Each Fund will bear any costs, including those involved in registration under the 1933 Act, in connection with the disposition of such securities.

At September 30, 2016, the Funds did not hold any securities that were illiquid.

 

Note 14. Exemptive Order

On August 23, 2010, the SEC issued an amended order under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the 1940 Act granting an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the 1940 Act and under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the 1940 Act granting an exemption from Section 17(a) of the 1940 Act, which permits the Trust to invest in other affiliated and unaffiliated funds, including exchange-traded funds, in each case subject to certain conditions.

 

Note 15. Regulatory Matters and Litigation

From time to time, the Trust, the Adviser and/or Subadviser(s) and/or their affiliates may be involved in litigation and arbitration as well as examinations and investigations by various regulatory bodies, including the SEC, involving compliance with, among other things, securities laws, client investment guidelines, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers and other laws and regulations affecting their products and other activities. At this time, the Adviser believes that the outcomes of such matters are not likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to be material to these financial statements.

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

On February 20, 2015, a putative class action complaint (In re Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. Securities Litigation; formerly styled as Tom Cummins v. Virtus Investment Partners Inc. et al.) alleging violation of the federal securities laws was filed by an individual shareholder against Virtus and certain of its officers (the “defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On August 21, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”) amending the originally filed complaint and adding the Trust as a defendant. The Consolidated Complaint was purportedly filed on behalf of all purchasers of Virtus common stock between January 25, 2013 and May 11, 2015 (the “Class Period”). The Consolidated Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed material adverse facts relating to certain funds previously subadvised by F-Squared Investments, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“F-Squared”). The plaintiff seeks to recover unspecified damages. A motion to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint was filed on behalf of the defendants on October 21, 2015. Pursuant to an Opinion & Order (“Order”) filed on July 1, 2016, the court granted in part and denied in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss. Although the Order narrows the scope of the claims asserted, claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder survive the motion. The defendants filed an Answer to the Consolidated Complaint on August 5, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit is without merit and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Funds as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Funds.

On May 8, 2015, a putative class action complaint (Mark Youngers v. Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. et al.) alleging violations of certain provisions of the federal securities laws was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint, which was purportedly filed on behalf of purchasers of certain Virtus Funds previously subadvised by F-Squared between May 8, 2010 and December 22, 2014, inclusive (the “Class Period”), alleged claims against Virtus, certain Virtus officers and affiliates (including the Adviser, Euclid Advisors LLC (“Euclid”) and VP Distributors, LLC), the trustees and certain officers of the Trust, and certain other parties (the “defendants”). The complaint alleges that during the Class Period the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed or omitted material facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading. On October 1, 2015, the plaintiff filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint which, among other things, added a derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty on behalf of the Trust. On October 19, 2015, the United States District Court for the Central District of California entered an order transferring the action to the Southern District of New York. On January 4, 2016, Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint. Motions to dismiss were filed on behalf of Virtus, its officers and affiliates and the independent trustees on February 1, 2016. An Opinion & Order (“Order”) granting in part and denying in part the defendants’ motions to dismiss was issued on July 1, 2016. The Order dismissed all claims against the Adviser, Euclid, the independent trustees and certain of the other individual defendants and narrowed the claims asserted against the remaining defendants. The remaining defendants filed an Answer to the Second Amended Complaint on August 5, 2016. The defendants filed a motion to certify an interlocutory appeal of the July 1, 2016 order to the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on August 26, 2016. Oral argument on the motion is scheduled for October 7, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit has no basis in law or fact and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Funds as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Funds.

 

Note 16. Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there are no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.

 

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LOGO

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees of

Virtus Opportunities Trust and

Shareholders of the Funds:

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Herzfeld Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund, and Virtus Sector Trend Fund (constituting funds within Virtus Opportunities Trust, hereafter referred to as the “Funds”) at September 30, 2016, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements 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 are free of material misstatement. An audit 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at September 30, 2016 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, and transfer agent of the investee funds, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO


 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 22, 2016

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

TAX INFORMATION NOTICE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Funds make the following disclosures for federal income tax purposes. Below is listed the percentages, or the maximum amount allowable, of its ordinary income dividends (“QDI”) to qualify for the lower tax rates applicable to individual shareholders, and the percentage of ordinary income dividends earned by the Funds which qualifies for the dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for corporate shareholders. The actual percentage of QDI and DRD for the calendar year will be designated in year-end tax statements. The Funds designate the amounts below as long-term capital gains dividends (“LTCG”) taxable at a 20% rate, or lower depending on the shareholder’s income ($ reported in thousands). LTCG amounts, if subsequently different, will be designated in the next annual report.

 

Fund

   QDI        DRD        LTCG  

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

     100        100      $   

Equity Trend Fund

                           

Global Equity Trend Fund

                           

Herzfeld Fund

     34           14             

Multi-Asset Trend Fund

                           

Sector Trend Fund

     100           100             

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, certain Funds are disclosing the following information pursuant to notice requirements of Section 853(a) and 855(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations thereunder ($ reported in thousands):

 

      Foreign Source
Income
Recognized
     Foreign Taxes
Paid on Foreign
Source Income
 

Alternatives Diversifier Fund

   $ 88       $ 7   

Herzfeld Fund

     147         9   

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

MAY 19, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of all series of Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Insight Trust and Virtus Opportunities Trust, held on May 19, 2016, shareholders of Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) voted on the following proposals:

Proposal 1.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To elect six Trustees to serve on the Board of Trustees until the next meeting of shareholders at which Trustees are elected.

        

George R. Aylward

     1,145,056,198.477         24,756,597.221         0   

Thomas J. Brown

     1,144,160,222.050         25,652,573.650         0   

Donald C. Burke

     1,145,758,834.912         24,053,960.790         0   

Roger A. Gelfenbien

     1,144,297,795.833         25,514,999.865         0   

John R. Mallin

     1,144,938,076.292         24,874,719.410         0   

Hassell H. McClellan

     1,143,864,433.134         25,948,362.566         0   

Shareholders of the Trust voted to approve the above proposal.

Proposal 2.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

        

Virtus CA Tax Exempt Bond Fund

     1,258,194.893         91,895.368         41,271.245   

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund

     3,015,152.206         198.283         0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

     3,672,832.400         0         0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

     620,793,093.034         25,302,093.728         9,306,937.262   

Virtus Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

     494,281.793         0         0   

Virtus Essential Resources Fund

     504,931.913         0         0   

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

     27,726,679.250         666,663.374         564,703.507   

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

     818,457.900         37,502.974         15,676.215   

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

     3,074,638.276         5,991.041         10,261.000   

Virtus International Wealth Masters Fund

     518,044.295         0         0   

Virtus Low Duration Income Fund

     10,449,114.393         779,684.940         311,840.943   

Virtus Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

     11,147,670.008         724,253.699         406,427.672   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     618,834,424.483         21,316,032.964         14,819,955.463   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

Proposal 6.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

     27,568,524.708         741,409.046         648,118.377   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     615,281,810.614         22,749,361.497         16,939,237.795   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

JULY 18, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Opportunities Fund, Virtus Herzfeld Fund, Virtus International Equity Fund, Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund, Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus Sector Trend Fund, Virtus Wealth Masters Fund, Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, held on July 18, 2016, shareholders of the Funds voted on the following proposals:

Proposal 2.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

        

Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund

     2,071,338.688         221,721.989         61,016.655   

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund

     6,475,669.315         399,601.579         221,211.057   

Virtus Herzfeld Fund

     2,285,754.412         134,756.871         89,510.278   

Virtus International Equity Fund

     347,976.498         45,434.960         4,980.529   

Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund

     234,510.520         7,334.000         90,835.796   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     14,196,247.698         691,146.713         476,502.196   

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     14,380,526.646         1,274,297.224         1,097,176.679   

Virtus Wealth Masters Fund

     2,759,756.937         182,003.481         154,822.394   

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund

     2,054,425.037         135,901.800         177,500.739   

Virtus Equity Trend Fund

     47,080,228.694         3,814,318.119         2,960,680.324   

Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund

     7,428,521.065         660,946.728         521,389.418   

Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

     7,423,225.114         802,129.342         492,588.498   

Shareholders of Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Opportunities Fund, Virtus Herzfeld Fund, Virtus International Equity Fund, Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund, Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus Sector Trend Fund and Virtus Wealth Masters Fund voted to approve the above proposal. Shareholders of Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund did not approve the above proposal.

Proposal 6.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     14,250,883.760         1,251,197.022         1,249,922.768   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     13,928,178.018         864,726.603         570,992.984   

Shareholders of Virtus Sector Trend Fund voted to approve the above proposal. Shareholders of Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund did not approve the above proposal.

Proposal 7.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     238,431,276.605         411,212,271.419         20,011,935.573   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     9,635,396.247         5,113,977.185         614,521.174   

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     9,706,807.226         5,648,494.88         1,396,703.437   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above did not approve the above proposal.

 

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FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES

 

Information pertaining to the trustees and officers of the Trust as of September 30, 2016, is set forth below. The statement of additional information (SAI) includes additional information about the trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 243-1574. The address of each individual, unless otherwise noted, is 100 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT 06103-4506. There is no stated term of office for trustees of the Trust.

Independent Trustees

 

   
Name,
Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds Overseen
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
Thomas J. Brown
YOB: 1945
Elected: 2016
65 Portfolios
  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2010), D’Youville Senior Care Center; and Director (since 2005), VALIC Company Funds (49 portfolios).
Burke, Donald C.
YOB: 1961
Elected: 2016
69 Portfolios
  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2014) closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director, Avista Corp. (energy company) (since 2011); Trustee, Goldman Sachs Fund Complex (2010 to 2014); and Director, BlackRock Luxembourg and Cayman Funds (2006 to 2010).

Roger A. Gelfenbien

YOB: 1943

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2000), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Director (since 1999), USAllianz Variable Insurance Product Trust (42 portfolios).
John R. Mallin
YOB: 1950
Elected: 2016
65 Portfolios
  Partner/Attorney (since 2003), McCarter & English LLP (law firm), Real Property Practice Group; and Member (since 2014), Counselors of Real Estate. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Horizon, Inc. (non-profit); and Trustee (since 1999), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios).

McClellan, Hassell H.

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2015

65 Portfolios

  Retired (since 2013); and Professor (1984 to 2013), Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios); and Director (since 2010), Barnes Group, Inc. (diversified global components manufacturer and logistical services company); Trustee, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) (since 2008); and Trustee, John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2000) (collectively, 228 portfolios).
McLoughlin, Philip
YOB: 1946
Elected: 1999
74 Portfolios
  Retired. Director and Chairman (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee/Director and Chairman (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Chairman and Trustee (since 2003), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director (since 1991) and Chairman (since 2010), Lazard World Trust Fund (closed-end investment firm in Luxembourg); and Trustee (since 1989) and Chairman (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

McNamara, Geraldine M.

YOB: 1951

Elected: 2001

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2003), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); and Trustee (since 2001), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).
Oates, James M.
YOB: 1946
Elected: 2000
70 Portfolios
  Managing Director (since 1994), Wydown Group (consulting firm). Director (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee/Director (since 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Chairman and Trustee (since 2005), John Hancock Fund Complex (228 portfolios); Director (2002 to 2014), New Hampshire Trust Company; Chairman (since 2000), Emerson Investment Management, Inc.; Non-Executive Chairman (2000 to 2014), Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) (financial services) Chairman and Director (1999 to 2014), Connecticut River Bank; Director (since 1996), Stifel Financial; and Trustee (since 1987), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Segerson, Richard E.

YOB: 1948

Elected: 2000

65 Portfolios

  Retired; and Managing Director (1998 to 2013), Northway Management Company. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios) and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Trustee (since 1983), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).
Verdonck, Ferdinand L.J.
YOB: 1942
Elected: 2005
65 Portfolios
  Vice Chairman (since 2014), Affirmed Therapeutics (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015), The J.P. Morgan Continental European Investment Trust; Director (2005 to 2013), Galapagos N.V. (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015) Groupe SNEF; and Mr. Verdonck is also a director of several non-U.S. companies. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); and Trustee (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

 

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FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (Continued)

 

Interested Trustee

The individual listed below is an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

   
Name,
Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds Overseen
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and
Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Aylward, George R.*

Trustee and President

YOB: 1964

Elected: 2006

70 Portfolios

  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005). Chairman and Trustee (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II; Trustee and President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC (2 portfolios); Trustee (since 2012) and President (since 2010), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee and President (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Funds (52 portfolios); and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.

Officers

 

     

Name, Address and

Year of Birth

  Position(s) Held with Trust and
Length of Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Bradley, W. Patrick

YOB: 1972

  Executive Vice President (since 2016); Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016); Vice President (2011 to 2013); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006).   Executive Vice President, Fund Services (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Fund Services (2010 to 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2004), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) (since 2007), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2013 to 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

Carr, Kevin J.

YOB: 1954

  Senior Vice President (since 2013); Vice President (2005 to 2013); Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005).   Senior Vice President (since 2009), Vice President, Counsel and Secretary (2008 to 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2005) with Virtus affiliates; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2005 to 2013), Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (2013 to 2014), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Assistant Secretary (since 2012), Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (2005 to 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2013 to 2014), Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2012 to 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2011 to 2012), Virtus Closed-End Funds; and Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

Engberg, Nancy J.

YOB: 1956

  Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2011.   Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Compliance Officer (2008 to 2011 and since 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2003) with Virtus affiliates; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Vice President (since 2010) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), ETFis Series Trust I; and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II.

Waltman, Francis G.

YOB: 1962

  Executive Vice President (since 2013); Senior Vice President (2008-2013).   Executive Vice President, Product Development (since 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2008 to 2013), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2011 to 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

 

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Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Sector Trend Fund, each a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated September 7, 2016 to the Summary and Statutory Prospectuses dated January 28, 2016

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

As approved by the Board of Trustees of Virtus Opportunities Trust, effective September 7, 2016, the funds’ current subadviser, Euclid Advisors LLC (“Euclid”) is removed as subadviser. Accordingly, effective September 7, 2016, all references to Euclid as subadviser to the funds, and to David Dickerson, Carlton Neel and Amy Robinson as portfolio managers, are hereby removed from the funds’ prospectuses. Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., the funds’ investment adviser, will continue to serve as investment adviser and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the funds.

Additional disclosure changes resulting from the removal of the subadviser are described below and are also effective September 7, 2016.

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund

The disclosure under “Portfolio Management” in the summary prospectuses and in the summary section of the statutory prospectus is hereby replaced with the following:

 

  > Warun Kumar, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at VIA, is a manager of the fund. Mr. Kumar has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since September 2016.

Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Sector Trend Fund

The disclosure under “Portfolio Management” in the summary prospectuses and in the summary section of the statutory prospectus is hereby replaced with the following:

 

  > Michael Davis, a Managing Director at VIA is a manager of the fund. Mr. Davis has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since September 2016.
  > Brendan R. Finneran, Managing Director and Equity Trader at VIA, is a manager of the fund. Mr. Finneran has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since September 2016.
  > Robert F. Hofeman, Jr., Managing Director and Equity Trader at VIA, is a manager of the fund. Mr. Hofeman has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since September 2016.
  > Warun Kumar, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at VIA, is a manager of the fund. Mr. Kumar has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since May 2015.

All Funds

Under “The Adviser” on page 179 of the statutory prospectus, the following disclosure replaces the second sentence of the third paragraph: “For Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Sector Trend Fund, VIA is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund’s investments and manages the investments of the fund to conform with its investment policies as described in this prospectus.”

Additionally, the table in this section is hereby amended by deleting the rows for Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Sector Trend Fund.

Under “The Subadvisers” on page 182 of the statutory prospectus, the table showing subadvisory fees is hereby amended by deleting the rows for Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Sector Trend Fund.


Table of Contents

In the section “Portfolio Management” on page 188 of the statutory prospectus, the section under the subheading “VIA” is hereby replaced in its entirety with the following:

 

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier  Fund   Warun Kumar (since September  2016)
Virtus Equity Trend Fund   Michael Davis (since September 2016)
Brendan R. Finneran (since  September 2016)
Robert F. Hofeman, Jr. (since September 2016)
Warun Kumar (since May 2015)
Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund   Michael Davis (since September 2016)
Brendan R. Finneran (since September 2016)
Robert F. Hofeman, Jr. (since September 2016)
Warun Kumar (since May 2015)
Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund   Michael Davis (since September 2016)
Brendan R. Finneran (since September 2016)
Robert F. Hofeman, Jr. (since September 2016)
Warun Kumar (since May 2015)
Virtus Sector Trend Fund   Michael Davis (since September 2016)
Brendan R. Finneran (since September 2016)
Robert F. Hofeman, Jr. (since September 2016)
Warun Kumar (since May 2015)

Michael Davis. Mr. Davis is a Managing Director at Virtus Investment Advisers (since 2014) and has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, including investment management and capital markets. Prior to joining Virtus in 2014, he was a founding partner of Varick Asset Management, an independent alternative manager focused on the development of innovative portfolio solutions and investment strategies. Before forming Varick, Mr. Davis worked in the institutional asset management division of Barclays Capital, focused on quantitative and derivative-based investment strategies. Prior to Barclays, he worked in the derivative structuring group at Lehman Brothers. Mr. Davis started his career at Merrill Lynch in the asset-backed finance business.

Brendan R. Finneran. Mr. Finneran serves as Managing Director and Equity Trader at VIA (since September 2016) and has served in the same capacity at Rampart Investment Management Company, LLC, an affiliate of VIA (since July 2008) Mr. Finneran has 12 years of investment experience. Prior to Rampart, he was trader and operations manager at Andover Capital Advisors (2003 to 2008), where he was responsible for operational account management (processing and settlement) for all equity, option, bond, bank debt, CDS and swap trades. Prior to Andover Capital Advisors, Mr. Finneran held various positions at Cone Jacquards and Robert Fleming as Account Manager.

Robert F. Hofeman, Jr. Mr. Hofeman serves as Managing Director and Equity Trader at VIA (since September 2016) and has served in the same capacity at Rampart Investment Management Company, LLC, an affiliate of VIA (since May 2012). Mr. Hofeman has more than 12 years of investment experience. Prior to Rampart, he was an equity trading consultant for Linedata (2010 to 2012) where he translated buy-side business processes to the technology staff. Previously, Mr. Hofeman was a vice president of Evergreen Investments (2007 to 2009), where he traded stocks, options and futures, and was the primary trader at Ironwood Investment Management, LLC (2002 to 2007), focusing on small cap stocks and assisting with the research processes.

Warun Kumar. Mr. Kumar is Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at VIA (since April 2015), and Portfolio Manager at Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc., an affiliate of VIA (since May 2014). He also serves as the Chief Investment Officer for Rampart Investment Management LLC, an affiliate of VIA (since October 2015). Before joining Virtus, Mr. Kumar was founder and managing partner of Varick Asset Management, an independent alternative manager focused on the development of innovative portfolio solutions and investment strategies for high net worth investors and institutional clients (2010 to 2014). Prior to forming Varick, Mr. Kumar was the U.S. head of Barclays Capital Fund Solutions, where he led the investment committee and managed business expansion throughout the Americas (2007 to 2010). Mr. Kumar’s investment management career began at Volaris Advisors, where he was a partner and headed the derivative advisory business. In addition to these roles, Mr. Kumar has held senior positions in the capital markets divisions of Lehman Brothers and Robertson Stephens, and was a founding partner of Sigma Advisors, an alternative investment advisory firm. Mr. Kumar began his financial services career in 1993 as a member of JP Morgan’s equity derivatives business.

All other disclosure concerning the fund, including fees and expenses, remains unchanged from the prospectuses dated January 28, 2016.

Investors should retain this supplement with the Prospectuses for future reference.

VOT 8020/AltDivTrendFundsVIAChanges (9/2016)


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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

101 Munson Street

Greenfield, MA 01301-9668

 

Trustees

George R. Aylward

Thomas J. Brown

Donald C. Burke

Roger A. Gelfenbein

John R. Mallin

Hassell H. McClellan

Philip R. McLoughlin, Chairman

Geraldine M. McNamara

James M. Oates

Richard E. Segerson

Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck

Officers

George R. Aylward, President

Francis G. Waltman, Executive Vice President

W. Patrick Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Kevin J. Carr, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary

Nancy J. Engberg, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Investment Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Principal Underwriter

VP Distributors, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Custodian

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

1 Chase Manhattan Plaza

New York, NY 10005-1401

Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

2001 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

How to Contact Us

Mutual Fund Services

  

1-800-243-1574

Adviser Consulting Group

  

1-800-243-4361

Website

   Virtus.com
 

 

Important Notice to Shareholders

The Securities and Exchange Commission has modified mailing regulations for semiannual and annual shareholder fund reports to allow mutual fund companies to send a single copy of these reports to shareholders who share the same mailing address. If you would like additional copies, please call Mutual Fund Services at 1-800-243-1574.

 


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

  

P.O. Box 9874

Providence, RI 02940-8074

  

For more information about Virtus Mutual Funds,

please call your financial representative, or contact us

at 1-800-243-1574 or Virtus.com

 

8454    11-16


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

September 30, 2016

TRUST NAME: VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Not FDIC Insured

No Bank Guarantee

May Lose Value

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

(“Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund”)

 

Message to Shareholders

    1   

Disclosure of Fund Expenses

    2   

Key Investment Terms

    4   

Fund Summary

    6   

Schedule of Investments

    9   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

    39   

Statement of Operations

    40   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    41   

Financial Highlights

    42   

Notes to Financial Statements

    46   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    58   

Tax Information Notice

    59   

Results of Shareholder Meeting

    60   

Fund Management Tables

    62   

 

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES AND VOTING RECORD (FORM N-PX)

The subadviser votes proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with procedures that have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“Trustees,” or the “Board”). You may obtain a description of these procedures, along with information regarding how the Fund voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, free of charge, by calling toll-free 1-800-243-1574. This information is also available through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

FORM N-Q INFORMATION

The Trust files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the Fund with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-SEC-0330.

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus which includes information concerning the sales charge, the Fund’s record and other pertinent information.


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MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

To My Fellow Shareholders of Virtus Mutual Funds:

 

LOGO   

I am pleased to present this annual report that reviews the performance of your fund for the 12 months ended September 30, 2016.

 

During the first half of the fiscal year, global equity markets were challenged by falling oil prices, China’s slowdown, and concerns over the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) first rate hike in nine years, which occurred in December 2015. Equities plummeted in early 2016, but stabilizing oil prices and the Fed’s softened stance on further rate hikes for 2016 sparked a rally in mid-February that lasted until June. The U.K.’s June 23 “Brexit” decision to leave the European Union triggered a selloff that was largely short-lived. Calm was restored by better-than-expected corporate earnings, an improving global economic picture, and reassurance that the world’s central banks would continue to provide monetary stimulus. By

the end of September, U.S. equity markets had recovered much of their losses, and the 12-month period was positive for many asset classes.

 

For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, U.S. small-cap stocks kept pace with U.S. large-cap stocks, as measured by the 15.47% and 15.43% returns of the Russell 2000® Index and S&P 500® Index, respectively. Within international equities, emerging markets significantly outperformed their developed peers, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) up 16.78%, while the MSCI EAFE® Index (net) returned 6.52%.

 

Demand for U.S. Treasuries remained strong, driven by foreign investors seeking safe havens and yield in light of the negative interest rate environment in many international economies. On September 30, 2016, the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yielded 1.60% compared with 2.06% one year earlier. For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, the broader U.S. fixed income market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks Treasuries and other investment-grade debt securities, gained 5.19%, while non-investment grade bonds rose 12.73%, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index.

 

The strength of the global economy will likely remain a leading concern for markets in the months ahead, and investors will watch with great interest the actions of the Fed and other major central banks. The U.S. economy’s continued growth, as evidenced by recent strong jobs, housing, and consumer spending data, should give investors reason for optimism, but future market direction will be determined largely by the ability of corporations to continue to produce robust earnings.

 

Market uncertainty is an ever-present reminder of the importance of portfolio diversification, including exposure to both traditional and alternative asset classes. While diversification cannot guarantee a profit or prevent a loss, owning a variety of asset classes may cushion your portfolio against inevitable market fluctuations. Your financial advisor can help you ensure that your portfolio is adequately diversified across asset classes and investment strategies.

 

As always, thank you for entrusting Virtus with your assets. Should you have questions about your account or require assistance, please visit our website at Virtus.com, or call our customer service team at 1-800-243-1574. We appreciate your business and remain committed to your long-term financial success.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

George R. Aylward

President, Virtus Mutual Funds

 

October 2016

 

Performance data quoted represents past results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

 

1


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2016 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of costs on your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of the Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund (the “Fund”) you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges on purchases of Class A shares and contingent deferred sales charges on Class B and Class T shares; and (2) ongoing costs, including investment advisory fees, distribution and service fees, and other expenses. Class C shares are sold without a sales charge. Class I shares are sold without a sales charge and do not incur distribution and service fees. For further information regarding applicable sales charges, see Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period. The following Expense Table illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways.

Actual Expenses

The first section of the accompanying table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section, 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 section under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second section of the accompanying 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 your 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 your Fund and other 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 accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying 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. The calculations assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Your actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of your investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

 

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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) (Continued)

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2016 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Expense Table                                
        Beginning
Account
Value
April 1, 2016
       Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2016
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
       Expenses
Paid
During
Period*
 

Actual

                   
Class A      $ 1,000.00         $ 1,043.00           1.01      $ 5.16   
Class B        1,000.00           1,040.70           1.51           7.70   
Class C        1,000.00           1,041.10           1.26           6.43   
Class T        1,000.00           1,040.80           1.76           8.98   
Class I        1,000.00           1,044.30           0.76           6.44   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

         
Class A        1,000.00           1,019.95           1.01           5.10   
Class B        1,000.00           1,017.45           1.51           7.62   
Class C        1,000.00           1,018.70           1.26           6.36   
Class T        1,000.00           1,016.20           1.76           8.87   
Class I        1,000.00           1,018.70           0.76           6.36   

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, which is net of waived fees and reimbursed expenses, if applicable, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (183) expenses were accrued in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 366 to reflect the one-half year period.

 

  The Fund may invest in other funds, and the annualized expense ratios noted above do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. If such fees and expenses were included, the expenses would have been higher.

 

  You can find more information about the Fund’s expenses in the Financial Statements section that follows. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, refer to the prospectus.

 

3


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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Bank of Japan (“BOJ”)

The Bank of Japan is the Japanese Central Bank.

BofA Merrill Lynch 1–3 Year A–BBB US Corporate Index

The BofA Merrill Lynch 1–3 Year A–BBB US Corporate Index measures performance of U.S. investment grade corporate bond issues rated “BBB” and “A” by Standard & Poor’s/Moody’s with maturities between one and three years. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges and it is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment-grade fixed-rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

European Central Bank (“ECB”)

The European Central Bank (ECB) is responsible for conducting monetary policy for the eurozone. The ECB was established as the core of the Eurosystem and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). The ESCB comprises the ECB and the national central banks (NCBs) of all 17 European Union Member States whether they have adopted the Euro or not.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF)

An open-end fund that is traded on a stock exchange. Most ETFs have a portfolio of stocks or bonds that track a specific market index.

Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)

The Central Bank of the United States, responsible for controlling the money supply, interest rates and credit with the goal of keeping the U.S. economy and currency stable. Governed by a seven-member board, the system includes 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, 25 branches and all national and state banks that are part of the system.

MSCI EAFE® Index (net)

The MSCI EAFE® Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net)

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The

 

4


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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

A publicly traded company that owns, develops, and operates income-producing real estate such as apartments, office buildings, hotels, shopping centers, and other commercial properties.

Russell 2000® Index

The Russell 2000® Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell Universe, which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

S&P 500® Index

The S&P 500® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

 

5


Table of Contents

MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

 

Fund Summary

Portfolio Manager Commentary by

Newfleet Asset Management, LLC

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: NARAX

Class B: PBARX

Class C: PSTCX

Class T: PMSTX

Class I: PIMSX

 

  The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of providing high current income while attempting to limit changes in the Fund’s net asset value per share caused by interest rate changes.

 

  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 4.90%; Class B shares returned 4.41%; Class C shares returned 4.58%; Class T shares returned 4.29%; and Class I shares returned 4.94%*. For the same period, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad-based fixed income index, returned 5.19%; and the BofA Merrill Lynch 1–3 Year A–BBB US Corporate Index, the Fund’s style-specific index appropriate for comparison, returned 2.63%.

*See footnote 7 on page 8

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown.

How did the market perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

 

  Most fixed income spread sectors outperformed U.S. Treasuries during the fiscal year. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) dovish stance in mid-February sparked a rally that turned around a volatile time period that began with fresh concerns over China, plummeting oil prices, and fears that the Fed had raised rates too soon.

 

  Late in June volatility returned briefly with fallout from the U.K.’s unexpected decision to leave the European Union (”Brexit”). Bond yields in the U.S., Japan, and across Europe fell to historic lows in early July as investors fled to the safety of bonds on global growth concerns fueled by the June 23 Brexit decision. Markets recovered rather quickly however from the initial shock. Easing by major
   

central banks and a weaker U.S. dollar helped to improve global risk sentiment and stabilize markets.

 

  September brought heightened concerns over the ability and willingness of global central banks to fight chronic low inflation and weak growth as the decision by the European Central Bank (“ECB”) to leave interest rates and its stimulus program unchanged was a precipitating factor in a widespread market sell-off, reinforced by fears that the Bank of Japan (“BOJ”) had run out of quantitative easing tools. Hawkish signals from the Fed added to the volatility. The BOJ subsequently decided not to reduce interest rates further but to shift its focus to stabilizing rates for longer maturity government bonds. This bolstered market sentiment, as did the Fed’s eventual decision to stand pat at its September monetary policy meeting.

 

  Over the last 12 months, U.S. Treasury yields increased for shorter term bonds while yields decreased for intermediate to longer term bonds.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

 

  The underperformance of U.S. Treasuries relative to most fixed income spread sectors was the key driver of the Fund’s outperformance for the fiscal year.

 

  The Fund’s allocation to corporate high yield and emerging market high yield securities were the largest positive contributors to performance for the fiscal year.

 

  The Fund’s allocation to asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities detracted from performance.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms on page 4.

 

6


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MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND (Continued)   

 

not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

ABS/MBS: Changes in interest rates can cause both extension and prepayment risks for asset- and mortgage-backed securities. These securities are also subject to risks associated with the repayment of underlying collateral.

Bank Loans: Loans may be unsecured or not fully collateralized, may be subject to restrictions on resale and/or trade infrequently on the secondary market. Loans can carry significant credit and call risk, can be difficult to value and have longer settlement times than other investments, which can make loans relatively illiquid at times.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 
Asset Allocations  
 

The following table presents the portfolio holdings within certain sectors as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

     

Corporate Bonds and Notes

      35

Financials

    13    

Energy

    6       

Industrials

    4       

All other Corporate Bonds and Notes

    12       

Mortgage-Backed Securities

      25   

Asset-Backed Securities

      19   

Loan Agreements

      12   

Foreign Government Securities

      6   

Other

      3   
     

 

 

 

Total

      100
           

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms on page 4.

 

7


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MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND (Continued)   

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
     1
Year
    5
Years
    10
Years
    Since
Inception
    Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2      4.90     3.96     4.68              
Class A Shares at POP3,4      2.54        3.49        4.44                 
Class B Shares at NAV2      4.41        3.42        4.16                 
Class B Shares with CDSC4      2.91        3.42        4.16                 
Class C Shares at NAV2      4.58        3.70        4.41                 
Class T Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4      4.29        3.19        3.90                 
Class I Shares at NAV2,7      4.94        4.17               5.31     6/6/08   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index      5.19        3.08        4.79        4.585          
BofA Merrill Lynch 1–3 Year A–BBB US Corporate Index      2.63        2.50        3.60        3.285          

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: 0.97%; B Shares: 1.47%; C Shares: 1.22%; T Shares: 1.72%; I Shares: 0.72%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gain distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 2.25% sales charge.
4  CDSC (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for Class B shares decline from 2% to 0% over a three-year period. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class T shares are 1% within the first year and 0% thereafter.
5 The since inception index returns are from the inception date of Class I shares.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.
7  Total Return for the report period presented in the table differs from the return in the Financial Highlights. The total return presented in the above table is calculated based on the NAV at which shareholder transactions were processed. The total return presented in the Financial Highlights section of the report is calculated in the same manner, but also takes into account certain adjustments that are necessary under generally accepted accounting principals required in the annual report and semiannual report.

Growth of $10,000 for periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class T shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

8


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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE     VALUE  
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—1.3%   

U.S. Treasury Note

   

1.375%, 1/31/21

  $ 23,135      $ 23,388   

1.250%, 3/31/21

    60,800        61,118   

1.625%, 2/15/26

    12,600        12,631   
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $96,990)
        97,137   
MUNICIPAL BONDS—0.1%   
Virginia—0.1%            

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. Series A-1, Taxable 6.706%, 6/1/46

    4,635        3,981   
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS
(Identified Cost $4,307)
        3,981   
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—5.7%   

Argentine Republic

   

144A 6.250%, 4/22/19(3)

    7,200        7,636   

144A 7.500%, 4/22/26(3)

    12,545        14,157   

7.875%, 6/15/27(3)

    5,000        5,359   

Series NY, 8.280%, 12/31/33

    24,360        28,075   

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

   

RegS 7.000%, 12/1/18(4)

    20,999        14,846   

RegS 7.750%, 10/13/19(4)

    19,501        12,081   

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 144A 6.000%, 1/14/19(3)

    17,450        18,042   

Federative Republic of Brazil 8.500%, 1/5/24

    37,050 BRL      10,524   

Treasury Note Series F, 10.000%, 1/1/25

    37,510 BRL      10,958   

6.000%, 4/7/26

    10,400        11,544   

10.250%, 1/10/28

    13,095 BRL      4,087   

Mongolia

   

RegS 5.125%, 12/5/22(4)

    4,455        3,932   
    PAR VALUE     VALUE  
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES (continued)   

144A 5.125%, 12/5/22(3)

  $ 4,855      $ 4,285   

Provincia de Buenos Aires Argentina 144A 5.750%, 6/15/19(3)

    5,795        6,024   

Republic of Chile 5.500%, 8/5/20

    11,647,000 CLP      18,840   

Republic of Colombia

   

Treasury Note, Series B, 11.250%, 10/24/18

    21,072,000 COP      7,992   

9.850%, 6/28/27

    41,350,000 COP      17,498   

Republic of Indonesia Series FR56, 8.375%, 9/15/26

    386,635,000 IDR      32,291   

Republic of Kazakhstan 144A 5.125%, 7/21/25(3)

    6,495        7,320   

Republic of Panama 3.875%, 3/17/28

    10,455        11,318   

Republic of Romania 144A 6.750%, 2/7/22(3)

    7,000        8,442   

Republic of South Africa

   

Series R203, 8.250%, 9/15/17

    134,520 ZAR      9,875   

Series R208, 6.750%, 3/31/21

    111,235 ZAR      7,718   

Republic of Turkey

   

9.000%, 3/8/17

    30,355 TRY      10,167   

5.625%, 3/30/21

    16,375        17,439   

6.250%, 9/26/22

    25,545        28,100   

4.875%, 10/9/26

    6,820        6,957   

Russian Federation 144A 7.850%, 3/10/18(3)

    1,005,000 RUB      15,816   

State of Qatar 144A 3.250%, 6/2/26(3)

    11,745        11,939   

Sultanate of Oman

   

144A 3.625%, 6/15/21(3)

    9,610        9,701   

144A 4.750%, 6/15/26(3)

    5,295        5,314   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

9


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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE     VALUE  
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES (continued)   

United Mexican States Series M, 6.500%, 6/9/22

    512,474 MXN    $ 27,296   
TOTAL FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $414,800)
         405,573   
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES—25.1%   
Agency—5.0%            

FHLMC 3.500%, 4/1/46

  $ 24,048        25,370   

FNMA

   

5.500%, 1/1/17

    3        3   

6.000%, 5/1/17

    2        2   

4.500%, 4/1/18

    46        47   

5.000%, 10/1/19

    179        185   

5.500%, 2/1/20

    49        50   

5.500%, 3/1/20

    17        17   

5.500%, 3/1/20

    11        11   

5.500%, 3/1/20

    28        29   

5.500%, 3/1/20

    56        58   

5.500%, 4/1/20

    138        145   

5.000%, 6/1/20

    240        251   

4.000%, 8/1/25

    8,325        8,753   

3.000%, 6/1/27

    908        955   

2.500%, 5/1/28

    14,346        14,907   

3.000%, 10/1/30

    34,860        36,633   

3.000%, 10/1/30

    24,894        26,155   

2.500%, 2/1/31

    39,997        41,469   

3.000%, 2/1/31

    15,326        16,106   

6.000%, 12/1/32

    36        41   

5.500%, 2/1/33

    47        54   

5.500%, 5/1/34

    271        306   

6.000%, 8/1/34

    195        227   

5.500%, 11/1/34

    148        166   

5.500%, 11/1/34

    138        155   

6.000%, 11/1/34

    141        162   

5.500%, 12/1/34

    101        115   

5.500%, 1/1/35

    243        277   

5.500%, 7/1/37

    3        4   

6.000%, 7/1/37

    34        39   

6.000%, 4/1/38

    147        168   

5.000%, 12/1/39

    5,341        5,987   

4.500%, 4/1/40

    7,173        7,882   

5.000%, 8/1/40

    10,700        11,920   

4.000%, 10/1/40

    133        142   

4.000%, 3/1/41

    4,989        5,377   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Agency (continued)  

4.500%, 5/1/41

  $ 4,860       $ 5,332   

3.500%, 4/1/42

    10,446         11,064   

3.000%, 3/1/43

    53,775         56,101   

3.000%, 5/1/43

    15,633         16,290   

4.000%, 10/1/44

    24,662         26,495   

3.500%, 12/1/45

    23,492         24,785   

3.500%, 1/1/46

    11,114         11,726   

GNMA

    

6.500%, 11/15/31

    19         22   

6.500%, 2/15/32

    22         25   
    

 

 

 
       356,008   
    

 

 

 
Non-Agency—20.1%             

A-10 Securitization LLC 13-1, A 144A 2.400%, 11/15/25(3)

    56         56   

ABN AMRO Mortgage Corp. 02-9, M 5.750%, 12/25/32

    561         539   

Access Point Financial, Inc. 15-A, A 144A 2.610%, 4/15/20(3)

    4,578         4,575   

Agate Bay Mortgage Trust 13-1, 144A 3.500%, 7/25/43(2)(3)

    4,945         5,080   

American Homes 4 Rent 15-SFR1, A 144A 3.467%, 4/17/52(3)

    11,880         12,653   

Americold LLC Trust 10-ARTA, A1 144A 3.847%, 1/14/29(3)

    7,071         7,389   

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities, Inc. 03-10, AF6 5.210%, 11/25/33(2)

    616         634   

Asset Backed Funding Certificates 05-AQ1, A6 4.780%, 6/25/35(2)

    2,024         2,083   

Aventura Mall Trust 13-AVM, A 144A 3.743%, 12/5/32(2)(3)

    10,350         11,121   

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust 07-2, A4 5.791%, 4/10/49(2)

    10,813         10,869   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

10


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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   
Non-Agency (continued)  

Banc of America Funding Trust

    

04-4, 3A1 4.750%, 10/25/19

  $ 1,474       $ 1,450   

04-B, 2A1 2.886%, 11/20/34(2)

    676         664   

05-1, 1A1 5.500%, 2/25/35

    433         434   

06-2, 3A1 6.000%, 3/25/36

    2,130         2,193   

16- R1, A1 144A
2.500%, 3/25/40(2)(3)

    7,029         6,983   

Banc of America Mortgage Trust

    

04-7, 6A3 4.500%, 8/25/19

    511         509   

04-11, 5A1 6.500%, 8/25/32

    819         825   

04-11, 2A1 5.750%, 1/25/35

    1,371         1,390   

05-3, 1A15 5.500%, 4/25/35

    1,508         1,518   

Bank of America (Countrywide) Asset-Backed Certificates 05-1, AF5A 5.148%, 7/25/35(2)

    11,078         10,985   

Bank of America (Merrill Lynch – Countrywide) Alternative Loan Trust 04-22CB, 1A1 6.000%, 10/25/34

    21,773         23,279   

Bank of America (Merrill Lynch – Countrywide) Asset-Backed Certificates

    

04-10, AF6 4.485%, 12/25/34(2)

    404         416   

05-12, 2A3 5.069%, 2/25/36(2)

    1,243         1,247   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Non-Agency (continued)  

Bank of America (Merrill Lynch – Countrywide) Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through-Trust

    

04-6, 1A2 3.018%, 5/25/34(2)

  $ 1,350       $ 1,337   

04-4, A6 5.500%, 5/25/34

    1,008         1,019   

Bank of America (Merrill Lynch) Mortgage Investors, Inc. 98-C1, B 6.750%, 11/15/26(2)

    9,072         9,206   

Bank of America (Merrill Lynch) Investors Series 04-A4, A1 2.855%, 8/25/34(2)

    1,523         1,541   

Barclays (Lehman Brothers) – UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

    

07-C2, A3 5.430%, 2/15/40

    3,857         3,888   

07-C6, A4 5.858%, 7/15/40(2)

    12,864         13,022   

07-C7, A3 5.866%, 9/15/45(2)

    10,626         11,008   

Bayview Commercial Asset Trust 08-1, A3 144A 2.025%,
1/25/38(2)(3)

    22,486         21,959   

Bayview Financial Acquisition Trust

    

07-A, 1A2 6.205%, 5/28/37(2)

    6,067         6,291   

06-A, 1A4 6.087%, 2/28/41(2)

    16,408         16,760   

BCRR Trust 09-1, 2A 144A 5.858%, 7/17/40(2)(3)

    2,667         2,667   

Citigroup – Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust 07-CD4, A4 5.322%, 12/11/49

    1,943         1,951   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

11


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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   
Non-Agency (continued)  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

    

16-A Smpl A 2.228%, 9/10/31

  $ 3,555       $ 3,555   

07-C6, A1A 5.900%, 12/10/49(2)

    26,033         26,515   

07-C6, A4 5.900%, 12/10/49(2)

    388         395   

08-C7, AM 6.333%, 12/10/49(2)

    12,335         12,759   

10-RR3, MLSR 144A 5.810%, 6/14/50(2)(3)

    3,337         3,366   

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.

    

03-UP3, A2 7.000%, 9/25/33

    673         697   

04-UST1, A3 2.704%, 8/25/34(2)

    1,358         1,359   

04-NCM2, 2CB2 6.750%, 8/25/34

    10,707         11,156   

14-A, A 144A 4.000%,
1/25/35(2)(3)

    11,435         11,873   

05-5, 2A3 5.000%, 8/25/35

    443         443   

15-PS1, 144A 3.750%,
9/25/42(2)(3)

    9,916         10,259   

15-A, A1 144A 3.500%,
6/25/58(2)(3)

    4,327         4,415   

Colony American Finance Ltd. 15-1 144A 2.896%, 10/15/47(3)

    10,871         11,003   

Colony Multi-Family Mortgage Trust 14-1, A 144A 2.543%, 4/20/50(3)

    13,595         13,556   

COLT Mortgage Loan Trust Funding LLC

    

16-1 A1, 144A 3.000%, 5/25/46(3)

    5,905         5,955   

16-2, A1 144A 2.750%,
9/25/46(2)(3)

    14,770         14,856   

Commercial Mortgage Lease-Backed Certificates 01-CMB, 1 144A 7.471%, 6/20/31(2)(3)

    4,080         4,625   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Non-Agency (continued)  

Commercial Mortgage Trust

    

10-C1, D 144A 6.323%, 7/10/46(2)(3)

  $ 6,669       $ 7,329   

07-GG11, AM 5.867%, 12/10/49(2)

    19,989         20,631   

Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust

    

07-C1, A1A 5.361%, 2/15/40

    19,589         19,672   

14-LVR2, A2 144A 3.855%, 4/25/44(2)(3)

    11,018         11,426   

07-C2, A3 5.542%, 1/15/49(2)

    638         639   

Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage-Backed Trust 07-C5, A1AM 5.870%, 9/15/40(2)

    21,039         19,330   

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp.

    

03-27, 5A3 5.250%, 11/25/33

    1,414         1,429   

04-8, 7A1 6.000%, 12/25/34

    5,438         5,693   

13-HYB1, A16,144A 3.017%, 4/25/43(2)(3)

    6,095         6,105   

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Trust 16-BDWN, A 144A 3.408%, 2/15/29(2)(3)

    2,975         2,975   

Deutsche Bank – UBS Mortgage Trust 11-LC3A, D 144A 5.510%, 8/10/44(2)(3)

    6,306         6,613   

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes 16-DNA2, M2 2.725%, 10/25/28(2)

    4,705         4,782   

GAHR Commercial Mortgage Trust 15-NRF, CFX 144A 3.495%, 12/15/34(2)(3)

    16,875         17,184   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

12


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   
Non-Agency (continued)  

GMAC Mortgage Corp. Loan Trust

    

04-AR1, 12A 3.441%, 6/25/34(2)

  $ 6,212       $ 6,282   

05-AR1, 5A 3.287%, 3/18/35(2)

    2,270         2,226   

Goldman Sachs Mortgage Securities Trust

    

07-GG10, A4 5.988%, 8/10/45(2)

    18,265         18,541   

07-GG10, A1A 5.988%, 8/10/45(2)

    2,957         3,008   

GSAA Home Equity Trust

    

05-1, AF4 5.619%, 11/25/34(2)

    452         467   

05-12, AF3W 4.999%, 9/25/35(2)

    4,153         4,201   

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust 06-1F, 2A4 6.000%, 2/25/36

    897         787   

Hilton USA Trust 13-HLT, EFX 144A 5.609%, 11/5/30(2)(3)

    21,980         22,014   

Home Equity Loan Trust

    

06-HI1, M1 6.010%, 2/25/36(2)

    1,088         1,093   

07-HSA3, AI4 6.110%, 6/25/37(2)

    9,928         9,988   

IMC Home Equity Loan Trust 97-5, A9 7.310%, 11/20/28

    2,447         2,454   

Jefferies Resecuritization Trust

    

14-R1, 1A1 144A 4.000%, 12/27/37(3)

    5,652         5,651   

14-R1, 2A1 144A 4.000%, 12/27/37(3)

    4,043         4,037   

JPMorgan Chase (Bear Stearns) Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust 04-10, 14A1 3.018%, 1/25/35(2)

    1,383         1,352   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Non-Agency (continued)  

JPMorgan Chase (Bear Stearns) Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

    

06-PW14, AM 5.243%, 12/11/38

  $ 5,000       $ 5,005   

07- PW17, A4 5.694%, 6/11/50(2)

    19,697         20,238   

07-PW18, AM, 6.084%, 6/11/50(2)

    12,400         12,820   

JPMorgan Chase (Washington Mutual) Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Trust

    

04-CB1, 5A 5.000%, 6/25/19

    742         751   

03-AR6, A1 2.901%, 6/25/33(2)

    860         856   

03-AR4, 2A1 2.591%, 8/25/33(2)

    265         260   

04-CB1, 2A 5.000%, 6/25/34

    2,627         2,671   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

    

09-IWST, A1 144A 4.314%, 12/5/27(3)

    4,586         4,775   

10-CNTR, A2 144A 4.311%, 8/5/32(3)

    7,503         8,072   

15-SGP, B 144A 3.274%,
7/15/36(2)(3)

    13,925         13,949   

11-C4, A3 144A 4.106%,
7/15/46(3)

    1,895         1,970   

06-LDP9, AM 5.372%, 5/15/47

    24,850         24,927   

14- C22, A4 3.801%, 9/15/47

    16,998         18,557   

07-LDPX, AM 5.464%, 1/15/49(2)

    19,391         19,010   

07-LD12, A4 5.882%, 2/15/51(2)

    15,899         16,246   

JPMorgan Chase Mortgage Trust

    

14-2, 2A2 144A 3.500%,
6/25/29(2)(3)

    10,654         10,960   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   
Non-Agency (continued)  

06-A2, 4A1 3.183%, 8/25/34(2)

  $ 1,594       $ 1,597   

04-A4, 2A1 3.032%, 9/25/34(2)

    5,507         5,574   

05-A1, 4A1 3.156%, 2/25/35(2)

    713         718   

05-A2, 4A1 2.670%, 4/25/35(2)

    942         924   

05-A4, 3A1 2.799%, 7/25/35(2)

    4,175         4,122   

06-A6, 3A3L 3.229%, 10/25/36(2)

    1,499         1,278   

14-1, 1A1 144A 4.000%,
1/25/44(2)(3)

    21,482         22,663   

16-1, M2 144A 3.750%,
4/25/45(2)(3)

    17,266         17,837   

15-4, 1A4 144A 3.500%,
6/25/45(2)(3)

    11,578         11,965   

16-2, M2 144A 3.750%,
12/25/45(2)(3)

    17,079         17,685   

16-1, A3 144A 3.500%, 5/25/46(3)

    13,946         14,404   

11-C4, A4, 144A 4.388%,
7/15/46(3)

    5,175         5,644   

JPMorgan Chase Trust

    

15-1, AM1 144A 2.661%, 12/25/44(2)(3)

    19,626         19,579   

15-5, A2 144A 2.892%,
5/25/45(2)(3)

    18,593         18,892   

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust

    

14-OAK4, A16 144A 4.000%, 9/25/44(2)(3)

    6,173         6,344   

16-1, A3 144A 3.500%,
10/25/46(2)(3)

    6,980         7,243   

Key Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 07-SL1, B 144A 5.897%, 12/15/40(2)(3)

    5,344         5,355   

MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust 04-12, 3A1 3.237%, 11/25/34(2)

    992         982   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Non-Agency (continued)  

MASTR Alternative Loan Trust

    

04-7, 4A1 4.500%, 7/25/19

  $ 1,833       $ 1,848   

03-8, 2A1 5.750%, 11/25/33

    5,261         5,432   

04-4, 6A1 5.500%, 4/25/34

    2,765         2,860   

04-6, 7A1 6.000%, 7/25/34

    5,532         5,395   

04-7, 9A1 6.000%, 8/25/34

    12,822         13,232   

05-2, 2A1 6.000%, 1/25/35

    3,301         3,411   

05-2, 1A1 6.500%, 3/25/35

    9,371         9,653   

MASTR Asset Securitization Trust 05-1, 1A1 5.000%, 5/25/20

    407         410   

Mill City Mortgage Trust

    

15-1, A3 144A 3.000%,
6/25/56(2)(3)

    11,900         12,031   

16-1, A1 144A 2.500%,
4/25/57(2)(3)

    4,204         4,227   

Morgan Stanley – Bank of America (Merrill Lynch) Trust 13-C13, AS 4.266%, 11/15/46

    1,735         1,926   

Morgan Stanley Capital Barclays Bank Trust 16-Mart, A 144A 2.200%, 9/13/31(3)

    12,395         12,412   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

    

08-T29, AM 6.477%, 1/11/43(2)

    1,610         1,682   

07-IQ14, A4 5.692%, 4/15/49(2)

    17,390         17,579   

07-IQ14, AM 5.865%, 4/15/49(2)

    15,932         15,410   

07- LQ16, A4 5.809%, 12/12/49

    16,735         17,208   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

14


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   
Non-Agency (continued)  

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust

    

04-2AR, 3A 2.643%, 2/25/34(2)

  $ 1,384       $ 1,377   

04-2AR, 4A 2.701%, 2/25/34(2)

    1,067         1,073   

Morgan Stanley Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 14-1A, A1 144A 2.973%, 6/25/44(2)(3)

    6,637         6,727   

Motel 6 Trust

    

15-MTL6, B 144A 3.298%,
2/5/30(3)

    7,775         7,769   

15-MTL6, D 144A 4.532%,
2/5/30(3)

    1,500         1,505   

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust

    

16-2A, A1 144A 3.750%, 11/25/35(2)(3)

    11,240         11,675   

14-1A, A 144A 3.750%,
1/25/54(2)(3)

    16,471         17,120   

14-2A, 3A 144A 3.750%,
5/25/54(2)(3)

    1,869         1,941   

14-3A, AFX3 144A 3.750%, 11/25/54(2)(3)

    15,115         15,644   

15-2A, A1 144A 3.750%,
8/25/55(2)(3)

    11,019         11,480   

16-1A, A1 144A 3.750%,
3/25/56(2)(3)

    9,459         9,802   

16-3A, A1 144A 3.750%,
9/25/56(2)(3)

    9,755         10,176   

Nomura Asset Acceptance Corp. 04-R3, A1 144A 6.500%,
2/25/35(3)

    6,882         6,772   

Novastar Mortgage Funding Trust Series 04-4, M5 2.250%,
3/25/35(2)

    3,556         3,471   

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. 05-QS1, A5 5.500%, 1/25/35

    778         777   

Residential Asset Mortgage Products Trust 05-SL2, A4 7.500%, 2/25/32

    1,837         1,858   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Non-Agency (continued)  

Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc.

    

04-SL2, A3 7.000%, 10/25/31

  $ 1,780       $ 1,850   

04-SL1, A8 6.500%, 11/25/31

    2,133         2,161   

04-SL4, A3 6.500%, 7/25/32

    1,231         1,247   

03-RS8, AI7 5.015%, 9/25/33(2)

    303         306   

Residential Asset Securitization Trust

    

03-A11, A9 5.750%, 11/25/33

    2,473         2,508   

04-A1, A5 5.500%, 4/25/34

    11,293         11,335   

Residential Funding Mortgage Securities I, Inc. 06-S12, 1A1 5.500%, 12/25/21

    733         741   

Sequoia Mortgage Trust

    

13-1, 1A1 1.450%,
2/25/43(2)

    2,372         2,304   

14-2, A1 144A 4.000%,
7/25/44(2)(3)

    7,590         7,895   

14-3, A9 144A 3.750%,
10/25/44(2)(3)

    15,981         16,590   

14-4, A6 144A 3.500%,
11/25/44(2)(3)

    16,870         17,373   

15-1, A1 144A 3.500%,
1/25/45(2)(3)

    8,281         8,514   

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust

    

04-4, 3A4 2.993%, 4/25/34(2)

    2,142         2,111   

04-4, 3A2 2.993%, 4/25/34(2)

    2,776         2,755   

04-4, 3A1 2.993%, 4/25/34(2)

    628         617   

04-5, 3A2 2.938%, 5/25/34(2)

    1,250         1,264   

04-14, 7A 2.938%, 10/25/34(2)

    10,929         10,894   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

15


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   
Non-Agency (continued)  

Structured Asset Securities Corp. 03-AL1, A 144A 3.357%,
4/25/31(3)

  $ 7,345       $ 7,231   

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage-Pass-Through Certificates

    

02-AL1, A3 3.450%, 2/25/32

    8,887         8,811   

03-30, 2A1 5.063%, 10/25/33(2)

    2,798         2,844   

03-33H, 1A1 5.500%, 10/25/33

    3,660         3,733   

03-34A, 6A 3.125%, 11/25/33(2)

    2,555         2,512   

04-15, 3A3 5.500%, 9/25/34

    1,895         1,907   

Towd Point Mortgage Trust

    

15-1, A2 144A 3.250%,
10/25/53(2)(3)

    8,961         9,106   

15-3, A1B 144A 3.000%,
3/25/54(2)(3)

    5,324         5,436   

16-1, A1B, 144A 2.750%,
2/25/55(2)(3)

    8,711         8,849   

15-5, A1B 144A 2.750%,
5/25/55(2)(3)

    7,524         7,606   

15-5, A2 144A 3.500%,
5/25/55(2)(3)

    3,901         3,943   

16-3, A1 144A 2.250%,
8/25/55(2)(3)

    8,141         8,137   

16-2, A1 144A 3.000%,
8/25/55(2)(3)

    8,468         8,644   

16-4, A1 144A 2.250%,
7/25/56(2)(3)

    10,905         10,951   

15-2, 1M1 144A 3.250%, 11/25/60(2)(3)

    6,878         6,707   

Vericrest Opportunity Loan Transfer

    

15-NP11, A1 144A 3.625%, 7/25/45(2)(3)

    5,935         5,951   

16-NPL9, A1 144A 3.500%, 9/25/46(2)(3)

    8,380         8,379   

15-NPL3, A1 144A 3.375%, 10/25/58(2)(3)

    10,762         10,740   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Non-Agency (continued)  

Vericrest Opportunity Loan Trust

    

16-NPL8, A1 144A 3.500%, 7/25/46(2)(3)

  $ 1,260       $ 1,261   

14-NP10, A1 144A 3.375%, 10/25/54(2)(3)

    1,656         1,655   

14-NPL9, A1 144A 3.375%, 11/25/54(2)(3)

    5,862         5,858   

15-NPL4, A1 144A 3.500%, 2/25/55(2)(3)

    2,991         2,993   

Wells Fargo (Wachovia Bank) Commercial Mortgage Trust

    

07-C30, A5 5.342%, 12/15/43

    19,765         19,891   

07-C30, AM 5.383%, 12/15/43

    25,695         25,925   

07-C31, A4 5.509%, 4/15/47

    4,505         4,546   

07-31, AM 5.591%, 4/15/47(2)

    34,000         34,455   

07-C32, A3 5.889%, 6/15/49(2)

    7,432         7,555   

07-C33, A5 6.158%, 2/15/51(2)

    1,265         1,298   

Wells Fargo – Royal Bank of Scotland plc Commercial Mortgage Trust 11-C5, C 144A 5.866%, 11/15/44(2)(3)

    2,425         2,683   

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust

    

06-17, A1 5.500%, 11/25/21

    114         115   

03-G, A1 2.895%, 6/25/33(2)

    1,227         1,230   

03-J, 5A1 2.972%, 10/25/33(2)

    388         391   

04-4, A9 5.500%, 5/25/34

    1,672         1,705   

04-U, A1 3.034%, 10/25/34(2)

    1,036         1,030   

04-Z, 2A1 2.855%, 12/25/34(2)

    5,215         5,305   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

16


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   
Non-Agency (continued)  

04-CC, A1 2.859%, 1/25/35(2)

  $ 2,348       $ 2,363   

05-12, 1A1 5.500%, 11/25/35

    3,172         3,208   

05-14, 2A1 5.500%, 12/25/35

    2,485         2,569   

07-16, 1A1 6.000%, 12/28/37

    2,662         2,750   

07-AR10, 2A1 6.162%,
1/25/38(2)

    3,099         2,989   
    

 

 

 
               1,441,720   
TOTAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES   
(Identified Cost $1,776,822)         1,797,728   
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES—18.8%   

American Credit Acceptance Receivables Trust

    

14-3, C 144A 3.430%, 6/10/20(3)

    19,200         19,314   

16- 1A, B 144A 4.240%,
6/13/22(3)

    7,500         7,776   

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust

    

12-3, D 3.030%, 7/9/18

    19,144         19,175   

12-4, D 2.680%, 10/9/18

    7,150         7,159   

14-2, C 2.180%, 6/8/20

    19,450         19,634   

14-1, D 2.540%, 6/8/20

    18,320         18,557   

15-3, C 2.730%, 3/8/21

    9,730         9,927   

Applebee’s LLC 14-1, A2 144A 4.277%, 9/5/44(3)

    25,168         25,579   

Arbys Funding LLC 15-1A, A2 144A 4.969%, 10/30/45(3)

    5,955         6,074   

Ascentium Equipment Receivables 15-A1, B 144A 2.260%, 6/10/21(3)

    5,400         5,457   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   

Associates Manufactured Housing Pass-Through Certificates 96-1, B1 8.000%, 3/15/27(2)

  $ 974       $ 1,006   

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding LLC

    

(AESOP) 12-3A, A 144A 2.100%, 3/20/19(3)

    23,085         23,152   

(AESOP) 13-2A, A 144A 2.970%, 2/20/20(3)

    2,635         2,687   

(AESOP) 16-1A, A 144A 2.990%, 6/20/22(3)

    18,500         18,978   

BankAmerica Manufactured Housing Contract Trust 98-1, B1 7.810%, 8/10/25(2)

    1,150         1,171   

Barclays (Lehman Brothers) Manufactured Housing Contract Trust 01-B, A3 4.350%, 4/15/40

    2,247         2,289   

BCC Funding VIII LLC

    

14-A, B 144A 3.123%, 8/20/20(3)

    2,799         2,796   

14-1A, C 144A 4.216%,
8/20/20(3)

    5,519         5,519   

BCC Funding XIII LLC 144A, Series 16-1, Class D 4.780%, 8/22/22(3)

    5,392         5,392   

BXG Receivables Note Trust

    

10-A, A 144A 5.100%, 3/2/26(3)

    1,026         1,036   

12-A, A 144A 2.660%, 12/2/27(3)

    3,105         3,094   

13-A, A 144A 3.010%, 12/4/28(3)

    6,248         6,313   

15-A, A 144A 2.880%, 5/2/30(3)

    2,566         2,543   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

17


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   

California Republic Auto Receivables Trust

    

13-1, B 144A 2.240%, 1/15/19(3)

  $ 11,600       $ 11,664   

14-2, B 2.340%, 4/15/20

    7,090         7,182   

15-3, B 2.700%, 9/15/21

    3,705         3,774   

16-1, B 3.430%, 2/15/22

    4,615         4,768   

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust

    

13-1, C 1.740%, 10/22/18

    4,654         4,659   

15-2, C 2.670%, 8/20/20

    7,250         7,326   

16-3, C 2.350%, 9/20/21

    8,935         8,940   

CarFinance Capital Auto Trust

    

13-1A, B 144A 2.750%, 11/15/18(3)

    1,617         1,624   

13-A1, C 144A 3.450%, 3/15/19(3)

    2,210         2,230   

13-2A, B 144A 3.150%, 8/15/19(3)

    8,162         8,213   

14-1A, B 144A 2.720%, 4/15/20(3)

    5,550         5,585   

14-2A, B 144A 2.640%, 11/16/20(3)

    3,455         3,478   

14-2A, C 144A 3.240%, 11/16/20(3)

    2,765         2,779   

15-A1, B 144A 2.910%, 6/15/21(3)

    6,000         6,048   

CarMax Auto Owner Trust

    

14-2, B 1.880%, 11/15/19

    1,000         1,008   

15-2, C 2.390%, 3/15/21

    2,275         2,308   

CarNow Auto Receivables Trust

    

14-1A, D 144A 4.160%, 11/15/18(3)

    3,000         3,020   

14-1A, E 144A 5.530%, 1/15/20(3)

    8,350         8,365   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   

15-2,C 144A 3.880%, 4/15/20(3)

  $ 6,205       $ 6,239   

CCG Receivables Trust 14-1, B 144A 2.150%, 11/15/21(3)

    5,080         5,097   

Centre Point Funding LLC 12-2A, 1 144A 2.610%, 8/20/21(3)

    11,207         11,120   

Cheesecake Restaurant Holdings, Inc. 13-1A, A2 144A 4.474%, 3/20/43(3)

    19,921         19,973   

Citi Held For Asset Issuance 15-PM3, B 144A 4.310%,
5/16/22(3)

    24,650         24,693   

Conn Funding II LP 144A, 16-B, A 3.730%, 10/15/18(3)

    13,315         13,314   

Consumer Installment Loan Trust 16-LD1, A 144A 3.960%,
7/15/22(3)

    4,299         4,319   

CPS Auto Receivables Trust

    

16-C, B 144A 2.480%, 9/15/20(3)

    3,000         3,027   

16-B, 144A 3.180%, 9/15/20(3)

    4,500         4,599   

DB Master Finance LLC

    

15-1A, A2I 144A 3.262%,
2/20/45(3)

    4,925         4,951   

15-A1, A2II 144A 3.980%, 2/20/45(3)

    13,807         14,114   

Diamond Resorts Owner Trust 14-1, A 144A 2.540%, 5/20/27(3)

    8,322         8,333   

Direct Capital Funding IV LLC 13-A1, C 144A 4.830%, 11/20/20(3)

