N-CSR 1 c59886_ncsr.htm -- Converted by SEC Publisher, created by BCL Technologies Inc., for SEC Filing

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 811-21210

Alpine Income Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

615 East Michigan Street
3rd Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Samuel A. Lieber
Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC
2500 Westchester Avenue, Suite 215
Purchase, NY 10577
(Name and address of agent for service)

1-888-785-5578
Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Date of fiscal year end: 10/31/2009

Date of reporting period: 10/31/2009


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

(FRONT COVER)

EQUITY & INCOME FUNDS

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund

Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund

Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund

Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund

Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund

October 31,

2009

Annual Report





 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY MANAGER REPORTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

6

 

       

 

 

 

 

Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

15

 

       

 

 

 

 

Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

19

 

       

 

 

 

 

Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

23

 

       

 

 

 

 

Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund

 

26

 

       

 

 

 

 

Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund

 

29

 

       

 

 

 

 

FIXED INCOME MANAGER REPORTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

33

 

       

 

 

 

 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund

 

38

 

       

 

 

 

 

Schedules of Portfolio Investments

 

40

 

       

 

 

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

66

 

       

 

 

 

 

Statements of Operations

 

69

 

       

 

 

 

 

Statement of Cash Flows

 

72

 

       

 

 

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

73

 

       

 

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

81

 

       

 

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

90

 

       

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

 

106

 

       

 

 

 

 

Additional Alpine Funds are offered in the Alpine Equity Trust. These funds include:

 

Alpine International Real Estate Equity Fund
Alpine Realty Income & Growth Fund
Alpine Cyclical Advantage Property Fund
Alpine Emerging Markets Real Estate Fund
Alpine Global Infrastructure Fund

 

Alpine’s Real Estate Funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing in funds of the Alpine Equity Trust. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company, and it may be obtained by calling 1-888-785-5578, or visiting www.alpinefunds.com. Read it carefully before investing.

Mutual fund involves risk. Principal loss is possible.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine’s Investment Outlook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(PHOTO OF SAMUEL A. LIEBER)

Dear Investor:

What a difference a year makes. Last year we were afflicted by a crisis of confidence which compounded a financial contraction with potentially catastrophic consequences. The speed, depth and global breadth with which wealth and capital was vanishing increased fear of a prolonged downturn. The panic in financial markets paralyzed corporate, municipal and individual investment activity. Fortunately, unprecedented government and central bank efforts around the world prevented a widely feared depression. The Federal Reserve led the way, pumping liquidity into the capital markets to “unfreeze” money markets and stimulate investment. This has partially offset the economic repercussions flowing from massive layoffs and plant closures, which is how corporations responded to collapsed consumption and decreased global trade. After falling over 45% from the Friday before Lehman Brothers’ collapse (September 12, 2008) to the market low on March 9, 2009, the S&P 500 rebounded over 55% through October 30, yet remains more than 34% below the October 2007 index peak.

From March of this year, investor psychology began to shift from depression to hope, from fear of economic collapse towards expectations of recovering cyclical activity. Along the way, some have focused on whether this recovery could follow a ‘V’ shaped temporal pattern or would trace a ‘U’, ‘L’ or ‘W’ shape. Irrespective of the form and time it takes, recognition that a new cycle was approaching has been transformative for risk/return pricing. Inevitably, economic and corporate evidence of normalizing activity has encouraged market participants to believe that this downturn, perhaps the worst in two generations, would not cripple the structural underpinnings and operation of our economic institutions, despite continuing bank closures and consolidation. In fact, signs that increased capital availability is expanding beyond equity recapitalizations in the capital markets to include bank line extensions to well capitalized companies. Limited initial public offerings (IPOs) are also coming to market and prices bid for businesses, real estate and selected assets have been on the rise. Although the appetite for taking more

risk in the search for higher returns reignited the rally in stocks during mid-summer, transaction volumes remain a fraction of previous years’ levels. Even though banks are gradually beginning to lend, they are not yet including many of the small to medium sized companies that historically have fueled economic expansion. While all is not rosy, it is apparent that we have turned the corner.

ARE HAPPY DAYS HERE AGAIN?

For the 2009 Fiscal Year ended October 30th, Alpine is very pleased with the overall strong level of comparative returns provided by our growing family of mutual funds. Unlike 2008, diversification across investment categories, geographic regions, business sectors and financial structures enabled managers with flexible mandates to outperform relevant or benchmark indices. Alpine’s different fund managers make it clear in their respective shareholder letters that many investment opportunities emerged from the risk reducing panic selling of last year. Due to the forward looking nature of the capital markets, it is not surprising that recovery in share prices began well before the upturn in the economy, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the third quarter. Over the next few quarters, we should see employment gains, hopefully by the middle of next year. Tentative signs are numerous, if not major. For example, recent reports of advertising spending during the early weeks of October suggest that retailers have increased such spending by close to 35% year-over-year in anticipation of a more hopeful Christmas selling season. Recent global mergers and acquisition (M&A) announcements within the first weeks of November show a dollar value greater than at any time since May of 2007. The Conference Board’s U.S. Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) Index has been positive for seven months. The LEI’s most recent consecutive monthly positive period was back in the Fall of 2006, and the previous extended period of continuous gains was in 2003-2004. Adding to these hopeful signals are more concrete data points such as job recalls at John Deere and Cummins Engine to make agricultural equipment and truck engines. Nonetheless, investors remain cautious about excessively valuing



1



 

 

future growth in corporate earnings despite near record non-farm productivity and net positive third quarter corporate earnings reports surpassing analyst estimates.