    5,000         5,010   

DRB Prime Student Loan Trust 15-D, A3 144A 2.500%, 1/25/36(3)

    5,665         5,689   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

18


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   

Drive Auto Receivables Trust

    

15-DA, B 144A 2.590%,
12/16/19(3)

  $ 3,920       $ 3,940   

16-AA, B 144A 3.170%, 5/15/20(3)

    7,310         7,412   

15-AA, C 144A 3.060%, 5/17/21(3)

    23,685         23,891   

15-AA, D 144A 4.120%, 7/15/22(3)

    13,120         13,459   

Drug Royalty II LP 1 14-1, A2 144A 3.484%, 7/15/23(3)

    16,148         15,910   

Drug Royalty III LP 1 16-1A, A 144A 3.979%, 4/15/27(3)

    4,376         4,358   

DT Auto Owner Trust

    

14-1A, C 144A 2.640%,
10/15/19(3)

    3,827         3,833   

14-2A, C 144A 2.460%, 1/15/20(3)

    7,017         7,036   

16-1A, B 144A 2.790%, 5/15/20(3)

    5,200         5,249   

14-3A, C 144A 3.040%, 9/15/20(3)

    10,090         10,183   

15-1A, C 144A 2.870%,
11/16/20(3)

    7,000         7,063   

15-3A, C 144A 3.250%, 7/15/21(3)

    2,285         2,312   

14-3A, D 144A 4.470%,
11/15/21(3)

    4,180         4,268   

16-2A, C 144A 3.670%, 1/17/22(3)

    8,555         8,741   

16-3A C,144A 3.150%, 3/15/22(3)

    8,485         8,558   

16-4A C,144A 2.740%,
10/17/22(3)

    12,785         12,783   

Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust

    

12-2A, C 144A 3.060%, 7/16/18(3)

    4,650         4,664   

13-2A, B 144A 3.090%, 7/16/18(3)

    473         473   

14-1A, B 144A 2.420%, 1/15/19(3)

    5,006         5,010   

13-1A, C 144A 3.520%, 2/15/19(3)

    18,289         18,393   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   

14-1A, C 144A 3.570%, 7/15/19(3)

  $ 15,830       $ 15,973   

14-2A, C 144A 3.260%, 12/16/19(3)

    14,615         14,772   

15-A1, C 144A 4.100%, 12/15/20(3)

    15,930         16,192   

15-2A, C 144A 3.900%, 3/15/21(3)

    18,705         18,943   

14-3A, D 144A 5.690%, 4/15/21(3)

    15,995         16,364   

15-3A, D 144A 6.550%, 10/17/22(3)

    3,375         3,462   

Fairway Outdoor Funding LLC 12-1A, A2 144A 4.212%, 10/15/42(3)

    20,255         20,457   

First Investors Auto Owner Trust 15-1A, C 144A 2.710%, 6/15/21(3)

    5,000         5,040   

Flagship Credit Auto Trust

    

16-1, A 144A 2.770%, 12/15/20(3)

    4,930         4,978   

14-2, D 144A 5.210%, 2/15/21(3)

    9,560         9,691   

15-1, D 144A 5.260%, 7/15/21(3)

    3,565         3,632   

15-2, C 144A 4.080%, 12/15/21(3)

    6,495         6,501   

16-2, B 144A 3.840%, 9/15/22(3)

    4,175         4,353   

16-3, D 144A 3.890%, 11/15/22(3)

    5,900         5,879   

Foundation Finance Trust 16-1A, A 144A 3.960%, 6/15/35(3)

    3,622         3,617   

Foursight Capital Automobile Receivables Trust

    

16-1 A2, 144A 2.870%, 10/15/21(3)

    7,865         7,922   

14-1, B 144A 3.560%, 11/22/21(3)

    4,704         4,717   

15-1, B 144A 4.120%, 9/15/22(3)

    5,589         5,653   

GLS Auto Receivables Trust 16-1A, B 144A 4.390%, 1/15/21(3)

    10,500         10,745   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

19


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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   

Gold Key Resorts LLC 14-A, A 144A 3.220%, 3/17/31(3)

  $ 7,861       $ 7,885   

Greater Capital Association of Realtors 15-1A, C 9.790%, 10/15/25

    8,195         8,363   

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC

    

11-1A, A2 144A 3.290%,
3/25/18(3)

    14,960         15,033   

15-2A, A 144A 2.020%, 9/25/19(3)

    4,845         4,824   

16 -1A, A144A 2.320%, 3/25/20(3)

    8,800         8,844   

Hilton Grand Vacations Trust

    

13-A, A 144A 2.280%, 1/25/26(3)

    7,117         7,089   

14-AA, A 144A 1.770%,
11/25/26(3)

    9,809         9,736   

Hyundai Auto Receivables Trust

    

14-B, D 2.510%, 12/15/20

    9,675         9,729   

15-A, D 2.730%, 6/15/21

    8,950         9,028   

IndyMac Manufactured Housing Contract 98-1, A3 6.370%, 9/25/28

    854         873   

LEAF Receivables Funding 10 LLC

    

15-1, D 144A 3.740%, 5/17/21(3)

    800         795   

15-1, E1 144A 5.210%, 7/15/21(3)

    4,500         4,493   

LEAF Receivables Funding 11 LLC 16-1, E1 144A 5.500%, 4/15/23(3)

    5,000         4,978   

LEAF Receivables Funding 9 LLC

    

13-1,E2 C 144A 3.460%,
9/15/21(3)

    6,850         6,844   

13-1, D 144A 5.110%, 9/15/21(3)

    1,186         1,208   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   

Leaf Receivables Funding 9 LLC 10 LLC 15-1, E2 144A 6.000%, 6/15/23(3)

  $ 2,455       $ 2,405   

LEAF Receivables Funding 9 LLC 11 LLC 16-1, E2 144A 6.000%, 6/15/24(3)

    4,170         3,887   

Marriott Vacation Club Owner Trust

    

12-1A, A 144A 2.510%, 5/20/30(3)

    12,419         12,505   

10-1A, A 144A 3.540%,
10/20/32(3)

    374         380   

10-1A, B 144A 4.520%,
10/20/32(3)

    730         744   

MVW Owner Trust

    

15-1A, B 144A 2.960%,
12/20/32(3)

    1,607         1,619   

16-1A, A 144A 2.250%,
12/20/33(3)

    6,765         6,750   

National City Mortgage Capital Trust 08-1, 2A1 6.000%, 3/25/38

    1,717         1,784   

NCF Dealer Floorplan Master Trust 16-1A, A 144A 3.782%,
3/21/22(2)(3)

    9,000         8,836   

OneMain Direct Auto Receivables Trust 16-1A, B 144A 2.760%, 5/15/21(3)

    5,000         5,024   

OneMain Financial Issuance Trust

    

14-1A, A 144A 2.430%, 6/18/24(3)

    10,143         10,152   

15-2A, A 144A 2.570%, 7/18/25(3)

    19,675         19,744   

15-A, A 144A 3.190%, 3/18/26(3)

    26,301         26,568   

Orange Lake Timeshare Trust

    

12-AA, A 144A 3.450%, 3/10/27(3)

    3,441         3,485   

15-AA, A 144A 2.880%, 9/8/27(3)

    6,647         6,700   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

20


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   

14-AA, A 144A 2.290%, 7/9/29(3)

  $ 2,963       $ 2,948   

Prestige Auto Receivables Trust 14-1A, C 144A 2.390%, 5/15/20(3)

    7,000         6,973   

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust

    

12-6, C 1.940%, 3/15/18

    245         245   

12-5, C 2.700%, 8/15/18

    766         767   

12-6, D 2.520%, 9/17/18

    17,455         17,538   

13-1, D 2.270%, 1/15/19

    21,925         22,092   

13-3, C 1.810%, 4/15/19

    5,400         5,412   

14-3, C 2.130%, 8/17/20

    16,400         16,487   

16-2, B 2.080%, 2/16/21

    8,250         8,309   

Security National Automotive Acceptance Company Receivables Trust 14-1A, C 144A 2.210%, 1/15/20(3)

    8,382         8,397   

Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC

    

12-2A, B 144A 3.420%, 3/20/29(3)

    1,719         1,726   

12-3A, A 144A 1.870%,
8/20/29(3)

    6,507         6,464   

13-1A, A 144A 1.590%,
11/20/29(3)

    2,386         2,376   

14-1A, A 144A 2.070%, 3/20/30(3)

    2,342         2,330   

14-2A, A 144A 2.050%, 6/20/31(3)

    3,356         3,358   

16-1A, A 144A 3.080%, 3/21/33(3)

    8,115         8,256   

16-2A, A 144A 2.330%, 7/20/33(3)

    8,129         8,130   

Silverleaf Finance LLC

    

XVII 13-A, A 144A 2.680%, 3/16/26(3)

    2,835         2,812   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   

XVIII 14-A, A 144A 2.810%, 1/15/27(3)

  $ 2,050       $ 2,031   

Silverleaf Finance XV LLC 12-D, A 144A 3.000%, 3/17/25(3)

    3,046         3,048   

Skopos Auto Receivables Trust 15-2A, A 144A 3.550%, 2/15/20(3)

    3,765         3,767   

SLM Private Education Loan Trust

    

13-B, A2A 144A 1.850%,
6/17/30(3)

    4,500         4,497   

13-C, A2A 144A 2.940%, 10/15/31(3)

    5,000         5,102   

SoFi Professional Loan Program LLC

    

14-B, A2 144A 2.550%, 8/27/29(3)

    1,083         1,099   

15-A, A2 144A 2.420%, 3/25/30(3)

    4,362         4,415   

16-A, A2 144A 2.760%,
12/26/36(3)

    2,143         2,196   

SolarCity LMC Series III LLC 14-2, A 144A 4.020%, 7/20/44(3)

    8,027         7,556   

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates 01-SB1, A2 3.375%, 8/25/31

    1,538         1,521   

SVO VOI Mortgage Corp. 12-AA, A 144A 2.000%, 9/20/29(3)

    8,041         7,955   

Taco Bell Funding LLC 16-1A, A21 144A 3.832%, 5/25/46(3)

    16,945         17,183   

TCF Auto Receivables Owner Trust

    

14-1A, B 144A 2.330%, 5/15/20(3)

    1,733         1,736   

14-1A, C 144A 3.120%, 4/15/21(3)

    2,035         2,049   

Tidewater Auto Receivables Trust

    

14-AA, C 144A 2.560%, 8/15/19(3)

    3,500         3,511   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

21


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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   

16-AA, B 144A 3.130%, 3/15/20(3)

  $ 7,393       $ 7,506   

Trip Rail Master Funding LLC

    

11-1A, A1A 144A 4.370%, 7/15/41(3)

    11,738         12,021   

14-1A, A1 144A 2.863%,
4/15/44(3)

    9,635         9,594   

U-Haul S Fleet LLC 10-BT1A, 1 144A 4.899%, 10/25/23(3)

    31,497         31,869   

United Auto Credit Securitization Trust

    

16-1, B 144A 2.730%, 5/15/18(3)

    4,880         4,901   

16-2, C 144A 2.480%, 3/10/20(3)

    9,425         9,431   

Volvo Financial Equipment LLC 14-1A, C 144A 1.940%,
11/15/21(3)

    6,000         6,016   

VSE VOI Mortgage LLC 16-A, A 144A 2.540%, 7/20/33(3)

    7,955         7,980   

Welk Resorts LLC

    

13-AA, A 144A 3.100%, 3/15/29(3)

    3,382         3,416   

15-AA, A 144A 2.790%, 6/16/31(3)

    5,656         5,662   

Wendy’s Funding LLC

    

15-1A, A2II 144A 3.371%, 6/15/45(3)

    5,360         5,384   

15-1A, A2II 144A 4.080%, 6/15/45(3)

    20,164         20,477   

Westgate Resorts LLC 16-1A, A 144A 3.500%, 12/20/28(3)

    7,104         7,109   

Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust

    

14-1A, C 144A 1.700%,
11/15/19(3)

    1,538         1,538   

15-1A, C 144A 2.290%,
11/16/20(3)

    8,500         8,537   

16-2A C, 144A 2.830%, 5/17/21(3)

    3,190         3,230   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (continued)   

15-3A, D,144A 4.400%, 5/17/21(3)

  $ 10,000       $ 10,184   
TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES   
(Identified Cost $1,333,454)         1,341,950   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES—34.6%   
Consumer Discretionary—2.6%  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. 2.500%, 11/28/19

    6,600         6,732   

Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Inc. 9.000%, 2/15/20(15)

    3,625         3,752   

CCO Holdings LLC 144A 5.500%, 5/1/26(3)

    6,820         7,161   

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. Series B 7.625%, 3/15/20

    18,230         18,162   

Columbus Cable Barbados Ltd. Series B,144A 7.375%, 3/30/21(3)

    5,990         6,378   

Delphi Automotive plc
3.150%, 11/19/20

    15,000         15,532   

Diamond Resorts International, Inc. 144A 7.750%, 9/1/23(3)

    590         594   

Hanesbrands, Inc. 144A 4.625%, 5/15/24(3)

    5,830         6,012   

Hyundai Capital America 144A 2.125%, 10/2/17(3)

    2,940         2,955   

International Game Technology plc

    

144A 5.625%, 2/15/20(3)

    3,245         3,460   

144A 6.250%, 2/15/22(3)

    5,190         5,550   

Landry’s, Inc. 144A
9.375%, 5/1/20(3)

    7,530         7,908   

M/I Homes, Inc.
6.750%, 1/15/21

    4,675         4,920   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

22


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (continued)   
Consumer Discretionary (continued)  

Marriott International, Inc. Series N,
3.125%, 10/15/21

  $ 13,545       $ 14,130   

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP (MGP Finance Co-Issuer, Inc.) 144A
5.625%, 5/1/24(3)

    1,740         1,887   

Newell Brands, Inc.

    

3.150%, 4/1/21

    1,925         2,006   

3.850%, 4/1/23

    825         878   

4.200%, 4/1/26

    1,665         1,814   

QVC, Inc.
3.125%, 4/1/19

    12,765         13,088   

Scientific Games International, Inc. 144A 7.000%, 1/1/22(3)

    5,625         5,977   

SFR (Numericable) Group S.A.

    

144A 6.000%, 5/15/22(3)

    4,580         4,689   

144A 7.375%, 5/1/26(3)

    7,075         7,241   

Toll Brothers Finance Corp.

    

4.000%, 12/31/18

    5,080         5,277   

6.750%, 11/1/19

    9,716         10,979   

5.625%, 1/15/24

    915         981   

4.875%, 11/15/25

    8,520         8,754   

TRI Pointe Group, Inc.

    

4.375%, 6/15/19

    13,872         14,340   

4.875%, 7/1/21

    3,740         3,843   

Wyndham Worldwide Corp.
2.500%, 3/1/18

    2,960         2,991   
    

 

 

 
       187,991   
    

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—0.3%  

ESAL GmbH 144A
6.250%, 2/5/23(3)

    8,600         8,385   

Whole Foods Market, Inc. 144A
5.200%, 12/3/25(3)

    14,325         15,567   
    

 

 

 
       23,952   
    

 

 

 
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Energy—5.9%  

Afren plc 144A
11.500%, 2/1/17(3)(9)

  $ 4,674       $ 18   

Alberta Energy Co., Ltd.
8.125%, 9/15/30

    8,110         9,592   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

    

4.850%, 3/15/21

    3,845         4,146   

5.550%, 3/15/26

    5,455         6,209   

Antero Resources Corp.
5.625%, 6/1/23

    6,835         6,997   

Blue Racer Midstream LLC 144A 6.125%, 11/15/22(3)

    4,595         4,515   

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.
6.250%, 4/15/23

    4,150         4,129   

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC 144A
7.000%, 6/30/24(3)

    3,795         4,118   

Cimarex Energy Co.
4.375%, 6/1/24

    11,490         12,007   

CNOOC Finance Propriety Ltd.
2.625%, 5/5/20

    5,800         5,911   

Concho Resources, Inc.
5.500%, 4/1/23

    9,345         9,684   

Continental Resources, Inc.

    

5.000%, 9/15/22

    5,035         5,035   

4.500%, 4/15/23

    3,035         2,929   

Ecopetrol S.A.
5.875%, 9/18/23

    20,920         22,568   

Enbridge Energy Partners LP
4.375%, 10/15/20

    3,930         4,149   

Encana Corp.
3.900%, 11/15/21

    7,960         7,976   

Energy Transfer Partners LP
5.200%, 2/1/22

    4,855         5,263   

EP Energy LLC (Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc.)
9.375%, 5/1/20

    11,345         8,112   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

23


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (continued)   
Energy (continued)  

FTS International, Inc.
6.250%, 5/1/22

  $ 2,245       $ 870   

KazMunayGas National Co. 144A 6.375%, 4/9/21(3)

    4,800         5,310   

Kinder Morgan, Inc. 144A
5.625%, 11/15/23(3)

    20,300         22,426   

Kunlun Energy Co., Ltd. 144A
2.875%, 5/13/20(3)

    5,000         5,102   

Linn Energy LLC
6.500%, 5/15/19(9)

    9,980         2,595   

Lukoil OAO International Finance BV 144A
3.416%, 4/24/18(3)

    6,000         6,089   

Midcontinent Express Pipeline LLC 144A
6.700%, 9/15/19(3)

    3,500         3,675   

MPLX LP
5.500%, 2/15/23

    11,935         12,341   

Newfield Exploration Co.
5.625%, 7/1/24

    7,925         8,123   

NGL Energy Partners LP
5.125%, 7/15/19

    18,475         17,459   

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    

2.600%, 4/15/22

    885         904   

3.400%, 4/15/26

    725         767   

Pacific Exploration and Production Corp. 144A
5.375%, 1/26/19(3)(9)

    13,565         2,577   

Petrobras Global Finance BV

    

8.375%, 5/23/21

    13,005         14,282   

8.750%, 5/23/26

    405         448   

Petroleos de Venezuela S.A

    

RegS
8.500%, 11/2/17(4)

    24,234         20,962   

144A 6.000%, 5/16/24(3)

    12,980         5,563   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Energy (continued)  

Petroleos Mexicanos

    

4.875%, 1/24/22

  $ 16,470       $ 16,758   

144A 6.875%, 8/4/26(3)

    13,475         15,192   

PHI, Inc.
5.250%, 3/15/19

    6,275         6,071   

Pride International, Inc.
8.500%, 6/15/19

    4,065         4,421   

QEP Resources, Inc.

    

6.875%, 3/1/21

    5,220         5,481   

5.250%, 5/1/23

    9,530         9,435   

Range Resources Corp.

    

144A 5.000%, 8/15/22(3)

    3,730         3,730   

144A 5.000%, 3/15/23(3)

    8,025         7,885   

Regency Energy Partners LP
5.000%, 10/1/22

    17,910         18,905   

Sabine Oil & Gas Corp.
7.250%, 6/15/19(9)(13)

    9,035         168   

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC

    

5.625%, 2/1/21

    8,000         8,510   

6.250%, 3/15/22

    8,415         9,214   

Sinopec Capital Ltd. 144A
1.875%, 4/24/18(3)

    11,750         11,766   

Southern Gas Corridor CJSC 144A
6.875%, 3/24/26(3)

    6,435         7,226   

Sunoco LP 144A
6.375%, 4/1/23(3)

    16,520         17,057   

Transocean, Inc.

    

6.800%, 12/15/16

    9,280         9,335   

144A 9.000%, 7/15/23(3)

    3,680         3,597   

6.800%, 3/15/38

    7,800         5,187   

YPF S.A. 144A 8.500%, 3/23/21(3)

    7,000         7,829   
    

 

 

 
       420,618   
    

 

 

 
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

24


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE     VALUE  
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (continued)   
Financials—12.6%  

ABN AMRO Bank N.V. 144A 4.250%, 2/2/17(3)

  $ 4,425      $ 4,466   

AerCap Ireland Capital Ltd. (Aercap Global Aviation Trust) 3.950%, 2/1/22

    3,670        3,757   

Air Lease Corp. 2.625%, 9/4/18

    5,495        5,545   

Akbank TAS 144A 7.500%,
2/5/18(3)

    33,705 TRY      10,709   

Ally Financial, Inc.

   

4.250%, 4/15/21

    10,530        10,727   

5.750%, 11/20/25

    7,090        7,445   

Ares Capital Corp.

   

4.875%, 11/30/18

    1,545        1,613   

3.875%, 1/15/20

    4,286        4,436   

3.625%, 1/19/22

    4,475        4,508   

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. 144A
4.400%, 5/19/26(3)

    14,195        15,076   

Aviation Capital Group Corp. 144A
2.875%, 9/17/18(3)

    4,415        4,470   

Banco de Credito del Peru 144A 4.250%, 4/1/23(3)

    15,500        16,604   

Bank of America Corp.

   

2.000%, 1/11/18

    14,905        14,973   

5.490%, 3/15/19

    2,868        3,099   

4.450%, 3/3/26

    10,475        11,249   

Bank of Baroda 144A
4.875%, 7/23/19(3)

    11,775        12,576   

Bank of India

   

144A 3.250%, 4/18/18(3)

    10,470        10,672   

144A 3.625%, 9/21/18(3)

    10,200        10,384   

Barclays Bank plc 144A
6.050%, 12/4/17(3)

    13,130        13,729   

Barclays plc
3.200%, 8/10/21

    10,345        10,399   
    PAR VALUE     VALUE  
Financials (continued)  

BBVA Banco Continental S.A. RegS
5.000%, 8/26/22(4)

  $ 16,280      $ 17,867   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
2.750%, 3/15/23

    1,695        1,762   

Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. LLC 144A
6.625%, 8/15/19(3)

    7,105        8,053   

Bonos del Banco Central de Chile En Pesos
4.500%, 6/1/20

    4,570,000 CLP      7,237   

Capital One N.A.
2.400%, 9/5/19

    5,000        5,079   

Citigroup, Inc.

   

5.500%, 2/15/17

    11,730        11,906   

4.600%, 3/9/26

    10,445        11,162   

Comerica Bank, Inc.
5.750%, 11/21/16

    5,940        5,974   

Corp Financiera de Desarrollo SA 144A
4.750%, 7/15/25(3)

    10,000        11,034   

Corpbanca SA 144A
3.875%, 9/22/19(3)

    4,000        4,175   

Discover Bank
8.700%, 11/18/19

    1,750        2,019   

Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund LP 144A
5.000%, 8/1/21(3)

    14,685        14,114   

Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
6.600%, 5/15/17

    6,475        6,658   

Fifth Third Bancorp
4.500%, 6/1/18

    6,745        6,996   

First Tennessee Bank N.A.
2.950%, 12/1/19

    4,500        4,560   

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC
5.000%, 5/15/18

    10,000        10,496   

FS Investment Corp. 4.250%, 1/15/20

    7,725        7,923   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

25


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (continued)   
Financials (continued)  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.

    

3.500%, 7/10/19

  $ 9,715       $ 10,014   

4.200%, 3/1/21

    7,300         7,690   

Genworth Holdings, Inc.
7.625%, 9/24/21

    6,910         6,634   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    

2.350%, 11/15/21

    4,425         4,416   

4.250%, 10/21/25

    24,315         25,604   

Guanay Finance Ltd. 144A
6.000%, 12/15/20(3)

    26,442         27,004   

HBOS plc 144A 6.750%, 5/21/18(3)

    685         732   

HSBC USA, Inc. 2.625%, 9/24/18

    19,485         19,829   

Huntington Bancshares, Inc. 7.000%, 12/15/20

    17,065         19,834   

Hutchison Whampoa International Ltd. Series 12 144A 6.000%(2)(3)(6)(7)

    13,210         13,474   

ICAHN Enterprises LP 5.875%, 2/1/22

    12,875         12,424   

ICAHN Enterprises LP (ICAHN Enterprises Finance Corp.) 3.500%, 3/15/17

    965         969   

ICICI Bank Ltd.

    

RegS 4.700%, 2/21/18(4)

    13,000         13,446   

144A 4.000%, 3/18/26(3)

    6,505         6,748   

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. 3.231%, 11/13/19

    6,275         6,535   

International Lease Finance Corp.
3.875%, 4/15/18

    7,635         7,816   

iStar Financial, Inc.

    

4.875%, 7/1/18

    12,250         12,357   

5.000%, 7/1/19

    6,210         6,217   
    PAR VALUE     VALUE  
Financials (continued)  

Jefferies Group LLC

   

5.125%, 4/13/18

  $ 6,541      $ 6,829   

6.875%, 4/15/21

    3,725        4,346   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

   

6.125%, 6/27/17

    8,850        9,148   

2.295%, 8/15/21

    4,495        4,505   

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. 1.650%, 9/23/19

    8,805        8,826   

Lazard Group LLC 4.250%, 11/14/20

    7,765        8,326   

Lincoln National Corp.

   

8.750%, 7/1/19

    15,040        17,702   

6.050%, 4/20/67(2)(7)

    2,885        2,221   

Macquarie Group Ltd.

   

144A 3.000%, 12/3/18(3)

    4,870        4,981   

144A 6.000%, 1/14/20(3)

    10,950        12,106   

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
2.950%, 3/1/21

    2,500        2,572   

Morgan Stanley

   

144A 10.090%, 5/3/17(3)

    22,595 BRL      6,833   

4.350%, 9/8/26

    20,295        21,679   

MUFG Union Bank N.A. 2.625%, 9/26/18

    2,700        2,750   

Navient Corp.
7.250%, 9/25/23

    3,620        3,618   

New York Life Global Funding 144A 1.950%, 2/11/20(3)

    2,855        2,890   

Phosagro OAO (Phosagro Bond Funding Ltd.) 144A 4.204%, 2/13/18(3)(5)

    7,800        7,986   

PNC Funding Corp. 5.625%, 2/1/17

    3,130        3,175   

Prudential Financial, Inc. 8.875%, 6/15/38(2)(7)

    11,200        12,432   

QBE Insurance Group Ltd. 144A 2.400%, 5/1/18(3)

    7,750        7,792   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

26


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (continued)   
Financials (continued)  

Regions Bank
7.500%, 5/15/18

  $ 2,369       $ 2,579   

Russian Agricultural Bank OJSC (RSHB Capital SA)

    

144A 5.298%, 12/27/17(3)

    13,655         14,016   

144A 5.100%, 7/25/18(3)(5)

    8,750         8,995   

S&P Global, Inc. 3.300%, 8/14/20

    15,097         15,849   

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.

    

2.700%, 5/24/19

    10,650         10,782   

2.650%, 4/17/20

    7,540         7,586   

SBA Tower Trust

    

144A 2.933%, 12/15/17(3)

    13,275         13,349   

144A 3.156%, 10/15/20(3)

    6,050         6,109   

Sberbank of Russia (Sberbank CapItal SA)
5.717%, 6/16/21(5)

    7,000         7,562   

Springleaf Finance Corp. 5.250%, 12/15/19

    9,585         9,813   

State Street Corp. 4.956%,
3/15/18(7)

    24,025         25,081   

SunTrust Bank, Inc.

    

6.000%, 9/11/17

    4,925         5,125   

5.450%, 12/1/17

    3,750         3,908   

TIAA Asset Management Finance Co. LLC 144A 2.950%, 11/1/19(3)

    2,850         2,936   

Toronto-Dominion Bank (The)
2.125%, 4/7/21

    11,005         11,137   

Trinity Acquisition plc

    

3.500%, 9/15/21

    1,485         1,548   

4.400%, 3/15/26

    9,145         9,583   

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS 144A 4.750%, 10/17/19(3)

    8,500         8,587   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Financials (continued)  

Turkiye Is Bankasi 144A 3.750%, 10/10/18(3)

  $ 12,630       $ 12,507   

Turkiye Vakiflar Bankasi Tao 144A 3.750%, 4/15/18(3)

    4,000         3,970   

UBS Group Funding Jersey Ltd. 144A 2.650%, 2/1/22(3)

    8,475         8,458   

Vnesheconombank (VEB Finance plc) 144A 6.902%, 7/9/20(3)

    16,000         17,400   

Wells Fargo & Co. (Wachovia Corp.) 5.625%, 10/15/16

    2,500         2,503   

Willis North America, Inc.
6.200%, 3/28/17

    4,960         5,068   

XLIT Ltd. Series E, 2.300%, 12/15/18

    9,730         9,845   

Zions Bancorp 4.500%, 3/27/17

    12,675         12,788   
    

 

 

 
       902,996   
    

 

 

 
Health Care—2.4%  

AbbVie, Inc.

    

2.500%, 5/14/20

    11,705         11,949   

3.200%, 11/6/22

    1,940         2,020   

Actavis Capital S.a.r.l.

    

(Actavis Funding) 3.000%, 3/12/20

    2,825         2,912   

(Actavis Funding) 3.450%, 3/15/22

    3,815         4,005   

Alere, Inc. 6.500%, 6/15/20

    6,175         6,206   

Community Health Systems, Inc.
5.125%, 8/1/21

    4,790         4,754   

Concordia Healthcare Corp. 144A 7.000%, 4/15/23(3)

    1,510         974   

Endo Finance LLC 144A
6.000%, 7/15/23(3)

    720         659   

Express Scripts Holding Co.
3.300%, 2/25/21

    2,330         2,449   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

27


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (continued)   
Health Care (continued)  

Forest Laboratories LLC 144A
4.375%, 2/1/19(3)

  $ 13,430       $ 14,154   

Fresenius U.S. Finance II, Inc. 144A 4.500%, 1/15/23(3)

    2,590         2,713   

HCA, Inc. 6.500%, 2/15/20

    19,575         21,679   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 144A 9.000%, 1/15/18(3)

    8,625         8,873   

Mylan NV

    

144A 3.000%, 12/15/18(3)

    5,360         5,478   

144A 3.150%, 6/15/21(3)

    4,065         4,142   

Owens & Minor, Inc. 3.875%, 9/15/21

    2,485         2,570   

Quintiles Transnational Corp.
144A 4.875%, 5/15/23(3)

    4,175         4,311   

Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland Dac

    

1.900%, 9/23/19

    3,555         3,558   

2.400%, 9/23/21

    5,720         5,736   

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

    

4.750%, 6/1/20

    4,650         4,743   

4.153%, 6/15/20(2)

    4,045         4,086   

6.000%, 10/1/20

    9,560         10,134   

8.125%, 4/1/22

    6,595         6,628   

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV

    

2.200%, 7/21/21

    2,670         2,665   

2.800%, 7/21/23

    2,640         2,648   

Universal Health Services, Inc. 144A 4.750%, 8/1/22(3)

    4,515         4,662   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. 144A 5.375%, 3/15/20(3)

    3,060         2,846   

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. 3.150%, 4/1/22

    17,905         18,524   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Health Care (continued)  

Zoetis, Inc.
3.450%, 11/13/20

  $ 2,780       $ 2,906   
    

 

 

 
       168,984   
    

 

 

 
Industrials—3.6%  

ADT Corp. (The) 6.250%, 10/15/21

    13,700         14,967   

Air Canada Pass-Through-Trust 13-1, B 144A 5.375%, 5/15/21(3)

    19,071         19,643   

America West Airlines Pass-Through-Trust 01-1, G
7.100%, 4/2/21

    40,537         44,033   

BAE Systems Holdings, Inc. 144A 2.850%, 12/15/20(3)

    4,655         4,765   

Bombardier, Inc. 144A 4.750%, 4/15/19(3)

    15,692         15,339   

British Airways Pass-Through-Trust 13-1, B 144A 5.625%, 6/20/20(3)

    9,654         10,161   

Cemex Finance LLC 144A 6.000%, 4/1/24(3)

    7,110         7,305   

Continental Airlines Pass-Through-Trust

    

99-1, A 6.545%, 2/2/19

    8,163         8,658   

99-2, C2 AMBC
6.236%, 3/15/20

    8,696         9,153   

00-1, A1 8.048%, 11/1/20

    4,270         4,772   

01-1, A1 6.703%, 6/15/21

    4,878         5,238   

Hawaiian Airlines Pass-Through Certificates 13-1B,
4.950%, 1/15/22

    6,905         6,913   

JBS Investments GmbH 144A 7.250%, 4/3/24(3)

    1,535         1,570   

Masco Corp.
5.950%, 3/15/22

    18,385         20,959   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

28


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (continued)   
Industrials (continued)  

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP RegS
2.500%, 6/15/19(4)

  $ 3,470       $ 3,520   

Penske Truck Leasing Co., LP 144A 3.375%, 2/1/22(3)

    8,365         8,700   

SCF Capital Ltd. 144A 5.375%, 6/16/23(3)

    8,460         8,849   

Toledo Edison Co. (The)
7.250%, 5/1/20

    224         254   

U.S. Airways Pass-Through-Trust 12-2, C
5.450%, 6/3/18

    13,180         13,526   

UAL Pass-Through-Trust 07-01, A 6.636%, 7/2/22

    22,898         24,386   

United Airlines Pass-Through Trust 14-1, B
4.750%, 4/11/22

    4,800         4,907   

United Rentals North America, Inc.
4.625%, 7/15/23

    13,600         13,940   

Virgin Australia Trust 13-1A 144A 5.000%, 10/23/23(3)

    8,531         8,851   
    

 

 

 
       260,409   
    

 

 

 
Information Technology—0.8%  

Diamond 1 Finance Corp. (Diamond 2 Finance Corp.) 144A 5.450%, 6/15/23(3)

    3,715         3,979   

Dun & Bradstreet Corp. (The)

    

3.250%, 12/1/17

    12,110         12,307   

4.000%, 6/15/20

    4,660         4,863   

Electronic Arts, Inc.
3.700%, 3/1/21

    2,265         2,407   

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    

144A 2.850%, 10/5/18(3)

    9,690         9,873   

144A 3.600%, 10/15/20(3)

    1,845         1,936   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Information Technology (continued)  

Microsoft Corp.
2.000%, 8/8/23

  $ 4,475       $ 4,470   

NXP BV (NXP Funding LLC)

    

144A 4.125%, 6/1/21(3)

    7,100         7,606   

144A 4.625%, 6/1/23(3)

    4,675         5,125   

Oracle Corp.

    

1.900%, 9/15/21

    3,530         3,539   

2.400%, 9/15/23

    4,315         4,351   
    

 

 

 
       60,456   
    

 

 

 
Materials—2.0%  

Air Liquide Finance SA 144A 1.750%, 9/27/21(3)

    3,000         2,992   

Airgas, Inc.
3.050%, 8/1/20

    890         924   

Allegheny Technologies, Inc.
9.375%, 6/1/19

    7,245         7,788   

Ardagh Packaging Finance plc

    

144A 6.250%, 1/31/19(3)

    2,705         2,776   

144A 4.625%, 5/15/23(3)

    7,340         7,386   

Cemex SAB de CV RegS
6.500%, 12/10/19(4)

    5,200         5,525   

CRH America, Inc.
8.125%, 7/15/18

    4,770         5,277   

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) Resources August 2006 Pty Ltd. 144A 9.750%, 3/1/22(3)

    6,820         7,945   

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.

    

3.550%, 3/1/22

    3,070         2,809   

3.875%, 3/15/23

    7,645         6,957   

Gerdau Holdings, Inc. 144A 7.000%, 1/20/20(3)

    7,630         8,221   

Gerdau Trade, Inc. 144A 5.750%, 1/30/21(3)

    1,700         1,770   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

29


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (continued)   
Materials (continued)  

INEOS Group Holdings S.A. 144A 5.875%, 2/15/19(3)

  $ 5,870       $ 6,009   

Novelis Corp. 144A 6.250%, 8/15/24(3)

    605         644   

Office Cherifien des Phosphates S.A. (OCP) 144A 5.625%, 4/25/24(3)

    17,090         18,562   

Packaging Corp. of America
3.900%, 6/15/22

    7,215         7,630   

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc.

    

5.750%, 10/15/20

    12,945         13,366   

144A 4.127%, 7/15/21(2)(3)

    3,100         3,154   

144A 5.125%, 7/15/23(3)

    1,600         1,654   

144A 7.000%, 7/15/24(3)

    110         118   

Teck Resources Ltd. 144A 8.000%, 6/1/21(3)

    1,570         1,721   

United States Steel Corp.
7.375%, 4/1/20

    941         941   

Vale Overseas Ltd.
5.875%, 6/10/21

    7,475         7,845   

Vedanta Resources plc 144A 6.000%, 1/31/19(3)

    17,325         17,282   
    

 

 

 
       139,296   
    

 

 

 
Real Estate—1.5%  

American Campus Communities Operating Partnership LP
3.350%, 10/1/20

    2,040         2,124   

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP
3.875%, 8/15/22

    5,570         5,839   

Developers Diversified Realty Corp.

    

3.400%, 10/1/20

    11,735         12,230   

3.950%, 7/1/22

    8,175         8,665   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Real Estate (continued)  

Government Properties Income Trust
3.750%, 8/15/19

  $ 2,905       $ 2,976   

HCP, Inc. 3.750%, 2/1/19

    4,035         4,177   

Kimco Realty Corp.
3.400%, 11/1/22

    10,605         11,173   

MPT Operating Partnership LP (MPT Finance Corp.)
6.375%, 2/15/22

    1,150         1,199   

Select Income REIT
4.150%, 2/1/22

    18,910         19,002   

Senior Housing Properties Trust
3.250%, 5/1/19

    6,685         6,740   

Ventas Realty LP (Ventas Capital Corp.)

    

4.000%, 4/30/19

    7,100         7,459   

2.700%, 4/1/20

    2,948         3,021   

Welltower, Inc.
4.125%, 4/1/19

    4,100         4,311   

West Europe Finance LLC 144A 3.250%, 10/5/20(3)

    19,265         20,073   
    

 

 

 
       108,989   
    

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—1.8%  

Altice Financing S.A. 144A 6.625%, 2/15/23(3)

    10,620         10,939   

AT&T, Inc.

    

5.800%, 2/15/19

    11,000         12,065   

2.800%, 2/17/21

    7,200         7,409   

4.125%, 2/17/26

    6,955         7,520   

CenturyLink, Inc.

    

Series T 5.800%, 3/15/22

    13,410         13,795   

Series Y 7.500%, 4/1/24

    5,185         5,548   

Crown Castle International Corp.
3.700%, 6/15/26

    870         908   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

30


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (continued)   
Telecommunication Services (continued)  

Crown Castle Towers LLC

    

144A 6.113%, 1/15/20(3)

  $ 5,900       $ 6,539   

144A 3.222%, 5/15/22(3)

    3,000         3,093   

Digicel Group Ltd. 144A
8.250%, 9/30/20(3)

    10,365         9,056   

Frontier Communications Corp.

    

8.500%, 4/15/20

    3,200         3,472   

8.875%, 9/15/20

    3,380         3,659   

10.500%, 9/15/22

    3,650         3,883   

Sprint Communications, Inc. 6.000%, 11/15/22

    14,060         13,234   

Sprint Corp. 7.250%, 9/15/21

    4,080         4,121   

T-Mobile USA, Inc. 6.542%, 4/28/20

    7,905         8,182   

Telefonica Emisiones SAU 3.192%, 4/27/18

    2,805         2,871   

Windstream Corp. 7.750%, 10/15/20

    12,125         12,428   
    

 

 

 
       128,722   
    

 

 

 
Utilities—1.1%  

AmeriGas Partners LP 7.000%, 5/20/22

    9,275         9,855   

Dominion Resources, Inc.
2.962%, 7/1/19(2)

    1,760         1,806   

Exelon Corp.
2.850%, 6/15/20

    18,845         19,520   

Korea Western Power Co., Ltd. 144A
3.125%, 5/10/17(3)

    9,800         9,889   

Majapahit Holding BV 144A 7.750%, 1/20/20(3)

    8,800         10,142   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Utilities (continued)  

State Grid Overseas Investment Ltd.

    

144A 1.750%, 5/22/18(3)

  $ 5,000       $ 5,011   

144A 2.750%, 5/7/19(3)

    9,370         9,635   

Talen Energy Supply LLC 144A 4.625%, 7/15/19(3)

    10,340         9,771   
    

 

 

 
               75,629   
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES   
(Identified Cost $2,452,270)         2,478,042   
LOAN AGREEMENTS(2)—11.6%   
Consumer Discretionary—3.6%  

Altice U.S. Finance I Corp.
5.000%, 12/14/22

    12,806         12,922   

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. Tranche B-1
3.500%, 10/20/21

    8,791         8,836   

Aspen Merger Sub (Coinstar), Inc.
0.000%, 9/26/23(12)

    3,897         3,920   

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    

Tranche B,
5.500%, 8/14/20

    2,303         2,321   

Tranche B-2
3.524%, 9/15/23

    4,156         4,193   

Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Inc.

    

Tranche B-4,
6.500%, 10/31/16(15)

    3,616         4,171   

Tranche B-6,
5.625%, 3/1/17(15)

    3,861         4,237   

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC
7.000%, 10/11/20

    11,460         11,456   

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings LLC Tranche B, First Lien,
6.250%, 5/8/21

    4,252         4,209   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

31


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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
LOAN AGREEMENTS (continued)   
Consumer Discretionary (continued)  

CDS U.S. Intermediate Holdings, Inc. First Lien,
5.000%, 7/8/22

  $ 5,679       $ 5,694   

Cengage Learning, Inc.
5.250%, 6/7/23

    4,771         4,775   

Charter Communications Operating LLC (CCO Safari LLC)

    

Tranche E, 3.000%, 7/1/20

    6,289         6,316   

Tranche F, 3.000%, 1/3/21

    14,232         14,292   

Tranche I, 3.500%, 1/24/23

    2,865         2,887   

CityCenter Holdings LLC Tranche B,
4.250%, 10/16/20

    5,909         5,958   

CSC Holdings, Inc.
5.000%, 10/9/22

    16,706         16,778   

Delta 2 (Lux) S.a.r.l. Tranche B-3,
4.750%, 7/30/21

    7,421         7,443   

Diamond Resorts International, Inc.
7.000%, 9/2/23

    827         824   

El Dorado Resorts, Inc.
4.250%, 7/25/22

    2,743         2,757   

Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.
4.000%, 8/18/23

    17,779         17,901   

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC

    

Tranche B-1
3.500%, 10/26/20

    1,136         1,144   

Tranche B-2
3.215%, 10/25/23

    11,610         11,696   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A. Tranche B-2,
3.750%, 6/30/19

    7,912         7,544   

Las Vegas Sands LLC Tranche B,
3.250%, 12/19/20

    6,802         6,848   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary (continued)  

Libbey Glass, Inc.
3.750%, 4/9/21

  $ 5,625       $ 5,649   

MGM Growth Properties
4.000%, 4/25/23

    7,130         7,204   

Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
3.000%, 9/26/23

    347         349   

PetSmart, Inc. Tranche B-1,
4.250%, 3/11/22

    17,463         17,518   

Scientific Games International, Inc.

    

6.000%, 10/18/20

    2,764         2,776   

Tranche B-2,
6.000%, 10/1/21

    3,366         3,377   

Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc.
3.088%, 4/29/20

    6,742         6,775   

ServiceMaster Co. LLC (The)
4.250%, 7/1/21

    8,334         8,429   

Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Tranche B-1,
3.500%, 7/30/21

    11,514         11,594   

Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc. Tranche B,
3.863%, 6/30/22

    4,979         5,023   

Station Casinos LLC Tranche B,
3.750%, 6/8/23

    6,346         6,398   

Tribune Media Co. Tranche B,
3.750%, 12/27/20

    6,912         6,978   

UFC Holdings LLC First Lien
5.000%, 8/18/23

    8,331         8,417   
    

 

 

 
       259,609   
    

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—1.6%  

Albertson’s LLC

    

Tranche B-4,
4.500%, 8/25/21

    15,996         16,139   

Tranche B-5,
4.750%, 12/21/22

    2,172         2,196   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

32


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
LOAN AGREEMENTS (continued)   
Consumer Staples (continued)  

ARAMARK Corp.

    

Tranche E,
3.338%, 9/7/19

  $ 11,971       $ 12,060   

Tranche F, 3.338%, 2/24/21

    14,483         14,592   

Charger OpCo B.V. (Oak Tea, Inc.) Tranche B-1,
4.250%, 7/2/22

    3,106         3,131   

Chobani LLC
0.00%, 9/29/23(12)

    2,550         2,537   

Coty, Inc. Tranche B,
3.750%, 10/27/22

    2,748         2,784   

Dell International, Inc. Tranche B
4.000%, 9/7/23

    13,017         13,110   

Galleria Co. Tranche B,
3.750%, 1/26/23

    5,523         5,556   

Hostess Brands LLC Tranche B, First Lien,
4.500%, 8/3/22

    13,596         13,711   

Kronos

    

First Lien,
4.500%, 10/30/19

    21,860         21,960   

Second Lien,
9.750%, 4/30/20

    5,611         5,721   

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC
3.275%, 1/13/23

    986         995   
    

 

 

 
       114,492   
    

 

 

 
Energy—0.2%             

EP Energy LLC
0.00%, 6/30/21(12)

    4,868         4,788   

Paragon Offshore Finance Co.
5.250%, 7/16/21(10)

    9,933         2,502   

Seadrill Operating LP
4.000%, 2/21/21

    8,815         4,426   
    

 

 

 
       11,716   
    

 

 

 
Financials—0.6%             

Asurion LLC Tranche B-4,
5.000%, 8/4/22

    6,201         6,241   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Financials (continued)  

Clipper Acquisitions Corp. Tranche B,
3.089%, 2/6/20

  $ 6,141       $ 6,133   

Delos Finance S.a.r.l.
3.588%, 3/6/21

    16,529         16,667   

iStar Financial, Inc.
5.500%, 7/1/20

    3,209         3,247   

TransUnion LLC Tranche B-2,
3.588%, 4/9/21

    10,070         10,117   
    

 

 

 
       42,405   
    

 

 

 
Health Care—1.2%             

American Renal Holdings, Inc. Tranche B, First Lien,
4.750%, 8/20/19

    8,946         8,957   

Change Healthcare Holdings, Inc. Tranche B-2,
3.750%, 11/2/18

    5,222         5,238   

Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHS) Tranche F,
4.083%, 12/31/18

    7,911         7,879   

Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. S.a.r.l. Tranche B,
3.750%, 9/26/22

    5,529         5,524   

Envision Healthcare Corp.
4.250%, 5/25/18

    6,541         6,556   

InVentiv Health, Inc.

    

Tranche B-4,
7.750%, 5/15/18

    8,750         8,775   

Tranche B 0.000%, 9/29/23(12)

    5,363         5,385   

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC
5.000%, 6/7/23

    3,494         3,543   

Quintiles Transnational Corp. Tranche B,
3.250%, 5/12/22

    2,446         2,450   

Quorum Health Corp.
6.750%, 4/29/22

    6,311         6,134   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

33


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
LOAN AGREEMENTS (continued)   
Health Care (continued)  

RPI Finance Trust Tranche B-4, 3.588%, 11/9/20

  $ 5,862       $ 5,897   

Team Health, Inc. Tranche B,
3.838%, 11/23/22

    7,571         7,623   

U.S. Renal Care, Inc. First Lien,
5.250%, 12/30/22

    3,138         3,020   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. Series D-2, Tranche B,
5.000%, 2/13/19

    11,801         11,827   
    

 

 

 
       88,808   
    

 

 

 
Industrials—1.2%             

Air Canada 0.000%, 9/21/23(12)

    3,125         3,136   

American Airlines, Inc.

    

3.250%, 6/27/20

    5,991         6,011   

3.250%, 10/10/21

    10,886         10,921   

Tranche B,
3.502%, 4/28/23

    16,065         16,128   

AWAS Finance Luxembourg S.A.
3.500%, 7/16/18

    6,808         6,843   

Brock Holdings III, Inc. First Lien,
7.000%, 3/16/17

    7,025         6,965   

Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
4.250%, 6/30/21

    5,186         5,185   

McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC Tranche B, First Lien,
5.000%, 5/4/22

    10,813         10,899   

U.S. Airways, Inc. Tranche B-1,
3.500%, 5/23/19

    6,695         6,711   
    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
Industrials (continued)  

United Airlines, Inc. (f/k/a Continental Airlines, Inc.) Tranche B-1,
3.500%, 9/15/21

  $ 4,721       $ 4,751   

Waste Industries
3.500%, 2/27/20

    9,800         9,856   
    

 

 

 
       87,406   
    

 

 

 
Information Technology—1.3%  

Abacus Innovations Corp.(Leidos, Inc.)
3.274%, 8/16/23

    5,366         5,404   

Blackboard, Inc. Tranche B-4
0.000%, 6/30/21(12)

    7,410         7,364   

First Data Corp.

    

Tranche 2021
4.525%, 3/24/21

    27,586         27,822   

Tranche 2022
4.275%, 7/8/22

    6,007         6,049   

Infinity Acquisition Ltd.
4.250%, 8/6/21

    6,018         5,755   

Mitchell International, Inc.

    

4.500%, 10/13/20

    4,981         4,988   

Second Lien,
8.500%, 10/11/21

    4,763         4,669   

NXP BV Tranche F
3.405%, 12/7/20

    6,743         6,782   

On Semiconductor
0.00%, 3/31/23(12)

    3,399         3,419   

Presidio, Inc. Refinancing,
5.250%, 2/2/22

    8,441         8,451   

Press Ganey Holdings, Inc.
0.00%, 9/29/23(12)

    911         913   

SS&C European Holdings S.a.r.l.

    

Tranche A-1,
3.274%, 7/8/20

    849         851   

Tranche A-2,
3.274%, 7/8/20

    1,317         1,320   

Tranche B-2,
4.000%, 7/8/22

    629         634   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

34


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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR VALUE      VALUE  
LOAN AGREEMENTS (continued)   
Information Technology (continued)  

Tranche B-1,
4.000%, 7/8/22

  $ 5,059       $ 5,105   

Western Digital Corp. Tranche B-1,
4.500%, 4/29/23

    4,782         4,838   
    

 

 

 
       94,364   
    

 

 

 
Materials—0.5%  

Berry Plastics Corp. Tranche H, 3.750%, 10/1/22

    7,493         7,527   

CPI Acquisition, Inc. First Lien, 5.500%, 8/17/22

    7,121         6,975   

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) Resources Property Ltd. 3.750%, 6/30/19

    5,107         5,108   

Huntsman International LLC Tranche 16-B, 4.250%, 4/1/23

    3,904         3,937   

INEOS U.S. Finance LLC Tranche 2022, 4.250%, 3/31/22

    5,682         5,714   

PolyOne Corp. Tranche B-1, 3.500%, 11/11/22

    6,839         6,916   
    

 

 

 
       36,177   
    

 

 

 
Real Estate—0.3%  

Capital Automotive LP

    

Tranche B-1, 4.000%, 4/10/19

    2,566         2,588   

Second Lien, 6.000%, 4/30/20

    6,047         6,108   

ESH Hospitality, Inc. 3.750%, 8/30/23

    2,497         2,519   

Realogy Group LLC 3.750%, 7/20/22

    9,141         9,263   
    

 

 

 
       20,478   
    

 

 

 
    PAR VALUE     VALUE  
Telecommunication Services—0.3%  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

   

Tranche B-III, 4.000%, 8/1/19

  $ 6,319      $ 6,358   

Tranche B-II, 3.500%, 5/31/22

    5,842        5,883   

UPC Financing Partnership 4.080%, 8/31/24

    5,560        5,588   
   

 

 

 
      17,829   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—0.8%  

Calpine Construction Finance Co. LP Tranche B-1, 3.090%, 5/3/20

    8,257        8,210   

Dynegy Finance IV, Inc. 5.000%, 6/27/23

    9,128        9,213   

Energy Future Holdings Corp.

   

5.000%, 10/31/17(10)

    6,017        6,070   

Tranche C 5.000%, 10/31/17(10)

    1,373        1,385   

NRG Energy, Inc. 3.500%, 6/30/23

    17,777        17,840   

State of Santa Catarina (The) 4.000%, 12/27/22

    12,561        11,318   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC 2017 Extended,

   

4.998%, 10/10/17(10)

    5,925        1,723   
   

 

 

 
              55,759   
TOTAL LOAN AGREEMENTS
(Identified Cost $839,570)
        829,043   
    SHARES        
PREFERRED STOCKS—1.0%   
Energy—0.1%  

PTT Exploration & Production PCL 144A, 4.875%(2)(3)

    8,645 (8)      8,812   
   

 

 

 
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

35


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
PREFERRED STOCKS (continued)   
Financials—0.9%            

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. International S.A. Unipersonal
5.919%(2)

    2,295 (8)    $ 2,289   

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The) Series E, 4.950%(2)

    12,070 (8)      12,312   

Citigroup, Inc.
Series J, 7.125%(2)

    17,805        19,201   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Series Z, 5.300%(2)

    3,985 (8)      4,050   

Wells Fargo & Co.
Series K, 7.980%(2)

    16,155 (8)      16,884   

XLIT Ltd. Series E, 6.50%(2)

    12,790 (8)      9,591   
   

 

 

 
              64,327   
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Identified Cost $74,582)
        73,139   
AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND—1.0%     

Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund Class R6(11)

    6,989,143        68,703   
TOTAL AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUND
(Identified Cost $69,865)
        68,703   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.2%   
(Identified Cost $7,062,660)        7,095,296 (14) 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.2%
(Identified Cost $7,062,660)
        7,095,296 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—0.8%

   

    57,032   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 7,152,328   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviations:

FHLMC Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”).
FNMA Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”).
GNMA Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”)
REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

FOOTNOTE LEGEND:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Variable or step coupon security; interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at September 30, 2016.
(3)  Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $2,839,881 or 39.7% of net assets.
(4)  Regulation S security. Security is offered and sold outside of the United States, therefore, it is exempt from registration with the SEC under Rules 903 and 904 of the Securities Act of 1933.
(5)  This Note was issued for the sole purpose of funding a loan agreement between the issuer and the borrower. As the credit risk for this security lies solely with the borrower, the name represented here is that of the borrower.
(6)  No contractual maturity date.
(7)  Interest payments may be deferred.
(8)  Value shown as par value.
(9)  Security in default no interest payments are being received during bankruptcy proceedings.
(10)  Security in default, interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.
(11)  Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.
(12)  This loan will settle after September 30, 2016, at which time the interest rate, based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the agreed upon spread on trade date, will be reflected.
(13)  Illiquid security.
(14)  All or a portion of the Fund’s assets have been segregated for delayed delivery security.
(15)  Security in default, a portion of the interest payments are being received during the bankruptcy proceedings.

Foreign Currencies:

BRL Brazilian Real
CLP Chilean Peso
COP Colombian Peso

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

36


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

IDR Indonesian Rupiah
MXN Mexican Peso
TRY Turkish Lira
ZAR South African Rand
RUB Russian Ruble
Country Weightings† (Unaudited)        

United States

     80

Turkey

     2   

Australia

     1   

Brazil

     1   

Canada

     1   

India

     1   

Luxembourg

     1   

Other

     13   

Total

     100

 

 

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

 

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

     Total Value at
September 30, 2016
     Level 1
Quoted Prices
     Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
     Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 

Debt Securities:

           

Asset-Backed Securities

   $ 1,341,950       $       $ 1,333,587       $ 8,363   

Corporate Bonds and Notes

     2,478,042                 2,475,447         2,595   

Foreign Government Securities

     405,573                 405,573           

Loan Agreements

     829,043                 817,725         11,318   

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     1,797,728                 1,797,728           

Municipal Bonds

     3,981                 3,981           

U.S. Government Securities

     97,137                 97,137           

Equity Securities:

           

Affiliated Mutual Fund

     68,703         68,703                   

Preferred Stocks

     73,139                 73,139           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 7,095,296       $ 68,703       $ 7,004,317       $ 22,276   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

The following is a reconciliation of assets of the Fund for Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

 

     Total     Asset-
Backed
Securities
    Corporate
Bonds and
Notes
    Loan
Agreements
 

Investments in Securities

        

Balance as of September 30, 2015:

   $ 24,541      $ 12,296      $      $ 12,245   

Accrued discount/(premium)

     (120                   (120

Realized gain (loss)

     (77     7               (84

Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)(c)

     827        181               646   

Purchases

                            

Sales(b)

     (5,490     (4,121            (1,369

Transfers into Level 3(a)

     2,595 (d)             2,595 (d)        

Transfers from Level 3(a)

                            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2016

   $ 22,276 (e)    $ 8,363 (e)    $ 2,595 (e)    $ 11,318 (e) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)  “Transfers into and/or from” represent the ending value as of September 30, 2016, for any investment security where a change in the pricing level occurred from the beginning to the end of the period.
(b)  Includes paydown on securities.
(c)  Included in the related net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) in the Statement of Operations. The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments still held as of September 30, 2016 was $985.
(d)  The transfers into Level 3 are due to a decrease in trading activities at period end.
(e)  The Fund’s investments that are categorized as Level 3 were valued utilizing third party pricing information without adjustment. Such valuations are based on unobservable inputs. A significant change in third party information could result in a significantly lower or higher value of Level 3 investments.

None of the securities in this table are fair valued.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

38


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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(Reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

Assets

  

Investment in unaffiliated securities at value(1)

   $ 7,026,593   

Investment in affiliated securities at value(2)

     68,703   

Foreign currency at value(3)

     (4) 

Cash

     32,134   

Receivables

  

Investment securities sold

     43,195   

Fund shares sold

     17,668   

Dividends and interest receivable

     53,120   

Prepaid expenses

     193   

Prepaid trustee retainer

     147   

Other assets

     95   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     7,241,848   
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

  

Payables

  

Fund shares repurchased

     22,778   

Investment securities purchased

     59,443   

Dividend distributions

     1,024   

Investment advisory fees

     2,729   

Distribution and service fees

     1,211   

Administration fees

     710   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     1,137   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     95   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     70   

Professional fees

     46   

Other accrued expenses

     277   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     89,520   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 7,152,328   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

  

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

   $ 7,212,310   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     13,224   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     (105,889

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     32,683   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 7,152,328   
  

 

 

 

Class A

  

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 4.78   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–2.25%)

   $ 4.89   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     273,614,622   

Net Assets

   $ 1,307,484   

Class B

  

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 4.75   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     22,717   

Net Assets

   $ 108   

Class C

  

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 4.84   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     273,004,072   

Net Assets

   $ 1,321,202   

Class T

  

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 4.83   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     101,528,260   

Net Assets

   $ 489,924   

Class I

  

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 4.78   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     843,089,081   

Net Assets

   $ 4,033,610   
  

(1) Investment in unaffiliated securities at cost

   $ 6,992,795   

(2) Investment in affiliated securities at cost

     69,865   

(3) Foreign currency at cost

     (4) 

(4) Amount is less than $500.

  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

39


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

Investment Income   

Dividends

   $ 932   

Dividends from affiliated fund

     2,610   

Interest

     300,142   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (192
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     303,492   
  

 

 

 
Expenses   

Investment advisory fees

     34,064   

Service fees, Class A

     3,556   

Distribution and service fees, Class B

     1   

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     6,738   

Distribution and service fees, Class T

     5,270   

Administration fees

     9,105   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     8,203   

Registration fees

     277   

Printing fees and expenses

     1,390   

Custodian fees

     139   

Professional fees

     157   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     629   

Miscellaneous expenses

     791   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     70,320   

Less expenses reimbursed and/or waived by investment adviser

     (305

Earnings credit from custodian

     (58

Low balance account fees

     (1
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     69,956   
  

 

 

 
Net investment income (loss)      233,536   
  

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments   

Net realized gain (loss) on unaffiliated investments

     (49,665

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

     (478

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on unaffiliated investments

     153,322   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on affiliated investments

     425   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translation

     254   
  

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      103,858   
  

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations    $ 337,394   
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

40


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(Reported in thousands)

 

     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS     
From Operations     

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 233,536      $ 269,183   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (50,143     (127,914

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     154,001        (150,759
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations      337,394        (9,490
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders     

Net investment income, Class A

     (40,862     (42,497

Net investment income, Class B

     (4     (18

Net investment income, Class C

     (34,858     (34,290

Net investment income, Class T

     (11,050     (10,794

Net investment income, Class I

     (122,921     (119,152

Return of capital Class A

            (8,732

Return of capital Class B

            (4

Return of capital Class C

            (7,997

Return of capital Class T

            (3,261

Return of capital Class I

            (22,250
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders      (209,695     (248,995
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
From Share Transactions     
Sale of shares     

Class A (56,640 and 91,590 shares, respectively)

     265,248        438,116   

Class B (0 and 9 shares, respectively)

            45   

Class C (47,747 and 82,833 shares, respectively)

     226,847        401,212   

Class T (6,103 and 9,811 shares, respectively)

     28,792        47,392   

Class I (259,826 and 269,095 shares, respectively)

     1,217,904        1,287,295   
Reinvestment of distributions     

Class A (8,038 and 9,714 shares, respectively)

     37,677        46,369   

Class B (1 and 4 shares, respectively)

     4        21   

Class C (7,272 and 8,562 shares, respectively)

     34,521        41,374   

Class T (1,526 and 1,870 shares, respectively)

     7,223        9,014   

Class I (22,702 and 25,004 shares, respectively)

     106,611        119,514   
Shares repurchased     

Class A (127,042 and 157,118 shares, respectively)

     (594,535     (750,068

Class B (60 and 227 shares, respectively)

     (280     (1,080

Class C (89,555 and 135,370 shares, respectively)

     (424,109     (654,153

Class T (29,391 and 35,882 shares, respectively)

     (138,732     (172,911

Class I (311,788 and 406,378 shares, respectively)

     (1,457,914     (1,940,913
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions      (690,743     (1,128,773
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets      (563,044     (1,387,258
Net Assets     

Beginning of period

     7,715,372        9,102,630   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
End of period    $ 7,152,328      $ 7,715,372   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ 13,224      $ (3,391

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

41


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

    Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income
(Loss)(2)
  Capital Gain Distributions
Received from Affiliated Funds
  Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from
Investment Operations
  Dividends from Net
Investment Income
  Distributions from Net
Realized Gains
  Return of Capital

Class A

                                                                               
10/1/15 to 9/30/16     $ 4.69         0.15                 0.08         0.23         (0.14 )                
10/1/14 to 9/30/15       4.84         0.15                 (0.16 )       (0.01 )       (0.11 )               (0.03 )
10/1/13 to 9/30/14       4.85         0.16                 (0.01 )       0.15         (0.16 )       (4)       (4)
10/1/12 to 9/30/13       4.94         0.18                 (0.09 )       0.09         (0.18 )               (4)
10/1/11 to 9/30/12       4.67         0.21                 0.27         0.48         (0.21 )               (4)

Class B

                               
10/1/15 to 9/30/16     $ 4.66         0.12                 0.08         0.20         (0.11 )                
10/1/14 to 9/30/15       4.81         0.13                 (0.16 )       (0.03 )       (0.09 )               (0.03 )
10/1/13 to 9/30/14       4.82         0.14                 (0.02 )       0.12         (0.13 )       (4)       (4)
10/1/12 to 9/30/13       4.91         0.16                 (0.09 )       0.07         (0.16 )               (4)
10/1/11 to 9/30/12       4.65         0.18                 0.27         0.45         (0.19 )               (4)

Class C

                               
10/1/15 to 9/30/16     $ 4.75         0.14                 0.07         0.21         (0.12 )                
10/1/14 to 9/30/15       4.89         0.14                 (0.15 )       (0.01 )       (0.10 )               (0.03 )
10/1/13 to 9/30/14       4.90         0.15                 (0.02 )       0.13         (0.14 )       (4)       (4)
10/1/12 to 9/30/13       4.99         0.17                 (0.09 )       0.08         (0.17 )               (4)
10/1/11 to 9/30/12       4.72         0.20                 0.27         0.47         (0.20 )               (4)

The footnote legend is at the end of the financial highlights

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

42


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets, End of Period
(000’s)
  Ratio of Expenses to
Average Net Assets(3)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to
Average Net Assets
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
                                                                                       
    (0.14)         0.09       $ 4.78         4.90 %     $ 1,307,484         1.00 %(5)(6)       1.01 %       3.19 %       53 %
    (0.14)         (0.15 )       4.69         (0.23 )       1,575,629         0.97         0.97         3.15         37  
    (0.16)         (0.01 )       4.84         3.03         1,894,633         0.99         0.99         3.30         39  
    (0.18)         (0.09 )       4.85         1.84         3,574,450         0.99         0.99         3.65         49  
    (0.21)         0.27         4.94         10.58         3,038,093         1.01         1.01         4.31         52  
                                 
    (0.11)         0.09       $ 4.75         4.41 %     $ 108         1.49 %(5)(6)       1.50 %       2.64 %       53 %
    (0.12)         (0.15 )       4.66         (0.73 )       382         1.46         1.47         2.67         37  
    (0.13)         (0.01 )       4.81         2.53         1,421         1.49         1.49         2.80         39  
    (0.16)         (0.09 )       4.82         1.34         2,572         1.49         1.49         3.17         49  
    (0.19)         0.26         4.91         9.87         3,590         1.51         1.51         3.86         52  
                                 
    (0.12)         0.09       $ 4.84         4.58 %     $ 1,321,202         1.25 %(5)(6)       1.26 %       2.94 %       53 %
    (0.13)         (0.14 )       4.75         (0.27 )       1,460,120         1.22         1.22         2.90         37  
    (0.14)         (0.01 )       4.89         2.73         1,720,245         1.24         1.24         3.03         39  
    (0.17)         (0.09 )       4.90         1.56         1,567,725         1.24         1.24         3.40         49  
    (0.20)         0.27         4.99         10.19         1,067,276         1.27         1.27         4.04         52  

The footnote legend is at the end of the financial highlights

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

43


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

    Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income
(Loss)(2)
  Capital Gain Distributions
Received from Affiliated Funds
  Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from
Investment Operations
  Dividends from Net
Investment Income
  Distributions from Net
Realized Gains
  Return of Capital

Class T

                                                                               
10/1/15 to 9/30/16     $ 4.73         0.12                 0.08         0.20         (0.10 )                
10/1/14 to 9/30/15       4.88         0.12                 (0.17 )       (0.05 )       (0.07 )               (0.03 )
10/1/13 to 9/30/14       4.89         0.12                 (0.01 )       0.11         (0.12 )       (4)       (4)
10/1/12 to 9/30/13       4.98         0.14                 (0.09 )       0.05         (0.14 )               (4)
10/1/11 to 9/30/12       4.71         0.17                 0.28         0.45         (0.18 )               (4)

Class I

                               
10/1/15 to 9/30/16     $ 4.69         0.16                 0.08         0.24         (0.15 )                
10/1/14 to 9/30/15       4.84         0.16                 (0.16 )               (0.12 )               (0.03 )
10/1/13 to 9/30/14       4.85         0.17                 (0.01 )       0.16         (0.17 )       (4)       (4)
10/1/12 to 9/30/13       4.94         0.19                 (0.09 )       0.10         (0.19 )               (4)
10/1/11 to 9/30/12       4.68         0.22                 0.27         0.49         (0.23 )               (4)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

44


Table of Contents

VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets, End of Period
(000’s)
  Ratio of Expenses to
Average Net Assets(3)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to
Average Net Assets
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
                                                                                 
(0.10)       0.10       $ 4.83         4.29 %     $ 489,924         1.75 %(5)(6)       1.76 %       2.44 %       53 %

(0.10)

      (0.15 )       4.73         (0.98 )       583,694         1.72         1.72         2.40         37  
(0.12)       (0.01 )       4.88         2.23         719,840         1.74         1.74         2.53         39  
(0.14)       (0.09 )       4.89         1.06         751,220         1.74         1.74         2.91         49  
(0.18)       0.27         4.98         9.67         704,225         1.76         1.76         3.56         52  
                               
(0.15)       0.09       $ 4.78         5.16 %     $ 4,033,610         0.75 %(5)(6)       0.76 %       3.44 %       53 %

(0.15)

      (0.15 )       4.69         0.02         4,095,547         0.72         0.72         3.40         37  
(0.17)       (0.01 )       4.84         3.28         4,766,491         0.74         0.74         3.51         39  
(0.19)       (0.09 )       4.85         2.09         2,418,863         0.74         0.74         3.90         49  
(0.23)       0.26         4.94         10.62         1,606,957         0.77         0.77         4.55         52  

Footnote Legend

(1) Sales charges, where applicable, are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) The Fund may invest in other funds and the annualized expense ratios do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds.
(4)  Amount is less than $0.005.
(5)  For the period ended September 30, 2016, the ratio of net expenses includes the effect of the earnings credit from Custodian reflected in the Statement of Operations and had no impact on the Financial Highlights.
(6)  Net expense ratio includes extraordinary proxy expenses.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 1. Organization

Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company.

As of the date of this report, 31 funds of the Trust are offered for sale, of which the Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund (the “Fund”) is reported in this annual report. The Fund’s investment objective is outlined in the Fund Summary Page. There is no guarantee the Fund will achieve its objective.

The Fund offers Class A shares, Class C shares, Class T shares and Class I shares. Class B shares are no longer available for purchase by new or existing shareholders, except by existing shareholders through Qualifying Transactions. (For information regarding Qualifying Transactions refer to the Trust’s prospectus.)

Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 2.25%. Generally, Class A shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a 0.50% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) may be imposed on certain redemptions made within a certain period following purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The period for which the CDSC applies for the Fund is 18 months. The CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

Class B shares generally were sold with a CDSC which declines from 2% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held. Class C shares are sold without a sales charge. Class T shares are sold with a 1% CDSC, applicable if redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or CDSC.

Virtus Mutual Funds may impose an annual fee on accounts having balances of less than $2,500. The small account fee may be waived in certain circumstances, as disclosed in the prospectuses and/or statements of additional information. The fees collected will be used to offset certain expenses of the fund. These fees are reflected as “Low Balance Account Fees” in the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the period, as applicable.

Each class of shares has identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except that each class bears different distribution and/or service fees under a Board-approved Rule 12b-1 and/or shareholder service plan (“12b-1 plan”) and has exclusive voting rights with respect to such plans. Class I shares are not subject to a 12b-1 plan. Income and other expenses as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses of the Fund are borne pro rata by the holders of each class of shares.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

  A. Security Valuation

Security valuation procedures for the Fund, which include nightly price variance, as well as back-testing such as bi-weekly unchanged price, monthly secondary source and transaction analysis, have been approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”, or the “Trustees”). All internally fair valued securities are approved by a valuation committee (the “Valuation Committee”) appointed by the Board. The Valuation Committee is comprised of certain members of management as identified to the Board and convenes independently from portfolio management. All internally fair valued securities are updated daily and reviewed in detail by the Valuation Committee monthly unless changes occur within the period. The Valuation Committee reviews the validity of the model inputs and any changes to the model. Quarterly fair valuations are reviewed by the Board.

The Fund utilizes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. It is the Fund’s policy to recognize transfers at the end of reporting period.

 

  •    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (security types generally include listed equities).

 

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

 

  •    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Valuation Committee’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

A description of the valuation techniques applied to the Fund’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:

Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded or, if no closing price is available, at the last bid price and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Restricted equity securities and private placements that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Certain non-U.S. securities may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, significant events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that non-U.S. markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) (at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), generally 4 p.m. Eastern time) that may impact the value of securities traded in these non-U.S. markets. In such cases the Fund fair values non-U.S. securities using an independent pricing service which considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the non-U.S. security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments such as American Depositary Receipts, financial futures, ETFs, and certain indexes, as well as prices for similar securities. Such fair valuations are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain non-U.S. common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Debt securities, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. For most bond types, the pricing service utilizes matrix pricing that considers one or more of the following factors: yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, current cash flows, type, and current day trade information, as well as dealer-supplied prices. These valuations are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Structured debt instruments such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may also incorporate collateral analysis and utilize cash flow models for valuation and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Pricing services do not provide pricing for all securities and therefore indicative bids from dealers are utilized which are based on pricing models used by market makers in the security and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Debt securities that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Listed derivatives that are actively traded are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Over-the-counter derivative contracts, which include forward currency contracts and equity-linked instruments, do not require material subjectivity as pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets and are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at NAV. Investments in closed-end funds are valued as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE each business day. Both are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s net assets by each major security type is disclosed at the end of the Schedule of Investments for the Fund. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

  B. Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses from the sale of securities are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date or, in the case of certain foreign securities, as soon as the Fund is notified. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts using the effective interest method. Any distributions from underlying funds are recorded in accordance with the character of the disbursements as designated by the underlying fund.

 

  C. Income Taxes

The Fund is treated as a separate taxable entity. It is the intention of the Fund to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes or excise taxes has been made.

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable based upon current interpretations of the tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

Management of the Fund has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. As of September 30, 2016, the

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

tax years that remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations are from the year 2013 forward (with limited exceptions).

 

  D. Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions are recorded by the Fund on the ex-dividend date. Income distributions are recorded daily. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may include the treatment of non-taxable dividends, market premium and discount, non-deductible expenses, expiring capital loss carryovers, foreign currency gain or loss, gain or loss on futures contracts, partnerships, operating losses and losses deferred due to wash sales. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest.

 

  E. Expenses

Expenses incurred together by the Fund and other affiliated mutual funds are allocated in proportion to the net assets of each such fund, except where allocation of direct expense to each fund or an alternative allocation method can be more appropriately used.

In addition to the net annual operating expenses that the Fund bears directly, the shareholders of the Fund indirectly bear the Fund’s pro rata expenses of any underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests.

 

  F. Foreign Currency Translation

Non-U.S. investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the foreign currency exchange rate effective at the end of the reporting period. Cost of investments is translated at the currency exchange rate effective at the trade date. The gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between the trade and settlement date of a portfolio transaction is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. Likewise, the gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between the date income is accrued and the date it is paid is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

 

  G. When-issued Purchases and Forward Commitments (Delayed Delivery)

The Fund may engage in when-issued or forward commitment transactions. Securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis are also known as delayed delivery transactions. Delayed delivery transactions involve a commitment by a fund to purchase or sell a security at a future date, ordinarily up to 90 days later. When-issued or forward commitments enable a fund to lock in what is believed to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. The Fund records when-issued and delayed delivery securities on the trade date. The Fund maintains collateral for the securities purchased. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis begin earning interest on the settlement date.

 

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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

  H. Loan Agreements

The Fund may invest in direct debt instruments which are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower to lenders or lending syndicates. Loan agreements are generally non-investment grade and often involve borrowers that are highly leveraged. The Fund may invest in obligations of borrowers who are in bankruptcy proceedings. Loan agreements are typically senior in the corporate capital structure of the borrower. A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution (the “lender”) that acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. The Fund’s investments in loans may be in the form of participations in loans or assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties. When investing in loan participations, the Fund has the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the loan participation and only upon receipt by the lender of payments from the borrower. The Fund generally has no right to enforce compliance with the terms of the loan agreement with the borrower. As a result, the Fund may be subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the loan agreement. When the Fund purchases assignments from lenders it acquires direct rights against the borrower on the loan.

The Fund may invest in multiple series or tranches of a loan, which may have varying terms and carry different associated risks. Loan agreements may involve foreign borrowers, and investments may be denominated in foreign currencies. Direct indebtedness of emerging countries involves a risk that the government entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay the principal and interest when due.

The loan agreements have floating rate loan interests which generally pay interest at rates that are periodically determined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. The base lending rates are generally LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), the prime rate offered by one or more U.S. banks or the certificate of deposit rate. When a loan agreement is purchased the Fund may pay an assignment fee. On an ongoing basis, the Fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit portion of a loan agreement. Prepayment penalty fees are received upon the prepayment of a loan agreement by a borrower. Prepayment penalty, facility, commitment, consent and amendment fees are recorded to income as earned or paid.

At September 30, 2016, all loan agreements held by the Fund are assignment loans.

 

  I. Earnings Credit and Interest

Through arrangements with the Fund’s custodian, the Fund either receives an earnings credit or interest on agreed upon target un-invested cash balances to reduce the Fund’s custody expenses. The credits are reflected as “Earnings credit from Custodian” and the interest is reflected under “Interest income” in the Fund’s Statements of Operations for the period, as applicable.

 

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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 3. Investment Advisory Fees and Related Party Transactions

($ reported in thousands except as noted)

 

  A. Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (“Virtus”), is the adviser to the Trust. The Adviser manages the Fund’s investment program and general operations of the Fund, including oversight of the Fund’s subadviser.

As compensation for its services to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a fee based upon the following annual rates as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund:

 

First $1 Billion

 

$1+ Billion –
$2 Billion

 

$2+ Billion –

10 Billion

 

$10+ Billion

0.55%   0.50%   0.45%   0.425%

During the period covered by these financial statements, the Fund invested a portion of its assets in Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund, an affiliated mutual fund. In order to avoid any duplication of advisory fees, the Adviser has voluntarily waived its advisory fees in an amount equal to that which would otherwise be paid by the Fund on the assets invested in the Credit Opportunities Fund. For the period covered by these financial statements, the waiver amounted to $305. This waiver is in addition to the expense limitation and/or fee waiver covered elsewhere in these financial statements and is included in the Statement of Operations in “expenses reimbursed and/or waived by the investment adviser”.

 

  B. Subadviser

Newfleet Asset Management, LLC (the “Subadviser”), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, is the subadviser to the Fund. The subadviser manages the investments of the Fund for which the Subadviser is paid a fee by the Adviser.

 

  C. Expense Limitations

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Fund’s total operating expenses (excluding dividend and interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, leverage expenses, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) so that such expenses do not exceed, on an annualized basis, the following percentages of the Fund’s average net asset values: 1.10% for Class A shares, 1.60% for Class B shares, 1.35% for Class C shares, 1.85% for Class T shares, and 0.85% for Class I shares through January 31, 2017. The Fund is currently below its expense cap.

 

  D. Distributor

VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. VP Distributors has advised the Fund that for the fiscal year (the “period”) ended September 30, 2016, it retained net commissions of $21 for Class A shares and deferred sales charges of $26, $0, $1 and $22 for Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares and Class T shares, respectively.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

In addition, the Fund pays VP Distributors distribution and/or service fees under a 12b-1 plan as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each respective class, at the annual rate of 0.25% for Class A shares, 0.75% for Class B shares, 0.50% for Class C shares, and 1.00% for Class T shares. Class I shares are not subject to a 12b-1 plan.

Under certain circumstances, shares of certain Virtus Mutual Funds may be exchanged for shares of the same class of certain other Virtus Mutual Funds on the basis of the relative NAV per share at the time of the exchange. On exchanges with share classes that carry a CDSC, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply.

 

  E. Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the administrator and transfer agent to the Fund.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund incurred administration fees totaling $7,075 which are included in the Statement of Operations.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund incurred transfer agent fees totaling $8,080 which are included in the Statement of Operations. A portion of these fees is paid to outside entities that also provide services to the Trust.

 

  F. Affiliated Shareholders

At September 30, 2016, Virtus and its affiliates, and the retirement plans of Virtus and its affiliates, held shares of the Fund which may be redeemed at any time that aggregated to the following:

 

     Shares        Aggregate
Net Asset Value
 

Class I Shares

     761,105         $ 3,638   

 

  G. Investments in Affiliates

A summary of the Fund’s total long-term and short-term purchases and sales of an affiliated fund Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund, during the period ended September 30, 2016, is as follows:

 

    Value,
beginning
of period
    Purchases     Sales
Proceeds
    Value, end
of period
    Dividend
Income
    Distributions
of Realized
Gains
 

Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund

  $ 67,751      $ 527      $      $ 68,703      $ 2,610      $   

The Fund does not invest in the underlying fund for the purpose of exercising management or control; however the investments made by the Fund within each of its principal investment strategies may represent a significant portion of the underlying fund’s net assets. At September 30, 2016, the Fund was the owner of record of approximately 72% of the Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund.

 

  H. Trustee Compensation

The Trust provides a deferred compensation plan for its Trustees who receive compensation from the Trust. Under the deferred compensation plan, Trustees may elect to defer all or a portion of their compensation. Amounts deferred are retained by the

 

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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Trust, and then, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, in turn, may be invested in the shares of affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds selected by the participating Trustees. Investments in such instruments are included in “Other Assets” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2016.

Note 4. Purchases and Sales of Securities

($ reported in thousands)

Purchases and sales of securities for the Fund (excluding U.S. Government and agency securities, and short-term securities) during the period ended September 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

     Purchases        Sales  
   $ 3,279,174         $ 4,105,071   

Purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government and agency securities for the Fund during the period ended September 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

     Purchases        Sales  
   $ 499,316         $ 350,698   

Note 5. Borrowings

($ reported in thousands)

On June 29, 2016, the Fund and other affiliated funds renewed a $50,000 secured line of credit. The Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) is with a commercial bank (the “Bank”) that allows the Fund to borrow cash from the Bank to manage large unexpected redemptions and trade fails, up to a limit of one-third of the Fund’s total net assets in accordance with the Agreement. The agreement has a term of 364 days and is renewable by the Fund with the Bank’s consent. Interest is charged at the higher of the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or the Federal Funds rate plus an additional percentage rate on the amount borrowed. Commitment fees are charged on the undrawn balance. The Fund and other affiliated funds are individually, and not jointly, liable for their particular advances, if any, under the line of credit. The Bank has the ability to require repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Agreement upon certain circumstances such as an event of default.

The Fund had no outstanding borrowings at any time during the period ended September 30, 2016.

Note 6. 10% Shareholders

As of September 30, 2016, the Fund had individual shareholder account(s) and/or omnibus shareholder account(s) (comprised of a group of individual shareholders), which individually amounted to more than 10% of the total shares outstanding of the Fund as detailed below.

 

     % of
Shares
Outstanding
       Number
of
Accounts
 
     32        2*   

 

  * The shareholders are not affiliated with Virtus.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 7. Credit Risk and Asset Concentrations

In countries with limited or developing markets, investments may present greater risks than in more developed markets and the prices of such investments may be volatile. The consequences of political, social or economic changes in these markets may have disruptive effects on the market prices of these investments and the income they generate, as well as the Fund’s ability to repatriate such amounts.

High-yield/high-risk securities typically entail greater price volatility and/or principal and interest rate risk. There is a greater chance that an issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments on time. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of high-yield/high-risk securities may be complex, and as a result it, may be more difficult for the Adviser and/or Subadviser to accurately predict risk.

The Fund may invest a high percentage of its assets in specific sectors of the market in the pursuit of its investment objective. Fluctuations in these sectors of concentration may have a greater impact on the Fund, positive or negative, than if the Fund did not concentrate its investments in such sectors.

Note 8. Illiquid and Restricted Securities

Investments generally are considered illiquid if they cannot be disposed of in seven days in the ordinary course of business at the approximate amount at which such securities have been valued by the Fund. Additionally, the following information is also considered in determining illiquidity: the frequency of trades and quotes for the investment, whether the investment is listed for trading on a recognized domestic exchange and/or whether two or more brokers are willing to purchase or sell the security at a comparable price, the extent of market making activity in the investment and the nature of the market for investment. Illiquid securities are footnoted as such at the end of the Fund’s Schedule of Investments where applicable. However, a portion of such footnoted securities could be liquid where the Subadviser determines that some, though not all, of the position could be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at the approximate amount at which such securities have been valued by the Fund.

Restricted securities are illiquid securities, as defined above, not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). Generally, 144A securities are excluded from this category, except where defined as illiquid.

The Fund will bear any costs, including those involved in registration under the 1933 Act, in connection with the disposition of such securities.

The Fund held securities considered to be illiquid at September 30, 2016 with an aggregate value of $168 representing 0.00% of the Fund’s net assets.

At September 30, 2016, the Fund did not hold any securities that are both illiquid and restricted.

Note 9. Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Trustees and officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. Each Trustee has also entered into an indemnification agreement with the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business the Fund enters into contracts that provide a variety of indemnifications to other parties. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and that have not occurred. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

Note 10. Federal Income Tax Information

($ reported in thousands)

At September 30, 2016, federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities held by the Fund were as follows:

 

Federal
Tax Cost

 

Unrealized
Appreciation

 

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

 

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

$7,064,261

 

$152,047

 

$(121,012)

 

$31,035

The Fund has capital loss carryovers available to offset future realized gains as follows:

 

No Expiration

 

Total

Short-Term

 

Long-Term

 

$49,295

 

$25,236

  $74,531

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for tax years beginning after December 22, 2010, may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses.

Capital losses realized after October 31 and certain late year losses may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund deferred and recognized qualified late year losses as follows:

 

Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Deferred

 

Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Recognized

 

Capital
Loss
Deferred

 

Capital
Loss
Recognized

$—   $—   $30,985   $56,744

The components of distributable earnings on a tax basis (excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation) (which are disclosed above) consist of the following:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

 

Undistributed
Long-term
Capital Gains

$14,452   $—

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term gain distributions reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets, if any, are reported as ordinary income for federal tax purposes. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

 

     Year Ended  
     2016      2015  

Ordinary Income

   $ 209,695       $ 206,751   

Long-Term Capital Gains

               

Return of Capital

             42,244   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 209,695       $ 248,995   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 11. Reclassifications of Capital Accounts

($ reported in thousands)

For financial reporting purposes, book basis capital accounts are adjusted to reflect the tax character of permanent book/tax differences. Permanent reclassifications can arise from differing treatment of certain income and gain transactions, nondeductible current year net operating losses, expiring capital loss carryovers and investments in passive foreign investment companies. The reclassifications have no impact on the net assets or net asset value of the Fund. As of September 30, 2016, the Fund recorded reclassifications to increase (decrease) the accounts as listed below:

 

Capital Paid in
on Shares of
Beneficial
Interest

 

Undistributed
Net Investment
Income (Loss)

 

Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)

$—   $(7,227)   $7,227

Note 12. Regulatory Matters and Litigation

From time to time, the Trust, the Adviser and/or Subadvisers and/or their affiliates may be involved in litigation and arbitration as well as examinations and investigations by various regulatory bodies, including the SEC, involving compliance with, among other things, securities laws, client investment guidelines, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers and other laws and regulations affecting their products and other activities. At this time, the Adviser believes that the outcomes of such matters are not likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to be material to these financial statements.

On February 20, 2015, a putative class action complaint (In re Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. Securities Litigation; formerly styled as Tom Cummins v. Virtus Investment Partners Inc. et al.) alleging violation of the federal securities laws was filed by an individual shareholder against Virtus and certain of its officers (the “defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On August 21, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”) amending the originally filed complaint and adding the Trust as a defendant. The Consolidated Complaint was purportedly filed on behalf of all purchasers of Virtus common stock between January 25, 2013 and May 11, 2015 (the “Class Period”). The Consolidated Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed material adverse facts relating to certain funds previously subadvised by F-Squared Investments, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“F-Squared”). The plaintiff seeks to recover unspecified damages. A motion to dismiss the Consolidated

 

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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Complaint was filed on behalf of the defendants on October 21, 2015. Pursuant to an Opinion & Order (“Order”) filed on July 1, 2016, the court granted in part and denied in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss. Although the Order narrows the scope of the claims asserted, claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder survive the motion. The defendants filed an Answer to the Consolidated Complaint on August 5, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit is without merit and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Fund as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Fund.

On May 8, 2015, a putative class action complaint (Mark Youngers v. Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. et al.) alleging violations of certain provisions of the federal securities laws was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint, which was purportedly filed on behalf of purchasers of certain Virtus Funds previously subadvised by F-Squared between May 8, 2010 and December 22, 2014, inclusive (the “Class Period”), alleged claims against Virtus, certain Virtus officers and affiliates (including the Adviser, Euclid Advisors LLC (“Euclid”) and VP Distributors, LLC), the trustees and certain officers of the Trust, and certain other parties (the “defendants”). The complaint alleges that during the Class Period the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed or omitted material facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading. On October 1, 2015, the plaintiff filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint which, among other things, added a derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty on behalf of the Trust. On October 19, 2015, the United States District Court for the Central District of California entered an order transferring the action to the Southern District of New York. On January 4, 2016, Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint. Motions to dismiss were filed on behalf of Virtus, its officers and affiliates and the independent trustees on February 1, 2016. An Opinion & Order (“Order”) granting in part and denying in part the defendants’ motions to dismiss was issued on July 1, 2016. The Order dismissed all claims against the Adviser, Euclid, the independent trustees and certain of the other individual defendants and narrowed the claims asserted against the remaining defendants. The remaining defendants filed an Answer to the Second Amended Complaint on August 5, 2016. The defendants filed a motion to certify an interlocutory appeal of the July 1, 2016 order to the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on August 26, 2016. Oral argument on the motion is scheduled for October 7, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit has no basis in law or fact and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Fund as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Fund.

Note 13. Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that the following subsequent event requires recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

Effective November 3, 2016, the Fund began offering Class R6 shares.

 

57


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LOGO

Report of Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees of

Virtus Opportunities Trust and Shareholders of

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund:

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund (one of the funds constituting Virtus Opportunities Trust, hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) at September 30, 2016, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements 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 are free of material misstatement. An audit 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at September 30, 2016 by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, and transfer agent of the investee funds, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 22, 2016

 

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VIRTUS MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

TAX INFORMATION NOTICE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund makes the following disclosures for federal income tax purposes. Below is listed the percentage, or the maximum amount allowable, of its ordinary income dividends (“QDI”) to qualify for the lower tax rates applicable to individual shareholders, and the percentage of ordinary income dividends earned by the Fund which qualifies for the dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for corporate shareholders. The actual percentage of QDI and DRD for the calendar year will be designated in year-end tax statements. The Fund designates the amount below as long-term capital gains dividends (“LTCG”) taxable at a 20% rate, or lower depending on the shareholder’s income ($ reported in thousands). LTCG amount, if subsequently different, will be designated in the next annual report.

 

    QDI    

 

    DRD    

 

    LTCG    

—%   —%   $—

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

MAY 19, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of all series of Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Insight Trust and Virtus Opportunities Trust, held on May 19, 2016, shareholders of Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) voted on the following proposals:

Proposal 1.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To elect six Trustees to serve on the Board of Trustees until the next meeting of shareholders at which Trustees are elected.

        

George R. Aylward

     1,145,056,198.477         24,756,597.221         0   

Thomas J. Brown

     1,144,160,222.050         25,652,573.650         0   

Donald C. Burke

     1,145,758,834.912         24,053,960.790         0   

Roger A. Gelfenbien

     1,144,297,795.833         25,514,999.865         0   

John R. Mallin

     1,144,938,076.292         24,874,719.410         0   

Hassell H. McClellan

     1,143,864,433.134         25,948,362.566         0   

Shareholders of the Trust voted to approve the above proposal.

Proposal 2.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

        

Virtus CA Tax Exempt Bond Fund

     1,258,194.893         91,895.368         41,271.245   

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund

     3,015,152.206         198.283         0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

     3,672,832.400         0         0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

     620,793,093.034         25,302,093.728         9,306,937.262   

Virtus Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

     494,281.793         0         0   

Virtus Essential Resources Fund

     504,931.913         0         0   

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

     27,726,679.250         666,663.374         564,703.507   

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

     818,457.900         37,502.974         15,676.215   

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

     3,074,638.276         5,991.041         10,261.000   

Virtus International Wealth Masters Fund

     518,044.295         0         0   

Virtus Low Duration Income Fund

     10,449,114.393         779,684.940         311,840.943   

Virtus Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

     11,147,670.008         724,253.699         406,427.672   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     618,834,424.483         21,316,032.964         14,819,955.463   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING (Continued)

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

MAY 19, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

Proposal 6.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

     27,568,524.708         741,409.046         648,118.377   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     615,281,810.614         22,749,361.497         16,939,237.795   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

 

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FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED)

Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Trust as of September 30, 2016, is set forth below. The statement of additional information (SAI) includes additional information about the Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 243-1574. The address of each individual, unless otherwise noted, is 100 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT 06103-4506. There is no stated term of office for Trustees of the Trust.

Independent Trustees

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years and

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Thomas J. Brown

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2010), D’Youville Senior Care Center; and Director (since 2005), VALIC Company Funds (49 portfolios).

Burke, Donald C.

YOB: 1961

Elected: 2016

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2014) closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director, Avista Corp. (energy company) (since 2011); Trustee, Goldman Sachs Fund Complex (2010 to 2014); and Director, BlackRock Luxembourg and Cayman Funds (2006 to 2010).

Roger A. Gelfenbien

YOB: 1943

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2000), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Director (since 1999), USAllianz Variable Insurance Product Trust (42 portfolios).

John R. Mallin

YOB: 1950

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Partner/Attorney (since 2003), McCarter & English LLP (law firm), Real Property Practice Group; and Member (since 2014), Counselors of Real Estate. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Horizon, Inc. (non-profit); and Trustee (since 1999), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios).

McClellan, Hassell H.

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2015

65 Portfolios

  Retired (since 2013); and Professor (1984 to 2013), Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios); and Director (since 2010), Barnes Group, Inc. (diversified global components manufacturer and logistical services company); Trustee, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) (since 2008); and Trustee, John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2000) (collectively, 228 portfolios).

McLoughlin, Philip

YOB: 1946

Elected: 1999

74 Portfolios

  Retired. Director and Chairman (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee/Director and Chairman (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Chairman and Trustee (since 2003), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director (since 1991) and Chairman (since 2010), Lazard World Trust Fund (closed-end investment firm in Luxembourg); and Trustee (since 1989) and Chairman (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

McNamara, Geraldine M.

YOB: 1951

Elected: 2001

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2003), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); and Trustee (since 2001), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

 

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FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

 

Independent Trustees (Continued)

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years and

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Oates, James M.

YOB: 1946

Elected: 2000

70 Portfolios

  Managing Director (since 1994), Wydown Group (consulting firm). Director (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee/Director (since 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Chairman and Trustee (since 2005), John Hancock Fund Complex (228 portfolios); Director (2002 to 2014), New Hampshire Trust Company; Chairman (since 2000), Emerson Investment Management, Inc.; Non-Executive Chairman (2000 to 2014), Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) (financial services) Chairman and Director (1999 to 2014), Connecticut River Bank; Director (since 1996), Stifel Financial; and Trustee (since 1987), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Segerson, Richard E.

YOB: 1948

Elected: 2000

65 Portfolios

  Retired; and Managing Director (1998 to 2013), Northway Management Company. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios) and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Trustee (since 1983), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Verdonck, Ferdinand L.J.

YOB: 1942

Elected: 2005

65 Portfolios

  Vice Chairman (since 2014), Affirmed Therapeutics (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015), The J.P. Morgan Continental European Investment Trust; Director (2005 to 2013), Galapagos N.V. (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015) Groupe SNEF; and Mr. Verdonck is also a director of several non-U.S. companies. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); and Trustee (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Interested Trustee

The individual listed below is an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years and
Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Aylward, George R.*

Trustee and President

YOB: 1964

Elected: 2006

70 Portfolios

  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005). Chairman and Trustee (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II; Trustee and President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC (2 portfolios); Trustee (since 2012) and President (since 2010), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee and President (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Funds (52 portfolios); and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.

 

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Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

 

Officers of the Trust Who Are Not Trustees

 

Name, Address and

Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with
Trust and Length of

Time Served

  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Bradley, W. Patrick

YOB: 1972

  Executive Vice President (since 2016); Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016); Vice President (2011 to 2013); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006).   Executive Vice President, Fund Services (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Fund Services (2010 to 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2004), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) (since 2007), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2013 to 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

Carr, Kevin J.

YOB: 1954

  Senior Vice President (since 2013); Vice President (2005 to 2013); Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005).   Senior Vice President (since 2009), Vice President, Counsel and Secretary (2008 to 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2005) with Virtus affiliates; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2005 to 2013), Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (2013 to 2014), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Assistant Secretary (since 2012), Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (2005 to 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2013 to 2014), Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2012 to 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2011 to 2012), Virtus Closed-End Funds; and Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

 

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Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

 

Officers of the Trust Who Are Not Trustees (Continued)

 

Name, Address and

Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with
Trust and Length of

Time Served

  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Engberg, Nancy J.

YOB: 1956

 

Vice President and Chief Compliance

Officer since 2011.

  Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Compliance Officer (2008 to 2011 and since 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2003) with Virtus affiliates; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Vice President (since 2010) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), ETFis Series Trust I; and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II.

Waltman, Francis G.

YOB: 1962

  Executive Vice President (since 2013); Senior Vice President (2008-2013).   Executive Vice President, Product Development (since 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2008 to 2013), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2011 to 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

101 Munson Street

Greenfield, MA 01301-9668

 

Trustees

George R. Aylward

Thomas J. Brown

Donald C. Burke

Roger A. Gelfenbein

John R. Mallin

Hassell H. McClellan

Philip R. McLoughlin, Chairman

Geraldine M. McNamara

James M. Oates

Richard E. Segerson

Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck

Officers

George R. Aylward, President

Francis G. Waltman, Executive Vice President

W. Patrick Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Kevin J. Carr, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary

Nancy J. Engberg, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Investment Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Principal Underwriter

VP Distributors, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Custodian

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

1 Chase Manhattan Plaza

New York, NY 10005-1401

Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

2001 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

How to Contact Us

Mutual Fund Services

     1-800-243-1574   

Adviser Consulting Group

     1-800-243-4361   

Website

     Virtus.com   
 

 

 

Important Notice to Shareholders

The Securities and Exchange Commission has modified mailing regulations for semiannual and annual shareholder fund reports to allow mutual fund companies to send a single copy of these reports to shareholders who share the same mailing address. If you would like additional copies, please call Mutual Fund Services at 1-800-243-1574.


Table of Contents

 

For more information about

Virtus Mutual Funds, please call

your financial representative, or

contact us at 1-800-243-1574

or Virtus.com

 

8010    11-16

 

LOGO

P.O. Box 9874

Providence, RI 02940-8074

 


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund*

Virtus Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund*

Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund*

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund*

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

Virtus International Equity Fund*

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

Virtus International Wealth Masters Fund

September 30, 2016

TRUST NAME: VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

* Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) supplements applicable to these Funds appear
at the back of this annual report.

LOGO

Not FDIC Insured

No Bank Guarantee

May Lose Value


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

Message to Shareholders

  

     1   

Disclosure of Fund Expenses

  

     2   

Key Investment Terms

  

     4   
Fund   Fund
Summary
     Schedule
of
Investments
 

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund (“Emerging Markets Debt Fund”)

    8         36   

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (“Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund”)

    10         40   

Virtus Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (“Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund”)

    13         42   

Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund (“Global Infrastructure Fund”)

    15         43   

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund (“Global Opportunities Fund”)

    18         44   

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund (“Global Real Estate Securities Fund”)

    21         45   

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund (“Greater European Opportunities Fund”)

    24         47   

Virtus International Equity Fund (“International Equity Fund”)

    27         48   

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund (“International Real Estate Securities Fund”)

    29         49   

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund (“International Small-Cap Fund”)

    32         51   

Virtus International Wealth Masters Fund (“International Wealth Masters Fund”)

    34         53   

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

       56   

Statements of Operations

       60   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

       64   

Financial Highlights

       70   

Notes to Financial Statements

       76   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

       89   

Tax Information Notice

       90   

Consideration of Subadvisory by the Board of Trustees

       91   

Results of Shareholder Meetings

       94   

Fund Management Tables

       99   

 

 

Proxy Voting Procedures and Voting Record (Form N-PX)

The subadvisers vote proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with procedures that have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“Trustees,” or the “Board”). You may obtain a description of these procedures, along with information regarding how the Funds voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, free of charge, by calling toll-free 1-800-243-1574. This information is also available through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

Form N-Q Information

The Trust files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for each Fund with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-SEC-0330.

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Funds presented in this book unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus which includes information concerning the sales charge, each Fund’s record and other pertinent information.


Table of Contents

MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS

To My Fellow Shareholders of Virtus Mutual Funds:

 

LOGO   

I am pleased to present this annual report that reviews the performance of your fund for the 12 months ended September 30, 2016.

 

During the first half of the fiscal year, global equity markets were challenged by falling oil prices, China’s slowdown, and concerns over the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) first rate hike in nine years, which occurred in December 2015. Equities plummeted in early 2016, but stabilizing oil prices and the Fed’s softened stance on further rate hikes for 2016 sparked a rally in mid-February that lasted until June. The U.K.’s June 23 “Brexit” decision to leave the European Union triggered a selloff that was largely

short-lived. Calm was restored by better-than-expected corporate earnings, an improving global economic picture, and reassurance that the world’s central banks would continue to provide monetary stimulus. By the end of September, U.S. equity markets had recovered much of their losses, and the 12-month period was positive for many asset classes.

 

For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, U.S. small-cap stocks kept pace with U.S. large-cap stocks, as measured by the 15.47% and 15.43% returns of the Russell 2000® Index and S&P 500® Index, respectively. Within international equities, emerging markets significantly outperformed their developed peers, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) up 16.78%, while the MSCI EAFE® Index (net) returned 6.52%.

 

Demand for U.S. Treasuries remained strong, driven by foreign investors seeking safe havens and yield in light of the negative interest rate environment in many international economies. On September 30, 2016, the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yielded 1.60% compared with 2.06% one year earlier. For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, the broader U.S. fixed income market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks Treasuries and other investment-grade debt securities, gained 5.19%, while non-investment grade bonds rose 12.73%, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index.

 

The strength of the global economy will likely remain a leading concern for markets in the months ahead, and investors will watch with great interest the actions of the Fed and other major central banks. The U.S. economy’s continued growth, as evidenced by recent strong jobs, housing, and consumer spending data, should give investors reason for optimism, but future market direction will be determined largely by the ability of corporations to continue to produce robust earnings.

 

Market uncertainty is an ever-present reminder of the importance of portfolio diversification, including exposure to both traditional and alternative asset classes. While diversification cannot guarantee a profit or prevent a loss, owning a variety of asset classes may cushion your portfolio against inevitable market fluctuations. Your financial advisor can help you ensure that your portfolio is adequately diversified across asset classes and investment strategies.

 

As always, thank you for entrusting Virtus with your assets. Should you have questions about your account or require assistance, please visit our website at Virtus.com, or call our customer service team at 1-800-243-1574. We appreciate your business and remain committed to your long-term financial success.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

 

George R. Aylward

President, Virtus Mutual Funds

 

October 2016

 

Performance data quoted represents past results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

For the six-month period of April 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of costs on your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a Virtus Opportunities Trust Fund (each, a “Fund”), you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges on purchases of Class A shares and contingent deferred sales charges on Class B and Class C shares; and (2) ongoing costs, including investment advisory fees, distribution and service fees, and other expenses. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are sold without sales charges and do not incur distribution and service fees. For further information regarding applicable sales charges, see Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period. The following Expense Table illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways.

Actual Expenses

The first section of the accompanying table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section, 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 section under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second section of the accompanying table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not your 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 your Fund and other 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 accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying 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. The calculations assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Your actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of your investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

Expense Table                       
     Beginning
Account Value
April 1, 2016
    Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2016
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Expenses Paid
During
Period*
 

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

  

       

Actual

  

 

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,102.30        1.37   $ 7.20   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,098.30        2.11        11.07   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,105.00        1.11        5.84   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,018.15        1.37        6.91   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,014.45        2.11        10.63   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,019.45        1.11        5.60   

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

  

       

Actual

  

 

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,091.90        1.77   $ 9.26   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,086.60        2.53        13.20   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,092.40        1.52        7.95   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,016.15        1.77        8.92   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,012.35        2.53        12.73   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,017.40        1.52        7.67   

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

  

       

Actual

  

 

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,135.70        1.87   $ 9.98   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,131.20        2.61        13.91   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,136.80        1.61        8.60   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,015.65        1.87        9.42   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,011.95        2.61        13.13   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,016.95        1.61        8.12   

Global Infrastructure Fund

  

       

Actual

  

 

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,066.20        1.35   $ 6.97   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,062.40        2.10        10.83   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,067.50        1.10        5.69   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,018.25        1.35        6.81   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,014.50        2.10        10.58   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,019.50        1.10        5.55   

Global Opportunities Fund

  

       

Actual

  

 

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,052.30        1.49   $ 7.64   

Class B

    1,000.00        1,048.00        2.24        11.47   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,048.30        2.24        11.47   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,053.10        1.24        6.36   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,017.55        1.49        7.52   

Class B

    1,000.00        1,013.80        2.24        11.28   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,013.80        2.24        11.28   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,018.80        1.24        6.26   

Global Real Estate Securities Fund

  

       

Actual

  

 

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,038.00        1.42   $ 7.23   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,033.80        2.17        11.03   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,039.20        1.17        5.96   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,017.90        1.42        7.16   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,014.15        2.17        10.93   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,019.15        1.17        5.91   
 

 

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Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) (Continued)

For the six-month period of April 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016

 

Expense Table                       
     Beginning
Account Value
April 1, 2016
    Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2016
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Expenses Paid
During
Period*
 

Greater European Opportunities Fund

  

       

Actual

  

 

Class A

  $ 1,000.00        $993.70        1.48   $ 7.38   

Class C

    1,000.00        989.80        2.25        11.19   

Class I

    1,000.00        994.40        1.23        6.13   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,017.60        1.48        7.47   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,013.75        2.25        11.33   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,018.85        1.23        6.21   

International Equity Fund

  

       

Actual

  

 

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,054.70        1.53   $ 7.86   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,050.60        2.27        11.64   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,056.00        1.27        6.53   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,017.35        1.53        7.72   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,013.65        2.27        11.43   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,018.65        1.27        6.41   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

  

       

Actual

  

 

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,032.80        1.53   $ 7.78   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,028.50        2.28        11.56   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,034.20        1.28        6.51   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,017.35        1.53        7.72   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,013.60        2.28        11.48   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,018.60        1.28        6.46   

International Small-Cap Fund

  

       

Actual

  

 

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,143.70        1.61   $ 8.63   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,140.30        2.36        12.63   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,145.30        1.36        7.29   

Class R6

    1,000.00        1,145.30        1.27        6.81   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,016.95        1.61        8.12   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,013.20        2.36        11.88   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,018.20        1.36        6.86   

Class R6

    1,000.00        1,018.65        1.27        6.41   

International Wealth Masters Fund

  

       

Actual

       

Class A

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,040.80        1.57   $ 8.03   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,035.80        2.32        11.84   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,041.70        1.32        6.76   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

 

Class A

    1,000.00        1,017.15        1.57        7.92   

Class C

    1,000.00        1,013.40        2.32        11.68   

Class I

    1,000.00        1,018.40        1.32        6.66   
* Expenses are equal to the relevant Fund’s annualized expense ratio, which is net of waived fees and reimbursed expenses, if applicable, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (183) expenses were accrued in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 366 to reflect the one-half year period.

For Funds which may invest in other funds, the annualized expense ratios noted above do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. If such fees and expenses had been included, the expenses would have been higher.

You can find more information about the Funds’ expenses in the Financial Statements section that follows. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, refer to the prospectus.

 

 

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Table of Contents

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS

 

American Depositary Receipt (ADR)

Represents shares of foreign companies traded in U.S. dollars on U.S. exchanges that are held by a U.S. bank or a trust. Foreign companies use ADRs in order to make it easier for Americans to buy their shares.

Bank of Japan

The Bank of Japan is the Japanese central bank.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment-grade fixed-rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Brexit

A combination of the words “Britain” and “exit” which refers to Britain’s withdrawal form the European Union.

European Central Bank (“ECB”)

The European Central Bank (ECB) is responsible for conducting monetary policy for the euro area. The ECB was established as the core of the Eurosystem and the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). The ESCB comprises the ECB and the National Central Banks (NCBs) of all 17 EU Member States whether they have adopted the Euro or not.

European Union (“EU”)

The European Union (“EU”) is a unique economic and political union of 28 European countries. The EU was created in the aftermath of the Second World War that has become a single market for goods and services and it created the single currency the euro.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF)

An open-end fund that is traded on a stock exchange. Most ETFs have a portfolio of stocks or bonds that track a specific market index.

Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)

The Central Bank of the United States, responsible for controlling the money supply, interest rates and credit with the goal of keeping the U.S. economy and currency stable. Governed by a seven-member board, the system includes 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, 25 branches and all national and state banks that are part of the system.

FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 Index (net)

The FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that gives participants an industry-defined interpretation of infrastructure and adjust the exposure to certain infrastructure sub-sectors. The constituent weights for the index are 50% Utilities, 30% Transportation including capping of 7.5% for railroads/railways and a 20% mix of other sectors including pipelines, satellites and telecommunication towers. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental ex U.S. Index (net)

The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental ex U.S. Index (net) is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index measuring international real estate securities, which meet minimum size, liquidity and investment focus criteria. The index is a sub-set of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Investment Focus Index Series, which separates the existing constituents into both Rental and Non-Rental Indices. A company is classified as Rental if the rental revenue from properties is greater than or equal to 70% of total revenue. The classification is based on revenue sources as disclosed in the latest published financial statement. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

 

4


Table of Contents

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS (Continued)

 

FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index (net)

The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index (net) is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index measuring global real estate securities, which meet minimum size, liquidity and investment focus criteria. The index is a sub-set of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Investment Focus Index Series, which separates the existing constituents into both Rental and Non-Rental Indices. A company is classified as Rental if the rental revenue from properties is greater than or equal to 70% of total revenue. The classification is based on revenue sources as disclosed in the latest published financial statement. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS)

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) is a standardized classification system for equities that was developed by, and is the exclusive property and a service mark of, MSCI Inc. (MSCI) and Standard & Poor’s, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (S&P). As of September 1, 2016, the GICS structure comprises 11 sectors, 24 industry groups, 68 industries, and 157 subindustries.

Global Infrastructure Linked Benchmark

The Global Infrastructure Linked Benchmark consists of the MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index, a market capitalization weighted index that measures performance of global infrastructure companies by capturing broad and diversified opportunities across telecommunication, utilities, energy, transportation and social infrastructure sectors. The telecommunication infrastructure and utilities sector each represent one-third of the index weight, while energy, transportation and social infrastructure sectors have a combined weight of the remaining one-third of the index. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment. Performance of the Global Infrastructure Linked Benchmark prior to 9/1/2008 represents an allocation consisting of 65% MSCI USA/Utilities Index, 20% MSCI World Telecom Services Index, and 15% MSCI World ex USA/Utilities Index.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The gross domestic product (GDP) represents the market value of all goods and services produced by the economy during the period measured, including personal consumption, government purchases, private inventories, paid-in construction costs and the foreign trade balance.

In Specie

In Specie is a phrase describing the distribution of an asset in its present form, rather than selling it and distributing the cash. In specie distribution is made when cash is not readily available, or allocating the physical asset is the better alternative.

JPMorgan Corporate Emerging Markets Bond Index (CEMBI)

The JPMorgan Corporate Emerging Markets Bond Index (CEMBI) is a global, liquid corporate emerging markets benchmark that tracks U.S. dollar-denominated corporate bonds issued by emerging markets entities. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index (EMBI Global Diversified)

The JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index (EMBI Global Diversified) is a uniquely-weighted version of the JPMorgan EMBI Global Index. The index limits the weights of those countries with larger debt stock by only including specified portions of these countries’ eligible current face amounts of debt outstanding. The countries covered in the EMBI Global Diversified Index are identical to those covered by the EMBI Global Index. The EMBI Global Index tracks total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging market sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady bonds, loans, Eurobonds. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

JPMorgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM)

The GBI-EM is the first comprehensive, global local emerging markets index, and consists of regularly traded, liquid fixed rate, domestic currency government bonds. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

 

5


Table of Contents

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS (Continued)

 

MSCI All Country World ex U.S. Small Cap Index (net)

The MSCI All Country World Index ex U.S. Small Cap Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures small cap equity performance of developed and emerging markets, excluding the U.S. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

MSCI All Country World Index (net)

The MSCI All Country World Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures equity performance of developed and emerging markets. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

MSCI EAFE® Index (net)

The MSCI EAFE® (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net)

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index (net)

The MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure small cap equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

MSCI Europe Index (net)

The MSCI Europe Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that measures equity market performance of the developed markets in Europe. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

MSCI World Index (net)

The MSCI World Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed global market equity performance. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index (net)

The MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index (net) is a market capitalization weighted index that measures performance of global infrastructure companies by capturing broad and diversified opportunities across telecommunication, utilities, energy, transportation and social infrastructure sectors. The telecommunication infrastructure and utilities sector each represent one-third of the index weight, while energy, transportation and social infrastructure sectors have a combined weight of the remaining one-third of the index. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries was originally organized in September 1960 with 5 member countries and there are currently 12 member countries. The organization’s objective is to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry.

 

6


Table of Contents

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS (Continued)

 

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

A publicly traded company that owns, develops and operates income-producing real estate such as apartments, office buildings, hotels, shopping centers and other commercial properties.

Russell 2000® Index

The Russell 2000® Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell Universe, which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

S&P 500® Index

The S&P 500® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Sponsored ADR (American Depositary Receipt)

An ADR which is issued with the cooperation of the company whose stock will underlie the ADR. Sponsored ADRs generally carry the same rights normally given to stockholders, such as voting rights. ADRs must be sponsored to be able to trade on a major U.S. exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).

U.S. Dollar Spot Index

The U.S. Dollar Spot Index tracks the strength of the U.S. dollar against a basket of foreign currencies (euro, yen, British pound, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, and Swiss franc) on a weighted average basis.

 

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Table of Contents

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VEDAX

Class C: VEDCX

Class I: VIEDX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Newfleet Asset Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of total return from current income and capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 15.58%, Class C shares returned 14.60%, and Class I shares returned 15.88%. For the same period, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad-based fixed income index, returned 5.19%, and the JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index, the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 16.20%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Emerging market (EM) dollar-denominated debt returns outperformed several key domestic fixed income sectors including the U.S. investment grade corporate, U.S. high yield corporate, and intermediate U.S. Treasury sectors during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. EM sovereign dollar-denominated debt, as represented by the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index (EMBI), returned 16.20% for the period. EM dollar-denominated corporate debt, as represented by the J.P. Morgan Corporate Emerging Markets Bond Index Diversified Index (CEMBI), returned 12.53% for the period while local market returns, as measured by the J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Diversified Index, returned 14.48%.

EM debt market returns were positively impacted by the stabilization of China’s economic growth and other higher frequency economic data points and a rebound in commodity prices. China’s economy continued its transformation from investment to consumption, and growth continued to adjust to more sustainable levels. Meanwhile, the decline in commodity prices that characterized much of 2015 began to abate as supply and demand factors began

to rebalance. Importantly, oil markets underwent a substantial favorable adjustment over the year, which supported the credit profile of several key emerging markets economies.

In addition to the stabilization seen in China’s economy and improvement in key commodity markets, the U.S. Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) proved to be more “dovish” than market expectations. This boosted sentiment towards the asset class. The improvement in Brazil’s political environment and the return of Argentina to the international credit markets also contributed to positive sentiment in EM fixed income.

Within the EMBI sovereign universe, which focuses on government-issued bonds, the high yield and longer-duration segments outperformed with gains particularly strong in the Latin America and Africa regions, including Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Zambia. Meanwhile, several higher quality issuers in Central and Eastern Europe underperformed, including Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The CEMBI corporate universe experienced similar trends to the sovereign index with relative outperformance in the Latin America and Africa regions.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund’s overall net return performance slightly underperformed relative to its style-specific benchmark. Country exposure to Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil and exposure to longer-duration assets contributed positively to the Fund’s relative performance. The move during the period to increase the Fund’s allocation to sovereign issuers versus corporate issuers also helped performance. The Fund’s exposure to local currency-denominated investments during the period was largely neutral to relative performance.

The timing of certain EM corporate credit sales detracted from the Fund’s overall performance during the period. In addition, the Fund held some EM corporate securities that became distressed during the period which negatively impacted relative performance.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment

advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Corporate Bonds and Notes

      54

Energy

    19    

Financials

    15       

Industrials

    5       

Materials

    4       

All other Corporate Bonds
and Notes

    11       

Foreign Government Securities

      43   

Other (includes short-term investments)

      3   
     

 

 

 

Total

      100
           

 

 

 

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

8


Table of Contents

Emerging Markets Debt Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        Since
Inception
      

Inception

Date

 
Class A Shares at NAV2        15.58        3.21        9/5/12   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        11.25           2.25           9/5/12   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        14.60           2.43           9/5/12   
Class I Shares at NAV        15.88           3.47           9/5/12   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.19           2.57 5           
JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index        16.20           5.19 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 1.49%, Net 1.36%; C Shares: Gross 2.24%, Net 2.11%; I Shares: Gross 1.24%, Net 1.11%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 3.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by the contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 5, 2012 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

9


Table of Contents

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VEIAX

Class C: VEICX

Class I: VEIIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by

KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd.

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has investment objectives of capital appreciation and income.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 12.42%, Class C shares returned 11.54%, and Class I shares returned 12.69%. For the same period, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net), which serves as the Fund’s broad-based and style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 16.78%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

1) How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

During the Fund’s fiscal year, global stock markets had strong gains, bond yields continued to trend lower, and commodity prices were generally higher. Emerging market equities were particularly strong, returning 16.78%, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, in U.S. dollars (USD), outperforming by a significant margin their developed world counterparts, which returned 11.4%, as measured by the MSCI World Index (net).

The extraordinary easy monetary policy pursued by central banks globally since 2008 continued throughout the period. More recently, this journey has resulted in increasingly negative interest rates and bond yields around the globe. Indeed, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates last December, even if repeated in coming months, is looking more and more like an anomaly in this overall context. Low rates and yields have become the new normal. Emerging markets have benefited from this environment. Generally stronger performance from commodities and better-than-feared data from China in particular also helped emerging market equities to outperform.

Latin American equities received a boost from Brazil’s strong stock market gains, as growing expectations of improved earnings and economic growth

continued to support the recovery there. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”) was the relative laggard over the period as South African equities struggled after the central bank raised its benchmark repurchase rate to avert a pick-up in inflation expectations.

2) What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

In constructing the portfolio, we seek to ensure that all excess value is delivered through security selection rather than through regional or sector bets. This is due to our conviction that the characteristics exhibited by companies and managements that are committed to paying and growing their dividends are powerful indicators of a company’s future health and profitability. Style factors do inevitably have an impact.

The Fund underperformed the benchmark during the fiscal year. Our key style biases were all out of favor over that period: specifically value, high yield, and mid-cap stocks. At an overall level for emerging markets, growth outperformed value during the period. This acted as a headwind for our strategy, which inherently has a value tilt. One of the key market inefficiencies that we exploit is the under-pricing by investors of the earnings growth delivered by higher payout companies. While value did outperform by a considerable margin in Latin America, this was not enough to counteract the performance of growth stocks in the rest of the emerging markets regions.

High yielding stocks underperformed during the period and within that extremely low yielding, and even zero yielding, companies accounted for much of the benchmark’s return during period. These stocks are especially concentrated in the software & services sector in China and India, and also in the hardware & technology sector in Korea. The Fund has exposure to these sectors but is not invested in stocks which are not high yielding enough to meet our criteria and which are trading on extremely high multiples. This resulted in relative stock selection detracting from performance, especially in the software & services and technology & hardware industries. In terms of countries, China, India, and Korea were the countries where our stock selection detracted relative to the benchmark. South Africa was a negative contributor,

driven in part by our underweight position in a media stock with technology exposure.

At the industry level, the strongest positive contributors during the period were food and consumer staples retailing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, real estate (especially in China), and transportation (especially in Malaysia). At the country level, Brazil, Malaysia, and Mexico were the strongest contributors to performance, leading to outperformance of the Latin American region over the period.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objectives.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Financials

    31

Information Technology

    23   

Consumer Discretionary

    9   

Industrials

    8   

Materials

    7   

Energy

    6   

Telecommunication Services

    5   

Other

    11   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

10


Table of Contents
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (Continued)

 

Geographic Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular geographic location will be highly sensitive to financial, economic, political, and other developments affecting the fiscal stability of that location.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

11


Table of Contents

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        12.42        -0.02        9/5/12   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        5.96           -1.47           9/5/12   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        11.54           -0.79           9/5/12   
Class I Shares at NAV        12.69           0.22           9/5/12   
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net)*        16.78           1.47 5           

S&P 500® Index*

       15.43           13.67 5        

  

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 1.78%, Net 1.77%; C Shares: Gross 2.53%, Net 2.52%; I Shares: Gross 1.53%, Net 1.52%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised through September 30, 2016, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by the contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver.
* The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) is an appropriate Broad Based Index. The Fund is no longer using the S&P 500® Index.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 5, 2012 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

12


Table of Contents

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VAESX

Class C: VCESX

Class I: VIESX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 20.66%, Class C shares returned 19.62%, and Class I shares returned 20.82%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based equity index, returned 15.43%, and the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index (net), the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 12.65%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Following the sharp sell-off in the calendar third quarter of 2015 (the Fund’s fiscal fourth quarter), global equity markets rallied in the fourth quarter of 2015. Selling resumed early in the first quarter of 2016 over global growth concerns. As the global economic growth outlook stabilized, and concerns over central bank tightening (primarily by the U.S. Federal Reserve) waned, global equities advanced substantially over the last two quarters.

Following dismal performance over the last few years, materials was the best performing equity sector over the last year as global commodity prices finally showed signs of stabilization. Because of this, countries where natural resources make up a large part of the economy, such as Brazil, Russia, and South Africa, performed strongly. The notable underperformer was South Korea, where small-cap stocks declined slightly in an otherwise strong market.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund outperformed the benchmark by a significant margin over the year, mainly driven by stock selection. Our geographic weighting provided

some tailwind, mainly driven by our overweight position in Brazil. In terms of sectors, our stock selection in industrials helped performance, but our significant overweight in consumer staples was a drag as that sector underperformed.

Looking at individual stocks, the largest positive contributor to performance was Tegma Gestao Logistica, a transportation logistics company in Brazil. Its primary business is transporting new cars from automotive production facilities to dealerships throughout the country. Last year, Tegma was our largest detractor from performance as the Brazilian auto industry, and the country overall, deteriorated from simply bad into a genuine crisis. Over the last 12 months, we saw some signs of stabilization in Brazil on many fronts, and there is optimism that the automotive industry may resume growth next year. Tegma also took important steps over this time to strengthen its balance sheet and improve its cost structure.

The largest detractor from performance over the last year was Autohome. The company, which is listed in the U.S., is the leading online destination for automobile consumers in China. The shares have been under pressure for two primary reasons. First, management continues to invest in their new car transaction business at the expense of current margins. Second, there has been significant management and shareholder turnover as the controlling shareholder, Australian-listed Telstra, sold most of their stake to Ping An, a Chinese-listed insurance company, who subsequently replaced senior management. Collectively, this has created uncertainty with investors, which generally leads to lower stock prices. While we are frustrated with some of the actions taking place at the management and ownership level, the core business at Autohome continued to perform well at the Fund’s fiscal year end. We believe that the strength of the core business will ultimately drive the overall profitability of the business and the stock in the long run and therefore continued to hold our position at the Fund’s fiscal year end.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future

results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Industrials

    27

Consumer Staples

    23   

Financials

    17   

Materials

    12   

Consumer Discretionary

    10   

Information Technology

    9   

Energy

    1   

Other (includes short-term investments)

    1   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Limited Number of Investments: Because the Fund has a limited number of securities, it may be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting its securities than a less concentrated fund.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

13


Table of Contents

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year       

Since

Inception

      

Inception

Date

 
Class A Shares at NAV2        20.66        -0.59        12/17/13   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        13.72           -2.68           12/17/13   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        19.62           -1.34           12/17/13   
Class I Shares at NAV        20.82           -0.36           12/17/13   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           9.59 5           
MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index (net)        12.65           1.57 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 3.63%, Net 1.86%; C Shares: Gross 4.38%, Net 2.61%; I Shares: Gross 3.38%, Net 1.61%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by the contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on December 17, 2013 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

14


Table of Contents

Global Infrastructure Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: PGUAX

Class C: PGUCX

Class I: PGIUX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.

 

  The Fund is diversified and has investment objectives of both capital appreciation and current income.

 

  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 14.79%, Class C shares returned 13.94%, and Class I shares returned 15.07%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based equity index returned 15.43%, and the Global Infrastructure Linked Benchmark, the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 13.61%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

For the 12 months ended September 30, 2016, developed world equity markets posted strong returns even though there were multiple challenges. Stocks managed to move forward despite tepid economic outlooks across the world, widespread political election uncertainties, and more recently, concerns about the stability of the European banking sector. Market volatility over the period was enhanced by a short-lived, broad-based sell-off triggered by the U.K.’s “Brexit” vote, and was followed by a strong relief rally as global central banks reiterated intentions to continue with monetary easing policies.

In Europe, most stock markets finished the fiscal year in positive territory with Italy a notable exception. Italian stocks were negatively impacted by concerns over a constitutional referendum (a vote is currently scheduled for early December) in which voters will decide the future structure of the government. The current prime minister, viewed by many as constructive toward commerce and markets, has pledged to resign if the reform measures are rejected.

U.S. stock markets ended the fiscal year among the strongest performers in the developed world. After a volatile first half in which the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) raised the targeted Fed funds rate by 25 basis points, U.S. stocks moved upward as expectations for further Fed rate hikes diminished, Brexit fears were forgotten, and the OPEC oil cartel reached an agreement on oil production cuts.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

Similar to broader equity markets, the sectors in which the Fund invests experienced significant volatility over the course of the fiscal year. While the Fund was outpaced somewhat by the broad U.S. equity market, as measured by the S&P 500® Index, the Fund did outperform its style-specific benchmark, the Global Infrastructure Linked Benchmark, for the year ended September 30, 2016. The Fund’s outperformance of the style benchmark can be partially attributed to the defensive sectors in which we invest being supported by the “lower-for-longer” interest rate policies instituted by central banks across the developed world.

The primary contributor to the Fund’s outperformance versus the benchmark was stock selection in utilities and transportation. Utilities in several countries were buoyed by accommodative central bank policies. The Fund was overweight U.S. utilities, which sold off prior to the Fed’s December rate hike, but rebounded strongly during the second quarter when investors sensed a less hawkish Fed. However, utilities lost ground during the final quarter as investors rotated out of defensive names due to strong relative performance and the return of rising interest rate concerns.

Transportation, which was the Fund’s largest overweight, was also its top performing sector during the year. Strong stock selection contributed to the sector’s outperformance versus the benchmark. Transportation stocks were driven upward by growing air passenger demand and toll road usage. Air passenger growth was particularly strong in Australia and New Zealand as a result of an expansion in the number of planes and routes to mainland China. However, in Europe we have recently turned more cautious on Northern hub airports as passenger loads have been adversely impacted by terrorism concerns.

Communications was a slight detractor to performance versus the benchmark over the course of the fiscal year mainly due to exposure to the satellite companies. We had a large underweight in the sector, driven by concerns around the wireless market for U.S. integrated telecommunications companies, uncertainty surrounding the impact of the eurozone economy on European telecommunications fundamentals, and stock valuations.

Energy sector performance had a neutral impact on relative performance over the course of the year. Weak stock selection was offset by an overweight sector allocation. After a dismal start, energy was the Fund’s best performing sector over the final three quarters as oil prices stabilized and the stocks reacted positively to the OPEC oil production cuts agreed to in September.

Also contributing positively to the Fund’s outperformance versus the benchmark was the social services sector. The Fund does not have an allocation to health care or educational stocks, as we do not believe they meet our investment criteria for revenue visibility, dividend yield, and geographic diversification. Social services stocks posted positive returns, but they significant lagged those of the four sectors in which the Fund does invest.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objectives.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

15


Table of Contents
Global Infrastructure Fund (Continued)   

 

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Utilities

    37

Energy

    26   

Telecommunication Services

    16   

Industrials

    15   

Financials

    6   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Foreign Investing: Investing internationally involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Income: Income received from the Fund may vary widely over the short- and long-term.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

16


Table of Contents

Global Infrastructure Fund (Continued)

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16                                
       1 year        5 years        10 years        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        14.79        10.23        6.78                    
Class A Shares at POP3,4        8.19           8.93           6.15                       
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        13.94           9.43           6.00                       
Class I Shares at NAV        15.07           10.52                     5.16        6/6/08   
S&P 500® Index*        15.43           16.37           7.24           8.09 5           
Global Infrastructure Linked Benchmark        13.61           8.90           5.37           3.41 5           
FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 Index (net)        14.65           11.79                                 
MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index (net)*        13.61           8.90           5.05           3.18 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: 1.22%; C Shares: 1.97%, I Shares: 0.97%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception returns are from Class I inception date (6/6/08).
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.
* The MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index (net) is an appropriate Broad Based Index. The Fund is no longer using the S&P 500® Index.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A and Class C shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

17


Table of Contents

Global Opportunities Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: NWWOX

Class B: WWOBX

Class C: WWOCX

Class I: WWOIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Vontobel Asset Management, Inc.

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 11.38%, Class B shares returned 10.60%, Class C shares returned 10.57%, and Class I shares returned 11.65%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based equity index, returned 15.43%, and the MSCI All Country World Index (net), the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 11.96%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the market perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the MSCI AC World Index (total return net dividends) was positive in the first quarter, flat in the second and third quarters, and positive in the fourth quarter.

The S&P 500® Index advanced in the fourth quarter of 2015, driven by a recovery in large-cap equities. Following strong October and November U.S. labor reports, the Federal Reserve (“Fed”) raised interest rates by 25 basis points, the first time since 2006. The S&P 500® Index got off to a volatile start in 2016 as fears of slowed global growth and weakness in China weighed on investor sentiment. U.S. equities began the second quarter of 2016 on a promising note due to improving macroeconomic data, specifically an upgrade to GDP growth. On June 23, the U.K.’s unexpected vote to exit the European Union (“Brexit”) shocked financial markets, prompting increased volatility with a sell-off in global risk assets, rallies in safe-haven assets, and a sharp decline in the British pound against its major trading currencies. However, most global equity market indices recovered some of their losses in the few trading days after the Brexit decision. Optimism about U.S. economic improvement helped fuel markets during the third quarter of 2016. The Fed opted not to

tighten at its September meeting, but left the door open for an increase before year-end.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the European Central Bank (“ECB”) announced monetary stimulus and cut its deposit rate by 0.10% to -0.3%, which was on the lower end of expectations and disappointed markets. European economic data was generally encouraging over the period. In the first quarter of 2016, the ECB announced a stimulus package that lowered its main policy rates and expanded its asset purchase program. While the package exceeded investors’ expectations, ECB President Mario Draghi hinted that future rate hikes were unlikely to be forthcoming, which drove European stocks down. Economic data signaled that the eurozone economy was continuing to grow, albeit slowly. In the second quarter of 2016, the European equity markets gained momentum with a weaker euro, encouraging macroeconomic data, and hopes for a new debt deal with Greece, although investors remained uncertain about the outcome of the U.K.’s referendum on European Union membership. In the three months after the unexpected “Brexit” vote outcome, European markets were bolstered by a rapid recovery from the sell-off and a generally optimistic second quarter reporting season.

After posting positive returns in October 2015, emerging market equities declined in November and December, ending in slightly positive territory for the fourth quarter of 2015. Volatility continued in emerging markets, as the asset class faced headwinds due to slowing growth, earnings pressure, U.S. dollar strength, a collapse in commodity prices and concerns over the Chinese economy. Emerging market equities rebounded in early 2016, driven by stronger commodity prices, a sharp rise in many emerging market currencies, and lower expectations for U.S. interest rate increases. The rally reversed in May as investors digested waning commodities prices, the prospect of a U.S. rate hike, and the potential impact of a change in government in Brazil after President Dilma Rousseff was suspended from office. Emerging markets rebounded in the third quarter as lower-than-expected interest rates in the United States continued to support demand for higher-yielding assets in the emerging world. Improved capital flows helped some emerging market currencies recover lost ground relative to the U.S. dollar, and stabilizing commodity prices helped a

number of markets during the final months of the fiscal year.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The following discussion highlights the specific stocks that provided the largest contributions to the Fund’s absolute performance and those that were the largest detractors during the fiscal year. As bottom-up stock pickers, we hope that investors find this useful and gain a greater understanding of how we invest their capital.

Stocks that Helped Absolute Performance

 

¢   Philip Morris International (“PMI”) (U.S.) —Investors were drawn to the company which continued to perform well. PMI produces and sells cigarettes under brands such as Marlboro and L&M. In our opinion, the company has strong pricing power, leading brands, consistent constant currency earnings growth, opportunities for cost savings, and a large dividend. The company is also behind next generation products such as its heat-not-burn device, iQos.

 

¢   Amazon (U.S.) — The company performed well and continued to reach new highs as it has exhibited strong results across its three main segments. Firstly, in North America, revenue growth accelerated to 28% in second quarter 2016, while international growth picked up to 30% year-over-year. We believe the main reason is the success of Amazon Prime, which is driving higher frequency of ordering, higher transaction value, and lower churn. We are also seeing better-than-expected margin expansion due to a higher contribution of sales from third-party products, which is also being fueled by increasing availability on Prime and FBA (“fulfilled by Amazon”). Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) revenue growth has remained strong at 58% and operating margins at a record 30%. The penetration into enterprises is still in its early stage and AWS has an advantage in the development of applications, reliability, security and relationships with enterprises. Overall, the operating leverage and margin expansion story are now becoming more evident even after allowing Amazon room for further investment to strengthen its competitive advantage. For 20 years, Amazon has doggedly built its marquee brand into the

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

18


Table of Contents
Global Opportunities Fund (Continued)   

 

   

quintessential name in e-commerce. Consumers worldwide flock to Amazon.com for the widest selection anywhere, the lowest-cost products, the convenience of free shipping, product reviews, and more.

Stocks that Hurt Absolute Performance

 

¢   Wells Fargo (U.S.) — The company’s stock declined significantly after it was announced in early September that the company had reached a $190 million settlement with the regulators because some of their employees had opened accounts for clients without the clients’ authorization. Employees that were engaged in these unauthorized account openings were let go by the company when the management became aware of what took place. A key point of this case is that we see the unauthorized account opening as a failure of compliance oversight internally. As the company made little income from these activities, the primary benefit appears to have been to employees in reaching performance goals. As a result, we feel it was a genuine oversight by management as opposed to an encouraged or tolerated practice designed to profit the bank at the cost of customers. The amount of the fine is small at $190 million compared to the company’s net income that is running at over $20 billion a year. Our main concern is whether this will have a lasting reputational damage to the company. While we believe Wells Fargo will remain under the spotlight over the coming few weeks, we do not feel, as of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year that the unauthorized account opening problem will have a material impact on customer behavior. As a result, we do not anticipate the bank’s long-term earnings or value have been damaged, despite the negative headlines. We remained holders of Wells Fargo as of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year. The company’s shares have been trading at a price-to-earnings (“P/E”) discount to its regional bank peers and it offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.5%. We are monitoring developments closely, including the Department of Justice’s investigation of the situation. We may react to any further developments if we have reason to believe the sustainability of Wells Fargo’s franchise will be potentially impacted over the longer term.

We believe Wells Fargo has been one of the world’s best-run major banks. Company management steered a sensible lending business that remained on a solid financial footing throughout the 2008-2009 banking crisis. It has a very strong core deposit franchise and benefits from economies of scale. The bank is expected to earn a return on tangible equity of about 14% this year, which is among the highest in the industry.

 

¢   Cognizant Technology Solutions (U.S.) — Cognizant is an information technology company that provides solutions for software development and maintenance. The company guided for weaker 2016 revenue growth, which weighed on its share price.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Consumer Staples

    30

Information Technology

    23   

Financials

    17   

Consumer Discretionary

    16   

Health Care

    12   

Materials

    2   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Geographic Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular geographic location will be highly sensitive to financial, economic, political, and other developments affecting the fiscal stability of that location.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

19


Table of Contents

Global Opportunities Fund (Continued)

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16                                
       1 year        5 years        10 years       

Since

Inception

      

Inception

Date

 
Class A Shares at NAV2        11.38        12.06        4.53                    
Class A Shares at POP3,4        4.98           10.74           3.91                       
Class B Shares at NAV2        10.60           11.24           3.77                       
Class B Shares with CDSC4        6.60           11.24           3.77                       
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        10.57           11.25           3.75                       
Class I Shares at NAV        11.65                               10.23        8/8/12   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           16.37           7.24           13.49 5           
MSCI AC World Index (net)        11.96           10.63           4.34           8.71 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: 1.45%; B Shares: 2.20%; C Shares: 2.20%; I Shares: 1.20%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for B shares decline from 5% to 0% over a five year period. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5 The since inception index returns are from Class I inception date (8/8/12).
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A, Class B, and Class C shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

20


Table of Contents

Global Real Estate Securities Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VGSAX

Class C: VGSCX

Class I: VGISX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has a primary investment objective of long-term capital appreciation, with a secondary investment objective of income.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 13.75%, Class C shares returned 12.89%, and Class I shares returned 14.06%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based equity index, returned 15.43%, and the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index (net), the Fund’s style specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 16.48%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

The performance of global real estate equities outperformed global equities as demonstrated by the 16.5% increase in the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index (net) versus the 11.4% increase in the MSCI World Index, both expressed in U.S. dollar terms. Global real estate equities also outperformed U.S. equities during the period, but by a smaller margin, as represented by the 15.4% increase in the S&P 500® Index during the fiscal year.

In many ways the macro environment during the Fund’s fiscal year came full circle. While global central banks remained rather dovish over the course of the fiscal year, at the outset in December 2015, the U.S. Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) announced an increase in the target range for the federal funds rate to 0.25% to 0.50% after seven years in the 0% to 0.25% range. While admittedly this was a small move, it was the first time the Fed increased rates in over nine years. At that time the Fed also appeared to be signaling that several more rate increases would be coming in the next year.

The likelihood of further rate increases quickly faded as policy uncertainty out of China and concerns

regarding global economic growth sent global equity markets into a tailspin in early 2016. Also of note during the first quarter of 2016 were further monetary policy actions by the Bank of Japan (“BOJ”) and European Central Bank (“ECB”) seeking to stimulate economic growth and inflation. The BOJ embraced for the first time a negative interest rate policy and the ECB extended its negative interest rate policy.

During the second quarter of 2016, voters in the U.K. delivered a shocking result on June 23 to leave the European Union. Despite polls indicating that the result would be close, very few observers actually believed that the “Brexit” camp would carry the day. Volatility in the global equity and currency markets spiked dramatically following the vote, with the British pound falling 11.1% in the first two days. The U.K. political situation also became more uncertain as Prime Minister Cameron announced his resignation, and Theresa May was appointed as his successor on July 11. It became apparent that Article 50, a two-year negotiating process for the U.K. to leave the E.U., would not be engaged anytime soon. As of the Fund’s fiscal year end, the ultimate implications of Brexit on the U.K. and the broader European Union remain very uncertain and it was expected to take months, if not years, to gain greater clarity. In the meantime, U.K. risk premiums increased and the British pound experienced increased pressure.

As the Fund’s fiscal year came to a close, the Fed appeared once again to be contemplating an increase in the federal funds rate after not raising it since December 2015. Based on the rhetoric leading up to their respective September policy meetings and the meetings themselves, major global central banks seemed to be questioning to varying degrees the efficacy of current monetary policy to achieve their medium-term inflation goals. More than ever, central bankers appeared to be indicating that it will be difficult to achieve their inflation goals without an assist from fiscal policy and structural economic reforms.

Taking a closer look at the performance of individual countries represented within the benchmark FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index, the five top performers during the fiscal year on a total return basis measured in U.S. dollars were New Zealand, Hong Kong, Norway, Japan, and Singapore. Sweden,

Australia, Belgium, Germany, Finland, Switzerland, Canada, the U.S., and France also outperformed the overall benchmark during the period, demonstrating the breadth of country outperformance.

The five bottom-performing countries in the benchmark during the fiscal year were the U.K., Italy, Spain, Ireland, and Austria. However, the U.K. and Italy were the only countries to deliver a negative total return for the period. Heading into the evening results of the U.K.’s Brexit vote on June 23, both countries had already produced negative fiscal year-to-date total returns. These negative returns widened over the balance of the fiscal year, particularly for the U.K. following the surprise outcome to leave the European Union.

During the Fund’s fiscal year, while the movement of the U.S. dollar was relatively benign and depreciated only slightly, as measured by the basket of currencies in the U.S. Dollar Spot Index, the barbell of performance across the globe was notable. The yen significantly appreciated, along with the Australian dollar, Norwegian krone, and Singapore dollar. On the other hand, as a result of the Brexit vote outcome and noise from the U.S. elections, the British pound and Mexican peso experienced double-digit declines in value versus the U.S. dollar.

Thematically, real estate companies remained active on the capital raising front, particularly in the U.S., Europe ex the U.K., and Japan as they looked to fund redevelopment, development, and acquisitions of recently acquired companies or portfolios of assets. In addition, it was a common occurrence for companies to lock in long-term, inexpensive fixed rate debt. Portfolio pruning and asset recycling were additional sources of capital and more evident in the U.S. than in other markets, as is often the case. We also witnessed ongoing mergers and acquisition activity. Our global travels during the period brought us to numerous countries and cities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific regions and were helpful in providing timely updates on the space and asset markets in each locale. Additionally, quality time was spent visiting existing REIT holdings in the Fund and conducting due diligence on potential new investment opportunities. At a high level, the strong appetite for high-quality commercial real estate from a wide and deep pool of institutional capital sources was evident across most locations as reflected in recent asset market pricing trends.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

21


Table of Contents
Global Real Estate Securities Fund (Continued)   

 

Within the real estate space market, trends were more varied, but notably robust for global industrial and data center real estate, German residential, and Stockholm office space. Paris, Oslo, Madrid, and Sydney office space showed signs of a pick up as well. The Hong Kong retail space continued to experience softer demand at the higher end, as mainland China shoppers looked elsewhere, while local based retail non-discretionary shopping remained more resilient. The real estate market in Tokyo remained very vibrant with numerous large-scale urban redevelopment projects underway across many of the key wards of the city, like Shibuya, the Nihonbashi district in the Chuo ward, and Shinagawa. Nonetheless, the overall real estate space markets, with the exception of modern warehouse sectors, remained fairly tepid given a more challenging macro-economic landscape.

From our time spent in London, it was difficult to detect negative ramifications from the fallout of the Brexit vote. On the contrary, the anecdotal observations were positive as it related to tourist activity and retail spending, both of which have benefited from the dramatic fall in the British pound since the June vote. However, based on the limited amount of commercial real estate transaction activity since the vote, we know there has been a small negative impact to real estate values, particularly city-oriented offices, and that rental levels have softened a bit. While we have yet to witness a Brexit-related benefit to other cities, it could be an incremental future demand driver for the likes of Paris, Frankfurt, Dublin, and New York should possible relocations from London occur. For the time being, decision making, as it relates to London office space, has slowed. On the whole, new office development would be needed in any of the European cities mentioned to accommodate a significant move, were it to occur, from London.

After the market closed on August 31, real estate became the eleventh sector of the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) — the first sector added since the classification system was created in 1999. Importantly, we believe this decision reflects the views of industry participants that real estate is a separate asset class with distinct investment characteristics, particularly relative to other financial companies.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

For the one-year period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund demonstrated solid performance yet lagged its style-specific benchmark. Security selection and country allocation both detracted from Fund performance.

On the whole, global central banks remained dovish throughout the fiscal year and global bonds rallied. In particular, while early in the Fund’s fiscal year, the Fed was predicting three to four staggered increases in the federal funds rate over the course of 2016, but did not raise rates further after December 2015. As a result, any portfolio management steps taken to position for such moves, while one could suggest were prudent, were, in fact, premature. For example, in the U.S., the best performing property sector was freestanding retail, a property sector with the longest lease durations, and the most bond-like in the benchmark.

Combining country allocation and security selection, the top positive contributors to the Fund’s relative performance were Germany, which benefited from an overweight allocation and selection of a Berlin-based apartment owner/operator; Norway, as a result of our overweight allocation to two outperforming office-focused owner/operator properties; and the Netherlands. From a country allocation perspective, the most significant positive contributors to relative performance were overweight allocations to Germany and Norway, as well as an underweight allocation to the Netherlands. At the security level, the most significant positive contributors were the Fund’s overweight positions in a mid-cap U.S. industrial REIT with a national portfolio; a mid-cap U.K. self-storage REIT with exposure to the U.K. and Paris; and a mid-cap U.S. office REIT with a focus in the southeast.

Combining country allocation and security selection, the top detractors to relative performance during the fiscal year were the U.S., where bond-like freestanding retail was the best performing sector; Japan which saw the yen appreciate materially; and Singapore, where a global logistics REIT with a significant mainland China portfolio lagged. From a country allocation perspective, the most significant detractors from relative performance were modest overweight allocations to the U.K. and underweight

exposures to Japan and Australia. At the security level, the most significant detractors were our overweight positions to two mid-cap U.S. lodging REITs and a U.S. apartment REIT with a West Coast focus.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objectives.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Retail REITs

    23

Office REITs

    17   

Real Estate Operating Companies

    14   

Diversified REITs

    14   

Residential REITs

    11   

Specialized REITs

    11   

Health Care REITs

    4   

Other (includes short-term investments)

    6   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Real Estate: The Fund may be negatively affected by factors specific to the real estate market, including interest rates, leverage, property, and management.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

22


Table of Contents

Global Real Estate Securities Fund (Continued)

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        5 years        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        13.75        13.24        20.33        3/2/09   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        7.21           11.91           19.39           3/2/09   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        12.89           12.38           19.44           3/2/09   
Class I Shares at NAV        14.06           13.52           20.65           3/2/09   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           16.37           18.55 5           
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index (net)        16.48           12.96           20.45 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 1.50%, Net 1.40%; C Shares: Gross 2.25%, Net 2.15%; I Shares: Gross 1.25%, Net 1.15%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by the contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 2, 2009 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

23


Table of Contents

Greater European Opportunities Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VGEAX

Class C: VGECX

Class I: VGEIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Vontobel Asset Management, Inc.

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 4.99%, Class C shares returned 4.21%, and Class I shares returned 5.22%. For the same period, the MSCI Europe Index (net), which serves as the Fund’s broad-based and style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 2.49%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the MSCI Europe Index, in U.S. dollar terms, was positive in the first quarter, negative in the second and third quarters, and positive in the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the European Central Bank (“ECB”) announced stimulus and cut its deposit rate by 0.10% to -0.3%, which was on the lower end of expectations and disappointed markets. European economic data was generally encouraging over the period. In the first quarter of 2016, the ECB announced a stimulus package that lowered its main policy rates and expanded its asset purchase program. While the package exceeded investors’ expectations, ECB President Mario Draghi hinted that future rate hikes were unlikely to be forthcoming, which drove European stocks down. Economic data signaled that the eurozone economy is continuing to grow, albeit slowly. In the second quarter of 2016, European equity markets gained momentum with a weaker euro, encouraging macroeconomic data, and hopes for a new debt deal with Greece, although investors remained uncertain about the outcome of the U.K.’s referendum on European Union (EU) membership. Following the U.K.’s unexpected decision in late June to exit the European Union (“Brexit”), European markets were bolstered by a rapid recovery from the initial sell-off and a generally optimistic second quarter reporting season.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The following discussion highlights specific stocks that provided the largest contributions to the Fund’s absolute performance and those that were the largest detractors during the fiscal year. As bottom-up stock pickers, we hope that investors find this useful and gain a greater understanding of how we invest their capital.

Stocks that Helped Absolute Performance

 

¢   Philip Morris International (“PMI”) (U.S.) — Investors were drawn to the company which continues to perform well. PMI produces and sells cigarettes under brands such as Marlboro and L&M. In our opinion, as of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, the company still had strong pricing power, leading brands, consistent constant currency earnings growth, opportunities for cost savings, and a large dividend. The company is also behind next generation products such as its heat-not-burn device, iQos.

 

¢   British American Tobacco (“BAT”) (U.K.) — With its stability and consistency of earnings, BAT was a top contributor to the Fund’s performance. While based in the U.K., its earnings come from outside of it. Currency, after years of being a headwind, turned into a tailwind due to favorable currency translation as BAT reports its earnings in British pounds. The company also reported solid numbers for the first quarter of 2016, again, highlighting its strong business model even in volatile markets. BAT is one of the world’s largest tobacco companies with market leadership in more than 50 of the 180 markets in which it operates. Nearly 60% of the company’s revenue and over 70% of volumes are typically generated from emerging markets. It has great global brands including Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, and Rothmans. As of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, we continued to believe that the company should be able to deliver consistent high single-digit earnings growth in constant currencies as it has strong pricing power, and opportunities to increase margins through cost saving measures, while paying a very hefty dividend.

Stocks that Hurt Absolute Performance

 

¢   Barratt Developments (U.K.) — One of the largest property development companies in the U.K., the company’s stock price came under pressure following the Brexit vote. We sold out of the position due to the uncertainty created by the Brexit situation.

 

¢   Lloyds Banking Group (U.K.) — Following the Brexit referendum, Lloyds’ stock sold off in the last few days of June, as the resulting uncertainty raised the chances that the U.K. will slide into a recession. As of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, we continued to like Lloyds’ competitive position in the concentrated U.K. banking market. As the largest U.K. retail bank, Lloyds enjoys substantial economies of scale, with operations comprised of simple retail and commercial businesses. However, we expect the macroeconomic environment to be challenging, as both consumer and business confidence will suffer from the uncertainty surrounding the U.K.’s relationship with the European Union.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Consumer Staples

    42

Health Care

    16   

Consumer Discretionary

    12   

Information Technology

    10   

Industrials

    9   

Financials

    5   

Materials

    4   

Other (includes short-term investments)

    2   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

24


Table of Contents
Greater European Opportunities Fund (Continued)   

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Foreign Investing: Investing internationally involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Geographic Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular geographic location will be highly sensitive to financial, economic, political, and other developments affecting the fiscal stability of that location.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

25


Table of Contents

Greater European Opportunities Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16                                
       1 year       

5 years

      

Since

Inception

      

Inception

Date

 
Class A Shares at NAV2        4.99        9.12        10.78        4/21/09   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        -1.04           7.83           9.90           4/21/09   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        4.21           8.31           9.96           4/21/09   
Class I Shares at NAV        5.22           9.37           11.05           4/21/09   
MSCI Europe Index (net)*        2.49           7.46           8.98 5           
S&P 500® Index*        15.43           16.37           15.83 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 1.89%, Net 1.45%; C Shares: Gross 2.64%, Net 2.20%; I Shares: Gross 1.64%, Net 1.20%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by the contractual fee waiver in effect thru January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver.
* The MSCI Europe Index (net) is an appropriate Broad Based Index. The Fund is no longer using the S&P 500® Index.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on April 21, 2009 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

26


Table of Contents

International Equity Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VIEAX

Class C: VIECX

Class I: VIIEX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.

 

  The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

 

  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 4.64%, Class C shares returned 3.85%, and Class I shares returned 4.89%. For the same period, the MSCI EAFE® Index (net), which serves as the Fund’s broad-based and style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 6.52%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Developed international stock markets, as represented by the MSCI EAFE® Index (net), increased 6.5% during the Fund’s fiscal year. It was a volatile period, with market appreciation in the fall of 2015 giving way to year-end concerns over the appreciating U.S. dollar. Then, in early 2016, China’s economic outlook and its rapidly falling foreign currency reserves became a big issue for the market, which led the Index to a 15.4% decline by February 12. The Chinese government intervened in the foreign currency market after the Chinese New Year, forcing the yuan to appreciate in the middle of February; by March 31, it had appreciated 2% in six weeks. The Chinese government’s intervention stabilized global equity markets, leading the Index to appreciate 16% from early spring through the fall of 2016, interrupted only by volatile trading around the U.K.’s vote in late June on whether to stay or leave (“Brexit”) the European Union.

On a country basis, New Zealand was the top performing non-U.S. developed stock market within the MSCI EAFE® Index, up 56% in U.S. dollars, followed by Hong Kong and Australia, both up about 19%. Italy declined by 21% and Israel dropped 8%. On a sector basis, the top performer was materials, up 21%, followed by technology which rose 17%. At the other end of the spectrum, financials were down 8%, while healthcare only gained 0.6%.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund generated positive returns, though it underperformed its primary benchmark. Country allocation detracted from performance, though strong stock selection and prudent sector allocation made positive contributions.

In terms of country allocation, Japan, Norway, and China added value to the Fund, while Canada, Israel, and Hong Kong detracted from performance. The Fund outperformed in Japan with telecoms KDDI and NTT beneficiaries of the big data trend, Sony, and motor manufacturer Nidec all adding about one percentage point each to the cumulative return. Being dramatically overweight Norway, plus strong performance from Marine Harvest and Statoil contributed to performance. China is not part of the MSCI EAFE® Index, yet the Fund’s two Chinese investments combined for a 34% return. Valeant hobbled Canadian returns, Teva diminished Israeli results, and Li & Fung soured gains in Hong Kong.

The sectors that contributed the most to the Fund’s relative performance were telecommunications, technology, and consumer discretionary. Strong stock selection in each of these sectors, along with overweights versus the Index, also contributed to performance. The sectors that detracted from performance were health care, real estate (a new sector, as of September), and industrials. Stock selection was the main culprit, while allocation effects were also not helpful. Carrying a little more cash than normal cost the Fund about one percent in performance versus the Index.

Telecommunications companies benefited as the conduit for all the big data mentioned above. With the movement from 3G to 4G to 5G, consumers, businesses, and governments have consumed more and more data on the go. The true beauty of it is that capital expenditures for the telecommunications companies are relatively low, as such expenditures are mostly for software. Customers demonstrated a willingness and ability to pay up to be tied to the network on the go. KDDI and NTT were beneficiaries of this trend.

Select consumer discretionary companies including Sony, WPP, and Ctrip have had a dominating presence in their respective markets. The quality of their products and services led customers to them as “must have” providers of brands and benefits. All contributed positively to the Fund’s performance.

Health care remained under pressure as highly profitable pharmaceutical companies came under the microscope for cost reduction.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Consumer Discretionary

    19

Information Technology

    15   

Consumer Staples

    10   

Health Care

    10   

Telecommunication Services

    9   

Industrials

    9   

Materials

    9   

Other

    19   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Derivatives: Investments in derivatives such as futures, options, forwards, and swaps may increase volatility or cause a loss greater than the principal investment.

Geographic Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular geographic location will be highly sensitive to financial, economic, political, and other developments affecting the fiscal stability of that location.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

27


Table of Contents

International Equity Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        5 years       

Since

Inception

      

Inception

Date

 
Class A Shares at NAV2        4.64        6.12        4.83        9/16/10   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        -1.38           4.87           3.81           9/16/10   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        3.85           5.27           3.99           9/16/10   
Class I Shares at NAV        4.89           6.32           5.03           9/16/10   
MSCI EAFE® Index (net)*        6.52           7.39           4.79 5           
S&P 500® Index*        15.43           16.37           13.86 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 2.28%, Net 1.51%; C Shares: Gross 3.03%, Net 2.26%; I Shares: Gross 2.03%, Net 1.26%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by the contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver.
* The MSCI EAFE® Index (net) is an appropriate Broad Based Index. The Fund is no longer using the S&P 500® Index.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 16, 2010 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

28


Table of Contents

International Real Estate Securities Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: PXRAX

Class C: PXRCX

Class I: PXRIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.

 

  The Fund is diversified and has a primary investment objective of long-term capital appreciation, with a secondary investment objective of income.

 

  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 10.47%, Class C shares returned 9.69%, and Class I shares returned 10.72%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based equity index, returned 15.43%, and the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental ex U.S. Index (net), the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 13.34%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

During the Fund’s fiscal year, international real estate equities outperformed international equities as demonstrated by the 13.3% increase in the FTSE/EPRA NAREIT Developed Rental ex U.S. Index versus the 6.5% increase in the MSCI EAFE® Index, both expressed in U.S. dollar terms. International real estate equities trailed the performance of U.S. equities during the period, as represented by the 15.4% increase in the S&P 500® Index during the fiscal year.

In many ways the macro environment during the Fund’s fiscal year came full circle. While global central banks remained rather dovish over the course of the fiscal year, at the outset in December 2015, the U.S. Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) announced an increase in the target range for the federal funds rate to 0.25% to 0.50% after seven years in the 0% to 0.25% range. While admittedly this was a small move, it was the first time the Fed increased rates in over nine years. At that time the Fed also appeared to be signaling that several more rate increases would be coming in the next year.

The likelihood of further rate increases quickly faded as policy uncertainty out of China and concerns regarding global economic growth sent global equity markets into a tailspin in early 2016. Also of note during the first quarter of 2016 were further

monetary policy actions by the Bank of Japan (“BOJ”) and European Central Bank (“ECB”) seeking to stimulate economic growth and inflation. The BOJ embraced for the first time a negative interest rate policy and the ECB extended its negative interest rate policy.

During the second quarter of 2016, voters in the U.K. delivered a shocking result on June 23 to leave the European Union. Despite polls indicating that the result would be close, very few observers actually believed that the “Brexit” camp would carry the day. Volatility in the global equity and currency markets spiked dramatically following the vote, with the British pound falling 11.1% in the first two days. The U.K. political situation also became more uncertain as Prime Minister Cameron announced his resignation, and Theresa May was appointed as his successor on July 11. It became apparent that Article 50, a two-year negotiating process for the U.K. to leave the EU, would not be engaged anytime soon. As of the Fund’s fiscal year-end, the ultimate implications of Brexit on the U.K. and the broader European Union remained very uncertain and it was expected to take months, if not years, to gain greater clarity. In the meantime, U.K. risk premiums increased and the British pound experienced increased pressure.

As the Fund’s fiscal year came to a close, the Fed appeared once again to be contemplating an increase in the federal funds rate after not raising it since December 2015. Based on the rhetoric leading up to their respective September policy meetings and the meetings themselves, major global central banks seemed to be questioning to varying degrees the efficacy of current monetary policy to achieve their medium-term inflation goals. More than ever, central bankers appeared to be indicating that it will be difficult to achieve their inflation goals without an assist from fiscal policy and structural economic reforms.

Taking a closer look at the performance of individual countries represented within the FTSE/EPRA NAREIT Developed Rental ex US Index, the five top performers during the fiscal year on a total return basis measured in U.S. dollars were New Zealand, Hong Kong, Norway, Japan, and Singapore. Sweden, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Finland, Switzerland, Canada, and France also outperformed the overall benchmark during the period, demonstrating the breadth of country outperformance.

The five bottom-performing countries in the benchmark during the fiscal year were the U.K., Italy,

Spain, Ireland, and Austria. However, the U.K. and Italy were the only countries to deliver a negative total return for the period. Heading into the evening results of the U.K.’s Brexit vote on June 23, both countries had already produced negative fiscal year-to-date total returns. These negative returns widened over the balance of the fiscal year, particularly for the U.K. following the surprise outcome to leave the European Union.

During the Fund’s fiscal year, while the movement of the U.S. dollar was relatively benign and depreciated only slightly as measured by the basket of currencies in the U.S. Dollar Spot Index, the barbell of performance across the globe was notable. The yen significantly appreciated, along with the Australian dollar, Norwegian krone, and Singapore dollar. On the other hand, as a result of the Brexit vote outcome and the noise from the U.S. elections, the British pound and Mexican peso experienced double-digit declines in value versus the U.S. dollar.

Thematically, real estate companies remained active on the capital raising front, particularly in Europe (excluding the U.K.) and Japan as they looked to fund redevelopment, development, and acquisitions of recently acquired companies or portfolios of assets. In addition, it was a common occurrence for companies to lock in long-term, inexpensive fixed rate debt. Portfolio pruning and asset recycling were additional sources of capital and more evident in the U.S. than in other markets, as is often the case. We also witnessed ongoing mergers and acquisition activity. Our global travels during the period brought us to numerous countries and cities in Europe and Asia Pacific regions and were helpful in providing timely updates on the space and asset markets in each locale. Additionally, quality time was spent visiting existing REIT holdings in the Fund and conducting due diligence on potential new investment opportunities. At a high level, the strong appetite for high-quality commercial real estate from a wide and deep pool of institutional capital sources was evident across most locations as reflected in recent asset market pricing trends.

Within the real estate space market, trends were more varied, but notably robust for global industrial and data center real estate, German residential and Stockholm office space. Paris, Oslo, Madrid, and Sydney office space have been showing signs of a pick up as well. The Hong Kong retail space continued to experience softer demand at the higher

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

29


Table of Contents
International Real Estate Securities Fund (Continued)   

 

end, as Mainland China shoppers looked elsewhere, while local based retail non-discretionary shopping remained more resilient. The real estate market in Tokyo remained very vibrant with numerous large-scale urban redevelopment projects underway across many of the key wards of the city, like Shibuya, the Nihonbashi district in the Chuo ward, and Shinagawa. Nonetheless, the overall real estate space markets, with the exception of modern warehouse sectors, remain fairly tepid given a more challenging macro-economic landscape.

From our time spent in London, it was difficult to detect negative ramifications from the fallout of the Brexit vote. On the contrary, the anecdotal observations were positive as it related to tourist activity and retail spending, both of which have benefited from the dramatic fall in the British pound since the June vote. However, based on the limited amount of commercial real estate transaction activity since the vote, we know there has been a small negative impact to real estate values, particularly city- oriented offices, and that rental levels have softened a bit. While we have yet to witness a Brexit-related benefit to other cities, it could be an incremental future demand driver for the likes of Paris, Frankfurt, Dublin and New York should possible relocations from London occur. On the whole, new office development would be needed in any of the European cities mentioned to accommodate a significant move, were it to occur, from London. For the time being, decision making, as it relates to London office space, has slowed.

After the market closed on August 31, real estate became the eleventh sector of the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) — the first sector added since the classification system was created in 1999. Importantly, we believe this decision reflects the views of industry participants that real estate is a separate asset class with distinct investment characteristics, particularly relative to other financial companies.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

For the one-year period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund demonstrated solid performance yet lagged its style-specific benchmark. Security selection made positive contributions to relative performance, while country allocation detracted from relative performance.

Based on both country allocation and security selection, the top positive contributors to performance for the fiscal year were Germany, the U.K., and Norway. From a country allocation perspective, the Fund’s overweight exposures to Norway and Germany were the most positive drivers

of performance. The Norwegian economy and commercial real estate market benefited from the improvement in the price of oil and fiscal stimulus provided by the government. Additionally, the performance of one of the listed Norwegian companies in the portfolio benefited from a creeping takeover of the company by one of the wealthiest individuals in Norway. German apartment real estate companies continued to be well bid over the year as investors remained attracted to the stable growth profiles these companies offer in an overall low yield environment.

At the security level, our overweight exposure to a U.K.-based owner/operator of U.K. and Parisian self-storage properties was the largest positive contributor to performance. The company continued to deliver favorable operating results, which reinforced its multi-year structural growth story. The next most positive security contributor was a small-cap German apartment owner/operator with a focus on Berlin. This company was added to the portfolio late in the third quarter of 2015 after extensive on-the-ground due diligence with the management team.

Based on country allocation and security selection combined, the largest detractors to performance for the fiscal year were Japan, Singapore, and Australia. From a country allocation viewpoint, our overweight exposure to the U.K. was the largest detractor from performance. However the negative allocation impact was eliminated by positive security selection, which produced an overall positive total contribution from the U.K. for the period. The U.K. delivered the worst country performance during the fiscal year driven by the fall-off in U.K. REIT shares and the drop in the British pound following the surprising Brexit vote outcome. Our underweight exposure to Japan was the second largest drag on country allocation performance during the period. Japan delivered one of the better U.S. dollar-based returns during the fiscal year, as Japanese REIT shares benefited from a significant strengthening in the yen relative to the U.S. dollar.

At the security level, our overweight exposure to a Singapore-listed owner/operator of modern logistic warehouse real estate was the largest negative contributor for the fiscal year. Given this company’s significant asset exposure to mainland China and the negative sentiment surrounding future economic growth in China, as well as the performance of the Chinese yuan and pockets of oversupply of industrial space in certain tier two and three cities, the shares underperformed its Singapore-listed peers. The second largest security-level detractor during the

period was our overweight exposure to a Japanese lodging/residential REIT focused on budget-oriented hotels and apartments primarily in the Tokyo area. The company delivered disappointing earnings results during the third quarter of 2016 and materially revised downward its future hotel operating results guidance. At the margin it appears the strength of the Japanese yen has had a negative impact on lodging demand and new supply is impacting hotel pricing.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objectives.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Real Estate Operating Companies

    35

Retail REITs

    25   

Diversified REITs

    25   

Office REITs

    9   

Specialized REITs

    3   

Industrial REITs

    2   

Residential REITs

    1   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Real Estate: The Fund may be negatively affected by factors specific to the real estate market, including interest rates, leverage, property, and management.

Foreign Investing: Investing internationally involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

30


Table of Contents

International Real Estate Securities Fund (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        5 years       

Since

Inception

      

Inception

Date

 
Class A Shares at NAV2        10.47        11.02        1.66        10/1/07   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        4.12           9.72           0.99           10/1/07   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        9.69           10.21           0.90           10/1/07   
Class I Shares at NAV        10.72           11.33           1.91           10/1/07   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           16.37           6.10 5           
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental ex U.S. Index (net)        13.34           10.67           0.88 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 1.78%, Net 1.50%; C Shares: Gross 2.53%, Net 2.25%; I Shares: Gross 1.53%, Net 1.25%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by the contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on October 1, 2007 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

31


Table of Contents

International Small-Cap Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VISAX

Class C: VCISX

Class I: VIISX

Class R6: VRISX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 24.58%, Class C shares returned 23.76%, Class I shares returned 24.94%, and Class R6 shares returned 25.06%. For the same period, the MSCI All Country World ex U.S. Small Cap Index (net), which serves as the Fund’s broad-based and style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 13.38%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Following the sharp sell-off in the calendar third quarter of 2015 (the Fund’s fiscal fourth quarter), global equity markets rallied in the fourth quarter of 2015. Selling resumed early in the first quarter of 2016 over global growth concerns. As the global economic growth outlook stabilized, and concerns over central bank tightening (primarily by the U.S. Federal Reserve) waned, global equities advanced substantially over the last two quarters.

Following dismal performance over the last few years, materials was the best performing equity sector over the last year as global commodity prices finally showed signs of stabilization. Because of this, countries where natural resources make up a large part of the economy, such as Brazil, Russia, South Africa, and Canada, performed strongly. Europe underperformed due to the U.K. vote to leave the European Union and fears over a potential debt crisis appearing in Greece and Italy yet again.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund outperformed the benchmark by a significant margin over the year, mainly driven by stock selection. In addition to stock selection, our geographic weighting, which was a significant

headwind to performance in the prior year, provided a tailwind. This was driven by strong stock selection in Latin America and strong stock selection and our underweight position in European stocks which, overall, underperformed.

In terms of individual stocks, the largest positive contributor to performance was Tegma Gestao Logistica, a transportation logistics company in Brazil. Its primary business is transporting new cars from automotive production facilities to dealerships throughout the country. Last year, Tegma was our largest detractor from performance as the Brazilian auto industry, and the country overall, deteriorated from simply bad into a genuine crisis. Over the last 12 months, we saw some signs of stabilization in Brazil on many fronts, including optimism that the automotive industry may resume growth next year. Tegma also took important steps over this time to strengthen its balance sheet and improve its cost structure.

The largest detractor from performance over the last year was Autohome. The company, which is listed in the U.S., is the leading online destination for automobile consumers in China. The shares have been under pressure for two primary reasons. First, management has continued to invest in their new car transaction business at the expense of current margins. Second, there has been significant management and shareholder turnover as the controlling shareholder, Australian-listed Telstra, sold most of their stake to Ping An, a Chinese-listed insurance company, who subsequently replaced senior management. Collectively, this has created uncertainty with investors, which generally leads to lower stock prices. While we are frustrated with some of the actions taking place at the management and ownership level, the core business at Autohome has continued to perform well. We believe that the strength of the core business will ultimately drive the overall profitability of the business and the stock in the long run and, therefore, as of the Fund’s fiscal year end we continued to hold our position.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market and or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Information Technology

    26

Industrials

    24   

Financials

    13   

Consumer Staples

    10   

Materials

    9   

Health Care

    8   

Consumer Discretionary

    7   

Other (includes securities lending collateral)

    3   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Limited Number of Investments: Because the Fund has a limited number of securities, it may be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting its securities than a less concentrated fund.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

32


Table of Contents

International Small-Cap Fund (Continued)

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        24.58        11.31        9/5/12   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        17.42           9.70           9/5/12   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        23.76           10.50           9/5/12   
Class I Shares at NAV        24.94           11.59           9/5/12   
Class R6 Shares at NAV        25.06           6.22           11/12/14   
MSCI AC World ex U.S. Small Cap Index (net)*        13.38           6           
S&P 500® Index*        15.43           5           

Fund Expense Ratios7: A Shares: Gross 1.75%, Net 1.61%; C Shares: Gross 2.50%, Net 2.36%; I Shares: Gross 1.50%, Net 1.36%; R6 Shares: Gross 1.41%, Net 1.27%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The index returned 5.56% for Class R6 shares and 13.67% for Class A, C, and I shares from the inception date of the respective share class.
6  The index returned 4.88% for Class R6 shares and 8.71% for Class A, C, and I shares from the inception date of the respective share class.
7  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by the contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver.
* The MSCI AC World ex U.S. Small Cap Index (net) is an appropriate Broad Based Index. The Fund no longer uses the S&P 500® Index.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 5, 2012 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

33


Table of Contents

International Wealth Masters Fund

 

Fund Summary

  

Ticker Symbols:

Class A: VIWAX

Class C: VIWCX

Class I: VWIIX

 

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Horizon Asset Management, LLC

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

 

¢   For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 10.29%, Class C shares returned 9.39%, and Class I shares returned 10.62%. For the same period, the S&P 500® Index, a broad-based equity index, returned 15.43%, and the MSCI EAFE® Index (net), the Fund’s style-specific benchmark appropriate for comparison, returned 6.52%.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year?

Global markets tumbled at the beginning of 2016, as many of the stocks that had appreciated dramatically in 2015 fell significantly after they reported financial results and provided their outlooks for 2016. Markets rebounded, only to fall again in late June following the unexpected result of the “Brexit” referendum whereby the United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union. U.S. markets recovered swiftly and moved higher, while global markets largely recovered but did not return to the highs reached in late 2015.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

The Fund invests in non-U.S., exchange-listed companies that are owned and operated by some of the wealthiest, most successful investors, business executives, and entrepreneurs in the world (“owner-operators”), and allows investors to leverage the business acumen of these highly-skilled individuals.

The Fund outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI EAFE® Index, during the 12 months ended September 30, 2016. Though assets continued to flow from actively managed funds toward passively managed funds, this trend appears to have been less pronounced in international funds than in U.S. funds. In fact, in the first half of the fiscal year, U.S. mutual

funds focused on developed markets (non-U.S.) and emerging markets experienced net inflows.

At the sector level, financials and materials were the largest contributors to relative returns, while industrials and energy were the largest detractors.

At the stock level, the five largest contributors to relative performance (and their owner-operators) were Glencore plc (Ivan Glasenberg); Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. (Andrew Forrest); Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shoji Uehara); Konami Holdings Corp. (Kagemasa Kozuki); and ArcelorMittal SA (Lakshmi Mittal). The five largest detractors from relative performance (and their owner-operators) were Sports Direct International plc (Michael Ashley); Genel Energy PLC (Nathaniel Rothschild); EasyJet plc (Stelios Haji-Ioannou); TalkTalk Telecom Group PLC (Charles Dunstone); and OCI NV (Nassef Sawiris).

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

There is no guarantee the Fund will meet its objective.

 

 
Asset Allocation  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors and as a percentage of total investments as of September 30, 2016.

 

    

Consumer Discretionary

    29

Industrials

    13   

Consumer Staples

    13   

Information Technology

    11   

Financials

    9   

Materials

    7   

Real Estate

    5   

Other (includes securities lending collateral)

    13   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Foreign Investing: Investing internationally involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

34


Table of Contents

International Wealth Masters Fund (Continued)

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 9/30/16  
       1 year        Since
Inception
       Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2        10.29        2.64        11/17/14   
Class A Shares at POP3,4        3.94           -0.56           11/17/14   
Class C Shares at NAV2 and with CDSC4        9.39           1.85           11/17/14   
Class I Shares at NAV2        10.62           2.92           11/17/14   
S&P 500® Index        15.43           5.51 5           
MSCI EAFE® Index (net)        6.52           -0.37 5           

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares: Gross 3.84%, Net 1.55%; C Shares: Gross 4.59%, Net 2.30%; I Shares: Gross 3.59%, Net 1.30%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares made within 18 months of purchase in which a finder’s fee was paid and all redemptions of Class C shares within the first year are 1% and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the Fund’s inception date.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective January 28, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Net Expense: Expenses reduced by the contractual fee waiver in effect through January 31, 2017. Gross Expense: Does not reflect the effect of the fee waiver.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on November 17, 2014 (inception date of the Fund), for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

35


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—42.0%   

Arab Republic of Egypt 144A
5.875%, 6/11/25(3)

  $ 200      $ 190   

Argentine Republic

   

144A 9.125%, 3/16/24(3)

    150        168   

144A 7.500%, 4/22/26(3)

    300        339   

144A 7.875%, 6/15/27(3)

    150        161   

Series NY,
8.280%, 12/31/33

    336        388   

144A 7.125%,
7/6/36(3)(4)

    150        159   

Bermuda RegS
4.854%, 2/6/24(4)

    200        221   

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

   

RegS 7.750%, 10/13/19(4)

    140        87   

RegS 7.650%, 4/21/25(4)

    285        138   

9.375%, 1/13/34

    325        170   

City of Buenos Aires 144A
7.500%, 6/1/27(3)

    250        273   

Dominican Republic

   

144A 5.875%, 4/18/24(3)

    100        109   

144A 6.875%, 1/29/26(3)

    100        116   

144A 6.850%, 1/27/45(3)

    100        112   

Federative Republic of Brazil

   

Treasury Note Series F,
10.000%, 1/1/25

    280 BRL      82   

6.000%, 4/7/26

    400        444   

5.625%, 1/7/41

    300        299   

Hungary

   

5.375%, 2/21/23

    146        167   

5.375%, 3/25/24

    180        209   

Islamic Republic of Pakistan 144A
8.250%, 9/30/25(3)

    200        223   

Kingdom of Bahrain 144A
6.000%, 9/19/44(3)

    200        167   

Kingdom of Morocco 144A
5.500%, 12/11/42(3)

    200        229   

Lebanese Republic
6.600%, 11/27/26

    200        197   

Mongolia 144A
10.875%, 4/6/21(3)

    200        215   

Paraguay Government International Bond 144A
4.625%, 1/25/23(3)

    200        212   

Philippine Government International Bond
6.375%, 10/23/34

    200        291   

Republic of Argentina
2.500%, 12/31/38(2)

    150        107   

Republic of Armenia 144A
7.150%, 3/26/25(3)

    200        213   

Republic of Chile
5.500%, 8/5/20

    70,000 CLP      113   

Republic of Colombia

   

Treasury Note, Series B,
11.250%, 10/24/18

    100,000 COP      38   

6.125%, 1/18/41

    100        121   

Republic of Costa Rica 144A
7.000%, 4/4/44(3)

    200        214   

Republic of Cote d’Ivoire 144A
6.375%, 3/3/28(3)

    200        209   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—continued   

Republic of El Salvador

   

144A 6.375%, 1/18/27(3)

  $ 155      $ 157   

144A 7.650%, 6/15/35(3)

    70        74   

Republic of Ghana RegS
10.750%, 10/14/30(4)

    200        234   

Republic of Guatemala 144A
4.500%, 5/3/26(3)

    200        209   

Republic of Indonesia

   

Series FR63,
5.625%, 5/15/23

    624,000 IDR      45   

Series FR56,
8.375%, 9/15/26

    1,566,000 IDR      131   

144A 5.125%, 1/15/45(3)

    200        228   

Republic of Iraq RegS
5.800%, 1/15/28(4)

    250        204   

Republic of Kazakhstan 144A
4.875%, 10/14/44(3)

    200        210   

Republic of Kenya 144A
6.875%, 6/24/24(3)

    200        196   

Republic of Panama

   

3.750%, 3/16/25

    200        216   

3.875%, 3/17/28

    200        216   

Republic of Peru
4.125%, 8/25/27

    280        320   

Republic of Poland Series 1021,
5.750%, 10/25/21

    300 PLN      91   

Republic of Romania

   

144A 6.750%, 2/7/22(3)

    150        181   

RegS 4.875%, 1/22/24(4)

    100        114   

RegS 6.125%, 1/22/44(4)

    120        162   

Republic of South Africa

   

Series R203,
8.250%, 9/15/17

    758 ZAR      56   

Series R208,
6.750%, 3/31/21

    1,470 ZAR      102   

Republic of Sri Lanka

   

144A 5.875%, 7/25/22(3)

    200        206   

144A 6.850%, 11/3/25(3)

    200        215   

144A 6.825%, 7/18/26(3)

    200        216   

Republic of Turkey

   

5.125%, 3/25/22

    200        208   

7.375%, 2/5/25

    120        142   

4.875%, 10/9/26

    200        204   

6.750%, 5/30/40

    225        263   

6.625%, 2/17/45

    200        234   

Republic of Uruguay
5.100%, 6/18/50

    400 (7)      415   

Socialist Republic of Vietnam RegS
4.800%, 11/19/24(4)

    200        212   

South Africa Government International Bond
5.000%, 10/12/46

    200        201   

State of Qatar 144A
3.250%, 6/2/26(3)

    200        203   

Sultanate of Oman 144A
4.750%, 6/15/26(3)

    200        201   

Ukraine 144A
7.750%, 9/1/26(3)

    160        151   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES—continued   

United Mexican States

   

Series M,
6.500%, 6/9/22

    614 MXN    $ 33   

4.750%, 3/8/44

  $ 150        156   
TOTAL FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $12,345)
         12,787   
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES—52.1%   
Argentina—0.3%   

YPF S.A. 144A
8.500%, 3/23/21(3)

    90        101   
   

 

 

 
Azerbaijan—1.4%   

Southern Gas Corridor CJSC 144A
6.875%, 3/24/26(3)

    200        224   

State Oil Co. (Republic of Azerbaijan)
4.750%, 3/13/23

    200        198   
   

 

 

 
      422   
   

 

 

 
Barbados—0.7%   

Columbus Cable Barbados Ltd. Series B,144A
7.375%, 3/30/21(3)

    200        213   
   

 

 

 
Brazil—4.0%   

BRF SA
7.750%, 5/22/18

    400 BRL      114   

JBS Investments GmbH 144A
7.250%, 4/3/24(3)

    200        204   

Odebrecht Offshore Drilling Finance Ltd. 144A
6.750%, 10/1/22(3)

    171        32   

Petrobras Global Finance BV

   

3.000%, 1/15/19

    80        78   

5.375%, 1/27/21

    290        287   

8.375%, 5/23/21

    60        66   

8.750%, 5/23/26

    240        266   

6.750%, 1/27/41

    100        87   

Vale Overseas Ltd.
5.875%, 6/10/21

    70        73   
   

 

 

 
      1,207   
   

 

 

 
Canada—0.2%   

Eldorado Gold Corp. 144A
6.125%, 12/15/20(3)

    45        46   
   

 

 

 
Chile—2.8%   

Guanay Finance Ltd. 144A
6.000%, 12/15/20(3)

    218        222   

Inversiones CMPC S.A. 144A
4.375%, 5/15/23(3)

    200        209   

Transelec S.A. 144A
4.250%, 1/14/25(3)

    200        210   

VTR Finance BV 144A
6.875%, 1/15/24(3)

    200        208   
   

 

 

 
      849   
   

 

 

 
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

36


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
China—3.5%    

Bank of China Ltd. 144A
5.000%, 11/13/24(3)

  $ 200      $ 216   

BOC Aviation Pte Ltd.
3.875%, 5/9/19

    200        209   

Kunlun Energy Co., Ltd. 144A

3.750%, 5/13/25(3)

    200        209   

State Grid Overseas Investment Ltd. 144A
4.125%, 5/7/24(3)

    200        221   

Tencent Holdings Ltd. 144A
3.800%, 2/11/25(3)

    200        214   
   

 

 

 
      1,069   
   

 

 

 
Colombia—2.1%   

Bancolombia S.A.
5.125%, 9/11/22

    100        104   

Ecopetrol S.A.

   

5.875%, 9/18/23

    200        216   

5.375%, 6/26/26

    70        73   

GrupoSura Finance S.A. 144A
5.500%, 4/29/26(3)

    200        212   

Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp. 144A
5.125%, 3/28/23(3)(9)

    200        38   
   

 

 

 
      643   
   

 

 

 
El Salvador—0.6%   

AES El Salvador Trust II 144A
6.750%, 3/28/23(3)

    200        190   
   

 

 

 
Hong Kong—0.7%   

Bank of China Hong Kong Ltd. 144A
5.550%, 2/11/20(3)

    200        221   
   

 

 

 
India—2.3%   

Bharti Airtel International Netherlands BV 144A
5.125%, 3/11/23(3)

    200        218   

ICICI Bank Ltd. Dubai 144A
4.000%, 3/18/26(3)

    200        207   

Reliance Holdings USA, Inc. 144A
5.400%, 2/14/22(3)

    250        282   
   

 

 

 
      707   
   

 

 

 
Indonesia—4.0%   

Pelabuhan Indonesia II PT 144A
4.250%, 5/5/25(3)

    200        204   

Pertamina Persero PT

   

144A 4.875%, 5/3/22(3)

    200        216   

144A 6.000%, 5/3/42(3)

    275        303   

144A 5.625%, 5/20/43(3)

    200        211   

Perusahaan Listrik Negara PT 144A
5.500%, 11/22/21(3)

    250        279   
   

 

 

 
      1,213   
   

 

 

 
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Jamaica—0.6%   

Digicel Group Ltd. 144A
8.250%, 9/30/20(3)

  $ 200      $ 175   
   

 

 

 
Kazakhstan—1.4%   

Development Bank of Kazakhstan OJSC 144A
4.125%, 12/10/22(3)

    200        196   

KazMunayGas National Co. 144A
6.375%, 4/9/21(3)

    200        221   
   

 

 

 
      417   
   

 

 

 
Mexico—7.8%   

Alfa SAB de CV 144A
5.250%, 3/25/24(3)

    200        213   

Alpek SA de C.V. 144A
5.375%, 8/8/23(3)

    200        214   

America Movil SAB de C.V.
Series 12 6.450%, 12/5/22

    2,000 MXN      100   

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Bancomer S.A. 144A
6.750%, 9/30/22(3)

    150        168   

Banco Santander Mexico SA 144A
5.950%, 1/30/24(2)(3)(6)

    200        211   

Cemex SAB de C.V. 144A
7.250%, 1/15/21(3)

    200        213   

Fermaca Enterprises S de RL de CV 144A
6.375%, 3/30/38(3)

    191        195   

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV
2.875%, 5/10/23

    150        150   

Grupo Televisa SAB
7.250%, 5/14/43

    2,000 MXN      89   

Grupo Televisa Sab
6.125%, 1/31/46

    200        220   

Petroleos Mexicanos

   

4.250%, 1/15/25

    100        97   

144A 6.875%, 8/4/26(3)

    205        231   

6.375%, 1/23/45

    100        96   

5.625%, 1/23/46

    200        175   
   

 

 

 
      2,372   
   

 

 

 
Morocco—0.7%   

Office Cherifien des Phosphates S.A. (OCP) 144A
5.625%, 4/25/24(3)

    200        217   
   

 

 

 
Netherlands—0.7%   

GTH Finance BV 144A
7.250%, 4/26/23(3)

    200        218   
   

 

 

 
Peru—2.1%   

Banco de Credito del Peru

   

144A 5.375%,
9/16/20(3)

    100        110   

144A 6.125%,
4/24/27(2)(3)

    100        111   

Banco Internacional del Peru SAA 144A
5.750%, 10/7/20(3)

    100        111   
    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Peru—continued   

Banco Internacional del Peru SAA Interbank 144A
6.625%, 3/19/29(2)(3)

  $ 100      $ 111   

Transportadora de Gas del Peru SA 144A
4.250%, 4/30/28(3)

    200        208   
   

 

 

 
      651   
   

 

 

 
Poland—0.7%   

PKO Finance AB 144A
4.630%, 9/26/22(3)(5)

    200        216   
   

 

 

 
Qatar—0.7%   

Ooredoo International Finance Ltd. 144A
3.750%, 6/22/26(3)

    200        207   
   

 

 

 
Russia—4.4%   

AHML Finance Ltd. 144A
7.750%, 2/13/18(3)

    5,000 RUB      78   

Gazprom OAO (Gaz Capital S.A.)

   

144A 6.000%,
11/27/23(3)(5)

    200        217   

144A 4.950%,
2/6/28(3)(5)

    200        201   

Lukoil OAO International Finance BV 144A
4.563%, 4/24/23(3)

    200        207   

Metalloinvest Finance Ltd. 144A
5.625%, 4/17/20(3)

    200        211   

SCF Capital Ltd. 144A
5.375%, 6/16/23(3)

    200        209   

Severstal OAO Via Steel Capital SA 144A
5.900%, 10/17/22(3)(5)

    200        219   
   

 

 

 
      1,342   
   

 

 

 
Singapore—0.7%   

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. 144A
4.000%, 10/15/24(2)(3)

    200        209   
   

 

 

 
South Africa—1.3%   

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. 144A
7.125%, 2/11/25(3)

    200        206   

Transnet SOC Ltd. 144A
4.000%, 7/26/22(3)

    200        194   
   

 

 

 
      400   
   

 

 

 
Sultanate of Oman—0.6%   

Lamar Funding Ltd. 144A
3.958%, 5/7/25(3)

    200        190   
   

 

 

 
Supranational—2.1%   

Africa Finance Corp. 144A
4.375%, 4/29/20(3)

    200        209   

Corp Andina de Fomento
4.375%, 6/15/22

    200        222   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

37


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    PAR
VALUE
    VALUE  
Supranational—continued   

Eurasian Development Bank 144A
4.767%, 9/20/22(3)

  $ 200      $ 210   
   

 

 

 
      641   
   

 

 

 
Trinidad and Tobago—0.2%   

Petroleum Co. of Trinidad & Tobago Ltd. RegS
6.000%, 5/8/22(4)

    50        49   
   

 

 

 
Turkey—1.3%   

Akbank Tas 144A
5.125%, 3/31/25(3)

    200        196   

Turkiye Is Bankasi A.S 144A
7.850%, 12/10/23(3)

    200        210   
   

 

 

 
      406   
   

 

 

 
Ukraine—1.1%   

Oschadbank Via Ssb #1 plc RegS
9.375%, 3/10/23(2)(4)(5)

    200        194   

Ukreximbank Via Biz Finance plc 144A
9.625%, 4/27/22(3)

    150        147   
   

 

 

 
      341   
   

 

 

 
United Arab Emirates—1.0%   

DP World Ltd. 144A
6.850%, 7/2/37(3)

    250        289   
   

 

 

 
United Kingdom—0.4%   

EnQuest plc 144A
7.000%, 4/15/22(3)

    200        105   
   

 

 

 
United States—0.1%   

Parker Drilling Co.
6.750%, 7/15/22

    50        39   
   

 

 

 
Venezuela—1.6%   

Petroleos de Venezuela SA

   

RegS 8.500%, 11/2/17(4)

    243        210   

144A 6.000%, 5/16/24(3)

    555        238   

Petroleos de Venezuela SA RegS
6.000%, 11/15/26(4)

    100        42   
   

 

 

 
              490   
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES
(Identified Cost $16,001)
        15,855   
LOAN AGREEMENTS(2)—0.1%   
Consumer Discretionary—0.1%   

Delta 2 (Lux) S.a.r.l. Tranche B-3,
4.750%, 7/30/21

    47        47   
TOTAL LOAN AGREEMENTS
(Identified Cost $47)
        47   
    SHARES     VALUE  
PREFERRED STOCK—0.7%   
Energy—0.7%   

PTT Exploration & Production PCL 144A, 4.875%(2)(3)

    200 (8)    $ 204   
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK
(Identified Cost $201)
        204   
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND—0.5%   

iShares JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Fund(10)

    1,400        164   
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
(Identified Cost $165)
        164   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—95.4%   
(Identified Cost $28,759)        29,057   
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—1.4%   
Money Market Mutual Fund—1.4%   

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.360%)(10)

    411,876        412   
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT
(Identified Cost $412)
        412   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—96.8%   
(Identified Cost $29,171)        29,469 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—3.2%

  

    975   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 30,444   
   

 

 

 

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Variable or step coupon security; interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at September 30, 2016.
(3) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $18,364 or 60.3% of net assets.
(4) Regulation S security. Security is offered and sold outside of the United States, therefore, it is exempt from registration with the SEC under Rules 903 and 904 of the Securities Act of 1933.
(5) This Note was issued for the sole purpose of funding a loan agreement between the issuer and the borrower. As the credit risk for this security lies solely with the borrower, the name represented here is that of the borrower.
(6) Interest payments may be deferred.
(7) Principal amount is adjusted pursuant to the change in the Index.
(8) Value shown as par value.
(9) Security in default, no interest payments are being received.
(10) Shares of these funds are publicly offered and the prospectus and annual reports of each are publicly available.

Foreign Currencies:

BRL Brazilian Real
CLP Chilean Peso
COP Colombian Peso
IDR Indonesian Rupiah
MXN Mexican Peso
PLN Polish Zloty
RUB Russian Ruble
ZAR South African Rand

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

Mexico

    9

Brazil

    7   

Argentina

    6   

Indonesia

    5   

Turkey

    5   

China

    4   

Russia

    4   

Other

    60   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

38


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
       Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 

Debt Securities:

                   

Corporate Bonds and Notes

     $ 15,855         $         $ 15,817         $ 38   

Foreign Government Securities

       12,787                     12,787             

Loan Agreements

       47                     47             

Equity Securities:

                   

Preferred Stock

       204                     204             

Exchange-Traded Fund

       164           164                       

Short-Term Investments

       412           412                       
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 29,469         $ 576         $ 28,855         $ 38   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

The following is a reconciliation of assets of the Fund for Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

 

       Total        Corporate Bonds
and Notes
 

Investments in Securities

         

Balance as of September 30, 2015:

     $         $   

Accrued discount/(premium)

                   

Realized gain (loss)

                   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

                   

Purchases

                   

Sales(b)

                   

Transfers into Level 3(a)(c)

       38           38   

Transfers from Level 3(a)

                   
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2016

     $ 38         $ 38   
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(a)  “Transfers into and/or from” represent the ending value as of September 30, 2016, for any investment security where a change in the pricing level occurred from the beginning to the end of the period.
(b)  Includes paydowns on securities, if applicable.
(c)  The transfers into Level 3 are due to a decrease in trading activities at period end.

None of the securities in this table are internally fair valued. The Fund’s investments that are categorized as Level 3 were valued utilizing third party pricing information without adjustment. Such valuations are based on unobservable inputs. A significant change in third party information inputs could result in a significantly lower or higher value of such Level 3 investments.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

39


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
PREFERRED STOCKS—4.5%   
Consumer Staples—0.4%   

Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao Grupo Pao de Acucar 0.31% (Brazil)

    7,400      $ 122   
   

 

 

 
Financials—1.9%    

Banco Bradesco S.A. 5.84% (Brazil)

    41,320        380   

Bancolombia SA 3.11% (Colombia)

    8,053        78   

Itausa Investimentos Itau S.A. 3.96% (Brazil)

    56,470        146   
   

 

 

 
      604   
   

 

 

 
Materials—1.1%   

Braskem SA, Class A 10.31% (Brazil)

    21,300        164   

Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A. Class A (Brazil)

    60,600        196   
   

 

 

 
      360   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—0.2%   

Telefonica Brasil SA (Brazil)

    4,000        58   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—0.9%    

Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais 5.68% (Brazil)

    26,900        71   

Companhia Paranaense de Energia, Class B 3.72% (Brazil)

    19,200        200   
   

 

 

 
              271   
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Identified Cost $1,027)
        1,415   
COMMON STOCKS—92.9%    
Consumer Discretionary—8.4%   

Astra International Tbk PT (Indonesia)

    577,000        366   

Bajaj Auto Ltd. (India)

    5,249        223   

Coway Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

    2,145        186   

Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd. Class H (China)

    142,000        143   

Ford Otomotiv Sanayi AS (Turkey)

    9,264        98   

Foschini Group Ltd. (The) (South Africa)

    6,534        66   

Gome Electrical Appliances Holding Ltd. (China)

    606,000        75   

Home Product Center PCL (Thailand)

    437,600        127   

Kangwon Land, Inc. (South Korea)

    7,311        261   

Kia Motors Corp. (South Korea)

    6,128        235   

Lojas Renner S.A. (Brazil)

    19,300        146   

Merida Industry Co. Ltd. (Taiwan)

    55,000        261   

Steinhoff International Holdings NV (Netherlands)

    40,111        230   

Truworths International Ltd. (South Africa)

    20,255        105   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

Tsogo Sun Holdings Ltd. (South Africa)

    45,862      $ 104   
   

 

 

 
      2,626   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—4.5%   

Ambev SA (Brazil)

    39,800        243   

BRF SA (Brazil)

    6,000        103   

Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de CV (Mexico)

    22,300        205   

Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (India)

    13,214        173   

KT&G Corp. (South Korea)

    3,312        377   

Spar Group Ltd. (The) (South Africa)

    10,616        149   

Want Want China Holdings Ltd. (China)

    219,000        136   
   

 

 

 
      1,386   
   

 

 

 
Energy—5.8%   

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. Class H (China)

    157,800        116   

Cosan S.A. Industria e Comercio (Brazil)

    16,500        191   

Formosa Petrochemical Corp. (Taiwan)

    48,000        144   

Gazprom PAO (Gazstream S.A.) Sponsored ADR (Russia)

    83,152        352   

Lukoil PJSC Sponsored ADR (Russia)

    2,417        118   

Rosneft OJSC GDR (Russia)

    21,876        121   

Sasol Ltd. (South Africa)

    5,285        145   

Tatneft PAO Sponsored ADR (Russia)

    5,150        159   

Thai Oil Public Co. Ltd. (Thailand)

    137,200        272   

Ultrapar Participacoes S.A. (Brazil)

    8,300        184   
   

 

 

 
      1,802   
   

 

 

 
Financials—27.9%   

Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. Class H (China)

    835,000        360   

Aldar Properties PJSC (United Arab Emirates)

    246,117        179   

AMMB Holdings Bhd (Malaysia)

    58,300        58   

Banco de Chile (Chile)

    883,756        99   

Banco do Brasil S.A. (Brazil)

    29,700        210   

Banco Santander Chile SA (Chile)

    2,722,312        141   

Bank of China Ltd. Class H (China)

    1,462,000        675   

Barclays Africa Group Ltd. (South Africa)

    24,339        268   

BM&F Bovespa S.A. (Brazil)

    19,700        102   

Chailease Holding Co. Ltd. (Cayman Islands)

    102,000        182   

China Construction Bank Corp. Class H (China)

    1,538,000        1,155   

China Everbright Bank Co., Ltd. Class H (China)

    486,000        228   

China Everbright Ltd. (China)

    128,000        264   

Commercial Bank QSC (The) (Qatar)

    9,112        96   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Financials—continued   

Dongbu Insurance Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

    5,212      $ 324   

Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC (United Arab Emirates)

    67,324        99   

Emlak Konut Gayrimenkul Yatirim Ortakligi AS (Turkey)

    161,434        164   

First Gulf Bank PJSC (United Arab Emirates)

    39,886        128   

FirstRand Ltd. (South Africa)

    102,863        356   

Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

    175,000        260   

Gentera S.A.B de CV (Mexico)

    62,800        113   

Guangzhou R&F Properties Co., Ltd. Class H (China)

    112,800        179   

Highwealth Construction Corp. (Taiwan)

    168,000        260   

Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

    11,699        386   

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. Class H (China)

    1,573,000        998   

Liberty Holdings Ltd. (South Africa)

    17,343        147   

MMI Holdings Ltd. (South Africa)

    36,401        59   

OTP Bank plc (Hungary)

    4,570        120   

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd. Class H (China)

    62,500        328   

Porto Seguro S.A. (Brazil)

    12,500        115   

Shimao Property Holdings Ltd. (China)

    127,500        174   

Standard Bank Group Ltd. (South Africa)

    21,606        222   

Sunac China Holdings Ltd. (China)

    132,000        96   

Turkiye Is Bankasi Class C (Turkey)

    78,026        124   
   

 

 

 
      8,669   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—2.2%   

China Medical System Holdings Ltd. (China)

    189,000        319   

Richter Gedeon Nyrt (Hungary)

    7,766        158   

Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd.
Class H (China)

    41,200        200   
   

 

 

 
      677   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—7.9%   

Air China Ltd. Class H (China)

    214,000        145   

AirAsia BHD (Malaysia)

    270,300        183   

Bidvest Group Ltd. (The) (South Africa)

    11,577        136   

China Conch Venture Holdings Ltd. (China)

    106,000        207   

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de C.V. Class B (Mexico)

    19,400        184   

LG Corp. (South Korea)

    4,319        255   

Pegatron Corp. (Taiwan)

    131,000        339   

Shanghai Industrial Holdings Ltd. (China)

    101,000        292   

Sinopec Engineering Group Co., Ltd. Class H (China)

    199,000        172   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

40


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY INCOME FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
Industrials—continued   

TAV Havalimanlari Holding AS (Turkey)

    22,507      $ 93   

United Tractors Tbk PT (Indonesia)

    163,300        223   

Weg SA (Brazil)

    13,300        73   

Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd. Class H (China)

    160,000        170   
   

 

 

 
      2,472   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—22.9%   

Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. (Taiwan)

    230,000        276   

Asustek Computer, Inc. (Taiwan)

    36,000        322   

Catcher Technology Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

    63,000        516   

Compal Electronics, Inc. (Taiwan)

    344,000        213   

Delta Electronics Thailand PCL (Thailand)

    97,100        223   

Foxconn Technology CO Ltd. (Taiwan)

    52,520        155   

HCL Technologies Ltd. (India)

    64,727        779   

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

    102,190        259   

Infosys Ltd. (India)

    55,660        866   

Lite-On Technology Corp. (Taiwan)

    105,473        152   

NCSoft Corp. (South Korea)

    257        69   

NetEase, Inc. ADR (China)

    2,086        502   

Powertech Technology, Inc. (Taiwan)

    97,000        252   

Simplo Technology Co. Ltd. (Taiwan)

    66,000        218   

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

    177,000        1,040   

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. (India)

    13,053        477   

TOTVS S.A. (Brazil)

    6,100        58   

Travelsky Technology Ltd. Class H (China)

    98,000        234   

Vanguard International Semiconductor Corp. (Taiwan)

    77,000        145   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Information Technology—continued   

Wipro Ltd. (India)

    22,533      $ 162   

Wistron Corp. (Taiwan)

    8,644        6   

WPG Holdings Ltd. (Taiwan)

    178,000        211   
   

 

 

 
      7,135   
   

 

 

 
Materials—5.4%   

Anhui Conch Cement Co., Ltd. Class H (China)

    63,000        174   

Cementos Argos S.A. (Colombia)

    33,003        131   

Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. Series B (Mexico)

    44,300        108   

Hyosung Corp. (South Korea)

    2,034        242   

IRPC PCL (Thailand)

    525,600        74   

Mondi Ltd. (South Africa)

    9,841        207   

PTT Global Chemical PCL (Thailand)

    208,200        355   

Siam Cement Public Co. Ltd. (Thailand)

    15,600        234   

Sibanye Gold Ltd. (South Africa)

    47,306        171   
   

 

 

 
      1,696   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—5.2%   

America Movil S.A.B. de C.V. Class C Series L (Mexico)

    174,800        100   

China Communications Services Corp. Ltd. Series H (China)

    418,000        262   

China Mobile Ltd. (China)

    51,000        627   

MTN Group Ltd. (South Africa)

    11,218        96   

SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

    1,207        247   

Telkom SA SOC Ltd. (South Africa)

    33,186        146   

Vodacom Group Ltd. (South Africa)

    11,105        125   
   

 

 

 
      1,603   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—2.7%   

China Power International Development Ltd. (China)

    484,000        187   

China Resources Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (China)

    94,000        163   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Utilities—continued   

Interconexion Electrica SA ESP (Colombia)

    18,890      $ 64   

Korea Electric Power Corp. (South Korea)

    8,463        415   
   

 

 

 
              829   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $26,646)
        28,895   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—97.4%   
(Identified Cost $27,673)             30,310   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—97.4%
(Identified Cost $27,673)
        30,310 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—2.6%

  

    806   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 31,116   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviations:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
GDR Global Depositary Receipt

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

China

    28

Taiwan

    17   

South Korea

    10   

Brazil

    9   

India

    9   

South Africa

    8   

Thailand

    4   

Other

    15   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Equity Securities:

              

Common Stocks

     $ 28,895         $ 7,309         $ 21,586   

Preferred Stocks

       1,415           1,415             
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 30,310         $ 8,724         $ 21,586   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

41


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS SMALL-CAP FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
PREFERRED STOCK—0.8%   
Consumer Discretionary—0.8%   

Whirlpool SA (Brazil)

    38,964      $ 41   
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK
(Identified Cost $29)
        41   
COMMON STOCKS—95.7%   
Consumer Discretionary—8.9%   

Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk PT (Indonesia)

    1,498,000        100   

Goldlion Holdings Ltd. (Hong Kong)

    259,000        104   

Pico Far East Holdings Ltd. (Hong Kong)

    706,780        213   

Whirlpool SA (Brazil)

    20,161        20   
   

 

 

 
      437   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—22.4%   

AVI Ltd. (South Africa)

    23,910        164   

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA Sponsored ADR (Chile)

    6,200        125   

Embotelladora Andina ADR S.A. Class-B (Chile)

    2,300        52   

Heineken Malaysia Bhd (Malaysia)

    32,200        138   

Oldtown Bhd (Malaysia)

    322,750        155   

Pinar SUT Mamulleri Sanayii AS (Turkey)

    22,800        110   

Premier Marketing PCL (Thailand)

    643,000        167   

Union de Cervecerias Peruanas Backus y Johnston SAA (Peru)

    10,800        50   

Wawel SA (Poland)

    592        139   
   

 

 

 
      1,100   
   

 

 

 
Energy—1.1%   

Qualitech PCL (Thailand)

    200,000        52   
   

 

 

 
Financials—16.1%   

ARA Asset Management Ltd. (Singapore)

    156,880        156   

BFI Finance Indonesia Tbk PT (Indonesia)

    779,000        197   

Credit Analysis & Research Ltd. (India)

    7,900        161   

Equity Group Holdings Ltd. (Kenya)

    220,600        67   

Korea Ratings Corp. (South Korea)

    3,130        117   

Tisco Financial Group PCL (Thailand)

    61,700        94   
   

 

 

 
      792   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—26.0%   

Freight Management Holdings Bhd (Malaysia)

    218,729        62   

Hy-Lok Corp. (South Korea)

    5,000        99   

Lumax International Corp., Ltd. (Taiwan)

    163,800        252   

Prosegur Cia de Seguridad SA (Spain)

    15,700        110   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Industrials—(continued)    

S-1 Corp. (South Korea)

    1,950      $ 180   

Sinmag Equipment Corp. (Taiwan)

    26,520        120   

Taiwan Secom Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

    58,874        171   

Tegma Gestao Logistica (Brazil)(2)

    74,000        188   

Turk Traktor Ve Ziraat Makineleri AS (Turkey)

    3,600        98   
   

 

 

 
      1,280   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—9.0%   

Autohome, Inc. ADR (China)(2)

    6,300        153   

Cartrack Holdings Ltd. (South Africa)

    71,600        52   

EClerx Services Ltd. (India)

    4,933        112   

Yandex N.V. Class A (Russia)(2)

    6,000        126   
   

 

 

 
      443   
   

 

 

 
Materials—12.2%   

Enaex SA (Chile)

    4,800        50   

KPX Chemical Co. Ltd. (South Korea)

    2,615        143   

Transpaco Ltd. (South Africa)(3)

    107,500        211   

Yung Chi Paint & Varnish Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Taiwan)

    82,000        198   
   

 

 

 
              602   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Identified Cost $4,658)             4,706   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—96.5%   
(Identified Cost $4,687)             4,747   
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—1.1%   
Money Market Mutual Fund—1.1%   

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.360%)(4)

    52,369        52   
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (Identified Cost $52)         52   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—97.6%
(Identified Cost $4,739)
        4,799 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—2.4%

  

    120   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 4,919   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviation:

ADR American Depositary Receipt

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Non-income producing.
(3) Illiquid security.
(4) Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.
Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

Taiwan

    15

South Korea

    11   

South Africa

    9   

Hong Kong

    7   

Malaysia

    7   

Thailand

    7   

Indonesia

    6   

Other

    38   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

    Total Value at
September 30,
2016
    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Equity Securities:

     

Common Stocks

  $ 4,706      $ 2,501      $ 2,205   

Preferred Stock

    41        41          

Short-Term Investments

    52        52          
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Invest
ments

  $ 4,799      $ 2,594      $ 2,205   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

Securities held by the Fund with an end of period value of $453 were transferred from Level 1 to Level 2, and securities with an end of period value of $377 were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1, based on our valuation procedures for non-U.S. securities.

(See Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information.)

 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

42


Table of Contents

VIRTUS GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—99.1%   
Energy—25.7%   

Enbridge, Inc. (Canada)

    120,725      $ 5,340   

Inter Pipeline Ltd. (Canada)

    44,765        945   

Kinder Morgan, Inc. (United States)

    247,945        5,735   

Koninklijke Vopak N.V. (Netherlands)

    16,660        875   

ONEOK, Inc. (United States)

    28,100        1,444   

Pembina Pipeline Corp. (Canada)

    56,325        1,717   

Plains GP Holdings LP Class A (United States)

    82,780        1,071   

Spectra Energy Corp. (United States)

    87,440        3,738   

Tallgrass Energy GP LP (United States)

    39,350        946   

Targa Resources Corp. (United States)

    29,470        1,447   

TransCanada Corp. (Canada)

    111,170        5,287   

Williams Cos., Inc. (The) (United States)

    91,535        2,813   
   

 

 

 
      31,358   
   

 

 

 
Financials—5.9%   

American Tower Corp. (United States)

    30,990        3,512   

Crown Castle International Corp. (United States)

    39,310        3,703   
   

 

 

 
      7,215   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—14.3%   

Abertis Infraestructuras SA (Spain)

    114,550        1,784   

Aena SA (Spain)(2)

    8,530        1,258   

Atlantia SpA (Italy)

    102,541        2,602   

Auckland International Airport Ltd. (New Zealand)

    391,319        2,097   

Ferrovial SA (Spain)

    62,640        1,333   

Flughafen Zuerich AG (Switzerland)

    6,940        1,356   

Sydney Airport (Australia)

    361,900        1,940   

Transurban Group (Australia)

    441,145        3,855   

Vinci SA (France)

    16,395        1,255   
   

 

 

 
      17,480   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—16.2%   

AT&T, Inc. (United States)

    111,790        4,540   

BCE, Inc. (Canada)

    22,445        1,036   

BT Group plc (United Kingdom)

    244,810        1,234   

Deutsche Telekom AG Registered Shares (Germany)

    117,450        1,969   

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. ADR (Japan)

    37,225        1,705   

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (Singapore)

    631,100        1,846   

TELUS Corp. (Canada)

    43,810        1,446   

Verizon Communications, Inc. (United States)

    56,844        2,955   

Vodafone Group plc Sponsored ADR (United Kingdom)

    102,206        2,979   
   

 

 

 
      19,710   
   

 

 

 
    SHARES     VALUE  
Utilities—37.0%   

ALLETE, Inc. (United States)

    20,270      $ 1,209   

American Electric Power Co., Inc. (United States)

    22,185        1,425   

American Water Works Co., Inc. (United States)

    33,940        2,540   

APA Group (Australia)

    171,330        1,122   

Aqua America, Inc. (United States)

    36,735        1,120   

Atmos Energy Corp. (United States)

    23,745        1,768   

Black Hills Corp. (United States)

    19,950        1,221   

CMS Energy Corp. (United States)

    41,230        1,732   

Dominion Resources, Inc. (United States)

    20,960        1,557   

DTE Energy Co. (United States)

    17,455        1,635   

Edison International (United States)

    21,220        1,533   

Emera, Inc. (Canada)

    24,965        900   

Eversource Energy (United States)

    26,635        1,443   

Hera SpA (Italy)

    407,855        1,099   

Iberdrola SA (Spain)

    216,935        1,475   

National Grid plc (United Kingdom)

    245,940        3,481   

NextEra Energy, Inc. (United States)

    37,120        4,541   

NiSource, Inc. (United States)

    50,620        1,220   

ONE Gas, Inc. (United States)

    15,225        942   

Scottish & Southern Energy plc (United Kingdom)

    62,110        1,262   

Sempra Energy (United States)

    28,565        3,062   

SevernTrent plc (United Kingdom)

    38,770        1,259   

Snam Rete Gas SpA (Italy)

    196,995        1,092   

South Jersey Industries, Inc. (United States)

    31,611        934   

Spire, Inc. (United States)

    21,300        1,358   

Vectren Corp. (United States)

    29,550        1,483   

Veolia Environnement SA (France)

    52,770        1,215   

WEC Energy Group, Inc. (United States)

    23,315        1,396   
   

 

 

 
              45,024   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $112,457)
        120,787   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.1%   
(Identified Cost $112,457)             120,787   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.1% (Identified Cost $112,457)         120,787 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—0.9%

  

    1,033   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%     $ 121,820   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviation:

ADR American Depositary Receipt

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $1,258 or 1.0% of net assets.

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

United States

    53

Canada

    14   

United Kingdom

    8   

Australia

    6   

Spain

    5   

Italy

    4   

France

    2   

Other

    8   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

    Total Value at
September 30,
2016
    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Equity Securities:

     

Common Stocks

  $ 120,787      $ 109,926      $ 10,861   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

  $ 120,787      $ 109,926      $ 10,861   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

43


Table of Contents

VIRTUS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—99.6%   
Consumer Discretionary—15.8%   

Alimentation Couche -Tard, Inc. Class B (Canada)

    72,865      $ 3,531   

Amazon.com, Inc. (United States)(2)

    8,142        6,817   

Dollar Tree, Inc. (United States)(2)

    26,984        2,130   

Naspers Ltd. Class N (South Africa)

    14,991        2,595   

NIKE, Inc. Class B (United States)

    63,465        3,341   

Priceline Group, Inc. (The) (United States)(2)

    2,496        3,673   

Starbucks Corp. (United States)

    59,665        3,230   

TJX Cos., Inc. (The) (United States)

    35,486        2,654   
   

 

 

 
      27,971   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—30.4%   

Altria Group, Inc. (United States)

    112,712        7,127   

Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V. (Belgium)

    27,315        3,578   

British American Tobacco plc (United Kingdom)

    125,004        7,988   

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (United States)

    18,586        2,233   

Coca-Cola Co. (The) (United States)

    114,363        4,840   

Nestle S.A. Registered Shares (Switzerland)

    55,744        4,392   

Philip Morris International, Inc. (United States)

    71,678        6,968   

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (United Kingdom)

    75,771        7,135   

Reynolds American, Inc. (United States)

    93,886        4,427   

SABMiller plc (United Kingdom)

    15,939        929   

Unilever N.V. CVA (Netherlands)

    92,280        4,258   
   

 

 

 
      53,875   
   

 

 

 
Financials—17.0%   

American Tower Corp. (United States)

    30,905        3,502   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Class B (United States)(2)

    35,004        5,057   

Housing Development Finance Corp. (India)

    263,341        5,524   

Housing Development Finance Corp. Bank Ltd. (India)

    339,815        6,507   

Housing Development Finance Corp. Bank Ltd. ADR (India)

    4,996        359   

M&T Bank Corp. (United States)

    23,695        2,751   

Wells Fargo & Co. (United States)

    147,596        6,536   
   

 

 

 
      30,236   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—12.4%    

Abbott Laboratories (United States)

    77,816        3,291   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (United States)

    43,288        2,334   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Health Care—continued    

Celgene Corp. (United States)(2)

    35,138      $ 3,673   

Medtronic plc (United States)

    36,027        3,113   

Roche Holding AG (Switzerland)

    20,750        5,147   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (United States)

    31,754        4,446   
   

 

 

 
      22,004   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—22.4%   

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Sponsored ADR (China)(2)

    26,740        2,829   

Alphabet, Inc. Class C (United States)(2)

    9,974        7,753   

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. Class A (United States)(2)

    57,843        2,760   

Facebook, Inc. Class A (United States)(2)

    21,184        2,717   

MasterCard, Inc. Class A (United States)

    69,785        7,102   

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (United States)(2)

    85,113        3,487   

SAP SE (Germany)

    45,853        4,168   

Tencent Holdings Ltd. (China)

    81,417        2,264   

Visa, Inc. Class A (United States)

    81,651        6,752   
   

 

 

 
      39,832   
   

 

 

 
Materials—1.6%    

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (United States)

    15,786        2,827   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $135,196)
        176,745   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.6%   
(Identified Cost $135,196)        176,745   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.6% (Identified Cost $135,196)         176,745 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—0.4%

  

    706   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 177,451   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviation:

ADR American Depositary Receipt

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Non-income producing.
Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

United States

    65

United Kingdom

    9   

India

    7   

Switzerland

    6   

Netherlands

    3   

Germany

    2   

Belgium

    2   

Other

    6   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

    Total Value at
September 30,
2016
    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Equity Securities:

     

Common Stocks

  $ 176,745      $ 162,451      $ 14,294   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

  $ 176,745      $ 162,451      $ 14,294   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

44


Table of Contents

VIRTUS GLOBAL REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—97.3%   
Australia—5.0%   

Dexus Property Group

    236,339      $ 1,661   

GPT Group (The)

    209,900        818   

GPT Group (The) – In Specie(2)(3)(5)

    13,566          

National Storage REIT

    807,000        995   

Scentre Group

    898,389        3,243   

Westfield Corp.

    401,350        3,003   
   

 

 

 
      9,720   
   

 

 

 
Austria—0.4%   

Atrium European Real Estate Ltd.

    168,000        749   
   

 

 

 
Canada—3.2%   

Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust

    70,385        2,021   

Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust

    30,475        1,093   

First Capital Realty, Inc.

    43,880        735   

RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust

    115,362        2,394   
   

 

 

 
      6,243   
   

 

 

 
Finland—0.9%   

Citycon OYJ

    695,232        1,770   
   

 

 

 
France—1.8%   

Klepierre

    54,120        2,480   

Mercialys SA

    45,150        1,086   
   

 

 

 
      3,566   
   

 

 

 
Germany—5.0%   

ADO Properties SA(4)

    61,542        2,461   

Deutsche Wohnen AG

    56,075        2,038   

LEG Immobilien AG

    9,304        891   

TLG Immobilien AG

    44,400        1,002   

Vonovia SE

    90,848        3,440   
   

 

 

 
      9,832   
   

 

 

 
Hong Kong—1.8%   

Hysan Development Co. Ltd.

    106,000        499   

Link REIT (The)

    425,504        3,141   
   

 

 

 
      3,640   
   

 

 

 
Italy—0.2%   

Beni Stabili SpA

    738,062        440   
   

 

 

 
Japan—6.9%    

GLP J-REIT

    1,127        1,501   

Hulic Co., Ltd.

    164,900        1,685   

Industrial & Infrastructure Fund Investment Corp.

    142        723   

Invincible Investment Corp.

    1,915        1,072   

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    218        1,304   

Kenedix Office Investment Corp.

    231        1,420   

Kenedix Retail REIT Corp.

    375        889   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Japan—continued    

LaSalle Logiport REIT(2)

    1,336      $ 1,418   

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.

    217        1,375   

Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.

    372        941   

United Urban Investment Corp.

    688        1,251   
   

 

 

 
      13,579   
   

 

 

 
Mexico—0.4%   

PLA Administradora Industrial S de Rl de CV

    60,722        101   

Prologis Property Mexico SA de CV

    367,800        603   
   

 

 

 
      704   
   

 

 

 
Netherlands—2.5%   

Unibail-Rodamco SE

    17,948        4,839   
   

 

 

 
Norway—0.6%   

Entra ASA(4)

    97,500        1,091   
   

 

 

 
Singapore—0.8%    

CapitaLand Mall Trust

    432,450        689   

Global Logistic Properties Ltd.

    649,500        896   
   

 

 

 
      1,585   
   

 

 

 
Spain—1.2%   

Axiare Patrimonio SOCIMI SA

    138,689        1,836   

Hispania Activos Inmobiliarios Socimi SA

    40,318        540   
   

 

 

 
      2,376   
   

 

 

 
Sweden—0.8%   

Castellum AB

    104,410        1,564   
   

 

 

 
United Kingdom—5.4%   

Big Yellow Group plc

    102,728        1,038   

British Land Co. plc

    148,500        1,217   

Derwent London plc

    28,910        975   

Great Portland Estates plc

    65,276        535   

Hammerson plc

    190,420        1,449   

Land Securities Group plc

    108,131        1,483   

Safestore Holdings plc

    213,557        1,066   

SEGRO plc

    205,690        1,210   

Unite Group plc (The)

    200,400        1,648   
   

 

 

 
      10,621   
   

 

 

 
United States—60.4%   

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    36,738        1,869   

American Homes 4 Rent Class A

    69,050        1,494   

Apartment Investment & Management Co. Class A

    29,100        1,336   

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    16,865        2,999   

Boston Properties, Inc.

    11,328        1,544   

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    118,633        3,297   

Coresite Realty Corp.

    28,300        2,095   

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    111,400        1,163   

CubeSmart

    124,775        3,401   

CyrusOne, Inc.

    19,000        904   

DCT Industrial Trust, Inc.

    96,298        4,675   
    SHARES     VALUE  
United States—continued   

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    51,150      $ 4,968   

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    85,695        3,139   

Duke Realty Corp.

    158,900        4,343   

Equinix, Inc.

    7,900        2,846   

Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc.

    23,746        1,833   

Equity Residential

    40,815        2,626   

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    25,604        5,702   

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    39,245        3,117   

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    19,700        3,032   

General Growth Properties, Inc.

    105,219        2,904   

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    57,321        1,952   

Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. Class A

    87,800        2,864   

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    60,460        3,151   

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    77,908        1,213   

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    60,775        4,215   

Paramount Group, Inc.

    151,440        2,482   

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    36,509        971   

Prologis, Inc.

    85,298        4,567   

Public Storage

    17,022        3,798   

Regency Centers Corp.

    45,650        3,537   

RLJ Lodging Trust

    66,550        1,400   

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    51,231        10,605   

Store Capital Corp.

    113,672        3,350   

Sun Communities, Inc.

    35,250        2,766   

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers

    79,750        3,107   

Ventas, Inc.

    38,872        2,746   

Vornado Realty Trust

    48,600        4,919   

Welltower, Inc.

    21,419        1,602   
   

 

 

 
              118,532   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $172,553)
        190,851   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—97.3%   
(Identified Cost $172,553)             190,851   
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—1.2%   
Money Market Mutual Fund—1.2%   

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.360%)(6)

    2,293,683        2,294   
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT
(Identified Cost $2,294)
        2,294   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—98.5%
(Identified Cost $174,847)
        193,145 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—1.5%

  

    2,930   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 196,075   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviation:

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust
 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

45


Table of Contents

VIRTUS GLOBAL REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Non-income producing.
(3) Illiquid security.
(4) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $3,552 or 1.8% of net assets.
(5) Security valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Trustees. This security is disclosed as a level 3 security in the disclosure table located after the Schedule of Investments.
(6) Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.
Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

United States

    63

Japan

    7   

United Kingdom

    5   

Germany

    5   

Australia

    5   

Canada

    3   

Netherlands

    3   

Other

    9   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
       Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 

Equity Securities:

                   

Common Stocks

     $ 190,851         $ 162,328         $ 28,523         $ 0

Short-Term Investments

       2,294           2,294                       
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 193,145         $ 164,622         $ 28,523         $ 0
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

* Includes internally fair valued security currently priced at zero ($0).

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

46


Table of Contents

VIRTUS GREATER EUROPEAN OPPORTUNITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
PREFERRED STOCK—0.5%   
Health Care—0.5%   

Grifols SA Class B

    7,005      $ 112   
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK
(Identified Cost $118)
        112   
COMMON STOCKS—94.8%    
Consumer Discretionary—12.0%   

Domino’s Pizza Group plc (United Kingdom)

    75,080        364   

Hermes International SA (France)

    1,477        601   

Paddy Power Betfair plc (Ireland)

    3,451        390   

Persimmon plc (United Kingdom)

    4,849        114   

Priceline Group, Inc. (The) (United States)(2)

    678        998   

Sodexo SA (France)

    1,982        236   
   

 

 

 
      2,703   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—39.8%   

Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V. (Belgium)

    4,977        652   

British American Tobacco plc (United Kingdom)

    22,801        1,457   

Chocoladefabrike Lindt & Spruengli AG (Switzerland)

    43        249   

Diageo plc (United Kingdom)

    9,152        262   

Heineken N.V. (Netherlands)

    5,091        448   

Imperial Brands plc (United Kingdom)

    13,922        717   

L’Oreal SA (France)

    2,038        385   

Nestle S.A. Registered Shares (Switzerland)

    13,509        1,064   

Pernod-Ricard SA (France)

    2,410        285   

Philip Morris International, Inc. (United States)

    11,197        1,089   

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (United Kingdom)

    11,936        1,124   

SABMiller plc (United Kingdom)

    3,775        220   

Unilever N.V. CVA (Netherlands)

    22,373        1,032   
   

 

 

 
      8,984   
   

 

 

 
Financials—4.8%   

ABN AMRO Group N.V. CVA (Netherlands)(3)

    11,315        234   

Lloyds Banking Group plc (United Kingdom)

    147,058        104   

Reinet Investments SCA (Luxembourg)

    7,486        156   

Svenska Handelsbanken AB Class A (Sweden)

    17,841        245   

UBS Group AG Registered Shares (Switzerland)

    24,847        338   
   

 

 

 
      1,077   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—15.1%   

Coloplast A/S Class B (Denmark)

    4,636        360   

Essilor International SA (France)

    4,321        557   

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (Germany)

    6,054        529   

Grifols SA (Spain)

    20,053        432   

Novo Nordisk A/S Class B (Denmark)

    12,690        527   

Roche Holding AG (Switzerland)

    4,017        997   
   

 

 

 
      3,402   
   

 

 

 
    SHARES     VALUE  
Industrials—8.4%   

Aena SA (Spain)(3)

    3,082      $ 455   

Bureau Veritas SA (France)

    16,141        346   

DCC plc (Ireland)

    2,540        231   

DKSH Holding AG (Switzerland)

    3,513        258   

Flughafen Zuerich AG (Switzerland)

    1,880        367   

Vinci SA (France)

    3,030        232   
   

 

 

 
      1,889   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—9.5%   

Accenture plc Class A (United States)

    5,652        691   

Amadeus IT Holding SA Class A (Spain)

    8,790        439   

SAP SE (Germany)

    11,127        1,011   
   

 

 

 
      2,141   
   

 

 

 
Materials—4.1%   

Air Liquide SA (France)

    4,910        527   

HeidelbergCement AG (Germany)

    2,098        198   

Randgold Resources Ltd. (United Kingdom)

    1,143        115   

Randgold Resources Ltd. ADR (United Kingdom)

    900        90   
   

 

 

 
      930   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—1.1%   

Unibail-Rodamco SE (Netherlands)

    969        261   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $17,439)
        21,387   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—95.3%   
(Identified Cost $17,557)             21,499   
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—0.0%   

INVESCO Trust Short-Term Investments Liquid Assets Portfolio (The) – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.390%) (United States)(4)(5)

    14,872        15   
TOTAL SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Identified Cost $15)
         15   
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—0.5%   
Money Market Mutual Fund—0.5%   

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.360%)(4)

    110,821        111   
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (Identified Cost $111)         111   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—95.8%
(Identified Cost $17,683)
        21,625 (1)  

Other assets and liabilities, net—4.2%

  

    924   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%     $ 22,549   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviation:

ADR American Depositary Receipt

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Non-income producing.
(3) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $689 or 3.1% of net assets.
(4) Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.
(5)  Represents security purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan.

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

United Kingdom

    21

Switzerland

    15   

France

    15   

United States

    13   

Netherlands

    9   

Germany

    8   

Spain

    7   

Other

    12   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

    Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
 

Equity Securities:

   

Common Stocks

  $ 21,387      $ 21,387   

Preferred Stock

    112        112   

Securities Lending Collateral

    15        15   

Short-Term Investments

    111        111   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

  $ 21,625      $ 21,625   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

There are no Level 2 (significant observable inputs) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

47


Table of Contents

VIRTUS INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—90.4%   
Consumer Discretionary—17.3%   

Ashtead Group plc (United Kingdom)

    7,050      $ 116   

Bridgestone Corp. (Japan)

    2,905        107   

Ctrip.Com International Ltd. ADR (China)(2)

    2,120        99   

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (Japan)

    2,875        108   

RELX plc (United Kingdom)

    7,245        137   

Sony Corp. Sponsored ADR (Japan)

    4,675        155   

WPP plc (United Kingdom)

    6,170        145   
   

 

 

 
      867   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—8.9%   

British American Tobacco plc (United Kingdom)

    2,345        150   

Heineken N.V. (Netherlands)

    1,600        140   

Marine Harvest ASA Sponsored ADR (Norway)

    8,750        157   
   

 

 

 
      447   
   

 

 

 
Energy—5.1%   

Statoil ASA (Norway)

    7,655        128   

Technip SA (France)

    2,070        127   
   

 

 

 
      255   
   

 

 

 
Financials—7.5%   

American International Group, Inc. (United States)

    2,215        131   

DBS Group Holdings Ltd. (Singapore)

    8,895        101   

ORIX Corp. (Japan)

    9,885        146   
   

 

 

 
      378   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—8.8%   

Allergan plc (Ireland)(2)

    795        183   

Icon plc (Ireland)(2)

    1,550        120   

Shire plc ADR (United Kingdom)

    720        140   
   

 

 

 
      443   
   

 

 

 
    SHARES     VALUE  
Industrials—8.2%   

Airbus Group SE (France)

    1,985      $ 120   

IMAX Corp. (Canada)(2)

    4,055        117   

Nidec Corp. (Japan)

    1,890        175   
   

 

 

 
      412   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—13.5%   

Broadcom Ltd. (Singapore)

    835        144   

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (Israel)(2)

    1,305        101   

NXP Semiconductors NV (Netherlands)(2)

    1,390        142   

SAP SE Sponsored ADR (Germany)

    1,685        154   

Tencent Holdings Ltd. (China)

    4,955        138   
   

 

 

 
      679   
   

 

 

 
Materials—7.7%   

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (Canada)

    3,785        205   

Randgold Resources Ltd. (United Kingdom)

    1,780        180   
   

 

 

 
      385   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—2.7%   

Unibail-Rodamco SE (Netherlands)

    500        135   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—8.4%   

KDDI Corp. (Japan)

    5,315        165   

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. ADR (Japan)

    2,640        121   

Spark New Zealand Ltd. (New Zealand)

    51,296        135   
   

 

 

 
      421   
   

 

 

 
    SHARES     VALUE  
Utilities—2.3%   

Korea Electric Power Corp. (South Korea)

    2,330      $ 114   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $3,776)
            4,536   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—90.4%   
(Identified Cost $3,776)             4,536   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—90.4%
(Identified Cost $3,776)
        4,536 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—9.6%

  

    483   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 5,019   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviation:

ADR American Depositary Receipt

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Non-income producing.

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

Japan

    22

United Kingdom

    19   

Netherlands

    9   

Canada

    7   

Ireland

    7   

Norway

    6   

France

    5   

Other

    25   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

     Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Equity Securities:

            

Common Stocks

   $ 4,536         $ 3,348         $ 1,188   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 4,536         $ 3,348         $ 1,188   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

48


Table of Contents

VIRTUS INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—97.5%   
Australia—13.1%   

Dexus Property Group

    107,518      $ 756   

GPT Group (The)

    108,300        422   

GPT Group (The) – In
Specie(2)(3)(5)

    588,920          

National Storage REIT

    291,000        359   

Scentre Group

    422,171        1,524   

Westfield Corp.

    203,473        1,522   
   

 

 

 
      4,583   
   

 

 

 
Austria—0.6%   

Atrium European Real Estate Ltd.

    44,000        196   
   

 

 

 
Canada—8.1%   

Allied Properties Real Estate Investment Trust

    31,565        907   

Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust

    13,695        491   

First Capital Realty, Inc.

    20,205        338   

RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust

    53,550        1,111   
   

 

 

 
      2,847   
   

 

 

 
Finland—2.5%   

Citycon OYJ

    349,291        889   
   

 

 

 
France—4.8%   

Klepierre

    25,956        1,190   

Mercialys SA

    21,200        510   
   

 

 

 
      1,700   
   

 

 

 
Germany—11.0%   

ADO Properties SA(4)

    15,322        613   

Deutsche Wohnen AG

    26,475        962   

LEG Immobilien AG

    4,511        432   

TLG Immobilien AG

    8,000        180   

Vonovia SE

    43,945        1,664   
   

 

 

 
      3,851   
   

 

 

 
Hong Kong—5.1%   

Hysan Development Co. Ltd.

    55,000        259   

Link REIT (The)

    206,441        1,524   
   

 

 

 
      1,783   
   

 

 

 
Italy—0.5%   

Beni Stabili SpA

    285,164        170   
   

 

 

 
Japan—18.8%   

GLP J-REIT

    527        702   

Hulic Co., Ltd.

    76,500        782   

Industrial & Infrastructure Fund Investment Corp.

    76        387   

Invincible Investment Corp.

    965        540   

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    111        664   

Kenedix Office Investment Corp.

    111        682   

Kenedix Retail REIT Corp.

    159        377   

LaSalle Logiport REIT(2)

    630        669   

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.

    111        703   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Japan—continued   

Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.

    190      $ 480   

United Urban Investment Corp.

    332        604   
   

 

 

 
      6,590   
   

 

 

 
Mexico—1.2%   

PLA Administradora Industrial S de Rl de CV

    49,852        83   

Prologis Property Mexico SA de CV

    207,200        340   
   

 

 

 
      423   
   

 

 

 
Netherlands—6.4%   

Unibail-Rodamco SE

    8,260        2,227   
   

 

 

 
Norway—1.8%   

Entra ASA(4)

    58,000        649   
   

 

 

 
Singapore—2.5%   

CapitaLand Mall Trust

    211,650        337   

Global Logistic Properties Ltd.

    381,000        526   
   

 

 

 
      863   
   

 

 

 
Spain—3.4%   

Axiare Patrimonio SOCIMI SA

    68,858        912   

Hispania Activos Inmobiliarios Socimi SA

    20,327        272   
   

 

 

 
      1,184   
   

 

 

 
Sweden—2.1%   

Castellum AB

    50,199        752   
   

 

 

 
United Kingdom—15.6%   

Big Yellow Group plc

    50,288        508   

British Land Co. plc

    70,605        579   

Derwent London plc

    14,246        480   

Great Portland Estates plc

    30,018        246   

Hammerson plc

    103,209        785   

Land Securities Group plc

    61,885        849   

Safestore Holdings plc

    108,376        541   

SEGRO plc

    109,057        642   

Unite Group plc (The)

    101,700        836   
   

 

 

 
              5,466   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $25,038)
        34,173   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—97.5%   
(Identified Cost $25,038)             34,173   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—97.5%
(Identified Cost $25,038)
        34,173 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—2.5%

  

    861   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 35,034   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviation:

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Non-income producing.
(3) Illiquid security.
(4) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $1,262 or 3.6% of net assets.
(5) Security valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Trustees. This security is disclosed as a level 3 security in the disclosure table located after the Schedule of Investments.

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

Japan

    19

United Kingdom

    16   

Australia

    14   

Germany

    11   

Canada

    8   

Netherlands

    7   

Hong Kong

    5   

Other

    20   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

49


Table of Contents

VIRTUS INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
       Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 

Equity Securities:

                   

Common Stocks

     $ 34,173         $ 20,355         $ 13,818         $ 0
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 34,173         $ 20,355         $ 13,818         $ 0 * 
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

*  Includes internally fair valued security currently priced at zero ($0).

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 related to securities held at September 30, 2016.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

50


Table of Contents

VIRTUS INTERNATIONAL SMALL-CAP FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
PREFERRED STOCK—0.1%   
Consumer Discretionary—0.1%   

Whirlpool SA (Brazil)

    42,618      $ 45   
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK
(Identified Cost $34)
        45   
COMMON STOCKS—97.2%   
Consumer Discretionary—6.5%   

Goldlion Holdings Ltd. (Hong Kong)

    2,990,600        1,197   

Pico Far East Holdings Ltd. (Hong Kong)

    4,217,668        1,270   

REA Group Ltd. (Australia)

    9,220        401   
   

 

 

 
      2,868   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—9.3%   

Heineken Malaysia Bhd (Malaysia)

    186,000        799   

Oldtown Bhd (Malaysia)

    1,797,550        866   

Premier Marketing PCL (Thailand)

    4,939,029        1,283   

Wawel SA (Poland)

    4,786        1,126   
   

 

 

 
      4,074   
   

 

 

 
Energy—2.7%   

Pason Systems, Inc. (Canada)

    47,500        608   

Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment AG (Austria)

    8,578        568   
   

 

 

 
      1,176   
   

 

 

 
Financials—12.5%   

ARA Asset Management Ltd. (Singapore)

    1,071,716        1,063   

Euler Hermes SA (France)

    20,000        1,700   

Euroz Ltd. (Australia)

    2,159,263        1,658   

Korea Ratings Corp. (South Korea)

    28,868        1,083   
   

 

 

 
      5,504   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—7.8%   

Haw Par Corp. Ltd. (Singapore)

    71,719        475   

Software Service, Inc. (Japan)

    19,853        843   

WIN-Partners Co. Ltd. (Japan)

    133,010        2,125   
   

 

 

 
      3,443   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—23.6%   

AIT Corp. (Japan)

    158,200        1,368   

Amadeus Fire AG (Germany)

    5,695        408   

Asiakastieto Group Oyj (Finland)

    57,200        1,169   

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (United States)

    12,200        629   

Howden Joinery Group plc (United Kingdom)

    109,000        611   

Interworks, Inc. (Japan)

    35,000        394   

Lumax International Corp., Ltd. (Taiwan)

    1,464,159        2,249   

Rotork plc (United Kingdom)

    431,154        1,180   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Industrials—continued   

Tegma Gestao Logistica (Brazilcontinued(2)

    624,126      $ 1,583   

WABCO Holdings, Inc. (United States)(2)

    6,850        778   
   

 

 

 
      10,369   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—25.7%   

Alten SA (France)

    11,000        769   

Auto Trader Group plc (United Kingdom)

    216,200        1,136   

Autohome, Inc. ADR (China)(2)

    62,200        1,508   

Bouvet ASA (Norway)

    80,245        1,205   

carsales.com Ltd. (Australia)

    41,467        381   

Computer Modelling Group Ltd. (Canada)

    76,500        572   

Firstlogic, Inc. (Japan)

    37,600        589   

Kakaku.com Inc. (Japan)

    26,000        471   

Pro-Ship, Inc. (Japan)(3)

    112,200        1,441   

Rightmove plc (United Kingdom)

    16,800        919   

Scout24 AG (Germany)(2)

    57,775        1,947   

Societe Pour L’informatique Industrielle (France)

    21,070        350   
   

 

 

 
      11,288   
   

 

 

 
Materials—9.1%   

KPX Chemical Co. Ltd. (South Korea)

    19,894        1,089   

Rimoni Industries Ltd. (Israel)

    89,509        903   

Transpaco Ltd. (South Africa)(6)

    910,699        1,792   

Victrex plc (United Kingdom)

    11,800        240   
   

 

 

 
              4,024   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $41,436)
        42,746   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—97.3%   
(Identified Cost $41,470)             42,791   
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—0.3%   

INVESCO Trust Short-Term Investments Liquid Assets Portfolio (The) – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.390%) (United States)(4)(5)

    134,250        134   
TOTAL SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Identified Cost $134)
         134   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—97.6%
(Identified Cost $41,604)
        42,925 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—2.4%

  

    1,061   
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 43,986   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviation:

ADR American Depositary Receipt

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Non-income producing.
(3) All or a portion of security is on loan.
(4) Represents security purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan.
(5) Shares of this fund are publicly offered and its prospectus and annual report are publicly available.
(6)  Illiquid security.

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

Japan

    17

United Kingdom

    9   

France

    7   

Australia

    6   

Hong Kong

    6   

Germany

    5   

Taiwan

    5   

Other

    45   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

51


Table of Contents

VIRTUS INTERNATIONAL SMALL-CAP FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Equity Securities:

              

Common Stocks

     $ 42,746         $ 24,232         $ 18,514   

Preferred Stock

       45           45             

Securities Lending
Collateral

       134           134             
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 42,925         $ 24,411         $ 18,514   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

Securities held by the Fund with an end of period value of $2,146 were transferred from Level 1 to Level 2, and securities with an end of period value of $2,530 were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1, based on our valuation procedures for non-U.S. securities.

(See Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information.)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

52


Table of Contents

VIRTUS INTERNATIONAL WEALTH MASTERS FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—99.4%   
Consumer Discretionary—29.6%   

Altice NV Class A(2)

    1,929      $ 35   

Autogrill S.p.A

    818        7   

Autoneum Holding AG

    84        23   

Axel Springer SE

    527        27   

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    333        28   

Benesse Holdings, Inc.

    1,420        36   

Brembo S.p.A

    119        7   

Brunello Cucinelli S.p.A

    342        7   

Carnival plc

    918        45   

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd.

    9,600        7   

Christian Dior SE

    82        15   

Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Registered Shares

    396        24   

Continental AG

    130        27   

Crown Resorts Ltd.

    2,123        21   

CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA

    808        29   

Daily Mail & General Trust plc Class A

    4,452        43   

De’ Longhi

    288        7   

Dixons Carphone plc

    8,848        42   

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd.

    399        22   

Don Quijote Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,050        38   

Dufry AG(2)

    199        25   

Dunelm Group plc

    3,718        41   

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

    114        37   

Fielmann AG

    341        28   

Forbo Holding AG Registered Shares

    17        23   

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.

    1,790        7   

Genting Singapore plc

    13,000        7   

Geox SPA

    2,845        7   

Global Brands Group Holding Ltd.(2)

    62,000        6   

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd.

    5,577        22   

Heiwa Corp.

    1,625        36   

Hennes & Mauritz AB Class B

    376        11   

Hermes International SA

    35        14   

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

    410        38   

Inditex SA

    421        16   

Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd.

    228        7   

JCDecaux SA

    429        14   

Kering

    73        15   

L’Occitane International SA

    7,000        14   

Li & Fung Ltd.

    13,700        7   

Luxottica Group S.p.A

    145        7   

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA

    86        15   

M6-Metropole Television SA

    812        15   

Man Wah Holdings Ltd.

    9,400        6   

Mediaset S.p.A.

    2,264        7   

Mekonomen AB

    548        11   

Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. ADR

    458        7   

Melco International Development Ltd.

    5,200        7   

Melia Hotels International SA

    1,245        15   

Merlin Entertainment plc(3)

    6,796        39   

MGM China Holdings Ltd.

    4,000        7   

Moncler SPA

    392        7   

Nitori Co., Ltd.

    335        40   

Numericable-SFR

    480        14   

Ocado Group plc(2)(4)

    12,642        43   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Consumer Discretionary—continued   

Plastic Omnium SA

    450      $ 15   

Prada S.p.A

    2,000        6   

Premier Investments Ltd.

    1,741        21   

PT Multimedia Servicos de Telecomunicacoes e Multimedia SGPS SA

    534        4   

Publicis Groupe SA

    192        14   

Rakuten, Inc.

    2,750        36   

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    84        6   

Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A

    290        7   

Sands China Ltd.

    1,550        7   

Sankyo Co., Ltd.

    1,075        37   

Sega Sammy Holdings, Inc.

    2,640        38   

Seven West Media Ltd.

    40,171        23   

Shangri-La Asia Ltd.

    6,100        7   

Shimanura Co., Ltd.

    317        38   

SJM Holdings Ltd.

    9,200        7   

Sodexo SA

    124        15   

Sports Direct International plc(2)

    11,259        42   

Start Today Co., Ltd.

    2,175        37   

Steinhoff International Holdings NV

    4,873        28   

Swatch Group AG (The)

    84        24   

Techtronics Industries Co., Ltd.

    1,800        7   

Television Francaise 1

    1,482        14   

Tod’s S.p.A

    131        7   

Universal Entertainment Corp.(2)

    1,310        39   

Vivendi

    735        15   

Wynn Macau Ltd.

    3,900        6   

Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings Ltd.

    1,650        7   
   

 

 

 
      1,612   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—12.7%   

AAK AB

    145        11   

Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V.

    433        57   

Associated British Foods plc

    1,201        40   

Axfood AB

    611        11   

Barry Callebaut AG

    18        24   

Beiersdorf AG

    296        28   

Carrefour SA

    559        14   

Casino Guichard Perrachon SA

    303        15   

Cosmos Pharmaceutical Corp.

    186        40   

Dairy Farm International Holdings Ltd.

    1,000        7   

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A

    642        7   

First Resources Ltd.

    5,200        7   

Golden Agri-Resources Ltd.

    27,000        7   

Heineken Holding NV

    446        36   

Henkel AG & KGaA

    238        28   

Jeronimo Martins SPGS SA

    227        4   

Kose Corp.

    368        38   

L’Oreal SA

    78        15   

Marine Harvest ASA

    342        6   

MARR SpA

    348        7   

Metro AG

    926        27   

Orkla ASA

    604        6   

Pernod-Ricard SA

    123        14   

Pola Orbis Holdings, Inc.

    427        38   

Rallye SA

    895        15   

Remy Cointreau SA

    172        15   

Sonae SGPS SA

    4,917        4   

Sugi Holdings Co., Ltd.

    700        38   

Sundrug Co., Ltd.

    455        38   

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd

    875        38   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Consumer Staples—continued   

Unicharm Corp.

    1,500      $ 39   

WH Group Ltd.(3)

    8,400        7   

Wilmar International Ltd.

    3,100        7   
   

 

 

 
      688   
   

 

 

 
Energy—3.7%   

Akastor ASA(2)

    5,359        6   

Aker BP ASA(2)

    409        7   

Aker Solutions ASA(2)

    1,378        6   

Avance Gas Holding Ltd.(3)

    2,693        6   

BW LPG Ltd.(3)

    2,341        7   

Delek Group Ltd.

    39        8   

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    272        4   

Genel Energy plc(2)

    35,323        44   

Petrofac Ltd.

    3,873        45   

Saras S.p.A

    4,310        7   

Seadrill Ltd.(2)(4)

    2,742        6   

Ship Finance International Ltd.

    391        6   

Tecnicas Reunidas SA

    415        16   

Tenaris SA ADR

    259        7   

Transocean Ltd.(2)

    2,540        27   
   

 

 

 
      202   
   

 

 

 
Financials—8.7%   

ACOM Co. Ltd.(2)

    7,500        35   

Ashmore Group plc

    9,402        43   

Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A

    535        6   

Banca Mediolanum SPA

    996        7   

Banco Santander SA

    3,374        15   

Bank Hapoalim BM

    1,310        7   

Bank of East Asia Ltd.

    1,600        6   

Bankinter SA

    2,047        15   

China LNG Group Ltd.

    238,000        7   

City Developments Ltd.

    1,100        7   

Emperor International Group Ltd.

    66,000        7   

First Pacific Co., Ltd.

    9,300        7   

Goldin Financial Holdings
Ltd.(2)

    11,800        7   

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA

    630        56   

Industrivarden AB A Shares

    554        11   

Kingston Financial Group Ltd.

    17,500        7   

Matsui Securities Co., Ltd.

    4,015        33   

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp.

    1,100        7   

Pargesa Holding SA

    347        24   

Partners Group Holding AG

    46        23   

Platinum Asset Management Ltd.

    5,688        22   

Reinet Investments SCA

    19,506        42   

Schroders plc

    1,174        41   

Svenska Handelsbanken AB Class A

    782        11   

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    515        7   

Wendel

    125        15   

Wharf Holdings Ltd. (The)

    925        7   
   

 

 

 
      475   
   

 

 

 
Health Care—4.4%   

BioMerieux

    95        14   

Cyberdyne Inc.(2)(4)

    2,400        38   

DiaSorin S.p.A

    106        7   

Eurofins Scientific SE

    32        15   

Galenica AG Registered Shares

    20        21   

Getinge AB B Shares

    560        11   

Ipsen SA

    212        15   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

53


Table of Contents

VIRTUS INTERNATIONAL WEALTH MASTERS FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
Health Care—continued   

Rhoen-Klinikum AG

    898      $ 27   

Roche Holding AG

    93        23   

Straumann Holding AG

    59        23   

Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd.

    370        38   

Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.(2)

    66        7   
   

 

 

 
      239   
   

 

 

 
Industrials—13.6%   

Abertis Infraestructuras SA

    994        16   

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA

    532        16   

Alfa Laval AB

    688        11   

Alstom SA(2)

    541        14   

ANDRITZ AG

    520        28   

Assa Abloy AB B Shares

    535        11   

Bollore SA

    4,157        14   

Bouygues SA

    445        15   

Cargotec Oyj B Shares

    674        31   

Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

    790        7   

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.

    550        7   

Dassault Aviation SA

    12        13   

easyJet plc

    3,118        41   

Ferrovial SA

    752        16   

Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas SA(2)

    1,573        15   

Indutrade AB

    504        11   

Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd.

    118        7   

Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd.

    218        7   

Kloeckner & Co. AG(2)

    2,217        27   

Kone Oyj Class B

    591        30   

Kuehne & Nagel International AG

    163        24   

Nidec Corp.

    410        38   

Noble Group Ltd.(2)

    69,800        8   

Nordex SE(2)

    966        29   

NWS Holdings Ltd.

    4,000        7   

Obrascon Huarte Lain SA

    4,452        18   

OC Oerlikon Corp. AG Registered Shares

    2,388        24   

Orient Overseas International Ltd.

    1,800        6   

Prosegur Cia de Seguridad SA

    2,358        16   

Regus plc

    11,861        40   

Rieter Holding AG

    116        24   

Ryanair Holdings plc-SP ADR

    551        41   

Salini Impregilo S.p.A

    2,498        7   

Securitas AB Class B

    655        11   

Seven Group Holdings Ltd.

    3,486        23   

SGL Carbon SE(2)(4)

    2,321        27   

SGS SA Registered Shares

    11        25   

Skanska AB Class B

    463        11   

Sulzer AG

    230        24   
   

 

 

 
      740   
   

 

 

 
Information Technology—11.2%   

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(2)

    100        8   

COLOPL, Inc.

    2,460        38   

Dassault Systemes

    165        14   

Gree, Inc.

    6,500        37   

GungHo Online Entertainment ,Inc.

    15,900        39   

Hexagon AB B Shares

    258        11   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Information Technology—continued   

Keyence Corp.

    52      $ 38   

Konami Corp.

    1,000        39   

Lenovo Group Ltd.

    10,400        7   

Mixi, Inc.

    1,060        38   

Nexon Co., Ltd.

    2,490        39   

Obic Business Consultants Co., Ltd.

    785        38   

Obic Co., Ltd.

    721        38   

Otsuka Corp.

    780        37   

Renishaw plc

    1,201        41   

SAP SE

    305        28   

Silverlake Axis Ltd.

    14,300        7   

Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,140        39   

United Internet AG Registered Shares

    626        28   

VTech Holdings Ltd.

    572        7   

Yahoo Japan Corp.

    9,200        37   
   

 

 

 
      608   
   

 

 

 
Materials—7.2%   

APERAM SA

    815        37   

ArcelorMittal(2)

    6,258        38   

EMS-Chemie Holding AG

    44        24   

Evolution Mining Ltd.

    11,968        23   

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    5,874        22   

Frutarom Industries Ltd.

    154        8   

Glencore International plc(2)

    16,309        45   

HeidelbergCement AG

    300        28   

Hexpol AB

    1,233        11   

Holcim Ltd. Registered Shares

    444        24   

Holmen AB B Shares

    311        11   

Imerys SA

    203        15   

Israel Corp. Ltd. (The)(2)

    45        7   

OCI NV(2)

    2,259        33   

Pact Group Holdings Ltd.

    4,509        22   

Vicat

    227        15   

Wacker Chemie AG

    335        28   
   

 

 

 
      391   
   

 

 

 
Real Estate—4.9%   

Abacus Property Group

    10,114        22   

Champion REIT

    11,800        7   

Cheung Kong Property Holdings Ltd.

    950        7   

Fonciere Des Regions

    159        15   

Fortune REIT

    5,400        7   

Hang Lung Group Ltd.

    1,800        7   

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

    3,000        7   

Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd.

    1,111        6   

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.

    1,000        7   

Hufvudstaden AB A Shares

    627        11   

Hysan Development Co. Ltd.

    1,450        7   

Inmobiliaria Colonial SA

    2,080        15   

Intu Properties plc

    11,153        43   

Kerry Properties Ltd.

    2,100        7   

Lundbergforetagen AB Class B

    168        11   

New World Development Co., Ltd.

    5,200        7   

Scentre Group

    6,285        23   

Sino Land Co., Ltd.

    4,000        7   

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    450        7   

United Overseas Land Ltd.

    1,720        7   

Westfield Corp.

    2,961        22   
    SHARES     VALUE  
Real Estate—continued   

Wheelock & Co., Ltd.

    1,105      $ 6   

Yanlord Land Group Ltd.

    6,900        7   
   

 

 

 
      265   
   

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—2.5%   

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd.

    5,000        7   

Iliad SA

    69        14   

PCCW Ltd.

    10,900        7   

Smartone Telecommunications Holdings Ltd.

    4,200        7   

Softbank Corp.

    571        37   

Talktalk Telecom Group plc

    15,604        41   

TPG Telecom Ltd.

    3,328        22   
   

 

 

 
      135   
   

 

 

 
Utilities—0.9%   

CLP Holdings Ltd.

    639        6   

Engie SA

    951        15   

Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd.

    3,685        7   

Kenon Holdings Ltd.(2)

    705        8   

Rubis SCA

    161        15   
   

 

 

 
              51   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $5,257)
            5,406   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—99.4%   
(Identified Cost $5,257)        5,406   
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—1.6%   

INVESCO Trust Short-Term Investments Liquid Assets Portfolio (The) – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.390%)(5)(6)

    86,289        86   
TOTAL SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Identified Cost $86)
        86   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—101.0%
(Identified Cost $5,343)
        5,492 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities, net—(1.0)%

  

    (56
   

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%      $ 5,436   
   

 

 

 

Abbreviations:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

Footnote Legend:

(1) Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 10 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Non-income producing.
(3) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2016, these securities amounted to a value of $59 or 1.1% of net assets.
 

 

Security abbreviation definitions are located under the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

 

54


Table of Contents

VIRTUS INTERNATIONAL WEALTH MASTERS FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

(4) All or a portion of security is on loan.
(5) Represents security purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan.
(6) Shares of this fund are publicly offered and the prospectus and annual report are publicly available.
Country Weightings (Unaudited)       

Japan

    25

United Kingdom

    15   

France

    9   

Germany

    9   

Switzerland

    8   

Hong Kong

    6   

Australia

    6   

Other

    22   

Total

    100

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

   

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

       Total
Value at
September 30,
2016
       Level 1
Quoted
Prices
       Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Equity Securities:

              

Common Stocks

     $ 5,406         $ 3,315         $ 2,091   

Securities Lending
Collateral

       86           86             
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $ 5,492         $ 3,401         $ 2,091   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

Securities held by the Fund with an end of period value of $113 were transferred from Level 1 to Level 2, and securities with an end of period value of $14 were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1, based on our valuation procedures for non-U.S. securities. (See Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information.)

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

55


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Emerging Markets
Debt Fund
    Emerging Markets
Equity
Income Fund
    Emerging Markets
Small-Cap Fund
 
             
Assets       

Investment in securities at value(1)

   $ 29,469      $ 30,310      $ 4,799   

Foreign currency at value(2)

     (3)      203        (3) 

Cash

     745        593        147   

Receivables

      

Investment securities sold

     3                 

Fund shares sold

            10        (3) 

Receivable from adviser

                   2   

Dividends and interest receivable

     456        54        9   

Tax reclaims

            (3)        

Prepaid trustee retainer

     1        1        (3) 

Prepaid expenses

     27        28        11   

Other assets

     (3)      (3)      (3) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     30,701        31,199        4,968   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities       

Payables

      

Fund shares repurchased

     1        13          

Foreign capital gain taxes payable

                   4   

Investment securities purchased

     200               14   

Investment advisory fees

     11        8          

Distribution and service fees

     (3)      1        (3) 

Administration fees

     4        4        1   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     1        6        (3) 

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     (3)      (3)      (3) 

Professional fees

     37        26        26   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     (3)      (3)      (3) 

Other accrued expenses

     3        25        4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     257        83        49   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 30,444      $ 31,116      $ 4,919   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:       

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

   $ 32,402      $ 42,033      $ 5,380   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     71        311     

 

 

 

95

 

  

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     (2,327     (13,867     (611

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     298        2,639     

 

 

 

55

 

  

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 30,444      $ 31,116      $ 4,919   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class A       

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 9.45      $ 9.03      $ 9.29   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–3.75%)

   $ 9.82      $      $   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–5.75%)

   $      $ 9.58      $ 9.86   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     91,384        96,401        41,076   

Net Assets

   $ 864      $ 870      $ 382   
Class C       

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 9.44      $ 8.98      $ 9.31   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     39,962        70,961        12,599   

Net Assets

   $ 377      $ 638      $ 117   
Class I       

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 9.45      $ 9.04      $ 9.31   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     3,091,724        3,275,181        474,589   

Net Assets

   $ 29,203      $ 29,608      $ 4,420   

(1) Investment in securities at cost

   $ 29,171      $ 27,673      $ 4,739   

(2) Foreign currency at cost

   $ (3)    $ 201      $ (3) 

(3) Amount is less than $500.

      

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

56


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Global
Infrastructure
Fund
     Global
Opportunities
Fund
 
         
Assets      

Investment in securities at value(1)

   $ 120,787       $ 176,745   

Cash

     1,000         829   

Receivables

     

Investment securities sold

             8,050   

Fund shares sold

     176         82   

Dividends and interest receivable

     180         276   

Tax reclaims

     51         192   

Prepaid trustee retainer

     3         4   

Prepaid expenses

     17         33   

Other assets

     2         2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     122,216         186,213   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
Liabilities      

Payables

     

Fund shares repurchased

     212         99   

Investment securities purchased

             8,398   

Foreign capital gain taxes payable

             (2) 

Investment advisory fees

     65         125   

Distribution and service fees

     35         42   

Administration fees

     13         18   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     25         36   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     1         2   

Professional fees

     29         33   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     2         2   

Other accrued expenses

     14         7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     396         8,762   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 121,820       $ 177,451   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:      

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

   $ 110,814       $ 134,724   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     (5      555   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     2,685         629   

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     8,326         41,543   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 121,820       $ 177,451   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
Class A      

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 14.22       $ 13.69   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–5.75%)

   $ 15.09       $ 14.53   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     3,596,714         7,738,199   

Net Assets

   $ 51,148       $ 105,967   
Class B      

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $       $ 12.00   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

             21,618   

Net Assets

   $       $ 259   
Class C      

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 14.17       $ 11.93   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     2,090,597         1,934,123   

Net Assets

   $ 29,616       $ 23,070   
Class I      

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 14.23       $ 13.69   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     2,884,833         3,516,743   

Net Assets

   $ 41,056       $ 48,155   

(1) Investment in securities at cost

   $ 112,457       $ 135,196   

(2) Amount is less than $500.

     

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

57


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Global
Real Estate
Securities Fund
     Greater
European
Opportunities Fund
    International
Equity
Fund
 
             
Assets        

Investment in securities at value(1)(2)

   $ 193,145       $ 21,625      $ 4,536   

Cash

     2,000         750        313   

Receivables

       

Investment securities sold

     635         15        406   

Fund shares sold

     798         410        2   

Receivable from adviser

                    7   

Dividends and interest receivable

     652         19        12   

Tax reclaims

     20         70        11   

Securities lending receivable

             (3)      (3) 

Prepaid trustee retainer

     4         1        (3) 

Prepaid expenses

     32         16        28   

Other assets

     3         (3)      (3) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     197,289         22,906        5,315   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities        

Collateral on securities loaned

             15          

Payables

       

Fund shares repurchased

     226         100        14   

Investment securities purchased

     750         186        239   

Investment advisory fees

     104         8          

Distribution and service fees

     25         4        1   

Administration fees

     20         3        1   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     32         8        1   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     2         (3)      (3) 

Professional fees

     29         29        35   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     3         (3)      (3) 

Other accrued expenses

     23         4        5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,214         357        296   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 196,075       $ 22,549      $ 5,019   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:        

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

   $ 176,740       $ 19,221      $ 5,655   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     1,281         273     

 

 

 

(14

 

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     (243      (886     (1,380

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     18,297         3,941     

 

 

 

758

 

  

  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 196,075       $ 22,549      $ 5,019   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class A        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 28.97       $ 15.86      $ 10.22   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–5.75%)

   $ 30.74       $ 16.83      $ 10.84   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     2,350,023         716,369        137,122   

Net Assets

   $ 68,087       $ 11,364      $ 1,402   
Class C        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 28.41       $ 15.58      $ 9.97   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     477,252         147,025        96,992   

Net Assets

   $ 13,560       $ 2,292      $ 967   
Class I        

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 29.19       $ 15.91      $ 10.19   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     3,920,207         558,796        260,073   

Net Assets

   $ 114,428       $ 8,893      $ 2,650   

(1) Investment in securities at cost

   $ 174,847       $ 17,683      $ 3,776   

(2) Market value of securities on loan

   $       $ 14      $   

(3) Amount is less than $500.

       

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

58


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     International
Real Estate
Securities Fund
    International
Small-Cap
Fund
    International
Wealth Masters
Fund
 
             
Assets       

Investment in securities at value(1)(3)

   $ 34,173      $ 42,925      $ 5,492   

Foreign currency at value(2)

            (4)        

Cash

     880        1,386        12   

Receivables

      

Investment securities sold

            72        309   

Fund shares sold

     12        3        2   

Receivable from adviser

                   3   

Dividends and interest receivable

     82        73        12   

Tax reclaims

     19        11        6   

Securities lending receivable

            (4)      1   

Prepaid trustee retainer

     1        1        (4) 

Prepaid expenses

     28        38        30   

Other assets

     (4)      1        (4) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     35,195        44,510        5,867   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities       

Collateral on securities loaned

            134        86   

Payables

      

Fund shares repurchased

     60        42        5   

Investment securities purchased

     27        274        307   

Investment advisory fees

     9        26          

Distribution and service fees

     4        1        (4) 

Administration fees

     4        5        1   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     7        7        (4) 

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     (4)      (4)      (4) 

Professional fees

     28        26        29   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     (4)      1        (4) 

Other accrued expenses

     22        8        3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     161        524        431   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 35,034      $ 43,986      $ 5,436   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:       

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

   $ 36,151      $ 44,498      $ 5,312   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     (582     469     

 

 

 

50

 

  

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     (9,668     (2,302     (75

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     9,133        1,321     

 

 

 

149

 

  

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 35,034      $ 43,986      $ 5,436   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class A       

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 7.25      $ 13.01      $ 10.21   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–5.75%)

   $ 7.69      $ 13.80      $ 10.83   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     1,197,229        152,516        22,773   

Net Assets

   $ 8,680      $ 1,985      $ 232   
Class C       

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 7.21      $ 12.92      $ 10.13   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     278,237        113,383        11,335   

Net Assets

   $ 2,006      $ 1,465      $ 115   
Class I       

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 7.26      $ 13.04      $ 10.24   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

     3,353,821        3,099,596        497,182   

Net Assets

   $ 24,348      $ 40,424      $ 5,089   
Class R6       

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $      $ 13.03      $   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, no par value, unlimited authorization

            8,599          

Net Assets

   $      $ 112      $   

(1) Investment in securities at cost

   $ 25,038      $ 41,604      $ 5,343   

(2) Foreign currency at cost

            (4)        

(3) Market value of securities on loan

   $      $ 128      $ 82   

(4) Amount is less than $500.

      

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

59


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Emerging Markets
Debt Fund
     Emerging Markets
Equity Income
Fund
    Emerging Markets
Small-Cap
Fund
 
             
Investment Income        

Dividends

   $ 3       $ 1,282      $ 203   

Dividends from affiliated funds

     4                  

Interest

     1,755         (1)      (1) 

Security lending, net of fees

             (1)        

Foreign taxes withheld

     (1      (149     (21
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

Total investment income

     1,761         1,133        182   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
Expenses        

Investment advisory fees

     209         348        54   

Service fees, Class A

     2         2        1   

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     4         6        1   

Administration fees

     36         42        6   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     15         38        5   

Interest expense and fees

             1          

Registration fees

     44         47        44   

Printing fees and expenses

     8         9        2   

Custodian fees

     3         78        11   

Professional fees

     38         52        34   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     3         3        (1) 

Miscellaneous expenses

     4         6        3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

Total expenses

     366         632     

 

 

 

161

 

  

Less expenses reimbursed and/or waived by investment adviser

     (51      (124     (87

Earnings credit from custodian

     (2      (1)      (1) 

Low balance account fees

             (1)        
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

Net expenses

     313         508        74   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

Net investment income (loss)

     1,448         625        108   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments        

Net realized gain (loss) on unaffiliated investments

     (462      (5,932     (550

Net realized gain (loss) on affiliated investments

     (5               

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

     (7      (6     (1

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on unaffiliated investments

     3,184         8,500        1,297   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on affiliated investments

     3                  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translation

     2         (2     (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
Net gain (loss) on investments      2,715         2,560        741   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 4,163       $ 3,185      $ 849   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

60


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Global
Infrastructure
Fund
    Global
Opportunities
Fund
 
         
Investment Income     

Dividends

   $ 4,669      $ 3,123   

Interest

     (1)        

Security lending, net of fees

            1   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (281     (81
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     4,388        3,043   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Expenses     

Investment advisory fees

     820        1,392   

Service fees, Class A

     136        246   

Distribution and service fees, Class B

            4   

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     328        200   

Administration fees

     159        206   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     185        224   

Registration fees

     66        69   

Printing fees and expenses

     39        51   

Custodian fees

     38        9   

Professional fees

     33        39   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     13        15   

Miscellaneous expenses

     13        15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,830        2,470   

Earnings credit from custodian

     (5     (9

Low balance account fees

     (1)      (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     1,825        2,456   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     2,563        587   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     3,988        2,497   

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

     (4     (4

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     9,673        14,094   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translation

     8        4   

Net change in foreign taxes on unrealized capital gains

            11   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      13,665        16,602   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 16,228      $ 17,189   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

61


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Global
Real Estate
Securities Fund
    Greater
European
Opportunities Fund
     International
Equity
Fund
 
             
             
Investment Income        

Dividends

   $ 3,898      $ 748       $ 121   

Interest

     (1)                

Security lending, net of fees

            1         3   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (162     (53      (11
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

     3,736        696         113   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Expenses        

Investment advisory fees

     1,091        225         55   

Service fees, Class A

     126        34         4   

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     105        18         13   

Administration fees

     162        34         8   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     201        53         10   

Interest expense and fees

            1           

Registration fees

     61        43         39   

Printing fees and expenses

     40        13         5   

Custodian fees

     47        7         20   

Professional fees

     33        31         36   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     11        2         1   

Miscellaneous expenses

     11        7         4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,888        468         195   

Less expenses reimbursed and/or waived by investment adviser

     (164     (92      (96

Earnings credit from custodian

     (4     (2      (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net expenses

     1,720        374         98   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     2,016        322         15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments        

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     683        (683      (413

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

     (9     2         (1

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     12,064        1,592         663   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translation

     (1     1         (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      12,737        912         248   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 14,753      $ 1,234       $ 263   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

62


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     International
Real Estate
Securities Fund
    International
Small-Cap
Fund
    International
Wealth Masters
Fund
 
             
Investment Income       

Dividends

   $ 1,301      $ 1,503      $ 127   

Interest

            (1)      (1) 

Security lending, net of fees

            (1)      7   

Foreign taxes withheld

     (120     (137     (15
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     1,181        1,366        119   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Expenses       

Investment advisory fees

     369        412        46   

Service fees, Class A

     27        5        (1) 

Distribution and service fees, Class C

     22        14        1   

Administration fees

     47        52        7   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     59        64        3   

Registration fees

     45        61        50   

Printing fees and expenses

     15        14        2   

Custodian fees

     44        19        15   

Professional fees

     30        33        39   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     3        3        (1) 

Miscellaneous expenses

     6        11        4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     667        688        167   

Less expenses reimbursed and/or waived by investment adviser

     (152     (108     (98

Earnings credit from custodian

     (1     (3     (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     514        577        69   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     667        789        50   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments       

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     805        (2,264     (67

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

     (3     20        (1) 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     1,835        10,315        529   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translation

     (1)      3        (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments      2,637        8,074        462   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 3,304      $ 8,863      $ 512   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

63


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     Emerging Markets Debt Fund        Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
     Year Ended
September 30,
2015
       Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
                 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                
From Operations                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 1,448       $ 1,469         $ 625         $ 1,466   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (474      (1,824        (5,938        (7,612

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     3,189         (1,965        8,498           (6,273
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     4,163         (2,320        3,185           (12,419
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders                

Net investment income, Class A

     (32      (30        (25        (22

Net investment income, Class C

     (16      (20        (15        (11

Net investment income, Class I

     (1,230      (1,082        (1,133        (1,735

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

                                 (6

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

                                 (4

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

                                 (397

Tax return of capital, Class A

             (7                    

Tax return of capital, Class C

             (6                    

Tax return of capital, Class I

             (226                    
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (1,278      (1,371        (1,173        (2,175
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)                

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     67         (159        53           (271

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     (229      (137        (55        10   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     1,145         (2,659        (14,355        (24,438
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     983         (2,955        (14,357        (24,699
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     3,868         (6,646        (12,345        (39,293
Net Assets                

Beginning of period

     26,576         33,222           43,461           82,754   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 30,444       $ 26,576         $ 31,116         $ 43,461   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

     71       $ (19        311         $ 860   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

64


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

 
     Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
     Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
         
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS      
From Operations      

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 108       $ 82   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (551      (47

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     1,292         (1,174
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     849         (1,139
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders      

Net investment income, Class A

     (6      (3

Net investment income, Class C

     (1)       (1

Net investment income, Class I

     (83      (60

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

             (5

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

             (3

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

             (102
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (89      (174
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)      

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     (6      210   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     (31      8   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     (135      1,570   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     (172      1,788   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     588         475   
Net Assets      

Beginning of period

     4,331         3,856   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 4,919       $ 4,331   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

     95       $ 77   

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

65


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     Global Infrastructure Fund        Global Opportunities Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
     Year Ended
September 30,
2015
       Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
                 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                
From Operations                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 2,563       $ 4,013         $ 587         $ 461   

Net realized gain (loss)

     3,984         8,505           2,493           587   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     9,681         (28,061        14,109           1,200   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     16,228         (15,543        17,189           2,248   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders                

Net investment income, Class A

     (1,232      (1,851        (223        (458

Net investment income, Class B

                                 (1

Net investment income, Class C

     (502      (809                  (9

Net investment income, Class I

     (982      (1,738        (202        (230

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

     (3,613      (600                    

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

     (2,361      (301                    

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

     (2,645      (524                    
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (11,335      (5,823        (425        (698
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)                

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     (11,912      8,660           8,029           8,610   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class B

                       (254        (191

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     (12,563      20,385           6,766           11,375   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     (10,903      2,074           5,368           3,672   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     (35,378      31,119           19,909           23,466   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (30,485      9,753           36,673           25,016   
Net Assets                

Beginning of period

     152,305         142,552           140,778           115,762   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 121,820       $ 152,305         $ 177,451         $ 140,778   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ (5    $ 152         $ 555         $ 398   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

66


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     Global Real Estate Securities Fund        Greater European Opportunities Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
     Year Ended
September 30,
2015
       Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
                 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                
From Operations                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 2,016       $ 1,610         $ 322         $ 214   

Net realized gain (loss)

     674         449           (681        (104

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     12,063         626           1,593           184   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     14,753         2,685           1,234           294   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders                

Net investment income, Class A

     (519      (613        (86        (82

Net investment income, Class C

     (50      (119                  (1) 

Net investment income, Class I

     (608      (821        (94        (24

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

     (173      (21                    

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

     (38      (5                    

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

     (172      (26                    

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

     (477      (66                  (153

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

     (105      (17                  (13

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

     (475      (81                  (31
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (2,617      (1,769        (180        (303
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)                

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     27,379         14,600           (2,522        732   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     4,125         2,509           657           472   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     75,040         5,033           2,739           2,842   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     106,544         22,142           874           4,046   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     118,680         23,058           1,928           4,037   
Net Assets                

Beginning of period

     77,395         54,337           20,621           16,584   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 196,075       $ 77,395         $ 22,549         $ 20,621   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ 1,281       $ 298         $ 273         $ 126   

(1) Amount is less than $500.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

67


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     International Equity Fund        International Real Estate Securities Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
     Year Ended
September 30,
2015
       Year Ended
September 30,
2016
       Year Ended
September 30,
2015
 
                 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS                
From Operations                

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 15       $ 36         $ 667         $ 1,783   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (414      (791        802           (140

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     662         (293        1,835           (1,401
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     263         (1,048        3,304           242   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders                

Net investment income, Class A

     (6      (30        (135        (778

Net investment income, Class C

             (1        (6        (117

Net investment income, Class I

     (26      (54        (307        (1,837

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

                                   

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

                                   

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

                                   

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

                                   

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

                                   

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

                                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (32      (85        (448        (2,732
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)                

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     (584      (1,652        (4,508        1,872   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     (760      1,096           (397        (182

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     (1,804      (1,529        (2,557        (2,108
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     (3,148      (2,085        (7,462        (418
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (2,917      (3,218        (4,606        (2,908
Net Assets                

Beginning of period

     7,936         11,154           39,640           42,548   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 5,019       $ 7,936         $ 35,034         $ 39,640   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ (14    $ (10      $ (582      $ (1,123

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

68


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)

($ reported in thousands)

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     International Small-Cap Fund     International Wealth Masters Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30,
2016
    Year Ended
September 30,
2015
    Year Ended
September 30,
2016
    From inception
November 17, 2014
to September 30,
2015
 
                 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS         
From Operations         

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 789      $ 825      $ 50      $ 52   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (2,244     1,467        (67     86   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     10,318        (9,603     529        (380
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     8,863        (7,311     512        (242
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders         

Net investment income, Class A

     (32     (31     (1       

Net investment income, Class C

     (8     (18     (1       

Net investment income, Class I

     (826     (770     (68       

Net investment income, Class R6

     (2     (2              

Net realized short-term gains, Class A

     (16     (84     (2       

Net realized short-term gains, Class C

     (12     (53     (2       

Net realized short-term gains, Class I

     (338     (1,927     (72       

Net realized short-term gains, Class R6

     (1     (4           

  

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

     (20     (46              

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

     (15     (29              

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

     (440     (1,050              

Net realized long-term gains, Class R6

     (1     (2           

  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders

     (1,711     (4,016     (146       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
From Share Transactions (See Note 6)         

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class A

     (280     (107     95        135   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class C

     (264     612        (7     124   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class I

     (6,608     4,425        140        4,825   

Change in net assets from share transactions, Class R6

     4        109                 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions

     (7,148     5,039        228        5,084   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     4        (6,288     594        4,842   
Net Assets         

Beginning of period

     43,982        50,270        4,842          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 43,986      $ 43,982      $ 5,436      $ 4,842   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ 469      $ 516      $ 50      $ 64   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

69


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Tax Return of Capital   Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total Return(1)   Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average Net Assets(7)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average 
Net Assets (before waivers and
reimbursements)(7)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
Emerging Markets                                                                                                                                                                  

Debt Fund

                                                                 

Class A

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 8.54         0.44         0.86         1.30         (0.39 )                       (0.39 )       0.91       $ 9.45         15.58 %     $ 864         1.35 %(8)       1.54 %       4.95 %       49 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        9.69         0.44         (1.18 )       (0.74 )       (0.33 )               (0.08 )       (0.41 )       (1.15 )       8.54         (7.85 )       718         1.35         1.48         4.80         47  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        9.43         0.47         0.26         0.73         (0.46 )               (0.01 )       (0.47 )       0.26         9.69         7.83         982         1.35         1.52         4.88         39  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.09         0.48         (0.64 )       (0.16 )       (0.48 )       (0.02 )               (0.50 )       (0.66 )       9.43         (1.94 )       3,200         1.35         1.55         4.92         60  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         0.02         0.07         0.09                                         0.09         10.09         0.90 (4)       101         1.35 (3)       3.49 (3)       3.35 (3)       13 (4)

Class C

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 8.54         0.37         0.85         1.22         (0.32 )                       (0.32 )       0.90       $ 9.44         14.60 %     $ 377         2.10 %(8)       2.28 %       4.20 %       49 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        9.68         0.37         (1.17 )       (0.80 )       (0.26 )               (0.08 )       (0.34 )       (1.14 )       8.54         (8.44 )       565         2.10         2.23         4.06         47  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        9.42         0.40         0.25         0.65         (0.38 )               (0.01 )       (0.39 )       0.26         9.68         7.03         788         2.10         2.21         4.08         39  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.09         0.41         (0.66 )       (0.25 )       (0.40 )       (0.02 )               (0.42 )       (0.67 )       9.42         (2.68 )       374         2.10         2.32         4.11         60  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         0.02         0.07         0.09                                         0.09         10.09         0.90 (4)       110         2.10 (3)       4.26 (3)       2.63 (3)       13 (4)

Class I

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 8.54         0.46         0.86         1.32         (0.41 )                       (0.41 )       0.91       $ 9.45         15.88 %     $ 29,203         1.10 %(8)       1.29 %       5.21 %       49 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        9.68         0.46         (1.17 )       (0.71 )       (0.35 )               (0.08 )       (0.43 )       (1.14 )       8.54         (7.52 )       25,293         1.10         1.23         5.05         47  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        9.42         0.49         0.26         0.75         (0.48 )               (0.01 )       (0.49 )       0.26         9.68         8.11         31,452         1.10         1.23         5.09         39  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.10         0.50         (0.66 )       (0.16 )       (0.50 )       (0.02 )               (0.52 )       (0.68 )       9.42         (1.80 )       24,686         1.10         1.33         4.99         60  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         0.02         0.08         0.10                                         0.10         10.10         1.00 (4)       25,036         1.10 (3)       3.24 (3)       3.61 (3)       13 (4)
Emerging Markets                                                                  

Equity Income Fund

                                                                 

Class A

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 8.30         0.16         0.84         1.00         (0.27 )                       (0.27 )       0.73       $ 9.03         12.42 %     $ 870         1.76 %(8)(9)       2.17 %       1.95 %       74 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.54         0.20         (2.18 )       (1.98 )       (0.21 )       (0.05 )               (0.26 )       (2.24 )       8.30         (19.13 )       727         1.75         1.76         2.04         72  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.57         0.21         (0.05 )       0.16         (0.19 )                       (0.19 )       (0.03 )       10.54         1.54         1,210         1.75         1.95         1.96         72  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.59         0.31         (0.07 )       0.24         (0.07 )       (0.19 )               (0.26 )       (0.02 )       10.57         2.19         830         1.75         2.90         3.00         100  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         (0.01 )       0.60         0.59                                         0.59         10.59         5.90 (4)       106         1.75 (3)       10.28 (3)       (0.78 )(3)       37 (4)

Class C

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 8.26         0.10         0.83         0.93         (0.21 )                       (0.21 )       0.72       $ 8.98         11.54 %     $ 638         2.51 %(8)(9)       2.90 %       1.18 %       74 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.50         0.14         (2.19 )       (2.05 )       (0.14 )       (0.05 )               (0.19 )       (2.24 )       8.26         (19.78 )       638         2.50         2.52         1.42         72  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.54         0.15         (0.07 )       0.08         (0.12 )                       (0.12 )       (0.04 )       10.50         0.80         799         2.50         2.65         1.39         72  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.58         0.20         (0.03 )       0.17         (0.02 )       (0.19 )               (0.21 )       (0.04 )       10.54         1.48         417         2.50         3.77         1.89         100  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         (0.01 )       0.59         0.58                                         0.58         10.58         5.80 (4)       106         2.50 (3)       11.03 (3)       (1.54 )(3)       37 (4)

Class I

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 8.31         0.16         0.86         1.02         (0.29 )                       (0.29 )       0.73       $ 9.04         12.69 %     $ 29,608         1.51 %(8)(9)       1.88 %       1.90 %       74 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.56         0.21         (2.17 )       (1.96 )       (0.24 )       (0.05 )               (0.29 )       (2.25 )       8.31         (18.95 )       42,096         1.50         1.51         2.14         72  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.58         0.27         (0.08 )       0.19         (0.21 )                       (0.21 )       (0.02 )       10.56         1.87         80,745         1.50         1.51         2.60         72  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.59         0.27         (0.01 )       0.26         (0.08 )       (0.19 )               (0.27 )       (0.01 )       10.58         2.39         8,655         1.50         2.87         2.56         100  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         (5)       0.59         0.59                                         0.59         10.59         5.90 (4)       5,082         1.50 (3)       10.03 (3)       (0.54 )(3)       37 (4)
Emerging Markets                                                                  

Small-Cap Fund

                                                                 

Class A

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 7.85         0.18         1.41         1.59         (0.15 )                       (0.15 )       1.44       $ 9.29         20.66 %     $ 382         1.86 %(8)(9)       3.77 %       2.18 %       34 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.32         0.16         (2.28 )       (2.12 )       (0.12 )       (0.23 )               (0.35 )       (2.47 )       7.85         (21.20 )       332         1.85         3.62         1.73         35  

12/17/13(6) to 9/30/14

        10.00         0.18         0.16         0.34         (0.02 )                       (0.02 )       0.32         10.32         3.45 (4)       217         1.85 (3)       4.82 (3)       2.25 (3)       44 (4)

Class C

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 7.80         0.12         1.41         1.53         (0.02 )                       (0.02 )       1.51       $ 9.31         19.62 %     $ 117         2.61 %(8)(9)       4.51 %       1.39 %       34 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.26         0.07         (2.24 )       (2.17 )       (0.06 )       (0.23 )               (0.29 )       (2.46 )       7.80         (21.68 )       128         2.60         4.34         0.76         35  

12/17/13(6) to 9/30/14

        10.00         0.12         0.16         0.28         (0.02 )                       (0.02 )       0.26         10.26         2.82 (4)       159         2.60 (3)       5.59 (3)       1.54 (3)       44 (4)

Class I

                                                                 

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 7.88         0.20         1.41         1.61         (0.18 )                       (0.18 )       1.43       $ 9.31         20.82 %     $ 4,420         1.61 %(8)(9)       3.53 %       2.44 %       34 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.34         0.18         (2.28 )       (2.10 )       (0.13 )       (0.23 )               (0.36 )       (2.46 )       7.88         (20.96 )       3,871         1.60         3.35         1.87         35  

12/17/13(6) to 9/30/14

        10.00         0.20         0.17         0.37         (0.03 )                       (0.03 )       0.34         10.34         3.66 (4)       3,480         1.60 (3)       4.64 (3)       2.50 (3)       44 (4)

The footnote legend is at the end of the financial highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

70


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total Return(1)   Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average Net Assets(7)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average    
Net Assets (before waivers and
reimbursements)(7)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
Global Infrastructure                                                                                                                                                        

Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 13.62         0.29         1.54         1.83         (0.33 )       (0.90 )       (1.23 )       0.60       $ 14.22         14.79 %     $ 51,148         1.34 %(8)       1.34 %       2.16 %       17 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        15.38         0.36         (1.60 )       (1.24 )       (0.39 )       (0.13 )       (0.52 )       (1.76 )       13.62         (8.27 )       60,744         1.22         1.22         2.38         27  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.94         0.71         1.40         2.11         (0.67 )               (0.67 )       1.44         15.38         15.21         60,673         1.29         1.29         4.69         24  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        12.88         0.35         1.05         1.40         (0.34 )               (0.34 )       1.06         13.94         11.05         53,354         1.28         1.28         2.62         14  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.97         0.31         1.95         2.26         (0.35 )               (0.35 )       1.91         12.88         20.80         36,347         1.32         1.32         2.59         21  

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 13.57         0.19         1.53         1.72         (0.22 )       (0.90 )       (1.12 )       0.60       $ 14.17         13.94 %     $ 29,616         2.08 %(8)       2.08 %       1.42 %       17 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        15.33         0.25         (1.59 )       (1.34 )       (0.29 )       (0.13 )       (0.42 )       (1.76 )       13.57         (8.94 )       41,039         1.97         1.97         1.66         27  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.90         0.58         1.41         1.99         (0.56 )               (0.56 )       1.43         15.33         14.37         26,322         2.04         2.04         3.82         24  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        12.85         0.25         1.05         1.30         (0.25 )               (0.25 )       1.05         13.90         10.23         17,969         2.03         2.03         1.85         14  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.95         0.23         1.93         2.16         (0.26 )               (0.26 )       1.90         12.85         19.97         9,117         2.07         2.07         1.88         21  

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 13.63         0.32         1.54         1.86         (0.36 )       (0.90 )       (1.26 )       0.60       $ 14.23         15.07 %     $ 41,056         1.08 %(8)       1.08 %       2.37 %       17 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        15.38         0.39         (1.58 )       (1.19 )       (0.43 )       (0.13 )       (0.56 )       (1.75 )       13.63         (7.98 )       50,522         0.97         0.97         2.61         27  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.94         0.74         1.41         2.15         (0.71 )               (0.71 )       1.44         15.38         15.49         55,557         1.04         1.04         4.87         24  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        12.89         0.39         1.04         1.43         (0.38 )               (0.38 )       1.05         13.94         11.23         70,485         1.03         1.03         2.86         14  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        10.97         0.35         1.95         2.30         (0.38 )               (0.38 )       1.92         12.89         21.19         48,830         1.07         1.07         2.85         21  
Global Opportunities                                                              

Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 12.32         0.05         1.35         1.40         (0.03 )               (0.03 )       1.37       $ 13.69         11.38 %     $ 105,967         1.47 %(8)       1.48 %       0.37 %       29 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        12.12         0.05         0.21         0.26         (0.06 )               (0.06 )       0.20         12.32         2.15         87,769         1.45         1.45         0.42         40  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        11.07         0.08         1.04         1.12         (0.07 )               (0.07 )       1.05         12.12         10.18         77,738         1.48         1.46         0.70         41  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        9.91         0.07         1.12         1.19         (0.03 )               (0.03 )       1.16         11.07         12.05         78,434         1.55         1.50         0.69         61  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        7.91         0.05         1.99         2.04         (0.04 )               (0.04 )       2.00         9.91         25.80         71,592         1.55         1.55         0.53         73  

Class B

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 10.85         (0.05 )       1.20         1.15                                 1.15       $ 12.00         10.60 %     $ 259         2.22 %(8)       2.23 %       (0.41 )%       29 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.73         (0.06 )       0.20         0.14         (0.02 )               (0.02 )       0.12         10.85         1.33         474         2.20         2.20         (0.50 )       40  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        9.81         (0.01 )       0.93         0.92                                 0.92         10.73         9.38         652         2.23         2.21         (0.09 )       41  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        8.82         (0.01 )       1.00         0.99                                 0.99         9.81         11.22         798         2.30         2.25         (0.10 )       61  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        7.06         (0.02 )       1.78         1.76                                 1.76         8.82         24.93         1,048         2.30         2.30         (0.28 )       73  

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 10.79         (0.04 )       1.18         1.14                                 1.14       $ 11.93         10.57 %     $ 23,070         2.23 %(8)       2.24 %       (0.34 )%       29 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.66         (0.01 )       0.16         0.15         (0.02 )               (0.02 )       0.13         10.79         1.42         14,431         2.21         2.21         (0.13 )       40  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        9.76         (5)       0.91         0.91         (0.01 )               (0.01 )       0.90         10.66         9.32         3,455         2.23         2.21         (0.04 )       41  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        8.77         (5)       0.99         0.99                                 0.99         9.76         11.29         2,963         2.30         2.24         (0.03 )       61  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        7.02         (0.02 )       1.77         1.75                                 1.75         8.77         24.93         1,700         2.30         2.30         (0.25 )       73  

The footnote legend is at the end of the financial highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

71


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total Return(1)   Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average Net Assets(7)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average    
Net Assets (before waivers and
reimbursements)(7)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
Global Opportunities                                                                                                                                                        

Fund (Continued)

                                                             

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 12.32         0.08         1.35         1.43         (0.06 )               (0.06 )       1.37       $ 13.69         11.65 %     $ 48,155         1.23 %(8)       1.23 %       0.64 %       29 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        12.11         0.08         0.21         0.29         (0.08 )               (0.08 )       0.21         12.32         2.37         38,104         1.20         1.20         0.67         40  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        11.07         0.11         1.05         1.16         (0.12 )               (0.12 )       1.04         12.11         10.49         33,917         1.23         1.21         0.97         41  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        9.91         0.10         1.12         1.22         (0.06 )               (0.06 )       1.16         11.07         12.36         29,540         1.30         1.30         0.94         61  

8/8/12(6) to 9/30/12

        9.38         (5)       0.53         0.53                                 0.53         9.91         5.54 (4)       23,617         1.30 (3)       1.30 (3)       0.02 (3)       73 (4)
Global Real Estate                                                              

Securities Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 26.19         0.40         3.12         3.52         (0.33 )       (0.41 )       (0.74 )       2.78       $ 28.97         13.75 %     $ 68,087         1.41 %(8)(9)       1.54 %       1.45 %       22 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        25.18         0.66         1.08         1.74         (0.64 )       (0.09 )       (0.73 )       1.01         26.19         6.83         36,315         1.40         1.50         2.45         27  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        23.14         0.38         2.19         2.57         (0.36 )       (0.17 )       (0.53 )       2.04         25.18         11.36         21,502         1.40         1.57         1.52         29  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        22.40         0.35         1.09         1.44         (0.70 )               (0.70 )       0.74         23.14         6.48         15,306         1.40         1.66         1.51         18  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        17.78         0.33         4.77         5.10         (0.11 )       (0.37 )       (0.48 )       4.62         22.40         29.21         8,695         1.40         2.37         1.61         31  

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 25.71         0.20         3.06         3.26         (0.15 )       (0.41 )       (0.56 )       2.70       $ 28.41         12.89 %     $ 13,560         2.16 %(8)(9)       2.29 %       0.73 %       22 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        24.77         0.45         1.07         1.52         (0.49 )       (0.09 )       (0.58 )       0.94         25.71         6.07         8,421         2.15         2.26         1.68         27  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        22.78         0.22         2.13         2.35         (0.19 )       (0.17 )       (0.36 )       1.99         24.77         10.51         5,850         2.15         2.32         0.92         29  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        22.14         0.18         1.08         1.26         (0.62 )               (0.62 )       0.64         22.78         5.70         3,545         2.15         2.41         0.80         18  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        17.65         0.17         4.72         4.89         (0.03 )       (0.37 )       (0.40 )       4.49         22.14         28.18         1,356         2.15         3.11         0.83         31  

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 26.37         0.51         3.11         3.62         (0.39 )       (0.41 )       (0.80 )       2.82       $ 29.19         14.06 %     $ 114,428         1.16 %(8)(9)       1.29 %       1.79 %       22 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        25.33         0.73         1.10         1.83         (0.70 )       (0.09 )       (0.79 )       1.04         26.37         7.11         32,659         1.15         1.25         2.69         27  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        23.28         0.41         2.22         2.63         (0.41 )       (0.17 )       (0.58 )       2.05         25.33         11.60         26,985         1.15         1.32         1.65         29  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        22.51         0.42         1.09         1.51         (0.74 )               (0.74 )       0.77         23.28         6.78         25,332         1.15         1.41         1.78         18  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        17.85         0.45         4.71         5.16         (0.13 )       (0.37 )       (0.50 )       4.66         22.51         29.50         12,063         1.15         1.93         2.04         31  
Greater European                                                              

Opportunities Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 15.20         0.17         0.59         0.76         (0.10 )               (0.10 )       0.66       $ 15.86         4.99 %     $ 11,364         1.46 %(8)(9)       1.82 %       1.06 %       49 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        15.32         0.16         0.01         0.17         (0.10 )       (0.19 )       (0.29 )       (0.12 )       15.20         1.19         13,306         1.45         1.89         1.02         35  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        15.87         0.09         (0.22 )       (0.13 )       (0.06 )       (0.36 )       (0.42 )       (0.55 )       15.32         (0.88 )       12,703         1.45         1.91         0.54         65  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        14.20         0.13         2.09         2.22         (0.12 )       (0.43 )       (0.55 )       1.67         15.87         15.92         13,433         1.45         2.22         0.86         75  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        11.80         0.16         2.87         3.03         (0.15 )       (0.48 )       (0.63 )       2.40         14.20         26.75         6,513         1.45         2.82         1.26         49  

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 14.95         0.04         0.59         0.63                                 0.63       $ 15.58         4.21 %     $ 2,292         2.23 %(8)(9)       2.58 %       0.26 %       49 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        15.08         0.05         0.01         0.06         (5)       (0.19 )       (0.19 )       (0.13 )       14.95         0.43         1,564         2.20         2.64         0.34         35  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        15.71         (0.02 )       (0.23 )       (0.25 )       (0.02 )       (0.36 )       (0.38 )       (0.63 )       15.08         (1.62 )       1,130         2.20         2.67         (0.12 )       65  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        14.10         0.03         2.07         2.10         (0.06 )       (0.43 )       (0.49 )       1.61         15.71         15.11         607         2.20         2.92         0.21         75  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        11.69         0.07         2.85         2.92         (0.03 )       (0.48 )       (0.51 )       2.41         14.10         25.73         187         2.20         3.57         0.52         49  

The footnote legend is at the end of the financial highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

72


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total Return(1)   Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average Net Assets(7)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average    
Net Assets (before waivers and
reimbursements)(7)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate

Greater European

                                                                                                                                                       

Opportunities Fund (Continued)

                                                             

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 15.26         0.25         0.54         0.79         (0.14 )               (0.14 )       0.65       $ 15.91         5.22 %     $ 8,893         1.22 %(8)(9)       1.56 %       1.57 %       49 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        15.38         0.24         (0.02 )       0.22         (0.15 )       (0.19 )       (0.34 )       (0.12 )       15.26         1.47         5,751         1.20         1.63         1.55         35  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        15.92         0.14         (0.24 )       (0.10 )       (0.08 )       (0.36 )       (0.44 )       (0.54 )       15.38         (0.64 )       2,751         1.20         1.68         0.89         65  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        14.23         0.06         2.20         2.26         (0.14 )       (0.43 )       (0.57 )       1.69         15.92         16.19         1,918         1.20         1.96         0.39         75  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        11.83         0.17         2.90         3.07         (0.19 )       (0.48 )       (0.67 )       2.40         14.23         26.99         155         1.20         2.57         1.32         49  

International Equity Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.80         0.03         0.42         0.45         (0.03 )               (0.03 )       0.42       $ 10.22         4.64 %     $ 1,402         1.51 %(8)(9)       3.05 %       0.28 %       70 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.90         0.03         (1.05 )       (1.02 )       (0.08 )               (0.08 )       (1.10 )       9.80         (9.43 )       1,923         1.50         2.27         0.25         94  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.50         0.13         0.64         0.77         (0.24 )       (0.13 )       (0.37 )       0.40         10.90         7.42         3,915         1.50         2.42         1.18         115  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.87         0.16         1.19         1.35         (0.25 )       (1.47 )       (1.72 )       (0.37 )       10.50         13.38         170         1.50         1.95         1.41         277  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.79         0.21         1.36         1.57         (0.30 )       (0.19 )       (0.49 )       1.08         10.87         16.58         193         1.50         1.80         2.02         25  

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.60         (0.05 )       0.42         0.37                                 0.37       $ 9.97         3.85 %     $ 967         2.26 %(8)(9)       3.76 %       (0.52 )%       70 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.68         (0.02 )       (1.05 )       (1.07 )       (0.01 )               (0.01 )       (1.08 )       9.60         (10.01 )       1,689         2.25         3.06         (0.17 )       94  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.37         0.04         0.62         0.66         (0.22 )       (0.13 )       (0.35 )       0.31         10.68         6.56         804         2.25         3.13         0.38         115  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.77         0.08         1.20         1.28         (0.21 )       (1.47 )       (1.68 )       (0.40 )       10.37         12.53         124         2.25         2.73         0.70         277  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.76         0.20         1.25         1.45         (0.25 )       (0.19 )       (0.44 )       1.01         10.77         15.37         115         2.25         2.51         1.94         25  

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.78         0.05         0.43         0.48         (0.07 )               (0.07 )       0.41       $ 10.19         4.89 %     $ 2,650         1.26 %(8)(9)       2.76 %       0.50 %       70 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        10.87         0.07         (1.06 )       (0.99 )       (0.10 )               (0.10 )       (1.09 )       9.78         (9.14 )       4,324         1.25         2.02         0.61         94  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        10.45         0.14         0.65         0.79         (0.24 )       (0.13 )       (0.37 )       0.42         10.87         7.67         6,435         1.25         2.19         1.24         115  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.82         0.22         1.16         1.38         (0.28 )       (1.47 )       (1.75 )       (0.37 )       10.45         13.68         2,185         1.25         1.54         1.97         277  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        9.80         0.30         1.26         1.56         (0.35 )       (0.19 )       (0.54 )       1.02         10.82         16.47         26,398         1.25         1.50         2.94         25  
International Real                                                              

Estate Securities Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 6.63         0.11         0.58         0.69         (0.07 )               (0.07 )       0.62       $ 7.25         10.47 %     $ 8,680         1.51 %(8)(9)       1.91 %       1.60 %       26 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        7.03         0.28         (0.21 )       0.07         (0.47 )               (0.47 )       (0.40 )       6.63         0.94         12,415         1.50         1.78         4.09         27  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        6.61         0.16         0.39         0.55         (0.13 )               (0.13 )       0.42         7.03         8.61         11,257         1.50         1.73         2.38         32  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        6.50         0.15         0.45         0.60         (0.49 )               (0.49 )       0.11         6.61         9.39         10,234         1.50         1.75         2.23         22  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        5.23         0.16         1.24         1.40         (0.13 )               (0.13 )       1.27         6.50         27.35         3,916         1.50         1.85         2.69         41  

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 6.59         0.07         0.57         0.64         (0.02 )               (0.02 )       0.62       $ 7.21         9.69 %     $ 2,006         2.26 %(8)(9)       2.68 %       0.97 %       26 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        6.97         0.23         (0.20 )       0.03         (0.41 )               (0.41 )       (0.38 )       6.59         0.29         2,226         2.25         2.52         3.36         27  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        6.56         0.12         0.38         0.50         (0.09 )               (0.09 )       0.41         6.97         7.75         2,553         2.25         2.48         1.68         32  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        6.48         0.09         0.46         0.55         (0.47 )               (0.47 )       0.08         6.56         8.55         1,911         2.25         2.49         1.35         22  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        5.20         0.12         1.24         1.36         (0.08 )               (0.08 )       1.28         6.48         26.36         1,531         2.25         2.60         2.04         41  

The footnote legend is at the end of the financial highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

73


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

 

      Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)   Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
  Total from Investment Operations   Dividends from
Net Investment Income
  Distributions from
Net Realized Gains
  Total Distributions   Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total Return(1)   Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Expenses to
Average Net Assets(7)
  Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average    
Net Assets (before waivers and
reimbursements)(7)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
(Loss) to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
International Real                                                                                                                                                        

Estate Securities Fund (Continued)

                                                             

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 6.64         0.14         0.56         0.70         (0.08 )               (0.08 )       0.62       $ 7.26         10.72 %     $ 24,348         1.26 %(8)(9)       1.68 %       1.98 %       26 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        7.03         0.30         (0.20 )       0.10         (0.49 )               (0.49 )       (0.39 )       6.64         1.31         24,999         1.25         1.52         4.36         27  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        6.61         0.18         0.39         0.57         (0.15 )               (0.15 )       0.42         7.03         8.87         28,738         1.25         1.48         2.64         32  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        6.49         0.15         0.47         0.62         (0.50 )               (0.50 )       0.12         6.61         9.66         29,999         1.25         1.49         2.35         22  

10/1/11 to 9/30/12

        5.23         0.17         1.25         1.42         (0.16 )               (0.16 )       1.26         6.49         27.74         28,095         1.25         1.59         2.92         41  
International                                                              

Small-Cap Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 10.85         0.21         2.38         2.59         (0.20 )       (0.23 )       (0.43 )       2.16       $ 13.01         24.58 %     $ 1,985         1.61 %(8)(9)       1.87 %       1.80 %       40 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        13.70         0.17         (1.83 )       (1.66 )       (0.23 )       (0.96 )       (1.19 )       (2.85 )       10.85         (12.58 )       1,916         1.60         1.74         1.41         64  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.20         0.47         0.41         0.88         (0.25 )       (0.13 )       (0.38 )       0.50         13.70         6.65         2,477         1.60         1.73         3.31         44  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.09         0.30         2.91         3.21         (0.09 )       (0.01 )       (0.10 )       3.11         13.20         31.97         403         1.60         2.51         2.52         26  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         0.02         0.07         0.09                                 0.09         10.09         0.90 (4)       101         1.60 (3)       16.64 (3)       3.65 (3)       0 (4)

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 10.72         0.12         2.37         2.49         (0.06 )       (0.23 )       (0.29 )       2.20       $ 12.92         23.76 %     $ 1,465         2.36 %(8)(9)       2.63 %       1.02 %       40 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        13.63         0.08         (1.82 )       (1.74 )       (0.21 )       (0.96 )       (1.17 )       (2.91 )       10.72         (13.28 )       1,464         2.35         2.49         0.65         64  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.16         0.24         0.54         0.78         (0.18 )       (0.13 )       (0.31 )       0.47         13.63         5.89         1,194         2.35         2.49         1.73         44  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.09         0.19         2.93         3.12         (0.04 )       (0.01 )       (0.05 )       3.07         13.16         30.92         374         2.35         3.34         1.62         26  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         0.02         0.07         0.09                                 0.09         10.09         0.90 (4)       107         2.35 (3)       17.43 (3)       2.86 (3)       0 (4)

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 10.89         0.23         2.40         2.63         (0.25 )       (0.23 )       (0.48 )       2.15       $ 13.04         24.94 %     $ 40,424         1.36 %(8)(9)       1.62 %       1.95 %       40 %

10/1/14 to 9/30/15

        13.74         0.21         (1.85 )       (1.64 )       (0.25 )       (0.96 )       (1.21 )       (2.85 )       10.89         (12.43 )       40,512         1.35         1.49         1.70         64  

10/1/13 to 9/30/14

        13.21         0.36         0.57         0.93         (0.27 )       (0.13 )       (0.40 )       0.53         13.74         7.04         46,599         1.35         1.49         2.57         44  

10/1/12 to 9/30/13

        10.10         0.34         2.89         3.23         (0.11 )       (0.01 )       (0.12 )       3.11         13.21         32.13         18,123         1.35         2.23         2.82         26  

9/5/12(6) to 9/30/12

        10.00         0.03         0.07         0.10                                 0.10         10.10         1.00 (4)       2,834         1.35 (3)       16.39 (3)       3.89 (3)       0 (4)

Class R6

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 10.89         0.25         2.39         2.64         (0.27 )       (0.23 )       (0.50 )       2.14       $ 13.03         25.06 %     $ 112         1.27 %(8)(9)       1.52 %       2.19 %       40 %

11/12/14(6) to 9/30/15

        13.43         0.22         (1.55 )       (1.33 )       (0.25 )       (0.96 )       (1.21 )       (2.54 )       10.89         (10.41 )(4)       90         1.27 (3)       1.41 (3)       2.02 (3)       64 (4)

International Wealth

                                                             

Masters Fund

                                                             

Class A

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.52         0.08         0.88         0.96         (0.12 )       (0.15 )       (0.27 )       0.69       $ 10.21         10.29 %     $ 232         1.56 %(8)(9)       3.28 %       0.81 %       34 %

11/17/14(6) to 9/30/15

        10.00         0.08         (0.56 )       (0.48 )                               (0.48 )       9.52         (4.80 )(4)       126         1.55 (3)       3.84 (3)       0.91 (3)       32 (4)

Class C

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.46         (5)       0.87         0.87         (0.05 )       (0.15 )       (0.20 )       0.67       $ 10.13         9.39 %     $ 115         2.31 %(8)(9)       4.27 %       0.00 %       34 %

11/17/14(6) to 9/30/15

        10.00         0.01         (0.55 )       (0.54 )                               (0.54 )       9.46         (5.40 )(4)       114         2.30 (3)       4.59 (3)       0.14 (3)       32 (4)

Class I

                                                             

10/1/15 to 9/30/16

      $ 9.54         0.10         0.89         0.99         (0.14 )       (0.15 )       (0.29 )       0.70       $ 10.24         10.62 %     $ 5,089         1.31 %(8)(9)       3.25 %       1.01 %       34 %

11/17/14(6) to 9/30/15

        10.00         0.11         (0.57 )       (0.46 )                               (0.46 )       9.54         (4.60 )(4)       4,602         1.30 (3)       3.56 (3)       1.19 (3)       32 (4)

The footnote legend is at the end of the financial highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

Footnote Legend

(1)  Sales charges, where applicable, are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2)  Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3)  Annualized.
(4)  Not annualized.
(5)  Amount is less than $0.005.
(6)  Inception date.
(7)  The Funds will also indirectly bear their prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds in which they invest. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.
(8)  Earnings credits from custodian were not material, as reflected in the Statements of Operations, and had no impact on Financial Highlights.
(9)  Net expense ratios include extraordinary proxy expenses.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 1. Organization

Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company.

As of the date of this report, 31 funds of the Trust are offered for sale, of which 11 (each a “Fund”) are reported in this annual report.

Each Fund has a distinct investment objective and is diversified.

The Funds’ investment objectives are outlined in each Fund’s summary page.

All of the Funds offer Class A shares, Class C shares, and Class I shares. Class B shares are no longer available for purchase by new or existing shareholders, except by existing shareholders through Qualifying Transactions. The International Small-Cap Fund also offers Class R6 shares. For information regarding Qualifying Transactions, refer to each Fund’s prospectus.

Class A shares of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 3.75%. Class A shares of the remaining Funds are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 5.75% with some exceptions. Generally, Class A shares are not subject to any charges by the Funds when redeemed; however, a 0.50% – 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) may be imposed on certain redemptions made within a certain period following purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The period for which the CDSC applies for the Funds is 18 months. The CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

Class B shares were generally sold with a CDSC, which declines from 5% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held. Class C shares are generally sold with a 1% CDSC, applicable if redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or CDSC. Class R6 shares are only available to participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, profit-sharing plans, defined benefit plans and other employer-directed plans. Class R6 shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees. No compensation, administrative payments, sub-transfer agency payments or service payments are paid to brokers or other entities from fund assets or the Distributor’s or an affiliate’s resources on sales of or investments in Class R6 Shares.

Virtus Mutual Funds may impose an annual fee on accounts having balances of less than $2,500. The small account fee may be waived in certain circumstances, as disclosed in the prospectuses and/or statements of additional information. The fees collected will be used to offset certain expenses of the Funds. These fees are reflected as “Low Balance Account Fees” in each Fund’s Statements of Operations for the period, as applicable.

Each Class of shares has identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except that each Class bears different distribution and/or service fees under a Board-approved Rule 12b-1 and/or shareholder service plan (“12b-1 Plan”) and has exclusive voting rights with respect to such plans. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are not subject to a 12b-1 Plan. Income and other expenses as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses of each Fund are borne pro rata by the holders of each Class of shares.

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements are summarized below and for derivatives, included in Note 3 below. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

  A. Security Valuation

Security valuation procedures for each Fund, which include nightly price variance, as well as back-testing such as bi-weekly unchanged price, monthly secondary source and transaction analysis, have been approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”, or the “Trustees”). All internally fair valued securities are approved by a valuation committee (the “Valuation Committee”) appointed by the Board. The Valuation Committee is comprised of certain members of management as identified to the Board and convenes independently from portfolio management. All internally fair valued securities are updated daily and reviewed in detail by the Valuation Committee monthly unless changes occur within the period. The Valuation Committee reviews the validity of the model inputs and any changes to the model. Quarterly fair valuations are reviewed by the Board.

Each Fund utilizes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The Funds’ policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period.

 

  •    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (security types generally include listed equities).

 

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

 

  •    Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Valuation Committee’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

A description of the valuation techniques applied to a Fund’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:

Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded or, if no closing price is available, at the last bid price and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Restricted equity securities and private placements that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Certain non-U.S. securities may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, significant events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that non-U.S. markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that a Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) (at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), generally 4 p.m. Eastern time)

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

that may impact the value of securities traded in these non-U.S. markets. In such cases the Funds fair value non-U.S. securities using an independent pricing service which considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the non-U.S. security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments such as ADRs, financial futures, ETFs, and certain indexes, as well as prices for similar securities. Such fair valuations are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain non-U.S. common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.

Debt securities, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. For most bond types, the pricing service utilizes matrix pricing that considers one or more of the following factors: yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, current cash flows, type, and current day trade information, as well as dealer-supplied prices. These valuations are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Structured debt instruments, such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may also incorporate collateral analysis and utilize cash flow models for valuation and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Pricing services do not provide pricing for all securities and therefore indicative bids from dealers are utilized which are based on pricing models used by market makers in the security and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Debt securities that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Listed derivatives, such as treasury futures, that are actively traded are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Over-the-counter derivative contracts, which include forward currency contracts and equity-linked instruments, do not require material subjectivity as pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets and are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at NAV. Investments in closed-end funds are valued as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE each business day. Both are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

A summary of the inputs used to value a Fund’s net assets by each major security type is disclosed at the end of the Schedule of Investments for each Fund. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

  B. Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses from sales of securities are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date or, in the case of certain foreign securities, as soon as a Fund is notified. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Each Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts using the effective interest method. Any distributions from underlying funds are recorded in accordance with the character of the distributions as designated by the underlying funds.

Dividend income from REIT investments is recorded using management’s estimate of the income included in distributions received from the REIT investments. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and capital gains are only determined by each domestic REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

  C. Income Taxes

Each Fund is treated as a separate taxable entity. It is the intention of each Fund to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes or excise taxes has been made.

Certain Funds may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. Each Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable based upon current interpretations of the tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

Management of the Funds has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. As of September 30, 2016, the tax years that remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations are from the year 2013 forward (with limited exceptions).

 

  D. Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions are recorded by each Fund on the ex-dividend date. Emerging Markets Debt Fund income distributions are declared and recorded daily and distributed monthly. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may include the treatment of non-taxable dividends, market premium and discount, non-deductible expenses, expiring capital loss carryovers, foreign currency gain or loss, gain or loss on futures contracts, partnerships, operating losses and losses deferred due to wash sales. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest.

 

  E. Expenses

Expenses incurred together by a Fund and other affiliated mutual funds are allocated in proportion to the net assets of each such fund, except where allocation of direct expense to each fund or an alternative allocation method can be more appropriately used.

In addition to the net annual operating expenses that a Fund bears directly, the shareholders of a Fund indirectly bear the pro rata expenses of any underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests.

 

  F. Foreign Currency Translation

Non-U.S. investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the foreign currency exchange rate effective at the end of the reporting period. Cost of investments is translated at the currency exchange rate effective at the trade date. The gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between the trade and settlement date of a portfolio transaction is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. Likewise, the gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

the date income is accrued and the date it is paid is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

 

  G. Loan Agreements

Certain Funds may invest in direct debt instruments which are interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower to lenders or lending syndicates. Loan agreements are generally non-investment grade and often involve borrowers that are highly leveraged. The Funds may invest in obligations of borrowers who are in bankruptcy proceedings. Loan agreements are typically senior in the corporate capital structure of the borrower. A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution (the “lender”) that acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. A Fund’s investments in loans may be in the form of participations in loans or assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties. When investing in loan participations, a Fund has the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the loan participation and only upon receipt by the lender of payments from the borrower. A Fund generally has no right to enforce compliance with the terms of the loan agreement with the borrower. As a result, a Fund may be subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the loan agreement. When a Fund purchases assignments from lenders it acquires direct rights against the borrower on the loan.

A Fund may invest in multiple series or tranches of a loan, which may have varying terms and carry different associated risks. Loan agreements may involve foreign borrowers and investments may be denominated in foreign currencies. Direct indebtedness of emerging countries involves a risk that the government entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay the principal and interest when due.

The loan agreements have floating rate loan interests which generally pay interest at rates that are periodically determined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. The base lending rates are generally LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), the prime rate offered by one or more U.S. banks or the certificate of deposit rate. When a loan agreement is purchased a Fund may pay an assignment fee. On an ongoing basis, a Fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit portion of a loan agreement. Prepayment penalty fees are received upon the prepayment of a loan agreement by a borrower. Prepayment penalty, facility, commitment, consent and amendment fees are recorded to income as earned or paid.

At September 30, 2016, the Funds only hold assignment loans.

 

  H. Securities Lending

Certain Funds may loan securities to qualified brokers through an agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman (“BBH”), as a third party lending agent. Under the terms of the agreement, when doing so the Fund is required to maintain collateral with a market value not less than 100% of the market value of loaned securities. Collateral is adjusted daily in connection with changes in the market value of securities on loan. Collateral may consist of cash and securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Cash collateral is invested in a short-term money market fund. Dividends earned on the collateral and premiums paid by the broker are recorded as income by a Fund net of fees and rebates charged by BBH for its services as securities lending agent and in connection with this securities lending program. Lending portfolio securities involves a risk of delay in the recovery of the loaned securities or in the declining value of the collateral.

At September 30, 2016, the Greater European Opportunities Fund, International Small-Cap Fund and International Wealth Masters Fund had securities on loan with market values of $14, $128 and $82, and cash collateral of $15, $134 and $86, respectively ($ reported in thousands).

 

  I. Earnings Credit and Interest

Through arrangements with each Fund’s custodian, each Fund either receives an earnings credit or interest on agreed upon target un-invested cash balances to reduce each Fund’s custody expenses. The credits are reflected as “Earnings credit from Custodian” and the interest is reflected under “Interest income” in each Fund’s Statements of Operations for the period, as applicable.

 

Note 3. Derivative Financial Instruments and Transactions

($ reported in thousands)

Disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities are intended to enable investors to understand how and why a Fund uses derivatives, how derivatives are accounted for, and how derivative instruments affect a Fund’s results of operations and financial position. Summarized below are such disclosures and accounting policies for each specific type of derivative instrument used by certain Funds.

Forward Currency Contracts: A forward currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded directly between currency traders and their customers. The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Funds as an unrealized gain or loss in the Statements of Operations. When the contract is closed or offset with the same counterparty, on settlement date, the Funds record a realized gain or loss equal to the change in the value of the contract when it was opened and the value at the time it was closed or offset. This is presented in the Statements of Operations as net realized gain (loss) from foreign currency transactions.

Funds enter into forward currency contracts in conjunction with the planned purchase or sale of foreign denominated securities in order to hedge the U.S. dollar cost or proceeds. The Funds also, from time to time, hedge the currency exposure of foreign denominated securities, held in the portfolio, back to U.S. dollars during perceived times of U.S. dollar strength. This is done in order to protect the U.S. dollar value of the portfolio. Forward currency contracts involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risks arise from the possible movements in foreign exchange rates or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

The International Equity Fund invested in derivative instruments during the reporting period in the form of forward currency contracts. The primary type of risk associated with forward currency contracts is the risk associated with the conversion of foreign currency to U.S. dollars. The Fund may invest in forward currency contracts in an attempt to manage such risk and protect the U.S. dollar value of the portfolio.

 

 

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These forward currency contracts were executed under the ISDA 2002 Master Agreement without any Schedule thereto and without the requirement of posting any collateral to the counterparty.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the International Equity Fund had less than $500 (not in thousands) in realized gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange contracts recognized in the Statement of Operations.

The Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund sold warrants during the reporting period. The primary type of risk associated with warrants is equity risk. The outstanding warrants during the year were approximately consistent with the warrants at year-end. At September 30, 2016, there were no warrants outstanding.

The effect of warrants on the Statement of Operations for the period ended September 30, 2016, was as follows:

 

    

Location of Gain (Loss) on Warrants
Recognized in Income

   Realized Gain
(Loss) on Warrants
Recognized in Income
     Change in Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation) on Derivatives
Recognized in Income
 

Warrants

   Net realized gain (loss) on investments and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments    $ 6       $ (16

 

Note 4. Investment Advisory Fees and Related Party Transactions

($ reported in thousands except as noted)

 

  A. Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (“Virtus”), is the adviser to the Trust. The Adviser manages the Funds’ investment programs and general operations of the Funds, including oversight of the Funds’ subadvisers.

As compensation for its services to the Funds, the Adviser is entitled to a fee based upon the following annual rates as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Fund:

 

       First $1 Billion      $1+ Billion         

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

       0.75      0.70   

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

       1.05         1.00      

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

       1.20         1.15      

Greater European Opportunities Fund

       0.85         0.80      

International Small-Cap Fund

       1.00         0.95      

International Wealth Masters Fund

       0.90         0.85      
       First $1 Billion      $1+ Billion through $2 Billion      $2+ Billion  

Global Infrastructure Fund

       0.65      0.60      0.55

Global Opportunities Fund

       0.85         0.80         0.75   

Global Real Estate Securities Fund

       0.85         0.80         0.75   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

       1.00         0.95         0.90   
       First $2 Billion      $2+ Billion through $4 Billion      $4+ Billion  

International Equity Fund

       0.85      0.80      0.75

During the period covered by these financial statements, the Emerging Markets Debt Fund invested a portion of its assets in Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund, an affiliated mutual fund. In order to avoid any duplication of advisory fees, the Adviser has voluntarily waived its advisory fees in an amount equal to that which would otherwise be paid by the Fund on the assets invested in the Credit Opportunities Fund. For the period covered by these financial statements, the waiver amounted to $1. This waiver is in addition to the expense limitation and/or fee waiver covered elsewhere in these financial statements and is included in the Statement of Operations in “expenses reimbursed and/or waived by the investment adviser”.

 

  B. Subadvisers

The subadvisers manage the investments of each Fund for which they are paid a fee by the Adviser. The subadvisers and the Funds they serve are as follows:

 

Fund

 

Subadviser

  

Fund

 

Subadviser

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

 

NF(1)

  

Greater European Opportunities Fund

 

Vontobel(5)

Emerging Markets Equity Income fund

 

KBI(2)

  

International Equity Fund

 

DPIM(4)(7)

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund   KAR(3)   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

 

DPIM(4)

Global Infrastructure Fund

 

DPIM(4)

  

International Small-Cap Fund

 

KAR(3)

Global Opportunities Fund

 

Vontobel(5)

  

International Wealth Masters Fund

 

Horizon(6)

Global Real Estate Securities Fund

 

DPIM(4)

    

 

  (1)  Newfleet Asset Management, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus.
  (2) KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd.
  (3)  Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus.
  (4) Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus.
  (5) Vontobel Asset Management, Inc.
  (6)  Horizon Asset Management, LLC
  (7)  Prior to September 7, 2016, Euclid Advisors LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, was the subadviser to this Fund. (The portfolio manager did not change.)
 

 

 

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  C. Expense Limits and Fee Waivers

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the following Fund’s total operating expenses (excluding dividend and interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses), so that such expenses do not exceed the following percentages of the Fund’s average daily net asset values as listed below.

 

     Class A     Class B     Class C     Class I     Class R6     Through
Date
 

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

     1.35         2.10     1.10         1/31/17   

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

     1.75               2.50        1.50               1/31/17   

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

     1.85               2.60        1.60               1/31/17   

Global Opportunities Fund

     1.55        2.30        2.30        1.30               1/31/17   

Global Real Estate Securities Fund

     1.40               2.15        1.15               1/31/17   

Greater European Opportunities Fund

     1.45               2.20        1.20               1/31/17   

International Equity Fund

     1.50               2.25        1.25               1/31/17   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

     1.50               2.25        1.25               1/31/17   

International Small-Cap Fund

     1.60               2.35        1.35        1.26        1/31/17   

International Wealth Masters Fund

     1.55               2.30        1.30               1/31/17   

 

  D. Expense Recapture

For certain Funds, the Adviser may recapture operating expenses waived or reimbursed under these arrangements, within three years after the date on which such waiver or reimbursement occurred. A Fund must pay its ordinary operating expenses before the Adviser is entitled to any reimbursement and must remain in compliance with any applicable expense limitations or, if none, the expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. All or a portion of the following Adviser reimbursed expenses may be recaptured as follows:

 

       Fiscal Year Ended  
       2017        2018        2019        Total  

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

     $ 40         $ 38         $ 50         $ 128   

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

       13           6           124         $ 143   

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

       80           79           87         $ 246   

Global Real Estate Securities Fund

       79           79           164         $ 322   

Greater European Opportunities Fund

       80           84           92         $ 256   

International Equity Fund

       74           71           96         $ 241   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

       100           114           152         $ 366   

International Small-Cap Fund

       60           67           108         $ 235   

International Wealth Masters Fund

                 101           98         $ 199   

 

  E. Distributor

VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the distributor of each Fund’s shares. VP Distributors has advised the Funds that for the fiscal year (the “period”) ended September 30, 2016, it retained net commissions of $32 for Class A shares and deferred sales charges of $1, $—*, and $14 for Class A shares, Class B shares, and Class C shares, respectively.

* Amount is less than $500.

In addition, each Fund pays VP Distributors distribution and/or service fees under a 12b-1 Plan as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each respective class at the annual rates as follows: Class A shares 0.25%; Class B shares 1.00%; Class C shares 1.00%; Class I shares and Class R6 shares are not subject to a 12b-1 Plan.

Under certain circumstances, shares of certain Virtus Mutual Funds may be exchanged for shares of the same class of certain other Virtus Mutual Funds on the basis of the relative NAV per share at the time of the exchange. On exchanges with share classes that carry a CDSC, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply.

 

  F. Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the administrator and transfer agent to the Funds.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Funds incurred administration fees totaling $591 which are included in the Statements of Operations.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Funds incurred transfer agent fees totaling $912 which are included in the Statements of Operations. A portion of these fees was paid to outside entities that also provide services to the Trust.

 

  G. Affiliated Shareholders

At September 30, 2016, Virtus and its affiliates held shares of certain Funds, which may be redeemed at any time, that aggregated the following:

 

       Shares        Aggregate Net
Asset Value
 
Emerging Markets Debt Fund          

Class A

       12,037         $ 114   

Class C

       11,683           110   

Class I

       3,015,728           28,499   

 

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

       Shares        Aggregate Net
Asset Value
 
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund          

Class A

       11,064         $ 100   

Class C

       10,784           97   

Class I

       256,887           2,322   
Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund          

Class A

       10,589           98   

Class C

       10,346           96   

Class I

       297,751           2,772   
Global Infrastructure Fund          

Class I

       684,076           9,734   
Global Real Estate Securities Fund          

Class I

       176,175           5,143   
International Equity Fund          

Class A

       9,905           101   

Class C

       9,922           99   

Class I

       80,097           816   
International Real Estate Securities Fund          

Class A

       314,922           2,283   

Class I

       766,372           5,564   
International Small-Cap Fund          

Class R6

       8,599           112   
International Wealth Masters Fund          

Class A

       10,283           105   

Class C

       10,215           103   

Class I

       494,692           5,065   

 

  H. Investments in Affiliates

A summary of the Emerging Markets Debt Fund’s total long-term and short-term purchases and sales of affiliated underlying funds during the period ended September 30, 2016, is as follows:

 

     Value,
beginning of
period
     Purchases      Sales
Proceeds
     Value, end
of period
     Dividend
Income
     Distributions
of Realized
Gains
 

Virtus Credit Opportunities Fund

   $ 143       $ 2       $ 144       $       $ 4       $   

 

  I. Trustee Compensation

The Trust provides a deferred compensation plan for its Trustees who receive compensation from the Trust. Under the deferred compensation plan, Trustees may elect to defer all or a portion of their compensation. Amounts deferred are retained by the Trust, and then, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, in turn, may be invested in the shares of affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds selected by the participating Trustees. Investments in such instruments are included in “Other Assets” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2016.

 

Note 5. Purchases and Sales of Securities

($ reported in thousands)

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding U.S. Government and agency securities, forward currency contracts, futures and short-term securities) during the period ended September 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

       Purchases        Sales  

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

     $ 13,587         $ 13,159   

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

       24,618           40,504   

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

       1,467           1,651   

Global Infrastructure Fund

       21,472           64,420   

Global Opportunities Fund

       71,131           45,998   

Global Real Estate Securities Fund

       130,367           27,988   

Greater European Opportunities Fund

       12,714           12,067   

International Equity Fund

       4,183           7,279   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

       9,440           17,521   

International Small-Cap Fund

       15,932           23,904   

International Wealth Masters Fund

       1,820           1,708   

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government and agency securities for the Funds during the period ended September 30, 2016.

 

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Note 6. Capital Share Transactions

(reported in thousands)

Transactions in shares of capital stock, during the periods ended as indicated below, were as follows:

 

     Emerging Markets Debt Fund     Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
    Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT  
Class A                 
Sale of shares      32      $ 284        24      $ 221        68      $ 545        29      $ 291   
Reinvestment of distributions      3        30        4        34        3        25        3        27   
Shares repurchased      (29     (247     (45     (414     (62     (517     (59     (589
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      6      $ 67        (17   $ (159     9      $ 53        (27   $ (271
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class C                 
Sale of shares      9      $ 73        44      $ 408        9      $ 73        26      $ 248   
Reinvestment of distributions      2        15        3        26        2        15        1        15   
Shares repurchased      (37     (317     (62     (571     (17     (143     (26     (253
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (26   $ (229     (15   $ (137     (6   $ (55     1      $ 10   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class I                 
Sale of shares      25      $ 214        144      $ 1,329        846      $ 7,254        1,722      $ 16,430   
Reinvestment of distributions      139        1,237        143        1,307        21        169        34        343   
Shares repurchased      (36     (306     (574     (5,295     (2,659     (21,778     (4,333     (41,211
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      128      $ 1,145        (287   $ (2,659     (1,792   $ (14,355     (2,577   $ (24,438
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund     Global Infrastructure Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
    Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT  
Class A                 
Sale of shares      9      $ 76        25      $ 240        578      $ 7,838        2,224      $ 33,956   
Reinvestment of distributions      1        6        1        8        361        4,488        153        2,277   
Shares repurchased      (11     (88     (5     (38     (1,802     (24,238     (1,863     (27,573
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (1   $ (6     21      $ 210        (863   $ (11,912     514      $ 8,660   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class C                 
Sale of shares      2      $ 14        (1)    $ 4        221      $ 2,931        2,414      $ 36,729   
Reinvestment of distributions      (1)      (2)      1        4        201        2,471        62        917   
Shares repurchased      (6     (45                   (1,356     (17,965     (1,168     (17,261
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (4   $ (31     1      $ 8        (934   $ (12,563     1,308      $ 20,385   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class I                 
Sale of shares      112      $ 878        274      $ 2,666        1,348      $ 18,253        1,858      $ 28,316   
Reinvestment of distributions      10        78        17        161        253        3,158        135        2,016   
Shares repurchased      (139     (1,091     (136     (1,257     (2,424     (32,314     (1,897     (28,258
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (17   $ (135     155      $ 1,570        (823   $ (10,903     96      $ 2,074   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  Amount is less than 500.
(2)  Amount is less than $500.

 

 

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     Global Opportunities Fund     Global Real Estate Securities Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
    Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT  
Class A                 
Sale of shares      2,313      $ 30,155        2,304      $ 28,851        1,668      $ 46,534        1,115      $ 30,347   
Reinvestment of distributions      16        202        34        423        44        1,163        25        689   
Shares repurchased      (1,718     (22,328     (1,625     (20,664     (749     (20,318     (608     (16,436
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      611      $ 8,029        713      $ 8,610        963      $ 27,379        532      $ 14,600   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class B                 
Sale of shares           $             $             $             $   
Reinvestment of distributions                    (1)      1                               
Shares repurchased      (22     (254     (17     (192                            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (22   $ (254     (17   $ (191          $             $   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class C                 
Sale of shares      1,158      $ 13,134        1,293      $ 14,518        236      $ 6,500        188      $ 5,085   
Reinvestment of distributions                    1        6        7        190        5        134   
Shares repurchased      (562     (6,368     (280     (3,149     (93     (2,565     (102     (2,710
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      596      $ 6,766        1,014      $ 11,375        150      $ 4,125        91      $ 2,509   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class I                 
Sale of shares      1,467      $ 19,059        650      $ 8,210        3,406      $ 95,560        734      $ 20,228   
Reinvestment of distributions      6        71        3        43        47        1,232        33        912   
Shares repurchased      (1,050     (13,762     (361     (4,581     (771     (21,752     (594     (16,107
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      423      $ 5,368        292      $ 3,672        2,682      $ 75,040        173      $ 5,033   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Greater European Opportunities Fund     International Equity Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
    Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT  
Class A                 
Sale of shares      356      $ 5,574        420      $ 6,463        23      $ 229        287      $ 3,013   
Reinvestment of distributions      6        86        16        236        1        6        3        30   
Shares repurchased      (520     (8,182     (390     (5,967     (83     (819     (453     (4,695
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (158   $ (2,522     46      $ 732        (59   $ (584     (163   $ (1,652
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class C                 
Sale of shares      87      $ 1,345        64      $ 995        28      $ 270        122      $ 1,322   
Reinvestment of distributions                    1        13                      (1)      1   
Shares repurchased      (45     (688     (35     (536     (107     (1,030     (21     (227
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      42      $ 657        30      $ 472        (79   $ (760     101      $ 1,096   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class I                 
Sale of shares      892      $ 14,069        415      $ 6,216        59      $ 567        178      $ 1,967   
Reinvestment of distributions      6        94        3        46        3        26        5        53   
Shares repurchased      (716     (11,424     (220     (3,420     (244     (2,397     (333     (3,549
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      182      $ 2,739        198      $ 2,842        (182   $ (1,804     (150   $ (1,529
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  Amount is less than 500.

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

     International Real Estate Securities Fund     International Small-Cap Fund  
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
    Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT  
Class A                 
Sale of shares      626      $ 4,261        522      $ 3,606        49      $ 578        105      $ 1,306   
Reinvestment of distributions      20        133        116        773        6        67        14        161   
Shares repurchased      (1,322     (8,902     (367     (2,507     (79     (925     (123     (1,574
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (676   $ (4,508     271      $ 1,872        (24   $ (280     (4   $ (107
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class C                 
Sale of shares      31      $ 214        140      $ 982        37      $ 410        71      $ 884   
Reinvestment of distributions      1        5        17        114        3        35        9        100   
Shares repurchased      (92     (616     (185     (1,278     (63     (709     (31     (372
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (60   $ (397     (28   $ (182     (23   $ (264     49      $ 612   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class I                 
Sale of shares      1,496      $ 10,464        1,960      $ 13,578        700      $ 8,053        2,141      $ 26,540   
Reinvestment of distributions      46        299        270        1,808        140        1,563        317        3,641   
Shares repurchased      (1,955     (13,320     (2,548     (17,494     (1,462     (16,224     (2,129     (25,756
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (413   $ (2,557     (318   $ (2,108     (622   $ (6,608     329      $ 4,425   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Class R6                 
Sale of shares           $             $             $        7      $ 100   
Reinvestment of distributions                                  (1)      4        1        9   
Shares repurchased                                                (1)      (2) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Increase / (Decrease)           $             $        (1)    $ 4        8      $ 109   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     International Wealth Masters Fund                          
     Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    From Inception
November 17, 2014 to
September 30, 2015
                         
     SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT                          
Class A                 
Sale of shares      14      $ 137        14      $ 142           
Reinvestment of distributions      (1)      3                         
Shares repurchased      (5     (45     (1     (7        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         
Net Increase / (Decrease)      9      $ 95        13      $ 135           
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         
Class C                 
Sale of shares      (1)    $ 2        15      $ 149           
Reinvestment of distributions      (1)      2                         
Shares repurchased      (1     (11     (3     (25        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         
Net Increase / (Decrease)      (1   $ (7     12      $ 124           
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         
Class I                 
Sale of shares           $ 1        482      $ 4,826           
Reinvestment of distributions      15        139                         
Shares repurchased                    (1)      (1 )         
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         
Net Increase / (Decrease)      15      $ 140        482      $ 4,825           
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

         

 

(1)  Amount is less than 500.
(2)  Amount is less than $500.

 

Note 7. 10% Shareholders

As of September 30, 2016, certain Funds had individual shareholder account(s) and/or omnibus shareholder account(s) (comprised of a group of individual shareholders), which individually amounted to more than 10% of the total shares outstanding of each such Fund as detailed below:

 

       % of Shares
Outstanding
       Number of
Accounts
 

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

       94        1

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

       89           2

Global Infrastructure Fund#

       11           1   

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

       % of Shares
Outstanding
       Number of
Accounts
 

Global Opportunities Fund

       16        1   

Global Real Estate Securities Fund#

       39           3   

Greater European Opportunities Fund

       42           3   

International Equity Fund

       42           3

International Real Estate Securities Fund#

       44           3
International Small-Cap Fund        81           1   
International Wealth Masters Fund        93           1

 

  * Includes affiliated shareholder accounts.
  #  The Fund is owned by Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund. Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund does not invest in the underlying Funds for the purpose of exercising management or control; however, investments made may represent a significant portion of an underlying Fund’s net assets. At September 30, 2016, Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund was the owner of record of approximately 16% of the International Real Estate Securities Fund, 8% of the Global Infrastructure Fund, and 3% of the Global Real Estate Securities Fund.

 

Note 8. Credit Risk and Asset Concentration

In countries with limited or developing markets, investments may present greater risks than in more developed markets and the prices of such investments may be volatile. The consequences of political, social or economic changes in these markets may have disruptive effects on the market prices of these investments and the income they generate, as well as a Fund’s ability to repatriate such amounts.

High-yield/high-risk securities typically entail greater price volatility and/or principal and interest rate risk. There is a greater chance that an issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments on time. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of high-yield/high-risk securities may be complex, and as a result, it may be more difficult for the Adviser and/or subadviser to accurately predict risk.

Certain Funds may invest a high percentage of their assets in specific sectors of the market in the pursuit of their investment objectives. Fluctuations in these sectors of concentration may have a greater impact on a Fund, positive or negative, than if a Fund did not concentrate its investments in such sectors.

At September 30, 2016, the following Funds held securities issued by various companies in specific sectors as detailed below:

 

                    Fund

    

Sector

     Percentage of Total
Investments
 
Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund     

Financials

       31
Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund      Industrials        27
Global Infrastructure Fund     

Utilities

       37
Global Infrastructure Fund      Energy        26
Global Opportunities Fund     

Consumer Staples

       30
Greater European Opportunities Fund     

Consumer Staples

       42
International Real Estate Securities Fund     

Real Estate Operating Companies

       35
International Real Estate Securities Fund     

Retail REITs

       25
International Real Estate Securities Fund      Diversified REITs        25
International Small-Cap Fund      Information Technology        26
International Wealth Masters Fund      Consumer Discretionary        29

 

Note 9. Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Trustees and officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. Each Trustee has entered into an indemnification agreement with the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that provide a variety of indemnifications to other parties. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds and that have not occurred. However, the Funds have not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements and expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 10. Federal Income Tax Information

($ reported in thousands)

At September 30, 2016, federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities held by the Funds were as follows:

 

      Federal
Tax Cost
     Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

   $ 29,173       $ 1,632       $ (1,336   $ 296   

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

     28,628         2,721         (1,039     1,682   

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

     4,919         232         (352     (120

Global Infrastructure Fund

     112,845         15,002         (7,060     7,942   

Global Opportunities Fund

     135,335         42,199         (789     41,410   

Global Real Estate Securities Fund

     178,036         17,994         (2,885     15,109   

Greater European Opportunities Fund

     17,779         4,016         (170     3,846   

International Equity Fund

     3,818         795         (77     718   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

     29,841         4,610         (278     4,332   

International Small-Cap Fund

     42,201         4,213         (3,489     724   

International Wealth Masters Fund

     5,384         598         (490     108   

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Certain Funds have capital loss carryovers available to offset future realized capital gains, through the indicated expiration dates shown below:

 

    2018     2019     No Expiration     Total  
    Short-Term     Long-Term     Short-Term     Long-Term     Short-Term     Long-Term     Short-Term     Long-Term  

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

  $      $      $      $      $ 479      $ 1,521      $ 479      $ 1,521   

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

                                4,691        2,464        4,691        2,464   

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

                                1        89        1        89   

Greater European Opportunities Fund

                                129               129          

International Equity Fund

                                797        65        797        65   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

    3,884               884               1,829        732        6,597        732   

International Small-Cap Fund

                                491        31        491        31   

International Wealth Masters Fund

                                1               1          

The Trust may not realize the benefit of these losses to the extent each Fund does not realize gains on investments prior to the expiration of the capital loss carryovers.

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for tax years beginning after December 22, 2010, may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the following Funds utilized losses deferred in prior years against current year capital gains:

 

Global Opportunities Fund

   $ 410   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

     421   

Capital losses realized after October 31, and certain late year ordinary losses may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Funds deferred and recognized losses as follows:

 

     Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Deferred
     Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Recognized
     Capital
Loss
Deferred
     Capital
Loss
Recognized
 

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

   $       $       $ 326       $ 1,395   

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

                     5,759         5,981   

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

                     341         52   

Global Infrastructure Fund

     5                           

Global Opportunities Fund

                             1,262   

Greater European Opportunities Fund

                     714         129   

International Equity Fund

             8         490         676   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

                     201         88   

International Small-Cap Fund

                     1,712           

International Wealth Masters Fund

                     58           

The components of distributable earnings on a tax basis (excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation) which are disclosed above) consist of the following:

 

     Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
     Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
 

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

   $ 73       $   

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

     312           

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

     95           

Global Infrastructure Fund

             3,073   

Global Opportunities Fund

     555         767   

Global Real Estate Securities Fund

     4,025         203   

Greater European Opportunities Fund

     326           

International Real Estate Securities Fund

     2,083           

International Small-Cap Fund

     998           

International Wealth Masters Fund

     75           

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended September 30, 2016, and 2015, was as follows:

 

     2016      2015  
     Ordinary
Income
     Long-Term
Capital Gains
     Total      Ordinary
Income
     Long-Term
Capital Gains
     Return
of Capital
     Total  

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund

   $ 1,278       $       $ 1,278       $ 1,132       $       $ 239       $ 1,371   

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

     1,173                 1,173         2,175                         2,175   

Virtus Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

     89                 89         174                         174   

Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund

     2,716         8,619         11,335         4,398         1,425                 5,823   

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund

     425                 425         698                         698   

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund

     1,560         1,057         2,617         1,605         164                 1,769   

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

     180                 180         107         196                 303   

Virtus International Equity Fund

     32                 32         85                         85   

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund

     448                 448         2,732                         2,732   

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

     1,234         477         1,711         2,889         1,127                 4,016   

Virtus International Wealth Masters Fund

     146                 146                                   

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term gain distributions reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets, if any, are reported as ordinary income for federal tax purposes. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.

 

Note 11. Reclassifications of Capital Accounts

($ reported in thousands)

For financial reporting purposes, book basis capital accounts are adjusted to reflect the tax character of permanent book/tax differences. Permanent reclassifications can arise from differing treatment of certain income and gain transactions, nondeductible current year net operating losses, expiring capital loss carryovers and investments in passive foreign investment companies. The reclassifications have no impact on the net assets or net asset value of the Funds. As of September 30, 2016, the Funds recorded reclassifications to increase (decrease) the accounts as listed below:

 

       Capital Paid in on
Shares of
Beneficial Interest
       Undistributed
Net Investment
Income (Loss)
       Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

     $         $ (81      $ 81   

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

                 (1        1   

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

                 (1        1   

Global Infrastructure Fund

                 (4        4   

Global Opportunities Fund

                 (6        6   

Global Real Estate Securities Fund

                 144           (144

Greater European Opportunities Fund

                 5           (5

International Equity Fund

       (13        12           1   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

       (1)         322           (322

International Small-Cap Fund

                 32           (32

International Wealth Masters Fund

                 6           (6

 

  (1)  Amount is less than $500.

 

Note 12. Borrowings

($ reported in thousands)

On June 29, 2016, the Funds and other affiliated funds renewed a $50,000 secured line of credit. The Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) is with a commercial bank (the “Bank”) that allows the Funds to borrow cash from the Bank to manage large unexpected redemptions and trade fails, up to a limit of one-third or one-fifth of each Fund’s total net assets in accordance with the Agreement. The Agreement has a term of 364 days and is renewable by the Funds with the Bank’s consent. Interest is charged at the higher of the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or the Federal Funds rate plus an additional percentage rate on the amount borrowed. Commitment fees are charged on the undrawn balance. The Funds and other affiliated funds are individually, and not jointly, liable for their particular advances, if any, under the line of credit. The Bank has the ability to require repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Agreement upon certain circumstances such as an event of default.

From November 27, 2015, to December 3, 2015, the Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund made borrowings. The average daily borrowings under the Agreement and the weighted daily average interest rate were $629 and 1.24%, respectively. From February 4, 2016, to February 8, 2016, the International Real Estate Fund made borrowings. The average daily borrowings under the Agreement and the weighted daily average interest rate were $420 and 1.43%, respectively. From August 26, 2016, to September 2, 2016, the Greater European Opportunities Fund made borrowings. The average daily borrowings under the Agreement and the weighted daily average interest rate were $721 and 1.52%, respectively.

No other Funds made borrowings during the period and no Fund had any outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2016.

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

Note 13. Illiquid and Restricted Securities

Investments are generally considered illiquid if they cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at the approximate amount at which such securities have been valued by a Fund. Additionally, the following information is also considered in determining liquidity: the frequency of trades and quotes for the investment, whether the investment is listed for trading on a recognized domestic exchange and/or whether two or more brokers are willing to purchase or sell the security at a comparable price, the extent of market making activity in the investment and the nature of the market for investment. Illiquid securities are footnoted as such at the end of each Fund’s Schedule of Investments, where applicable. However, a portion of such footnoted securities could be liquid where it is determined that some, though not all, of the position could be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at the approximate amount at which such securities have been valued by the applicable Fund.

Restricted securities are illiquid securities, as defined above, not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). Generally, 144A securities are excluded from this category, except where defined as illiquid.

Each Fund will bear any costs, including those involved in registration under the 1933 Act, in connection with the disposition of such securities.

The following Funds held securities considered to be illiquid at September 30, 2016:

 

Fund

     Aggregate Value        % of Fund’s net
assets
 
Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund      $ 211           4.3
Global Real Estate Securities Fund                  0.0   
International Real Estate Securities Fund                  0.0   
International Small-Cap Fund        1,792           4.1   

At September 30, 2016, the Funds did not hold any securities that were both illiquid and restricted.

 

Note 14. Regulatory Matters and Litigation

From time to time, the Trust, the Funds’ Adviser and/or Subadvisers and/or their affiliates may be involved in litigation and arbitration as well as examinations and investigations by various regulatory bodies, including the SEC, involving compliance with, among other things, securities laws, client investment guidelines, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers and other laws and regulations affecting their products and other activities. At this time, the Funds’ Adviser believes that the outcomes of such matters are not likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to be material to these financial statements.

On February 20, 2015, a putative class action complaint (In re Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. Securities Litigation; formerly styled as Tom Cummins v. Virtus Investment Partners Inc. et al.) alleging violation of the federal securities laws was filed by an individual shareholder against Virtus and certain of its officers (the “defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On August 21, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”) amending the originally filed complaint and adding the Trust as a defendant. The Consolidated Complaint was purportedly filed on behalf of all purchasers of Virtus common stock between January 25, 2013 and May 11, 2015 (the “Class Period”). The Consolidated Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed material adverse facts relating to certain funds previously subadvised by F-Squared Investments, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“F-Squared”). The plaintiff seeks to recover unspecified damages. A motion to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint was filed on behalf of the defendants on October 21, 2015. Pursuant to an Opinion & Order (“Order”) filed on July 1, 2016, the court granted in part and denied in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss. Although the Order narrows the scope of the claims asserted, claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder survive the motion. The defendants filed an Answer to the Consolidated Complaint on August 5, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit is without merit and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Funds as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Funds.

On May 8, 2015, a putative class action complaint (Mark Youngers v. Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. et al.) alleging violations of certain provisions of the federal securities laws was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint, which was purportedly filed on behalf of purchasers of certain Virtus Funds previously subadvised by F-Squared between May 8, 2010 and December 22, 2014, inclusive (the “Class Period”), alleged claims against Virtus, certain Virtus officers and affiliates (including the Funds’ Adviser, Euclid Advisors LLC (“Euclid”) and VP Distributors, LLC), the trustees and certain officers of the Trust, and certain other parties (the “defendants”). The complaint alleges that during the Class Period the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed or omitted material facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading. On October 1, 2015, the plaintiff filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint which, among other things, added a derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty on behalf of the Trust. On October 19, 2015, the United States District Court for the Central District of California entered an order transferring the action to the Southern District of New York. On January 4, 2016, Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint. Motions to dismiss were filed on behalf of Virtus, its officers and affiliates and the independent trustees on February 1, 2016. An Opinion & Order (“Order”) granting in part and denying in part the defendants’ motions to dismiss was issued on July 1, 2016. The Order dismissed all claims against the Adviser, Euclid, the independent trustees and certain of the other individual defendants and narrowed the claims asserted against the remaining defendants. The remaining defendants filed an Answer to the Second Amended Complaint on August 5, 2016. The defendants filed a motion to certify an interlocutory appeal of the July 1, 2016 order to the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on August 26, 2016. Oral argument on the motion is scheduled for October 7, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit has no basis in law or fact and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Funds as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Funds.

 

Note 15. Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that the following subsequent events require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.

Effective November 1, 2016, the expense limits applicable to Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (as discussed in Note 4C) have changed. The new limits are set forth in the Prospectus Supplement for that Fund dated November 1, 2016, in the back of this Shareholder Report.

Effective November 3, 2016, Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund began offering Class R6 Shares.

 

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LOGO

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees of

Virtus Opportunities Trust and

Shareholders of the Funds:

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, Virtus Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund, Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund, Virtus Global Opportunities Fund, Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund, Virtus International Equity Fund, Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus International Small-Cap Fund and Virtus International Wealth Masters Fund, (constituting funds within Virtus Opportunities Trust, hereafter referred to as the “Funds”) at September 30, 2016, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements 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 are free of material misstatement. An audit 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at September 30, 2016 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 22, 2016

 

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

TAX INFORMATION NOTICE

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Funds make the following disclosures for federal income tax purposes. Below is listed the percentages, or the maximum amount allowable, of its ordinary income dividends (“QDI”) to qualify for the lower tax rates applicable to individual shareholders, and the percentage of ordinary income dividends earned by the Funds which qualifies for the dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for corporate shareholders. The actual percentage of QDI and DRD for the calendar year will be designated in year-end tax statements. The Funds designate the amounts below as long-term capital gains dividends (“LTCG”) taxable at a 20% rate, or lower depending on the shareholder’s income ($ reported in thousands). LTCG amounts, if subsequently different, will be designated in the next annual report.

 

      QDI        DRD        LTCG  

Emerging Markets Debt Fund

                 $   

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

     100                       

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

     86                       

Global Infrastructure Fund

     100           79           4,202   

Global Opportunities Fund

     100           100           767   

Global Real Estate Securities Fund

     20                     527   

Greater European Opportunities Fund

     100           16             

International Equity Fund

     100           6             

International Real Estate Securities Fund

     27                       

International Small-Cap Fund

     61                       

International Wealth Masters

     100                       

For the year ended September 30, 2016, certain Funds are disclosing the following information pursuant to notice requirements of Section 853(a) and 855(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations thereunder ($ reported in thousands).

 

     Foreign Source
Income
Recognized
       Foreign Taxes
Paid on
Foreign
Source
Income
 

Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

   $ 1,281         $ 149   

Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

     183           21   

Greater European Opportunities Fund

     690           53   

International Equity Fund

     119           11   

International Real Estate Securities Fund

     1,301           120   

International Small-Cap Fund

     1,494           137   

International Wealth Masters Fund

     127           15   

 

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CONSIDERATION OF SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS FOR VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY INCOME FUND AND VIRTUS ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FUND

BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is responsible for the consideration and approval of advisory and subadvisory agreements for the Trust. As further discussed below, at meetings held on January 26, 2016, and February 23-24, 2016, the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (such Act, the “1940 Act” and such Trustees, the “Independent Trustees”), considered and approved interim and new subadvisory agreements (together, the “Subadvisory Agreements”) with Kleinwort Benson Investors International, Ltd. (“KBII” or the “Subadviser”), subadviser to the Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund and Virtus Essential Resources Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).

KBII has served as the subadviser to each Fund since inception, and the Board previously approved subadvisory agreements with KBII (the “Old Subadvisory Agreements”) in 2014 and 2015. On January 13, 2016, Oddo & Cie, a French financial services group based primarily in Europe, (“Oddo”) acquired in excess of 25% of the outstanding shares of BHF Kleinwort Benson SA (“BHFKB”), an indirect parent of KBII. Under the 1940 Act, an acquisition of more than 25% of the voting shares of a company is generally considered to be a change in control. As the indirect parent company of KBII, a change in control at BHFKB also causes a change in control at KBII. Under the 1940 Act, when a change in control occurs, affected subadvisory agreements automatically terminate. In order to continue utilizing KBII as a subadviser, at a telephonic meeting held on January 26, 2016, the Board approved an interim subadvisory agreement (the “Interim Subadvisory Agreement”) effective January 13, 2016, with the proviso that such agreement may not continue for a period of more than 150 days from the termination event or the date on which a new subadvisory agreement is entered into. At an in-person meeting held on February 23-24, 2016, the Board then approved the new investment subadvisory agreement (the “New Subadvisory Agreement”) with KBII. The New Subadvisory Agreement was approved by shareholders on May 26, 2016.

In considering the approval of the Interim Subadvisory Agreement and the New Subadvisory Agreement (collectively, the “Subadvisory Agreements”), the Board requested and evaluated information provided by Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA” or the “Adviser”) and the Subadviser which, in the Board’s view, constituted information necessary for the Board to form a judgment as to whether the approval of the Subadvisory Agreements would be in the best interests of each applicable Fund and its respective shareholders. The Board also considered information furnished throughout the year at regular Board meetings with respect to the services provided by VIA and already provided by the Subadviser for the Funds, including quarterly performance reports prepared by management containing reviews of investment results and periodic presentations from the Subadviser.

The Independent Trustees were separately advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Board considered all the criteria separately with respect to the applicable Fund and its shareholders. In their deliberations, the Trustees considered various factors, including those discussed below, none of which were controlling, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Independent Trustees also discussed the proposed approval of the Subadvisory Agreements in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of management were present.

Basis for the Board’s Recommendation

In making its determination with respect to the Interim Subadvisory Agreement, the Board took into account that it was approving an agreement of limited duration and that the Board would have an opportunity to consider a new subadvisory agreement at a meeting to be scheduled in the near future. The Board noted that the New Subadvisory Agreement would be submitted to shareholders for approval. The Board also took into consideration that the terms of Interim Subadvisory Agreement were substantially identical to the terms of the Old Subadvisory Agreements, including that there was no change in the compensation to be paid thereunder. The Board noted that the key difference between the Old Subadvisory Agreements and the Interim Subadvisory Agreement resulted from compliance with a regulatory requirement that interim advisory agreements have a limited term. The Board also considered that the Subadviser had been managing the Funds since they commenced operations, and that the Subadviser had stated that there would be no change in the scope or quality of services to be provided by it as a result of the change in control. Based on all of the foregoing considerations, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that approval of the Interim Subadvisory Agreement with KBII was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the Interim Subadvisory Agreement with respect to each Fund.

In making its determination with respect to the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Board considered various factors, including:

 

    Nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by the Subadviser. The Trustees received in advance of the meeting information in the form of an extensive questionnaire completed by the Subadviser concerning a number of topics, including its investment philosophy, resources, operations and compliance structure. The Trustees noted that the Subadviser would continue to provide portfolio management, compliance with each Fund’s investment policies and procedures, compliance with applicable securities laws, and assurances thereof. The Trustees reviewed biographical information for the portfolio managers who would provide services under the New Subadvisory Agreement and had done so under the Old Subadvisory Agreements and the Interim Subadvisory Agreement, and noted the breadth and depth of experience of the portfolio managers. In considering the approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement, the Trustees considered the Subadviser’s investment management process, including (a) the experience, capability and integrity of the Subadviser’s management and other personnel committed by the Subadviser to each Fund; (b) the quality and commitment of the Subadviser’s regulatory and legal compliance policies, procedures and systems; and (c) the Subadviser’s brokerage and trading practices. The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Subadviser to the Funds was reasonable.

 

    Investment Performance. The Board considered performance reports and discussions at Board meetings throughout the year, as well as data furnished in connection with the consideration of the New Subadvisory Agreement. The Board noted that the Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund had underperformed its benchmark for the 1- and 3-year periods, and considered the Subadviser’s explanation for the underperformance. The Board also noted that the Essential Resources Fund had a limited performance history, but that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark since its inception in March of 2015. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded that the Subadviser’s overall performance was satisfactory.

 

    Subadvisory Fee. The Board took into account that each Fund’s subadvisory fees are paid by the Adviser and not by the Funds, so that the Funds’ shareholders would not be directly impacted by those fees. The Board also noted that the fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement would be unchanged from those in the Old Subadvisory Agreements and the Interim Subadvisory Agreement. The Board concluded that the proposed subadvisory fees were fair and reasonable in light of services to be provided by the Subadviser and all factors considered.

 

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CONSIDERATION OF SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS FOR VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY INCOME FUND AND VIRTUS ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FUND

BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (Continued)

 

 

    Profitability and economies of scale. In considering the expected profitability to the Subadviser of its relationship with the Funds, the Board noted that the fees under the New Subadvisory Agreement would be paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fees that it receives under its Advisory Agreement and not by the Funds The Board also noted that there was no change to the subadvisory fee under the New Subadvisory Agreement. In considering the reasonableness of the fees payable by VIA to the Subadviser, the Board relied on the ability of VIA to negotiate the New Subadvisory Agreement and the fees thereunder at arm’s length. For each of the above reasons, the Board concluded that the profitability to the Subadviser and its affiliates from its relationship with the Funds was not a material factor in approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement.

 

    Other Benefits. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Subadviser and its affiliates from its relationship with the Funds and concluded that there were no other direct benefits to the Subadviser in providing investment advisory services to each Fund, other than the fees to be earned although there may be certain indirect benefits gained, including to the extent that serving the Funds could provide the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trust or certain reputational benefits.

Based on all of the foregoing considerations, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that approval of the New Subadvisory Agreement with KBII was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the New Subadvisory Agreement with respect to each Fund.

 

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CONSIDERATION OF SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS FOR

VIRTUS INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is responsible for the consideration and approval of advisory and subadvisory agreements for the Trust. At an in-person Board meeting held on August 23-24, 2016, the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (such Act, the “1940 Act” and such Trustees, the “Independent Trustees”), authorized the termination of the current subadvisory agreement with Euclid Advisors LLC as subadviser to the Virtus International Equity Fund (the “Fund”), and approved a new interim investment subadvisory agreement and new investment subadvisory agreement (the “Subadvisory Agreements”) with Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (“DPIM” or the “Subadviser”).

In considering the approval of the Subadvisory Agreements, the Board requested and evaluated information provided by Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) and the Subadviser which, in the Board’s view, constituted information necessary for the Board to form a judgment as to whether the subadviser change would be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Board also considered information furnished throughout the year at regular Board meetings with respect to the services provided by VIA and already provided by the Subadviser for other funds as well as by the portfolio manager for the Fund who would continue to manage the Fund, including quarterly performance reports prepared by management containing reviews of investment results and periodic presentations from the Subadviser and from the portfolio manager during his time with the Fund’s previous subadviser. The Board noted the affiliation of the Subadviser with VIA and any potential conflicts of interest.

The Independent Trustees were separately advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. For each Agreement, the Board considered all the criteria separately with respect to the Fund and its shareholders. In their deliberations, the Trustees considered various factors, including those discussed below, none of which were controlling, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Independent Trustees also discussed the proposed approval of the Subadvisory Agreements in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of management were present.

Basis for the Board’s Recommendation

In making its determination with respect to the Subadvisory Agreements, the Board considered various factors, including:

 

    Nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by the Subadviser. The Trustees received in advance of the meeting information in the form of an extensive questionnaire completed by the Subadviser concerning a number of topics, including its investment philosophy, resources, operations and compliance structure. The Trustees noted that the Subadviser would provide portfolio management, compliance with the Fund’s investment policies and procedures, compliance with applicable securities laws, and assurances thereof. The Trustees reviewed biographical information for the portfolio manager who would provide services under the Subadvisory Agreements and noted that he had also provided services to the Fund since 2013 as an employee of the Fund’s previous subadviser. In considering the approval of the Subadvisory Agreements, the Trustees considered the Subadviser’s investment management process, including (a) the experience, capability and integrity of the Subadviser’s management and other personnel committed by the Subadviser to the Fund; (b) the quality and commitment of the Subadviser’s regulatory and legal compliance policies, procedures and systems; and (c) the Subadviser’s brokerage and trading practices. The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Subadviser to the Fund was reasonable.

 

    Investment Performance. The Board considered performance reports and discussions at Board meetings throughout the year, as well as data furnished in connection with the contract consideration process for the Fund and the Subadviser. The Board noted the portfolio manager who managed the Fund with the previous subadviser would continue in the same role with DPIM, and noted the Fund outperformed the index for the year to date period, while it underperformed the index for the 1- and 3-year periods. The Board also noted that the Subadviser’s international strategy composite outperformed the relevant index for the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded that the Subadviser’s overall performance was satisfactory.

 

    Subadvisory Fee. The Board took into account that the Fund’s subadvisory fees are paid by the Adviser and not by the Fund, so that the Fund’s shareholders would not be directly impacted by those fees. The Board also noted that the proposed subadvisory fees under the Subadvisory Agreements were the same as the subadvisory fees paid to the Fund’s previous subadviser. The Board concluded that the proposed subadvisory fees were fair and reasonable in light of services to be provided by the Subadviser and all factors considered.

 

    Profitability and economies of scale. In considering the expected profitability to the Subadviser of its relationship with the Fund, the Board noted that the fees under the Subadvisory Agreements are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fees that it receives under the Advisory Agreement and not by the Fund. In considering the reasonableness of the fees payable by the Adviser to the Subadviser, the Board noted that, because the Subadviser is an affiliate of the Adviser, such profitability might be directly or indirectly shared by the Adviser, and therefore the Board considered the profitability together. As a result, the expected profitability to the Subadviser of its relationships with the Fund was not a material factor in the Board’s deliberations at this time. For similar reasons, the Board did not consider the potential economies of scale in the Subadviser’s management of the Fund to be a material factor in its consideration at this time.

 

    Other Benefits. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Subadviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Fund. For instance the Board noted that the Subadviser’s reputation in the brokerage community might result in greater assets in the Fund. The Board was also advised that there may be certain intangible benefits gained by the Subadviser to the extent that serving the Fund could provide the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional funds of the Trust or could enhance the Subadviser’s reputation in the marketplace, and, therefore, the subadvisory change could enable the Subadviser to attract additional client relationships.

Based on all of the foregoing considerations, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that approval of the Subadvisory Agreements with DPIM was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the Subadvisory Agreements with respect to the Fund.

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

MAY 19, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of all series of Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Insight Trust and Virtus Opportunities Trust, held on May 19, 2016, shareholders of Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) voted on the following proposals:

Proposal 1.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To elect six Trustees to serve on the Board of Trustees until the next meeting of shareholders at which Trustees are elected.

        

George R. Aylward

     1,145,056,198.477         24,756,597.221         0   

Thomas J. Brown

     1,144,160,222.050         25,652,573.650         0   

Donald C. Burke

     1,145,758,834.912         24,053,960.790         0   

Roger A. Gelfenbien

     1,144,297,795.833         25,514,999.865         0   

John R. Mallin

     1,144,938,076.292         24,874,719.410         0   

Hassell H. McClellan

     1,143,864,433.134         25,948,362.566         0   

Shareholders of the Trust voted to approve the above proposal.

Proposal 2.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

        

Virtus CA Tax Exempt Bond Fund

     1,258,194.893         91,895.368         41,271.245   

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund

     3,015,152.206         198.283         0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

     3,672,832.400         0         0   

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

     620,793,093.034         25,302,093.728         9,306,937.262   

Virtus Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund

     494,281.793         0         0   

Virtus Essential Resources Fund

     504,931.913         0         0   

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

     27,726,679.250         666,663.374         564,703.507   

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

     818,457.900         37,502.974         15,676.215   

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

     3,074,638.276         5,991.041         10,261.000   

Virtus International Wealth Masters Fund

     518,044.295         0         0   

Virtus Low Duration Income Fund

     10,449,114.393         779,684.940         311,840.943   

Virtus Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund

     11,147,670.008         724,253.699         406,427.672   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     618,834,424.483         21,316,032.964         14,819,955.463   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

Proposal 6.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

     27,568,524.708         741,409.046         648,118.377   

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     615,281,810.614         22,749,361.497         16,939,237.795   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

MAY 26, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund and Virtus Essential Resources Fund (collectively, the “Funds”), each a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust, held on May 26, 2016, shareholders voted on the following proposal:

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a new subadvisory agreement between Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., the Funds’ Investment Adviser, and Kleinwort Benson Investors International, Ltd., the Funds’ Subadviser.

        

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

     3,697,072.869         0         0   

Virtus Essential Resources Fund

     506,647.913         0         0   

Shareholders of the Funds voted to approve the above proposal.

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

JUNE 16, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund, Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund, Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund and Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund (each a “Fund”), held on June 16, 2016, shareholders of each Fund voted on the following proposal:

Proposal 2.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

        

Virtus Bond Fund

     3,027,478.512         194,272.268         147,040.417   

Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund

     3,636,950.694         307,905.417         172,360.145   

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund

     1,661,823.911         122,802.243         36,355.685   

Virtus High Yield Fund

     6,737,350.870         765,216.446         446,105.991   

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund

     2,728,863.703         48,714.840         63,894.599   

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund

     30,432,212.381         775,729.890         326,306.209   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above voted to approve the above proposal.

 

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RESULTS OF SHAREHOLDER MEETING

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

JULY 18, 2016 (Unaudited)

At a special meeting of shareholders of Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Opportunities Fund, Virtus Herzfeld Fund, Virtus International Equity Fund, Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund, Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus Sector Trend Fund, Virtus Wealth Masters Fund, Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, held on July 18, 2016, shareholders of the Funds voted on the following proposals:

Proposal 2.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to permit Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., as the investment adviser to all the Funds, to hire and replace subadvisers or to modify subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval.

        

Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund

     2,071,338.688         221,721.989         61,016.655   

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund

     6,475,669.315         399,601.579         221,211.057   

Virtus Herzfeld Fund

     2,285,754.412         134,756.871         89,510.278   

Virtus International Equity Fund

     347,976.498         45,434.960         4,980.529   

Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund

     234,510.520         7,334.000         90,835.796   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     14,196,247.698         691,146.713         476,502.196   

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     14,380,526.646         1,274,297.224         1,097,176.679   

Virtus Wealth Masters Fund

     2,759,756.937         182,003.481         154,822.394   

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund

     2,054,425.037         135,901.800         177,500.739   

Virtus Equity Trend Fund

     47,080,228.694         3,814,318.119         2,960,680.324   

Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund

     7,428,521.065         660,946.728         521,389.418   

Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

     7,423,225.114         802,129.342         492,588.498   

Shareholders of Virtus Global Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Global Opportunities Fund, Virtus Herzfeld Fund, Virtus International Equity Fund, Virtus Low Volatility Equity Fund, Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus Sector Trend Fund and Virtus Wealth Masters Fund voted to approve the above proposal. Shareholders of Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Multi-Asset Trend Fund and Virtus Tax-Exempt Bond Fund did not approve the above proposal.

Proposal 6.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     14,250,883.760         1,251,197.022         1,249,922.768   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     13,928,178.018         864,726.603         570,992.984   

Shareholders of Virtus Sector Trend Fund voted to approve the above proposal. Shareholders of Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund did not approve the above proposal.

Proposal 7.

 

     Number of Eligible Votes:  
     FOR      AGAINST      ABSTAIN  

To approve a proposal to amend the fundamental restrictions of the Fundamental Restriction Funds with respect to loans.

        

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

     238,431,276.605         411,212,271.419         20,011,935.573   

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

     9,635,396.247         5,113,977.185         614,521.174   

Virtus Sector Trend Fund

     9,706,807.226         5,648,494.88         1,396,703.437   

Shareholders of the Funds listed above did not approve the above proposal.

 

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FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES

 

Information pertaining to the trustees and officers of the Trust as of September 30, 2016, is set forth below. The statement of additional information (SAI) includes additional information about the trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 243-1574. The address of each individual, unless otherwise noted, is 100 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT 06103-4506. There is no stated term of office for trustees of the Trust.

Independent Trustees

 

   
Name,
Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Thomas J. Brown

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2010), D’Youville Senior Care Center; and Director (since 2005), VALIC Company Funds (49 portfolios).

Burke, Donald C.

YOB: 1961

Elected: 2016

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2014) closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director, Avista Corp. (energy company) (since 2011); Trustee, Goldman Sachs Fund Complex (2010 to 2014); and Director, BlackRock Luxembourg and Cayman Funds (2006 to 2010).

Roger A. Gelfenbien

YOB: 1943

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2000), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Director (since 1999), USAllianz Variable Insurance Product Trust (42 portfolios).

John R. Mallin

YOB: 1950

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Partner/Attorney (since 2003), McCarter & English LLP (law firm), Real Property Practice Group; and Member (since 2014), Counselors of Real Estate. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Horizon, Inc. (non-profit); and Trustee (since 1999), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios).

McClellan, Hassell H.

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2015

65 Portfolios

  Retired (since 2013); and Professor (1984 to 2013), Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios); and Director (since 2010), Barnes Group, Inc. (diversified global components manufacturer and logistical services company); Trustee, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) (since 2008); and Trustee, John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2000) (collectively, 228 portfolios).

McLoughlin, Philip

YOB: 1946

Elected: 1999

74 Portfolios

  Retired. Director and Chairman (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee/Director and Chairman (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Chairman and Trustee (since 2003), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director (since 1991) and Chairman (since 2010), Lazard World Trust Fund (closed-end investment firm in Luxembourg); and Trustee (since 1989) and Chairman (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

McNamara, Geraldine M.

YOB: 1951

Elected: 2001

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2003), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); and Trustee (since 2001), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Oates, James M.

YOB: 1946

Elected: 2000

70 Portfolios

  Managing Director (since 1994), Wydown Group (consulting firm). Director (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee/Director (since 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Chairman and Trustee (since 2005), John Hancock Fund Complex (228 portfolios); Director (2002 to 2014), New Hampshire Trust Company; Chairman (since 2000), Emerson Investment Management, Inc.; Non-Executive Chairman (2000 to 2014), Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) (financial services) Chairman and Director (1999 to 2014), Connecticut River Bank; Director (since 1996), Stifel Financial; and Trustee (since 1987), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Segerson, Richard E.

YOB: 1948

Elected: 2000

65 Portfolios

  Retired; and Managing Director (1998 to 2013), Northway Management Company. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios) and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Trustee (since 1983), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Verdonck, Ferdinand L.J.

YOB: 1942

Elected: 2005

65 Portfolios

  Vice Chairman (since 2014), Affirmed Therapeutics (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015), The J.P. Morgan Continental European Investment Trust; Director (2005 to 2013), Galapagos N.V. (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015) Groupe SNEF; and Mr. Verdonck is also a director of several non-U.S. companies. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); and Trustee (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

 

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FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (Continued)

 

Interested Trustee

 

   
Name,
Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds Overseen
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and
Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Aylward, George R.*

Trustee and President

YOB: 1964

Elected: 2006

70 Portfolios

  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005). Chairman and Trustee (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II; Trustee and President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC (2 portfolios); Trustee (since 2012) and President (since 2010), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee and President (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Funds (52 portfolios); and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.

Officers

 

     
Name, Address and
Year of Birth
  Position(s) Held with Trust and
Length of Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Bradley, W. Patrick

YOB: 1972

  Executive Vice President (since 2016); Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016); Vice President (2011 to 2013); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006).   Executive Vice President, Fund Services (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Fund Services (2010 to 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2004), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) (since 2007), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2013 to 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

Carr, Kevin J.

YOB: 1954

  Senior Vice President (since 2013); Vice President (2005 to 2013); Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005).   Senior Vice President (since 2009), Vice President, Counsel and Secretary (2008 to 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2005) with Virtus affiliates; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2005 to 2013), Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (2013 to 2014), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Assistant Secretary (since 2012), Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (2005 to 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2013 to 2014), Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2012 to 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2011 to 2012), Virtus Closed-End Funds; and Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

Engberg, Nancy J.

YOB: 1956

  Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2011.   Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Compliance Officer (2008 to 2011 and since 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2003) with Virtus affiliates; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Vice President (since 2010) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), ETFis Series Trust I; and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II.

Waltman, Francis G.

YOB: 1962

  Executive Vice President (since 2013); Senior Vice President (2008-2013).   Executive Vice President, Product Development (since 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2008 to 2013), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2011 to 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

 

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Virtus Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund, (“the fund”) a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated June 10, 2016 to the Summary Prospectus dated January 28, 2016, as supplemented, the Virtus Opportunities Trust Statutory Prospectus, dated January 28, 2016, as supplemented, and the Statement of Additional Information, dated January 28, 2016, as supplemented

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

Effective June 10, 2016, James Fletcher is no longer a portfolio manager for the fund. The resulting disclosure changes to the fund’s prospectuses and SAI are described below.

The disclosure under “Portfolio Management” in the fund’s summary prospectus and in the summary section of the fund’s statutory prospectus is hereby revised by removing each reference to Mr. Fletcher.

The table under “Kayne” on page 185 of the fund’s statutory prospectus is hereby revised by removing the reference to Mr. Fletcher. The narrative under the referenced table is hereby amended by removing the biographical information for Mr. Fletcher.

The disclosure for the fund in the table under “Portfolio Managers” beginning on page 98 of the SAI is hereby amended by removing the reference to Mr. Fletcher.

The disclosure in the “Other Accounts Managed (No Performance-Based Fees)” table on page 99 of the SAI is hereby amended by removing the reference to Mr. Fletcher.

The disclosure in the table under “Portfolio Manager Fund Ownership” beginning on page 103 of the SAI is hereby amended by removing the reference to ownership by Mr. Fletcher.

Investors should retain this supplement with the

Prospectuses and SAI for future reference.

VOT 8020 EMSmall-Cap PM (6/2016)


Table of Contents

Virtus International Equity Fund, a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated September 7, 2016 to the Summary and Statutory Prospectuses dated January 28, 2016

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

As approved by the Board of Trustees of Virtus Opportunities Trust, effective September 7, 2016, Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (“Duff & Phelps”) became the subadviser to the above named fund. Also effective September 7, 2016, the fund’s current subadviser, Euclid Advisors LLC (“Euclid”) is removed as subadviser. Accordingly, effective September 7, 2016, all references to Euclid as subadviser to the fund are hereby removed from the fund’s prospectuses. Frederick A. Brimberg, formerly a portfolio manager at Euclid and currently a portfolio manager at Duff & Phelps will continue to serve as the portfolio manager for the fund. Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) will continue to serve as the fund’s investment adviser. Duff & Phelps will serve under an interim subadvisory agreement until such time as the fund’s standard subadvisory agreement is implemented, not to exceed 150 days.

Additional disclosure changes resulting from the replacement of the subadviser are described below and are also effective September 7, 2016.

The second paragraph under “Management” in the summary prospectus and in the summary section of the statutory prospectus is hereby replaced with the following:

Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (“Duff & Phelps”), an affiliate of VIA, is subadviser to the fund (since September 2016).

The disclosure under “Portfolio Management” in the summary prospectuses and in the summary section of the statutory prospectus is hereby replaced with the following:

 

  > Frederick A. Brimberg, Senior Managing Director and International Equity Portfolio Manager at Duff & Phelps. Mr. Brimberg has served as a Portfolio Manager of the fund since May 2013.

Under “The Adviser” on page 179 of the statutory prospectus, the first table is hereby amended by replacing the row for the fund with the following information:

 

Virtus International Equity Fund    Duff & Phelps

The disclosure under “Portfolio Management” on page 183 of the statutory prospectus, the section under the subheading “Duff & Phelps” is hereby revised by adding the following:

 

Virtus International Equity Fund    Frederick A. Brimberg (since May 2013)

Frederick A. Brimberg. Mr. Brimberg is Senior Managing Director and International Equity Portfolio Manager at Duff & Phelps (since August 2016) and is a portfolio manager at Euclid Advisors LLC (“Euclid”), an affiliate of Duff & Phelps and VIA. Prior to joining Euclid, he was senior vice president and international portfolio manager at Avatar Associates (2006 to 2012), where he started the international strategy in 2006. Earlier, he was vice president and portfolio manager at ING Investment Management and its predecessor Lexington Management, with a focus on global equity investing. Mr. Brimberg’s career spans 30-plus years in investment management, trading, and capital markets, with positions at Brimberg & Co., and Lehman Brothers.

All other disclosure concerning the fund, including fees and expenses, remains unchanged from the prospectuses dated January 28, 2016.

Investors should retain this supplement with the Prospectuses for future reference.

VOT 8020/IntEquityDPIMChanges (9/2016)


Table of Contents

Virtus International Equity Fund, a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated September 7, 2016 to the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) dated January 28, 2016

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

As approved by the Board of Trustees of Virtus Opportunities Trust, effective September 7, 2016, Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (“Duff & Phelps”) became the subadviser to the above named fund. Also effective September 7, 2016, the fund’s current subadviser, Euclid Advisors LLC (“Euclid”) is removed as subadviser. Accordingly, effective September 7, 2016, all references to Euclid as subadviser to the fund are hereby removed from the fund’s prospectuses. Frederick A. Brimberg, formerly a portfolio manager at Euclid and currently a portfolio manager at Duff & Phelps will continue to serve as the portfolio manager for the fund. Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (“VIA”) will continue to serve as the funds’ investment adviser. Duff & Phelps will serve under an interim subadvisory agreement until such time as the fund’s standard subadvisory agreement is implemented, not to exceed 150 days.

Additional disclosure changes resulting from the replacement of the subadviser are described below and are also effective September 7, 2016.

In the “Glossary” beginning on page 2, the entry entitled “Duff & Phelps” is hereby revised to read: “Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co., subadviser to the Global Infrastructure Fund, Global Real Estate Fund, International Equity Fund, International Real Estate Fund and Real Estate Fund.

Under the “Non-Public Portfolio Holdings Information” beginning on page 9, the table is hereby revised to replace the second row with the following:

 

Type of Service Provider    Name of Service Provider    Timing of Release of Portfolio
Holdings Information
Subadviser (Global Infrastructure Fund, Global Real Estate Fund, International Equity Fund, International Real Estate Fund and Real Estate Fund)    Duff & Phelps Investment
Management Co.
   Daily, with no delay

Investors should retain this supplement with the SAI for future reference.

VOT 8020B SAI/IntEquityDPIMChanges (9/2016)


Table of Contents

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund and Virtus Essential Resources Fund, each a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated September 13, 2016 to the Summary and Statutory Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), each dated January 28, 2016, as supplemented

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

Effective September 1, 2016, the subadviser to the above-named funds changed its name from Kleinwort Benson Investors International, Ltd. to KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd. Accordingly, all references to the subadviser’s previous name in each fund’s summary prospectus, the statutory prospectus and SAI are hereby changed to reflect the subadviser’s new name, KBI Global Investors (North America) Ltd. and references to the defined term “KBII” are hereby changed to “KBIGI (North America).” Also, KBIGI (North America)’s affiliate, Kleinwort Benson Investors Dublin Ltd., has changed its name to KBI Global Investors Ltd. Accordingly, all references to that entity’s previous name in each fund’s summary prospectus, the statutory prospectus and SAI are hereby changed to reflect its new name, KBI Global Investors Ltd.

Investors should retain this supplement with the Prospectuses and SAI for future reference.

 

VOT 8020 KBIINameChange (9/2016)

 

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Virtus Global Infrastructure Fund, a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated September 30, 2016 to the Summary and Statutory Prospectuses dated January 28, 2016

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

Effective October 1, 2016, the fund’s primary benchmark is the FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 Index (net) (“FTSE 50/50”). The FTSE 50/50 is a broad-based index representing infrastructure and infrastructure-related listed securities in developed markets. The fund believes that the FTSE 50/50 Index provides a better measure for the fund’s performance in light of the fund’s focus on infrastructure companies. The fund will no longer use the S&P 500® Index as its broad-based index for performance comparisons. Additionally, beginning October 1, 2016, performance of the Global Infrastructure Linked Benchmark will consist of the FTSE 50/50. Also effective October 1, 2016, the fund is adding the MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index (net) (“MSCI WISC”) as a secondary index by which to measure the fund’s performance. The MSCI WISC is a broad-based index representing global infrastructure and infrastructure-related listed securities.

Additional Information About the New Indexes

The FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that gives participants an industry-defined interpretation of developed market infrastructure companies and adjusts the exposure to certain infrastructure subsectors. The constituent weights are 50% Utilities, 30% Transportation (including capping of 7.5% for railroads/railways), and a 20% mix of other sectors including pipelines, satellites, and telecommunication towers. The MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index (net) is a market capitalization weighted index that measures performance of global infrastructure companies by capturing broad and diversified opportunities across telecommunication, utilities, energy, transportation, and social infrastructure sectors. The telecommunication infrastructure and utilities sectors each represent one-third of the index weight, while energy, transportation and social infrastructure sectors have a combined weight of the remaining one-third of the index. The FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 Index (net) and the MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index (net) are each calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

Investors should retain this supplement with the Prospectuses for future reference.

 

VOT 8020 GlobalInfrastructureBenchmark (9/2016)

 

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Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund, a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated November 1, 2016 to the Summary Prospectus dated January 28, 2016, as supplemented, and the Virtus Opportunities Trust Statutory Prospectus, dated January 28, 2016, as supplemented

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

As of November 1, 2016, Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund is offering Class R6 Shares, in addition to the share classes already offered by the fund. Accordingly, the fund’s prospectuses are hereby amended to add the following disclosure.

The cover page of the statutory prospectus is hereby revised by replacing the row showing ticker symbols for the fund’s share classes with the row shown below:

 

      A    B    C    I    R6    T
Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund    VGSAX         VGSCX    VGISX    VRGEX     

The tables under “Fees and Expenses” in the fund’s summary prospectus and the summary section of the statutory prospectus are hereby revised to add the Class R6 column and to revise the associated footnotes as shown below:

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)      Class R6   
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)      None   
Maximum Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)      None   

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)      Class R6   
Management Fee      0.85%   
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees      None   
Other Expenses      0.29% (b) 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(c)      1.14%   
Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(d)      (0.10%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement(c)(d)      1.04%   

 

  (b)  Estimated for current fiscal year, as annualized.
  (c)  The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.
  (d)  The fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund’s total operating expenses (excluding dividend and interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.40% for Class A Shares, 2.15% for Class C Shares, 1.15% for Class I Shares and 1.04% for Class R6 Shares through January 31, 2017. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the time such reimbursement occurred.

The Example table is hereby revised to add the Class R6 row as shown below:

 

      Share Status    1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  
Class R6    Sold or Held    $ 106       $ 352       $ 618       $ 1,377   

In the first table in the section “More Information About Fund Expenses” on page 128 of the statutory prospectus, the row corresponding to the fund is hereby replaced with the following.

 

      
 
Class A
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class B
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class C
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class I
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class R6
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class T
Shares
 
  
     Through Date   
Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund      1.40%         N/A         2.15%         1.15%         1.04%         N/A         January 31, 2017   


Table of Contents

In the second table in the section “More Information About Fund Expenses” on page 129 of the statutory prospectus, the row corresponding to the fund is hereby replaced with the following.

 

      
 
Class A
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class B
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class C
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class I
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class R6
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class T
Shares
 
  
     Through Date   
Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund      1.40%         N/A         2.15%         1.15%         1.04%         N/A         January 31, 2017   

Under “What are the classes and how do they differ?” on page 202 of the statutory prospectus, the table in this section is hereby amended to read “None” in the column entitled “Class R6” for Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund.

The Class R6 Shares subheading under “What arrangement is best for you?” on pages 202-204 of the statutory prospectus is hereby amended to read:

Class R6 Shares (Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund, Virtus Equity Trend Fund, Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund, Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund, Virtus International Small-Cap Fund, Virtus Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund, Virtus MultiSector Short Term Bond Fund, Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund and Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund only).

Investors should retain this supplement with the Prospectuses for future reference.

 

 

 

 

 

VOT 8020/GlRESecNewExpCap (11/16)


Table of Contents

Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus, Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund, Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund, and Senior Floating Rate Fund, each a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated November 1, 2016 to the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) dated September 23, 2016

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

As of November 1, 2016, Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund, Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund and Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund are offering Class R6 Shares, in addition to the share classes already offered by each fund. Additionally, Virtus High Yield Fund has increased its expense reimbursement arrangement, effective November 1, 2016. Accordingly, the SAI is hereby amended to add the following disclosures.

The cover page of the SAI is hereby revised by replacing the rows showing ticker symbols for the following funds’ share classes with the rows shown below:

 

      A    B    C    I    R6    T
Virtus Bond Fund    SAVAX    SAVBX    SAVCX    SAVYX    VBFRX     
Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund    VGSAX         VGSCX    VGISX    VRGEX     
Virtus High Yield Fund    PHCHX    PHCCX    PGHCX    PHCIX    VRHYX     
Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund    NARAX    PBARX    PSTCX    PIMSX    VMSSX    PMSTX
Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund    PSFRX         PFSRX    PSFIX    VRSFX     

Under “Other Virtus Mutual Funds” on page 15, the rows shown below are hereby revised to indicate that each of these funds offers Class R6 Shares:

 

            Class/Shares   
Trust    Fund      R6   
Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust    Multi-Strategy Target Return Fund      X   
Virtus Equity Trust    Quality Small-Cap Fund      X   

Under the heading “Investment Advisory Agreement and Expense Limitation Agreement” in the section “Investment Advisory and Other Services” on pages 86-88 of the funds’ SAI, the rows in the second table corresponding to the funds shown below are hereby replaced with the following:

 

       Class A         Class B         Class C         Class I         Class R6         Class T         Through Date   
Bond Fund      0.85%         1.60%         1.60%         0.60%         0.54%         N/A         January 31, 2017   
Global Real Estate Securities Fund      1.40%         N/A         2.15%         1.15%         1.04%         N/A         January 31, 2017   
High Yield Fund      1.00%         1.75%         1.75%         0.75%         0.69%         N/A         January 31, 2017   
Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund      1.10%         1.60%         1.35%         0.85%         0.78%         1.85%         January 31, 2017   
Senior Floating Rate Fund      1.20%         N/A         1.95%         0.95%         0.89%         N/A         January 31, 2017   

Investors should retain this supplement with the SAI for future reference.

 

 

VOT 8020B SAI/AddR6NewExpCap (11/16)


Table of Contents

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, a series of Virtus Opportunities Trust

Supplement dated November 1, 2016 to the Summary Prospectus dated January 28, 2016, as supplemented, and the Virtus Opportunities Trust Statutory Prospectus, dated January 28, 2016, as supplemented

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INVESTORS

Under “Fees and Expenses” in the fund’s summary prospectus and the summary section of the statutory prospectus, the “Annual Fund Operating Expenses” table and associated footnotes are hereby replaced with the following:

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses  that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)      Class A         Class C         Class I   
Management Fees      1.05%         1.05%         1.05%   
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees      0.25%         1.00%         None   
Other Expenses      0.46%         0.46%         0.46%   
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses      0.02%         0.02%         0.02%   
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(b)      1.78%         2.53%         1.53%   
Less: Expense Reimbursement(c)      (0.16)%         (0.16)%         (0.16)%   
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After
Expense Reimbursement(b)(c)
     1.62%         2.37%         1.37%   

 

  (b)  The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.
  (c)  The fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund’s total operating expenses (excluding dividend and interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.60% for Class A Shares, 2.35% for Class C Shares and 1.35% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2017. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the time such reimbursement occurred.

Under “Fees and Expenses, the “Example” table is hereby replaced with the following:

 

      Share Status    1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  
Class A    Sold or Held    $ 730       $ 1,088       $ 1,470       $ 2,537   
Class C    Sold    $ 340       $ 772       $ 1,331       $ 2,854   
   Held    $ 240       $ 772       $ 1,331       $ 2,854   
Class I    Sold or Held    $ 139       $ 468       $ 819       $ 1,810   

In the first table in the section “More Information About Fund Expenses” on page 128 of the statutory prospectus, the row corresponding to the fund is hereby replaced with the following.

 

      
 
Class A
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class B
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class C
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class I
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class R6
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class T
Shares
 
  
     Through Date   
Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund      1.60%         N/A         2.35%         1.35%         N/A         N/A         January 31, 2017   


Table of Contents

In the second table in the section “More Information About Fund Expenses” on page 129 of the statutory prospectus, the row corresponding to the fund is hereby replaced with the following:

 

      
 
Class A
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class B
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class C
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class I
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class R6
Shares
 
  
    
 
Class T
Shares
 
  
Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund**      1.77%         N/A         2.52%         1.52%         N/A         N/A   

 

  ** Rates shown reflect prior expense reimbursement arrangements.

Investors should retain this supplement with the Prospectuses for future reference.

 

 

 

 

VOT 8020/EMEI NewExpCap (11/16)


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

101 Munson Street

Greenfield, MA 01301-9668

 

Trustees

George R. Aylward

Thomas J. Brown

Donald C. Burke

Roger A. Gelfenbein

John R. Mallin

Hassell H. McClellan

Philip R. McLoughlin, Chairman

Geraldine M. McNamara

James M. Oates

Richard E. Segerson

Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck

Officers

George R. Aylward, President

Francis G. Waltman, Executive Vice President

W. Patrick Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Kevin J. Carr, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary

Nancy J. Engberg, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Investment Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Principal Underwriter

VP Distributors, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Custodian

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

1 Chase Manhattan Plaza

New York, NY 10005-1401

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

2001 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

How to Contact Us

Mutual Fund Services

  

1-800-243-1574

Adviser Consulting Group

  

1-800-243-4361

Website

   Virtus.com
 

 

 

 

Important Notice to Shareholders

The Securities and Exchange Commission has modified mailing regulations for semiannual and annual shareholder fund reports to allow mutual fund companies to send a single copy of these reports to shareholders who share the same mailing address. If you would like additional copies, please call Mutual Fund Services at 1-800-243-1574.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

  

P.O. Box 9874

Providence, RI 02940-8074

  

For more information about Virtus Mutual Funds,

please call your financial representative, or contact us

at 1-800-243-1574 or Virtus.com.

 

8032

   11-16


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

September 30, 2016

TRUST NAME: VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Not FDIC Insured

No Bank Guarantee

May Lose Value

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

(“Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund”)

 

Message to Shareholders

    1   

Disclosure of Fund Expenses

    2   

Key Investment Terms

    4   

Fund Summary

    6   

Schedule of Investments

    10   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

    13   

Statements of Operations

    14   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    15   

Financial Highlights

    16   

Notes to Financial Statements

    20   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    31   

Tax Information Notice

    32   

Fund Management Tables

    33   

 

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES AND VOTING RECORD (FORM N-PX)

The subadvisers vote proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with procedures that have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“Trustees,” or the “Board”). You may obtain a description of these procedures, along with information regarding how the Fund voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, free of charge, by calling toll-free 1-800-243-1574. This information is also available through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

FORM N-Q INFORMATION

The Trust files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the Fund with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-SEC-0330.

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus which includes information concerning the sales charge, the Fund’s record and other pertinent information.


Table of Contents

MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

To Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund Shareholders:

 

LOGO   

I am pleased to present this report that reviews the performance of your fund for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

Equities plummeted in early 2016, but stabilizing oil prices and the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) softened stance on further rate hikes for 2016 sparked a rally in mid-February that lasted until June. The U.K.’s June 23 “Brexit” decision to leave the European Union triggered a selloff that was largely short-lived. Calm was restored by better-than-expected corporate earnings, an improving global economic picture, and reassurance that the world’s central banks would continue to provide monetary stimulus. By the end of September, U.S. equity markets had recovered much of their losses, and the nine-month period was positive for many asset classes.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, U.S. small-cap stocks, as measured by the 11.46% return of the Russell 2000® Index, outperformed the 7.84% return of the S&P 500® Index of U.S. large-cap stocks. Within international equities, emerging markets significantly outperformed their developed peers, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) up 16.02%, while the MSCI EAFE® Index (net) returned 1.73%.

 

Demand for U.S. Treasuries remained strong, driven by foreign investors seeking safe havens and yield in light of the negative interest rate environment in many international economies. On September 30, 2016, the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yielded 1.60% compared with 2.27% on December 31, 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the broader U.S. fixed income market, as represented by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks Treasuries and other investment-grade debt securities, gained 5.80%, while non-investment grade bonds rose 15.11%, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index.

 

The strength of the global economy will likely remain a leading concern for markets in the months ahead, and investors will watch with great interest the actions of the Fed and other major central banks. The U.S. economy’s continued growth, as evidenced by recent strong jobs, housing, and consumer spending data, should give investors reason for optimism, but future market direction will be determined largely by the ability of corporations to continue to produce robust earnings.

 

Market uncertainty is an ever-present reminder of the importance of portfolio diversification, including exposure to both traditional and alternative asset classes. While diversification cannot guarantee a profit or prevent a loss, owning a variety of asset classes may cushion your portfolio against inevitable market fluctuations. Your financial advisor can help you ensure that your portfolio is adequately diversified across asset classes and investment strategies.

 

As always, thank you for entrusting Virtus with your assets. Should you have questions about your account or require assistance, please visit our website at Virtus.com, or call our customer service team at 1-800-243-1574. We appreciate your business and remain committed to your long-term financial success.

 

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

George R. Aylward

President, Virtus Mutual Funds

 

October 2016

 

Performance data quoted represents past results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

 

1


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2016 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of costs on your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of the Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges on purchases of Class A shares and contingent deferred sales charges on Class C shares; and (2) ongoing costs, including investment advisory fees; distribution and service fees; and other expenses. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are sold without sales charges and Class R6 shares do not incur distribution and service fees. For further information regarding applicable sales charges, see Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period. The following Expense Table illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways.

Actual Expenses

The first section of the accompanying table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section, 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 given for your Fund under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second section of the accompanying 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 your 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 your Fund and other 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 accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying 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. The calculations assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Your actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of your investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

 

2


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) (Continued)

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2016 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Expense Table  
        Beginning
Account
Value
April 1, 2016
       Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2016
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
       Expenses
Paid
During 
Period*
 

Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

  

Actual

                   
Class A      $ 1,000.00         $ 1,116.10           1.61      $ 8.52   
Class C        1,000.00           1,113.30           2.36           12.47   
Class I        1,000.00           1,117.90           1.35           7.15   
Class R6        1,000.00           1,119.00           1.23           6.52   

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  

Class A        1,000.00           1,016.95           1.61           8.12   
Class C        1,000.00           1,013.20           2.36           11.88   
Class I        1,000.00           1,018.25           1.35           6.81   
Class R6        1,000.00           1,018.85           1.23           6.21   

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, which is net of waived fees and reimbursed expenses, if applicable, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (183) expenses were accrued in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 366 to reflect the one-half year period.

 

  The Fund may invest in other funds, and the annualized expense ratios noted above do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. If such fees and expenses had been included, the expenses would have been higher.

 

  You can find more information about the Fund’s expenses in the Financial Statements section that follows. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, refer to the current prospectus.

 

3


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

KEY INVESTMENT TERMS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

American Depositary Receipt (ADR)

Represents shares of foreign companies traded in U.S. dollars on U.S. exchanges that are held by a U.S. bank or a trust. Foreign companies use ADRs in order to make it easier for Americans to buy their shares.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment-grade fixed-rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Bond Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF)

A fund that is traded on a stock exchange. Most ETFs have a portfolio of stocks or bonds that track a specific market index.

Federal Reserve (the Fed)

The Central bank of the United States, responsible for controlling the money supply, interest rates and credit with the goal of keeping the U.S. economy and currency stable. Governed by a seven-member board, the system includes 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, 25 branches and all national and state banks that are part of the system.

MSCI EAFE® Index (net)

The MSCI EAFE® Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net)

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

Russell 2000® Index

The Russell 2000® Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell Universe, which comprises the 3,000 largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

 

4


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

KEY INVESTMENTS TERMS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 (Unaudited)

 

S&P 500® Index

The S&P 500® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and it is not available for direct investment.

Sponsored ADR (American Depositary Receipt)

An ADR which is issued with the cooperation of the company whose stock will underlie the ADR. Sponsored ADRs generally carry the same rights normally given to stockholders, such as voting rights. ADRs must be sponsored to be able to trade on a major U.S. exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).

 

5


Table of Contents

EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND (Unaudited)

 

Fund Summary

Portfolio Manager Commentary by Vontobel Asset Management, Inc.

 

Ticker Symbols:

A Share: HEMZX

C Share: PICEX

I Share: HIEMX

R6 Share: VREMX

 

¢   The Fund is diversified and has an investment objective of capital appreciation. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its objective.

Effective September 23, 2016, Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund was reorganized as a series of the Virtus Opportunities Trust and changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to September 30. As a result the commentary addresses nine months of performance through September 30.

 

¢   For the fiscal period January 1 through September 30, 2016, the Fund’s Class A shares at NAV returned 14.06%*, Class C shares at NAV returned 13.56%*, Class I shares at NAV returned 14.29%* and Class R6 shares returned 14.40%*. For the same period the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) which serves as the broad-based and style specific benchmark index appropriate for comparison returned 16.02%*.

 

* Returns less than 1 year are not annualized.

All performance figures assume reinvestment of distributions and exclude the effect of sales charges. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above.

How did the market perform during the Fund’s nine-month fiscal period?

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (total return net dividends) was positive in the fiscal second quarter, flat in the fiscal third quarter, and positive in the fiscal fourth quarter.

Emerging market equities rebounded in the early months of 2016, driven by stronger commodity prices, a sharp rise in many emerging market currencies, and lower expectations for U.S. rate increases. The rally reversed in May as investors digested waning commodities prices, the prospect of a U.S. interest rate hike, and the

potential impact of a change in government in Brazil after President Dilma Rousseff was suspended from office. Emerging markets rebounded over the summer as lower-than-expected interest rates in the United States continued to support demand for higher-yielding assets in the emerging world. Improved capital flows helped some emerging market currencies recover lost ground relative to the U.S. dollar, and stabilizing commodity prices helped a number of markets during the final months of the period.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during the nine-month fiscal period?

The following discussion highlights the specific stocks that provided the largest contribution to the Fund’s absolute performance and those that were the largest detractors during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. As bottom-up stock pickers, we hope that investors find this useful and gain a greater understanding of how we invest their capital.

Stocks that Helped Absolute Performance

 

¢   Tencent Holdings Limited (China) – A major Internet platform in China, Tencent has had a strong presence in online gaming, instant messaging, and has been one of the country’s largest web portals. The company performed well after reporting solid earnings for the second calendar quarter of 2016 that topped estimates, due to strong performance in mobile games, online advertising, and cloud services. The sharp rise of subscription-based revenue in areas such as music and video also contributed to performance. Tencent Holdings has been successful in providing popular services to attract new users and creating a network effect to maintain existing users. Expectations have been growing that the company will be able to successfully monetize its OTT application, “WeChat,” through advertising revenue. Online gaming has been its

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

6


Table of Contents
EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

   

largest contributor to revenue, but Tencent also has generated sales through fee-based social networks, advertising, and e-commerce. The gaming revenues have benefited from operating the dominant social networking platform by directing traffic to the gaming platform. This has translated into strong sales, as well as earnings growth.

 

¢   Alibaba Group Holdings (China) – As the leading e-commerce platform operator in China, Alibaba has had a dominant market share in terms of overall gross merchandise volume (GMV). It has had multiples larger in GMV compared to the second biggest player in China, JD.com. The key advantage that Alibaba has had versus competitors is that it has had the widest number of vendors, which in turn has attracted a massive pool of buyers. Other markets like Japan and the U.S. have shown that it is difficult to displace a player who has a significant supplier/merchant advantage. This allows buyers to have access to the widest base of vendors and available inventory at the most competitive prices in almost any category. Further, by segmenting the market to lower-priced merchants (Taobao) and more established/ trustworthy merchants in Tmall, we believe Alibaba can cater to a wider base of consumers. There is also the tailwind from e-commerce penetration in China that is still in its relatively early stages. Given the fast take-up of smartphone penetration, as of the Fund’s fiscal year-end, we believe there is the potential for this to increase significantly, and Alibaba is in prime position to benefit.

Alibaba’s shares soared in August after delivering strong results for its first fiscal quarter of 2017 that exceeded expectations. China retail revenue (which is the pure e-commerce segment) grew 49%, and that was on the back of GMV growth of 24%, the fastest revenue growth since the company’s initial public offering in September 2014. The

main driver has been the improvement in the company’s monetization rate, with mobile monetization now marginally overtaking desktop at 2.8%. The biggest driver of monetization has been the mix shift to Tmall, which consumers are migrating to as it has higher quality branded merchants. This has been growing at close to double the rate of its Taobao website, and with monetization that we estimate is four times the level of Taobao. The company has also been increasing ad loads off a low level, and getting higher clicks per minute (CPMs) as they provide advertisers with better targeted audiences and higher conversion rates particularly on mobile.

Stocks that Hurt Absolute Performance

 

¢   Cipla (India) – Cipla is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in India. In the first quarter of 2016, Cipla reported earnings results that were below consensus expectations. We sold the company on weak business fundamentals.

 

¢   Wal-mart de Mexico (“Walmex”) (Mexico) – Walmex is the premier Mexican retailer. Unlike Wal-Mart in the United States, which offers cheap prices but not the best shopping environment, Walmex offers both low prices and a better shopping experience than most stores in the country. The company has had no net debt, effective working capital management, and has generated strong cash flow. Walmex reported a solid second quarter, consistent with retail sales data. However, results were below consensus estimates, so expectations for slower growth was confirmed, taking some near-term momentum out of the stock. The stock came under pressure due to uncertainty linked to the weaker Mexican peso and the U.S. election, with protectionist fears hurting local Mexico consumer sentiment. The company confirmed it will increase some logistics spending as it ramps up its e-commerce platform. Walmex also confirmed its confidence in

 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

7


Table of Contents
EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

   

the brand expansion into five neighboring counties, leveraging its scale and distribution. As of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, we still believe the company remains the top quality retail operator with a highly defensible franchise set to launch its online platform, great pricing power as the quality offering in Mexican retail, a coherent business strategy to grow consumer wallet share, and leverage its economies of scale.

The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice.

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Geographic Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular geographic location will be highly sensitive to financial, economic, political, and other developments affecting the fiscal stability of that location.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 
ASSET ALLOCATION  
 

The following table presents asset allocations within certain sectors as a percentage of total investments at September 30, 2016.

 

    

Consumer Staples

    42

Financials

    20   

Information Technology

    19   

Consumer Discretionary

    8   

Health Care

    3   

Telecommunication Services

    3   

Real Estate

    2   

Other (includes short-term investments and securities lending collateral)

    3   
   

 

 

 

Total

    100
   

 

 

 
 

 

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

8


Table of Contents
EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND (Continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns1 for periods ended 09/30/16  
    1
Year
    5
Years
    10
Years
    Since
Inception
    Inception
Date
 
Class A Shares at NAV2     15.38     5.45     6.70              
Class A Shares at POP3,4     8.74        4.21        6.07                 
Class C Shares at NAV2 and CDSC4     14.64        4.67        5.92                  
Class I Shares at NAV     15.75        5.72        6.96                 
Class R6 Shares at NAV     15.87                      -0.04     11/12/14   
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net)*     16.78        3.03        3.94        -2.68 5        
S&P 500® Index*     15.43        16.37        7.24        5.56 5        

Fund Expense Ratios6: A Shares 1.56%; C Shares 2.31%; I Shares: 1.31%; R6 Shares 1.18%.

All returns represent past performance which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The above table and graph below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of shares. Please visit Virtus.com for performance data current to the most recent month-end.

1  Total returns are historical and include changes in share price and the reinvestment of both dividends and capital gains distributions.
2  “NAV” (Net Asset Value) total returns do not include the effect of any sales charge.
3  “POP” (Public Offering Price) total returns include the effect of the maximum front-end 5.75% sales charge.
4  “CDSC” (Contingent Deferred Sales Charge) is applied to redemptions of certain classes of shares that do not have a sales charge applied at the time of purchase. CDSC charges for certain redemptions of Class A shares and all redemptions of Class C shares are 1% within the first year and 0% thereafter.
5  The since inception index returns are from the inception date of Class R6 shares.
6  The expense ratios of the Fund, both net and gross, are set forth according to the prospectus for the Fund effective September 23, 2016, as supplemented and revised, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios. Expense ratios reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds.
* The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (net) is an appropriate Broad Based Index. The Fund is no longer using the S&P 500® Index.

Growth of $10,000 For periods ended 9/30

 

This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on September 30, 2006, for Class A, Class C and Class I shares including any applicable sales charges or fees. The performance of Class C shares may be greater or less than that shown based on differences in inception dates, fees, and sales charges. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

 

LOGO

The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with active management of an actual portfolio.

For information regarding the indexes and certain investment terms, see the Key Investment Terms starting on page 4.

 

9


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES     VALUE  
COMMON STOCKS—96.6%   
Consumer Discretionary—7.7%  

Kangwon Land, Inc. (South Korea)

    2,060,668      $ 73,634   

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (United States)

    2,103,223        121,020   

Matahari Department Store Tbk PT (Indonesia)

    72,580,113        103,059   

Naspers Ltd. Class N (South Africa)

    1,220,346        211,229   

New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc. Sponsored ADR (Cayman Islands)(2)

    1,610,838        74,678   
   

 

 

 
      583,620   
   

 

 

 
Consumer Staples—41.1%  

Ambev S.A. Sponsored ADR (Brazil)

    46,869,454        285,435   

AmorePacific Corp. (South Korea)

    466,833        165,549   

Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V. (Belgium)

    575,891        75,432   

British American Tobacco Bhd (Malaysia)

    1,691,314 (4)      20,097   

British American Tobacco plc (United Kingdom)

    6,899,201 (3)      441,222   

Colgate Palmolive India Ltd. (India)

    1,626,621        23,734   

CP ALL PCL (Thailand)

    110,847,000        197,163   

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de C.V. Sponsored ADR (Mexico)

    2,896,456        266,590   

Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk PT (Indonesia)

    303,382,500        91,878   

Heineken N.V. (Netherlands)

    1,720,107        151,318   

Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (India)

    7,738,511        100,963   
    SHARES      VALUE  
Consumer Staples (continued)  

ITC Ltd. (India)

    82,213,347       $ 298,341   

LG Household & Health Care Ltd. (South Korea)

    134,105         116,705   

President Chain Store Corp. (Taiwan)

    6,724,158         53,557   

SABMiller plc (South Africa)

    4,768,140         275,195   

Thai Beverage PCL (Thailand)

    121,848,700         86,794   

Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT (Indonesia)

    17,530,457         59,933   

Unilever N.V. CVA (Netherlands)

    4,889,450         225,608   

Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV (Mexico)

    78,899,133         172,734   
    

 

 

 
       3,108,248   
    

 

 

 
Energy—1.0%  

Ultrapar Participacoes S.A. (Brazil)

    3,371,571         74,633   
    

 

 

 
Financials—19.5%  

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT (Indonesia)

    104,509,793         126,057   

Bank Pekao SA (Poland)

    2,212,071         71,559   

BB Seguridade Participacoes (Brazil)

    8,545,096         78,826   

Grupo Financiero Santander Mexico SAB de C.V. ADR, B Shares (Mexico)

    9,816,747         86,387   

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. (Hong Kong)

    1,013,498         26,823   

Housing Development Finance Corp. (India)

    14,634,001         306,948   

Housing Development Finance Corp. Bank Ltd. (India)

    18,255,241         349,572   

Housing Development Finance Corp. Bank Ltd. ADR (India)

    563,699         40,524   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

10


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES      VALUE  
Financials (continued)  

Public Bank Bhd (Malaysia)

    23,794,000       $ 114,091   

Remgro Ltd. (South Africa)

    6,006,565         100,482   

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

    315,968         80,478   

United Overseas Bank Ltd. (Singapore)

    6,934,600         96,209   
    

 

 

 
       1,477,956   
    

 

 

 
Health Care—3.3%  

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (India)

    1,102,230         51,433   

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. ADR (India)(5)

    360,312         16,726   

Mediclinic International plc (United Kingdom)

    6,150,558         74,291   

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (India)

    9,677,687         108,184   
    

 

 

 
       250,634   
    

 

 

 
Industrials—1.5%  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de C.V. Class B (Mexico)

    2,346,605         22,308   

Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (South Korea)

    1,274,987         88,855   
    

 

 

 
       111,163   
    

 

 

 
Information Technology—18.3%  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Sponsored ADR (China)(2)

    3,420,134         361,816   

Cielo S.A. (Brazil)

    15,952,354         160,301   

NetEase, Inc. ADR (China)

    695,364         167,430   
    SHARES      VALUE  
Information Technology (continued)  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

    18,944,492       $ 111,358   

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Sponsored ADR (Taiwan)

    3,146,244         96,243   

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. (India)

    4,757,516         173,864   

Tencent Holdings Ltd. (Cayman Islands)

    11,328,516         314,956   
    

 

 

 
       1,385,968   
    

 

 

 
Real Estate—1.6%  

Link REIT (The) (Hong Kong)

    16,364,861         120,807   
    

 

 

 
Telecommunication Services—2.6%  

Telekomunikasi Indonesia Persero Tbk PT (Indonesia)

    579,195,465         192,865   
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $6,423,862)
         7,305,894   
TOTAL LONG TERM INVESTMENTS—96.6%   
(Identified Cost $6,423,862)         7,305,894   
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—0.5%   
Money Market Mutual Fund—0.5%  

JPMorgan U.S. Government Money Market Fund –Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.360%)(7)

    41,135,789         41,136   
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT
(Identified Cost $41,136)
         41,136   
 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

11


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

($ reported in thousands)

 

    SHARES      VALUE  
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—0.2%   

INVESCO Trust Short-Term Investments Liquid Assets Portfolio (The) – Institutional Shares (seven-day effective yield 0.390%)(6)(7)

    12,243,680       $ 12,244   
TOTAL SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   
(Identified Cost $12,244)         12,244   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—97.3% (Identified Cost $6,477,242)          7,359,274 (1) 

Other assets and liabilities,
net—2.7%

   

     204,658   
    

 

 

 
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $ 7,563,932   
    

 

 

 

Abbreviations:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

FOOTNOTE LEGEND:

(1)  Federal Income Tax Information: For tax information at September 30, 2016, see Note 8 Federal Income Tax Information in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(2)  Non-income producing.
(3)  Shares traded on Johannesburg Exchange.
(4)  Shares traded on London Exchange.
(5)  All or a portion of security is on loan.
(6)  Represents security purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan.
(7)  Shares of these funds are publicly offered and the prospectus and annual reports of each are publicly available.

 

Country Weightings (Unaudited)†        

India

     20

Brazil

     8   

South Africa

     8   

Indonesia

     8   

Mexico

     8   

China

     7   

South Korea

     7   

Other

     34   

Total

     100

 

 

% of total investments as of September 30, 2016

 

 

 

The following table provides a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2016 (See Security Valuation Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

     Total Value at
September 30, 2016
     Level 1
Quoted Prices
     Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 

Equity Securities:

  

Common Stocks

   $ 7,305,894       $ 3,483,684       $ 3,822,210   

Securities Lending Collateral

     12,244         12,244           

Short-term Investment

     41,136         41,136           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 7,359,274       $ 3,537,064       $ 3,822,210   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There are no Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) priced securities.

Securities held by the fund with an end of period value of $275,195 were transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 and securities held by the fund with an end of period value of $106,891 were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 based on out valuation procedures for non U.S. securities (see Note 2A in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

12


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(Reported in thousands except shares and per share amounts)

 

Assets   

Investment in securities at value(1)(3)

   $ 7,359,274   

Foreign currency at value(2)

     5,094   

Cash

     275,000   
Receivables   

Investment securities sold

     23,982   

Fund shares sold

     19,420   

Dividends and interest receivable

     58   

Securities lending receivable

     3   

Prepaid expenses

     211   

Prepaid trustee retainer

     103   

Other assets

     101   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     7,683,246   
  

 

 

 
Liabilities   
Payables   

Fund shares repurchased

     19,334   

Investment securities purchased

     77,269   

Collateral on securities loaned

     12,244   

Investment advisory fees

     5,975   

Distribution and service fees

     401   

Administration fees

     758   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     2,306   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     89   

Professional fees

     46   

Trustee deferred compensation plan

     101   

Other accrued expenses

     791   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     119,314   
  

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 7,563,932   
  

 

 

 
Net Assets Consist of:   

Common stock $0.001 par value

   $ 743   

Capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest

     7,440,659   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     25,349   

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)

     (784,900

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     882,081   
  

 

 

 
Net Assets    $ 7,563,932   
  

 

 

 
Class A   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) per share

   $ 9.90   

Maximum offering price per share NAV/(1–5.75%)

   $ 10.50   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization

     109,286,346   

Net Assets

   $ 1,082,242   
Class C   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 9.63   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization

     23,083,431   

Net Assets

   $ 222,221   
Class I   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 10.24   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization

     606,672,241   

Net Assets

   $ 6,214,272   
Class R6   

Net asset value (net assets/shares outstanding) and offering price per share

   $ 10.25   

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization

     4,409,492   

Net Assets

   $ 45,197   

(1) Investment in securities at cost

   $ 6,477,242   

(2) Foreign currency at cost

     5,094   

(3) Market value of securities on loan

     12,041   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

13


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

($ reported in thousands)

 

    Fiscal Period Ended
September 30, 2016(2)
    Year Ended
December 31, 2015
 
Investment Income    

Dividends

  $ 123,861      $ 240,159   

Security lending, net of fees

    138        91   

Foreign taxes withheld

    (5,688     (11,057
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    118,311        229,193   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
Expenses    

Investment advisory fees

    57,321        95,290   

Distribution and service fees, Class A

    1,454        2,006   

Distribution and service fees, Class C

    1,607        2,452   

Distribution fees, Class I

           1,382   

Administration fees

    7,563        12,110   

Transfer agent fees and expenses

    10,834        17,075   

Custodian fees

    1,580        3,834   

Printing fees and expenses

    1,694        717   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    583        478   

Registration fees

    253        285   

Professional fees

    204        124   

Miscellaneous expenses

    484        566   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    83,577        136,319   

Less expenses reimbursed by investment adviser and/(or) distributor

           (1,382

Earnings credit from custodian

    (536     (38

Low balance account fees

    (1)        
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

    83,041        134,899   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net investment income (loss)     35,270        94,294   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments    

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    20,544        (756,362

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

    (3,387     (13,839

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    912,262        (339,055

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translation

    1,512        (1,176

Net change in foreign taxes on unrealized capital gains

           4,337   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net gain (loss) on investments     930,931        (1,106,095
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 966,201      $ (1,011,801
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  Amount is less than $500.
(2)  The Fund changed its fiscal year end to September 30 during the period.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

14


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

($ reported in thousands)

 

     Fiscal Period Ended
September 30, 2016(3)
    Year Ended
December 31, 2015
    Year Ended
December 31, 2014
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS       
From Operations       

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 35,270      $ 94,294      $ 65,058   

Net realized gain (loss)

     17,157        (770,201     (22,763

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     913,774        (335,894     289,719   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations      966,201        (1,011,801     332,014   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
From Distributions to Shareholders       

Net investment income, Class A

            (5,106     (5,770

Net investment income, Class C

                   (194

Net investment income, Class I

            (81,136     (63,020

Net investment income, Class R6

            (358     (1

Net realized long-term gains, Class A

                   (11,495

Net realized long-term gains, Class C

                   (2,358

Net realized long-term gains, Class I

                   (69,577

Net realized long-term gains, Class R6

                   (1) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders             (86,600     (152,415
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
From Share Transactions       
Sale of shares       

Class A (54,614, 45,415, 39,977)

     513,358        426,955        390,454   

Class C (2,986, 9,993, 6,261)

     26,602        92,797        60,377   

Class I (224,369, 573,808, 302,688)

     2,042,674        5,590,072        3,053,397   

Class R6 (4,035, 4,009, 10)

     37,563        38,958        100   
Reinvestment of distributions       

Class A (0, 527, 1,626)

            4,555        16,026   

Class C (0, 0, 230)

                   2,226   

Class I (0, 8,333, 11,523)

            74,414        116,581   

Class R6 (0, 39, —(2))

            348        1   
Shares repurchased       

Class A (31,260, 40,498, 79,655)

     (279,242     (373,105     (782,854

Class C (6,216, 8,084, 5,996)

     (54,465     (72,343     (55,400

Class I (591,491, 374,295, 213,715)

     (5,387,548     (3,524,585     (2,080,416

Class R6 (3,461, 222, 0)

     (31,143     (2,054       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions      (3,132,201     2,256,012        720,492   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets      (2,166,000     1,157,611        900,091   
Net Assets       

Beginning of period

     9,729,932        8,572,321        7,672,230   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
End of period    $ 7,563,932      $ 9,729,932      $ 8,572,321   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss) at end of period

   $ 25,349      $ (6,533   $ (388

 

(1)  Amount is less than $500.
(2)  Shares are less than 500.
(3)  The Fund changed its fiscal year end to September 30 during the period.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

15


Table of Contents

VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

     Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
   Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)    Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
   Total from Investment Operations         Dividends from Net
Investment Income
   Distributions from Net
Realized Gains
   Total Distributions

Class A

                                                                            

1/1/16 to 9/30/16(11)

     $ 8.68          0.03          1.19          1.22                             

1/1/15 to 12/31/15

       9.58          0.07          (0.91 )        (0.84 )        (0.06 )                 (0.06 )

1/1/14 to 12/31/14

       9.26          0.07          0.42          0.49          (0.06 )        (0.11 )        (0.17 )

1/1/13 to 12/31/13

       10.00          0.08          (0.74 )        (0.66 )        (0.08 )        (3)        (0.08 )

1/1/12 to 12/31/12

       8.44          0.07          1.57          1.64          (0.05 )        (0.03 )        (0.08 )

1/1/11 to 12/31/11

       8.83          0.09          (0.37 )        (0.28 )        (0.04 )        (0.07 )        (0.11 )

Class C

                                  

1/1/16 to 9/30/16(11)

     $ 8.49          (0.02 )        1.16          1.14                             

1/1/15 to 12/31/15

       9.37                   (0.88 )        (0.88 )                           

1/1/14 to 12/31/14

       9.08          (0.01 )        0.42          0.41          (0.01 )        (0.11 )        (0.12 )

1/1/13 to 12/31/13

       9.82          0.01          (0.72 )        (0.71 )        (0.03 )        (3)        (0.03 )

1/1/12 to 12/31/12

       8.31          (3)        1.56          1.56          (0.02 )        (0.03 )        (0.05 )

1/1/11 to 12/31/11

       8.72          0.03          (0.37 )        (0.34 )        (3)        (0.07 )        (0.07 )

 

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

16


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to
Average Net Assets(6)
  Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses  
to Average Net Assets(6)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
                                                                             
    1.22       $ 9.90         14.06 %(9)     $ 1,082,242         1.59 %(4)(8)       1.60 %(8)       0.40 %(8)       25 %(9)
    (0.90 )       8.68         (8.77 )       745,947         1.56         1.56 (10)       0.73         27  
    0.32         9.58         5.23         770,941         1.55         1.55         0.71         28  
    (0.74 )       9.26         (6.58 )       1,097,753         1.58         1.58         0.79         31  
    1.56         10.00         19.62         1,208,195         1.60         1.60         0.78         28  
    (0.39 )       8.44         (3.13 )       474,368         1.61         1.61         1.09         29  
                             
    1.14       $ 9.63         13.56 %(9)     $ 222,221         2.34 %(4)(8)       2.35 %(8)       (0.31 )%(8)       25 %(9)
    (0.88 )       8.49         (9.50 )       223,303         2.31         2.31 (10)       (0.01 )       27  
    0.29         9.37         4.40         228,652         2.30         2.30         (0.13 )       28  
    (0.74 )       9.08         (7.21 )       217,034         2.33         2.33         0.07         31  
    1.51         9.82         18.66         203,974         2.35         2.35         0.01         28  
    (0.41 )       8.31         (3.77 )       70,198         2.36         2.36         0.36         29  

 

The footnote legend is at the end of the Financial Highlights.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

17


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

     Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period
   Net Investment Income (Loss)(2)    Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
   Total from Investment Operations         Dividends from Net
Investment Income
   Distributions from Net
Realized Gains
   Total Distributions

Class I

                                                                            

1/1/16 to 9/30/16(11)

     $ 8.96          0.04          1.24          1.28                             

1/1/15 to 12/31/15

       9.89          0.10          (0.95 )        (0.85 )        (0.08 )                 (0.08 )

1/1/14 to 12/31/14

       9.55          0.09          0.45          0.54          (0.09 )        (0.11 )        (0.20 )

1/1/13 to 12/31/13

       10.31          0.11          (0.76 )        (0.65 )        (0.11 )        (3)        (0.11 )

1/1/12 to 12/31/12

       8.70          0.10          1.62          1.72          (0.08 )        (0.03 )        (0.11 )

1/1/11 to 12/31/11

       9.10          0.12          (0.38 )        (0.26 )        (0.07 )        (0.07 )        (0.14 )

Class R6

                                  

1/1/16 to 9/30/16(11)

     $ 8.96          0.05          1.24          1.29                             

1/1/15 to 12/31/15

       9.89          0.08          (0.91 )        (0.83 )        (0.10 )                 (0.10 )

11/12/14(5) to 12/31/14

       10.42          (0.01 )        (0.45 )        (0.46 )        (0.06 )        (0.01 )        (0.07 )

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Continued)

SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING

THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

 

Change in Net Asset Value   Net Asset Value, End of Period   Total
Return(1)
  Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)
  Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to
Average Net Assets(6)
  Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses  
to Average Net Assets(6)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
to Average Net Assets
  Portfolio Turnover Rate
                                                                             
    1.28       $ 10.24         14.29 %(9)     $ 6,214,272         1.33 %(4)(8)       1.34 %(8)       0.64 %(8)       25 %(9)
    (0.93 )       8.96         (8.55 )       8,726,303         1.31         1.32 (10)       0.99         27  
    0.34         9.89         5.54         7,572,633         1.30         1.35         0.85         28  
    (0.76 )       9.55         (6.32 )       6,357,443         1.33         1.38         1.06         31  
    1.61         10.31         19.88         5,352,379         1.35         1.40         0.99         28  
    (0.40 )       8.70         (2.92 )       2,082,147         1.36         1.41         1.34         29  
                             
    1.29       $ 10.25         14.40 %(9)     $ 45,197         1.21 %(4)(8)       1.22 %(8)       0.72 %(8)       25 %(9)
    (0.93 )       8.96         (8.44 )       34,379         1.21         1.21 (10)       0.90         27  
    (0.53 )       9.89         (4.60 )(9)       95         1.24 (8)       1.24 (8)       (0.41 )(8)       28 (7)(9)

Footnote Legend:

(1)  Sales charges, where applicable, are not reflected in total return calculation.
(2)  Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3)  Amount is less than $0.005.
(4)  Net expense ratio includes extraordinary proxy expenses.
(5)  Inception date.
(6)  The Funds will indirectly bear their prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds in which they invest. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.
(7)  Reported on Fund level not class level.
(8)  Annualized.
(9)  Not Annualized.
(10)  Earnings credits from Custodian were not material as reflected in the Statements of Operations, and had no impact on Financial Highlights.
(11)  The Fund changed its fiscal year end to September 30 during the period.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

 

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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 1. Organization

Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company.

As of the date of this report 31 funds of the Trust are offered for sale of which the Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is reported in this annual report. The Fund’s investment objective is outlined in the Fund Summary Page. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its objective.

The Fund offers Class A shares, Class C shares, Class I shares, and Class R6 shares.

Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 5.75% with some exceptions. Generally, Class A shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) may be imposed on certain redemptions made within a certain period following purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The period for which the CDSC applies for the Fund is 18 months. The CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

Class C shares are generally sold with a 1% CDSC, applicable if redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I shares and Class R6 shares are sold without a sales charge.

Class R6 shares are only available to participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, profit-sharing plans, defined benefit plans and other employer-directed plans. Class R6 shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees. No compensation, administrative payments, sub-transfer agency payments or service payments are paid to brokers or other entities from fund assets or the Distributor’s or an affiliate’s resources on sales of or investments in Class R6 Shares.

Virtus Mutual Funds may impose an annual fee on accounts having balances of less than $2,500. The small account fee may be waived in certain circumstances, as disclosed in the prospectuses and/or statements of additional information. The fees collected will be used to offset certain expenses of the Fund. These fees are reflected as “Low Balance Account Fees” in the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the period, as applicable.

Each class of shares has identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except that each class bears different distribution and/or service fees under a Board approved Rule 12b-1 and/or shareholder service plan (“12b-1 plan”) and has exclusive voting rights with respect to such plan(s). Class I shares and Class R6 shares are not subject to a 12b-1 plan. Income and other expenses as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses of the Fund are borne pro rata by the holders of each class of shares.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and those differences could be significant.

 

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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

  A. Security Valuation

Security valuation procedures for the Fund, which include nightly price variance, as well as back-testing such as bi-weekly unchanged price, monthly secondary source and transaction analysis, have been approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board,” or the “Trustees”). All internally fair valued securities are approved by a valuation committee (the “Valuation Committee”) appointed by the Board. The Valuation Committee is comprised of certain members of management as identified to the Board and convenes independently from portfolio management. All internally fair valued securities are updated daily and reviewed in detail by the Valuation Committee monthly unless changes occur within the period. The Valuation Committee reviews the validity of the model inputs and any changes to the model. Quarterly fair valuations are reviewed by the Board.

The Fund utilizes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period.

 

      Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (security types generally include listed equities).

 

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

 

      Level 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Valuation Committee’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

A description of the valuation techniques applied to the Fund’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:

Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded or, if no closing price is available, at the last bid price and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Restricted equity securities and private placements that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Certain non-U.S. securities may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, significant events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that non-U.S. markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) (at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), generally 4 p.m. Eastern time) that may impact the value of securities traded in these non-U.S. markets. In such cases the Fund fair values non-U.S. securities using an independent pricing service which considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the non-U.S. security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments such as ADRs, financial futures, ETFs and certain indexes, as well as prices for similar securities. Such fair valuations are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain non-U.S. common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.

Debt securities, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make

 

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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

markets in such securities. For most bond types, the pricing service utilizes matrix pricing that considers one or more of the following factors: yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, current cash flows, type, and current day trade information, as well as dealer supplied prices. These valuations are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Structured debt instruments, such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may also incorporate collateral analysis and utilize cash flow models for valuation and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Pricing services do not provide pricing for all securities and therefore indicative bids from dealers are utilized which are based on pricing models used by market makers in the security and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Debt securities that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the Valuation Committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Listed derivatives, such as options, that are actively traded are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Over-the-counter derivative contracts, which include forward currency contracts and equity-linked instruments, do not require material subjectivity as pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets and are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at NAV. Investments in closed-end funds are valued as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE each business day. Both are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s net assets by each major security type is disclosed at the end of the Schedule of Investments for the Fund. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

  B. Security Transactions and Investment Income

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses from the sale of securities are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date or, in the case of certain foreign securities, as soon as the Fund is notified. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts using the effective interest method.

Any distributions from underlying funds are recorded in accordance with the character of the distributions as designated by the underlying funds.

 

  C. Income Taxes

The Fund is treated as a separate taxable entity. It is the intention of the Fund to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes or excise taxes has been made.

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable based upon current interpretations of the tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

Management of the Fund has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. As of September 30, 2016, the tax years that remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations are from the year 2013 forward (with limited exceptions).

 

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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

  D. Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions are recorded by the Fund on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences may include the treatment of non-taxable dividends, market premium and discount, non-deductible expenses, expiring capital loss carryovers, foreign currency gain or loss, gain or loss on futures contracts, partnerships, operating losses and losses deferred due to wash sales. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to capital paid in on shares of beneficial interest.

 

  E. Expenses

Expenses incurred together by the Fund and other affiliated mutual funds are allocated in proportion to the net assets of each such fund, except where allocation of direct expense to each fund or an alternative allocation method can be more appropriately used.

In addition to the net annual operating expenses that the Fund bears directly, the shareholders of the Fund indirectly bear the Fund’s pro-rata expenses of any underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests.

 

  F. Foreign Currency Translation

Non-U.S. investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the foreign currency exchange rate effective at the end of the reporting period. Cost of investments is translated at the currency exchange rate effective at the trade date. The gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between the trade and settlement date of a portfolio transaction is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. Likewise, the gain or loss resulting from a change in currency exchange rates between the date income is accrued and the date it is paid is treated as a gain or loss on foreign currency. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

 

  G. Securities Lending

The Fund may loan securities to qualified brokers through an agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman (“BBH”), as a third party lending agent. Under the terms of agreement, when doing so the Fund is required to maintain collateral with a market value not less than 100% of the market value of loaned securities. Collateral is adjusted daily in connection with changes in the market value of securities on loan. Collateral may consist of cash and securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Cash collateral is invested in a short-term money market fund. Dividends earned on the collateral and premiums paid by the broker are recorded as income by the Fund net of fees and rebates charged by BBH for its services as securities lending agent and in connection with this securities lending program. Lending portfolio securities involves a risk of delay in the recovery of the loaned securities or in the declining value of the collateral.

 

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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

At September 30, 2016, the Fund had securities on loan with a market value of $12,041 and a cash collateral of $12,244.

 

  H. Earnings Credit and Interest

Through arrangements with the Fund’s custodian, the Fund either receive an earnings credit or interest on agreed upon target un-invested cash balances to reduce the Fund’s custody expenses. The credits are reflected as “Earnings credits from Custodian” and the interest is reflected under “Interest income” in the Fund’s Statements of Operations for the period, as applicable.

Note 3. Investment Advisory Fees and Related Party Transactions

($ reported in thousands)

 

  A. Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (“Virtus”), is the adviser to the Trust. The Adviser manages the Fund’s investment programs and general operations of the Fund, including oversight of the Fund’s subadviser.

As compensation for its services to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a fee based upon the following annual rates as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund:

 

   

First $1 Billion

   $1+ Billion
  1.00%    0.95%

 

  B. Subadvisers

Vontobel Asset Management, Inc. (the “Subadviser”) is subadviser to the Fund. The subadviser manages the investments of the Fund for which the subadviser is paid a fee by the Adviser.

 

  C. Distributor

($ reported in thousands)

VP Distributors, LLC (“VP Distributors”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. VP Distributors has advised the Fund that for the fiscal period (the “period”) ended September 30, 2016, it retained net commissions of $51 of Class A Shares and deferred sales charges of $84 and $52 for Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively.

In addition, the Fund pays VP Distributors distribution and/or service fees under a 12b-1 plan as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each respective class at the annual rates as follows: Class A shares 0.25%; Class C shares 1.00% Class I and Class R6 shares are not subject to a 12b-1 plan. Prior to its elimination on February 26, 2015, VP Distributors was also entitled to a service fee under a Shareholder Services Plan for Class I shares, at the rate of 0.05% of the average daily net assets of such class of the Fund; however, VP Distributors had waived such fee prior to its elimination, so the Fund’s Class I shares did not pay such fee during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Under certain circumstances, shares of certain Virtus Mutual Funds may be exchanged for shares of the same class of certain other Virtus Mutual Funds on the basis of the

 

24


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

relative NAV per share at the time of the exchange. On exchanges with share classes that carry a CDSC, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply.

 

  D. Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus, serves as the administrator and transfer agent to the Fund.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund incurred administration fees totaling $5,864 which are included in the Statements of Operations.

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund incurred transfer agent fees totaling $10,603 which are included in the Statements of Operations. A portion of these fees was paid to outside entities that also provide services to the Trust. The Transfer Agent may from time to time temporarily waive all or a portion of its transfer agent fees.

 

  E. Affiliated Shareholders

At September 30, 2016, Virtus and its affiliates, and the retirement plans of Virtus and its affiliates, held shares which may be redeemed at any time, of the Fund in the following aggregated amounts:

 

     Shares      Aggregate Net
Asset Value
 
Class R6      9,749       $ 100   

 

  F. Trustee Compensation

The Trust provides a deferred compensation plan for its Trustees who receive compensation from the Trust. Under the deferred compensation plan, Trustees may elect to defer all or a portion of their compensation. Amounts deferred are retained by the Trust, and then, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, in turn, may be invested in the shares of affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds selected by the participating Trustees. Investments in such instruments are included in “Other Assets” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at September 30, 2016.

Note 4. Purchases and Sales of Securities

($ reported in thousands)

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding U.S. Government and agency securities, and short-term securities) during the period ended September 30, 2016, were as follows:

 

     Purchases        Sales  
   $ 1,950,902         $ 4,898,915   

There were no purchases or sales of long term U.S. Government and agency securities for the Fund during the period ended September 30, 2016.

 

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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 5. 10% Shareholders

As of September 30, 2016, the Fund had individual shareholder account(s) and/or omnibus shareholder account(s) (comprised of a group of individual shareholders), which individually amounted to more than 10% of the total shares outstanding of each such Fund as detailed below:

 

     % of Shares
Outstanding
       Number of
Accounts
 
     41        2*   
       

 

  * None of the accounts are affiliated.

Note 6. Credit Risk and Asset Concentration

In countries with limited or developing markets, investments may present greater risks than in more developed markets and the prices of such investments may be volatile. The consequences of political, social or economic changes in these markets may have disruptive effects on the market prices of these investments and the income they generate, as well as the Fund’s ability to repatriate such amounts.

The Fund may invest a high percentage of its assets in specific sectors or countries of the market in the pursuit of its investment objectives. Fluctuations in these sectors of concentration may have a greater impact on the Fund, positive or negative, than if the Fund did not concentrate its investments in such sectors.

At September 30, 2016, the Fund securities issued by various companies in specific sectors detailed below:

 

     Sector        Percentage
of Total
Investments
 
     Consumer Staples           42

Note 7. Illiquid and Restricted Securities

Investments are generally considered illiquid if they cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at the approximate amount at which such securities have been valued by the Fund. Additionally, the following information is also considered in determining liquidity: the frequency of trades and quotes for the investment, whether the investment is listed for trading on a recognized domestic exchange and/or whether two or more brokers are willing to purchase or sell the security at a comparable price, the extent of market making activity in the investment and the nature of the market for investment. Illiquid securities are footnoted as such at the end of the Fund’s Schedule of Investments, where applicable. However, a portion of such footnoted securities could be liquid where the Fund’s Subadviser determines that some, though not all, of the position could be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at the approximate amount at which such securities have been valued by the Fund.

Restricted securities are illiquid securities, as defined above, not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). Generally, 144A securities are excluded from this category, except where defined as illiquid.

The Fund will bear any costs, including those involved in registration under the 1933 Act, in connection with the disposition of such securities.

 

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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

At September 30, 2016, the Fund did not hold any securities that were both illiquid and restricted.

Note 8. Federal Income Tax Information

($ reported in thousands)

At September 30, 2016, federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities held by the Fund were as follows:

 

Federal
Tax Cost

 

Unrealized
Appreciation

 

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

 

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

$6,500,520   $1,005,202   ($146,448)   $858,754

The differences between book basis cost and tax basis cost were attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

The Fund has capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

No Expiration

 

Total

Short-term

 

Long-term

 
$348,891   $412,731   $761,622

The Trust may not realize the benefit of these losses to the extent the Fund does not realize gains on investments prior to the expiration of the capital loss carryovers.

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized for tax years beginning after December 22, 2010, may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses.

Capital losses realized after October 31 and certain late year losses may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year. For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund deferred and recognized qualified late year losses as follows:

 

Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Deferred

 

Late Year
Ordinary
Losses
Recognized

 

Capital
Loss Deferred

 

Capital
Loss
Recognized

$—   $6,533   $—   $64,653

The components of distributable earnings on a tax basis (excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation) which are disclosed in the beginning of this note) consist of the following:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

 

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

$25,349   $—

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term gain distributions reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets, if any, are reported as ordinary income for federal tax purposes. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes.

 

27


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

 

    2016     2015     2014  

Ordinary Income

  $      $ 86,600      $ 68,985   

Long-Term Capital Gains

                  83,430   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $      $ 86,600      $ 152,415   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 9. Reclassification of Capital Accounts

($ reported in thousands except as noted)

For financial reporting purposes, book basis capital accounts are adjusted to reflect the tax character of permanent book/tax differences. Permanent reclassifications can arise from differing treatment of certain income and gain transactions, nondeductible current year net operating losses, expiring capital loss carryovers and investments in passive foreign investment companies. The reclassifications have no impact on the net assets or NAV of the Fund. As of September 30, 2016, the Fund recorded reclassifications to increase (decrease) the accounts as listed below:

 

Capital Paid in
on Shares of
Beneficial  Interest

 

Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

Undistributed
Net Investment
Income (Loss)

$—   $3,387   $(3,387)

Note 10. Borrowings

($ reported in thousands)

On June 29, 2016, the Fund and other affiliated funds renewed a $50,000 secured line of credit. The Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) is with a commercial bank (the “Bank”) that allows the Fund to manage large unexpected redemptions and trade fails, up to a limit of one-third of the Fund’s total net assets in accordance with the Agreement. The agreement has a term of 364 days and is renewable by the Fund with the Bank’s consent. Interest is charged at the higher of the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or the Federal Funds rate plus an additional percentage rate on the amount borrowed. Commitment fees are charged on the undrawn balance. The Fund and other affiliated funds are individually, and not jointly, liable for their particular advances, if any, under the line of credit. The Bank has the ability to require repayment of outstanding borrowings under the Agreement upon certain circumstances such as an event of default.

The Fund had no outstanding borrowings at any time during the period ended September 30, 2016.

Note 11. Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Trustees and officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. Each Trustee has entered into an indemnification agreement with the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund enter into contracts that provide a variety of indemnifications to other parties. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and that have not occurred. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these arrangements and expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

28


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

Note 12. Regulatory Matters and Litigation

From time to time, the Trust, the Fund’s Adviser and/or Subadviser and/or their affiliates may be involved in litigation and arbitration as well as examinations and investigations by various regulatory bodies, including the SEC, involving compliance with, among other things, securities laws, client investment guidelines, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers and other laws and regulations affecting their products and other activities. At this time, the Adviser believes that the outcomes of such matters are not likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to be material to these financial statements.

On February 20, 2015, a putative class action complaint (In re Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. Securities Litigation; formerly styled as Tom Cummins v. Virtus Investment Partners Inc. et al.) alleging violation of the federal securities laws was filed by an individual shareholder against Virtus and certain of its officers (the “defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On August 21, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a Consolidated Class Action Complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”) amending the originally filed complaint and adding the Trust as a defendant. The Consolidated Complaint was purportedly filed on behalf of all purchasers of Virtus common stock between January 25, 2013 and May 11, 2015 (the “Class Period”). The Consolidated Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed material adverse facts relating to certain funds previously subadvised by F-Squared Investments, Inc. and/or its affiliates (“F-Squared”). The plaintiff seeks to recover unspecified damages. A motion to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint was filed on behalf of the defendants on October 21, 2015. Pursuant to an Opinion & Order (“Order”) filed on July 1, 2016, the court granted in part and denied in part the defendants’ motion to dismiss. Although the Order narrows the scope of the claims asserted, claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder survive the motion. The defendants filed an Answer to the Consolidated Complaint on August 5, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit is without merit and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Fund as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Fund.

On May 8, 2015, a putative class action complaint (Mark Youngers v. Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. et al.) alleging violations of certain provisions of the federal securities laws was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint, which was purportedly filed on behalf of purchasers of certain Virtus Funds previously subadvised by F-Squared between May 8, 2010 and December 22, 2014, inclusive (the “Class Period”), alleged claims against Virtus, certain Virtus officers and affiliates (including the Adviser, Euclid Advisors LLC (“Euclid”) and VP Distributors, LLC), the trustees and certain officers of the Trust, and certain other parties (the “defendants”). The complaint alleges that during the Class Period the defendants disseminated materially false and misleading statements and concealed or omitted material facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading. On October 1, 2015, the plaintiff filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint which, among other things, added a derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty on behalf of the Trust. On October 19, 2015, the United States District Court for the Central District of California entered an order transferring the action to the Southern District of New York. On January 4, 2016, Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint. Motions to dismiss were filed on behalf of Virtus, its officers and affiliates and the independent trustees on February 1, 2016. An Opinion & Order (“Order”) granting in part

 

29


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

and denying in part the defendants’ motions to dismiss was issued on July 1, 2016. The Order dismissed all claims against the Adviser, Euclid, the independent trustees and certain of the other individual defendants and narrowed the claims asserted against the remaining defendants. The remaining defendants filed an Answer to the Second Amended Complaint on August 5, 2016. The defendants filed a motion to certify an interlocutory appeal of the July 1, 2016 order to the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on August 26, 2016. Oral argument on the motion is scheduled for October 7, 2016. Virtus and its affiliates, including the Adviser, believe that the suit has no basis in law or fact and intend to defend it vigorously. The Trust believes that the risk of loss to the Fund as a result of this suit is remote. The Adviser does not believe that the suit will have any impact on its ability to provide services to the Fund.

Note 13. Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there are no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

30


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LOGO

Report of Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees of

Virtus Opportunities Trust and

Shareholders of the Funds, as defined:

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations, of changes in net assets, and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund ((one of the funds constituting Virtus Opportunities Trust, hereafter referred to as the “Fund”)) at September 30, 2016, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period ended September 30, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, the changes in its net assets for the period ended September 30, 2016 and each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2015 and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements 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 are free of material misstatement. An audit 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at September 30, 2016 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 22, 2016

 

31


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VIRTUS EMERGING MARKETS OPPORTUNITIES FUND

TAX INFORMATION NOTICE (Unaudited)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

($ reported in thousands)

For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund makes the following disclosures for federal income tax purposes. Below is listed the percentage, or the maximum amount allowable, of its ordinary income dividends to qualify for the lower tax rates (“QDI”) applicable to individual shareholders, and the percentage of ordinary income dividends earned by the Fund which qualifies for the dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for corporate shareholders. The actual percentage of QDI and DRD for the calendar year will be designated in year-end tax statements. The Fund designates the amounts below as long-term capital gains dividends (“LTCG”) taxable at a 20% rate, or lower depending on the shareholder’s income ($ reported in thousands). LTCG amounts, if subsequently different, will be designated in the next annual report.

 

    QDI    

 

    DRD    

 

    LTCG    

100%   13%   $—

For the period ended September 30, 2016, the Fund recognized $120,100 (reported in thousands) of foreign source income on which the Fund paid foreign taxes of $5,936 (reported in thousands). This information is being furnished to you pursuant to notice requirements of Section 853(a) and 855(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

 

32


Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES

Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Trust as of September 30, 2016, is set forth below. The statement of additional information (SAI) includes additional information about the Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 243-1574. The address of each individual, unless otherwise noted, is 100 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT 06103-4506. There is no stated term of office for Trustees of the Trust.

Independent Trustees

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years and

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Thomas J. Brown

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2010), D’Youville Senior Care Center; and Director (since 2005), VALIC Company Funds (49 portfolios).

Burke, Donald C.

YOB: 1961

Elected: 2016

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2014) closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director, Avista Corp. (energy company) (since 2011); Trustee, Goldman Sachs Fund Complex (2010 to 2014); and Director, BlackRock Luxembourg and Cayman Funds (2006 to 2010).

Roger A. Gelfenbien

YOB: 1943

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2000), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Director (since 1999), USAllianz Variable Insurance Product Trust (42 portfolios).

John R. Mallin

YOB: 1950

Elected: 2016

65 Portfolios

  Partner/Attorney (since 2003), McCarter & English LLP (law firm), Real Property Practice Group; and Member (since 2014), Counselors of Real Estate. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Horizon, Inc. (non-profit); and Trustee (since 1999), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios).

McClellan, Hassell H.

YOB: 1945

Elected: 2015

65 Portfolios

  Retired (since 2013); and Professor (1984 to 2013), Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios); and Director (since 2010), Barnes Group, Inc. (diversified global components manufacturer and logistical services company); Trustee, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) (since 2008); and Trustee, John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2000) (collectively, 228 portfolios).

McLoughlin, Philip

YOB: 1946

Elected: 1999

74 Portfolios

  Retired. Director and Chairman (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee/Director and Chairman (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Chairman and Trustee (since 2003), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); Director (since 1991) and Chairman (since 2010), Lazard World Trust Fund (closed-end investment firm in Luxembourg); and Trustee (since 1989) and Chairman (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

McNamara, Geraldine M.

YOB: 1951

Elected: 2001

69 Portfolios

  Retired. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Director (since 2003), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (4 funds); and Trustee (since 2001), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

 

33


Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (Continued)

 

Independent Trustees (Continued)

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years and

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Oates, James M.

YOB: 1946

Elected: 2000

70 Portfolios

  Managing Director (since 1994), Wydown Group (consulting firm). Director (since 2016), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee/Director (since 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Chairman and Trustee (since 2005), John Hancock Fund Complex (228 portfolios); Director (2002 to 2014), New Hampshire Trust Company; Chairman (since 2000), Emerson Investment Management, Inc.; Non-Executive Chairman (2000 to 2014), Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) (financial services) Chairman and Director (1999 to 2014), Connecticut River Bank; Director (since 1996), Stifel Financial; and Trustee (since 1987), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Segerson, Richard E.

YOB: 1948

Elected: 2000

65 Portfolios

  Retired; and Managing Director (1998 to 2013), Northway Management Company. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios) and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); and Trustee (since 1983), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Verdonck, Ferdinand L.J.

YOB: 1942

Elected: 2005

65 Portfolios

  Vice Chairman (since 2014), Affirmed Therapeutics (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015), The J.P. Morgan Continental European Investment Trust; Director (2005 to 2013), Galapagos N.V. (biotechnology); Director (1998 to 2015) Groupe SNEF; and Mr. Verdonck is also a director of several non-U.S. companies. Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); and Trustee (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex (52 portfolios).

Interested Trustee

The individual listed below is an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

Name, Year of Birth,
Year Elected and
Number of Funds
Overseen
 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years and
Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Aylward, George R.*

Trustee and President

YOB: 1964

Elected: 2006

70 Portfolios

  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005). Chairman and Trustee (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II; Trustee and President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC (2 portfolios); Trustee (since 2012) and President (since 2010), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (9 portfolios); Trustee and President (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds (3 funds); Trustee (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Funds (52 portfolios); and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.

 

* Mr. Aylward is an “interested person,” as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (“Virtus”), the ultimate parent company of the Adviser, and various positions with its affiliates, including the Adviser.

 

34


Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (Continued)

 

Officers of the Trust Who Are Not Trustees

 

Name, Address and

Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with
Trust and Length of

Time Served

  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Bradley, W. Patrick

YOB: 1972

  Executive Vice President (since 2016); Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016); Vice President (2011 to 2013); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006).   Executive Vice President, Fund Services (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Fund Services (2010 to 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2004), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) (since 2007), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2013 to 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

Carr, Kevin J.

YOB: 1954

  Senior Vice President (since 2013); Vice President (2005 to 2013); Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005).   Senior Vice President (since 2009), Vice President, Counsel and Secretary (2008 to 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2005) with Virtus affiliates; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2005 to 2013), Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (2013 to 2014), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Assistant Secretary (since 2012), Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (2005 to 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2013 to 2014), Vice President and Assistant Secretary (2012 to 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2011 to 2012), Virtus Closed-End Funds; and Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

 

35


Table of Contents

FUND MANAGEMENT TABLES (Continued)

 

Officers of the Trust Who Are Not Trustees (Continued)

 

Name, Address and

Year of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with
Trust and Length of

Time Served

  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Engberg, Nancy J.

YOB: 1956

  Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2011.   Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Compliance Officer (2008 to 2011 and since 2016), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2003) with Virtus affiliates; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Vice President (since 2010) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2012), The Zweig Fund and Virtus Global Dividend & Income Fund Inc.; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), ETFis Series Trust I; and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II.

Waltman, Francis G.

YOB: 1962

  Executive Vice President (since 2013); Senior Vice President (2008-2013).   Executive Vice President, Product Development (since 2009), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various senior officer positions (since 2006) with Virtus affiliates; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2008 to 2013), Virtus Mutual Fund Complex; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2013), Senior Vice President (2011 to 2013), Virtus Closed-End Funds; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds PLC; and Executive Vice President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust.

 

36


Table of Contents

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

101 Munson Street

Greenfield, MA 01301

 

Trustees

George R. Aylward

Thomas J. Brown

Donald C. Burke

Roger A. Gelfenbein

John R. Mallin

Hassell H. McClellan

Philip R. McLoughlin, Chairman

Geraldine M. McNamara

James M. Oates

Richard E. Segerson

Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck

Officers

George R. Aylward, President

Francis G. Waltman, Executive Vice President

W. Patrick Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Nancy J. Engberg, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Kevin J. Carr, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary

Investment Adviser

Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Principal Underwriter

VP Distributors, LLC

100 Pearl St.

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Administrator and Transfer Agent

Virtus Fund Services, LLC

100 Pearl Street

Hartford, CT 06103-4506

Custodian

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

1 Chase Manhattan Plaza

New York, NY 10005-1401

Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

2001 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

How to Contact Us

Mutual Fund Services 1-800-243-1574

Adviser Consulting Group 1-800-243-4361

Website Virtus.com

 

 

 

Important Notice to Shareholders

The Securities and Exchange Commission has modified mailing regulations for semiannual and annual shareholder fund reports to allow mutual fund companies to send a single copy of these reports to shareholders who share the same mailing address. If you would like additional copies, please call Mutual Fund Services at 1-800-243-1574.


Table of Contents

 

For more information about

Virtus Mutual Funds, please

call your financial representative,

or contact us at 1-800-243-1574

or Virtus.com.

 

8004    11-16

LOGO

P.O. Box 9874

Providence, RI 02940-8074

 


Table of Contents

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

  (a)

The registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.

(c) There have been no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics described in Item 2(b) of the instructions for completion of Form N-CSR.

 

  (d)

The registrant has not granted any waivers, during the period covered by this report, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of the instructions for completion of this Item.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

(a)(1)

The Registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that the Registrant has an “audit committee financial expert” serving on its Audit Committee.

 

(a)(2)

The Registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that Donald C. Burke, Thomas J. Brown and Richard E. Segerson each possess the technical attributes identified in Instruction 2(b) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR to qualify as an “audit committee financial expert.” Each of Mr. Burke, Mr. Brown and Mr. Segerson is an “independent” trustee pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR.

 

(a)(3)

Not applicable.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

 

Registrant may incorporate the following information by reference, if this information has been disclosed in the registrant’s definitive proxy statement or definitive information statement. The


Table of Contents
 

proxy statement or information statement must be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by the Annual Report.

Audit Fees

 

  (a)

The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $673,744 for 2015 and $697,645 for 2016.

Audit-Related Fees

 

  (b)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item are $90,281 for 2015 and $102,238 for 2016. Such audit-related fees include the out of pocket expenses and cross fund fees.

Tax Fees

 

  (c)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are $129,550 for 2015 and $134,875 for 2016.

“Tax Fees” are those primarily associated with review of the Trust’s tax provision and qualification as a regulated investment company (RIC) in connection with audits of the Trust’s financial statement, review of year-end distributions by the Fund to avoid excise tax for the Trust, periodic discussion with management on tax issues affecting the Trust, and reviewing and signing the Fund’s federal income returns.

All Other Fees

 

  (d)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item are $0 for 2015 and $0 for 2016.

 

(e)(1)

Disclose the audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

The Virtus Opportunities Trust (the “Fund”) Board has adopted policies and procedures with regard to the pre-approval of services provided by PwC. Audit, audit-related and tax compliance services provided to the Fund on an annual basis require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee must approve other non-audit services provided to the Fund and those non-audit services provided to the Fund’s Affiliated Service Providers that relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. Certain of these non-audit services that the Audit Committee believes are a) consistent with the SEC’s auditor independence rules and b) routine and recurring services that will not impair the independence of the independent auditors may be approved by the Audit Committee without consideration on a specific case-by-case basis (“general pre-approval”).


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The Audit Committee has determined that Thomas J. Brown, Chair of the Audit Committee, may provide pre-approval for such services that meet the above requirements in the event such approval is sought between regularly scheduled meetings. In any event, the Audit Committee is informed of each service approved subject to general pre-approval at the next regularly scheduled in-person Audit Committee meeting.

 

(e)(2)

The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are as follows:

(b) 0%

(c) 0%

(d) N/A

 

  (f)

The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was less than fifty percent.

 

  (g)

The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant was $528,041 for 2015 and $631,661 for 2016.

 

  (h)

The registrant’s audit committee of the board of directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a) Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.


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(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a)

The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

 

  (b)

There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


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Item 12. Exhibits.

 

  (a)(1)

Code of ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.

 

  (a)(2)

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

  (a)(3)

Not applicable.

 

  (b)

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

(12.other) Not applicable.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant)

                             Virtus Opportunities Trust                                                      

 

By (Signature and Title)*  

      /s/ George R. Aylward                                                           

 

      George R. Aylward, President

 

      (principal executive officer)

Date                12/9/2016                                                                                                                      

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)*         /s/ George R. Aylward                                                                         
 

      George R. Aylward, President

 

      (principal executive officer)

Date                12/9/2016                                                                                                                      

 

By (Signature and Title)*         /s/ W. Patrick Bradley                                                                             
        W. Patrick Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
      and Treasurer
 

      (principal financial officer)

 

Date                12/9/2016                                                                                                                      

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.