WHERE HAVE INVESTORS PLACED THEIR BETS? INCOME AND GROWTH

According to AMG Data Services, bond funds have attracted over $290 billion so far during 2009, while $22 billion has flowed out of equity funds. Historically low interest rates fueled by the Federal Reserve’s ‘Quantitative Easing’; negligible inflation and excess economic capacity have propelled bond returns during the past year, especially for economically sensitive high-yield bonds. Another area which enjoyed strong performance, were the emerging markets and, in particular, emerging market funds. Even though China and Brazil have resumed rapid economic growth after a weak fourth calendar quarter of 2008 and first quarter of this year, skepticism remains regarding the long term sustainability of their high relative growth rates. Beyond strong earnings trends, their potential capacity to become dominant engines of global growth has yet to be realized, but their abilities to drive domestic demand without growing exports to the U.S. or Europe are now apparent. Their fiscal situation is another contrast to budgetary deficits among many of the world’s major economies. These countries also share dramatically different demographic profiles which will also influence economic growth rates and challenge economic imperatives. However, modernizing infrastructures, improving inefficiencies in distribution, upgrading health and education availability and maintaining stable capital costs still need to be addressed in order to compete and provide rising standards of living. Such issues will no doubt impact economic and corporate growth expectations for years to come, and hence, influence long term investment patterns. We believe these dynamics will continue to favor global stock portfolios in 2010.

U.S. ECONOMIC FOCUS WILL BE ON JOBS, INCOME AND GROWTH

Alpine’s fundamental long term concern is growth in GDP per capita, which encompasses employment growth and sustainable income levels. Both influence the overall standard of living and, more importantly, influence consumption patterns. Income growth plays a critical role not only in the demand for imported goods, which influences both the balance of trade and the collection of tax revenues, impacting the government’s ability to provide services and make-up past budget deficits. However, possible secular changes to our economy may shift job opportunities and with them population

distribution for future generations. This could impact state and local politics and might even alter our national priorities, away from the pattern established following World War II.

In this light, the level of unemployment is critical. Historic recoveries from recession between World War II and 1982, where the typical impact on employment was a decline of 2.5% on average, would see a return to previous employment levels in roughly 12.5 months*. (*Data based on Bureau of Labor Standards and Credit Suisse). Following the recessions of 1991 and 2001, the U.S. took longer to generate new jobs, and hence the term “Jobless Recovery” was coined. It was particularly appropriate for the 2001 recession which then took 36 months to return to prior employment levels. Please see Chart A showing U.S. continuing jobless claims over the past 30 years.

Chart A—U.S. Continuing Jobless Claims

(LINE GRAPH)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bloomberg

This down cycle has seen a drop in employment of almost 5% of the workforce, or seven million people. Since the magnitude is far greater than prior cycles, it may take several years to recover lost jobs. The concern is that businesses which have grown cautious about revenues and underlying demand and, hence, their competitive position, will refrain from adding new jobs, emphasize temporary workers or outsource overseas. The impact on income levels could likely be limiting at best and perhaps even contribute to an overall deflationary trend in our economy. If incomes decline, the nation’s debt burden may exceed tax revenues, pressuring the dollar. If imported goods and materials rise in price, then the danger of stagflation could emerge. Policy makers must be diligent to prevent stagflation, which would be corrosive to our standard of living.

These are just a few of the challenges which our leaders face. While they may not be able to perfectly navigate the complexities of the evolving global economy, we



2



 

 

should not be overly bearish. Even if it takes over four years to recover the employment levels of 2007, we will likely have historically cheap money as an offset which should facilitate the stabilization of the banking sector, providing a period through which long term capital can be invested at advantageous costs. This four or five year window could provide corporate America, and indeed much of the world, with the capacity to enhance productivity, create new jobs and expand the economy on a stable footing. Even moderate inflation would be welcome for all sorts of assets, most especially housing. If such an optimistic scenario occurs, then corporate earnings and stock prices could have a long way to run.

GLOBAL EXPANSION AND PRODUCTIVITY TRENDS HAVE FUELED INCOME AND GROWTH

Perhaps the most influential underlying economic trend of the past generation has been the uneven decline in interest rates since 1982. Please see Chart B, showing the yield of the 10-Year U.S. Treasury Bond over 30 years. Over this period, many medium

Chart B—10-Year U.S. Treasury Bond Yield

(LINE GRAPH)

Source: Bloomberg

term trends focused on enhancing corporate profitability were also important drivers of growth. The global economy has evolved since World War II through several stages of regionally focused activity which have contributed to lower prices and higher standards of living. The so called ‘Developed Countries’ in Western Europe, North America and Japan rapidly rebuilt or modernized infrastructure while populations expanded during the 1950’s. Gradually, the globalization of production jump-started the industrialization of Latin American and Asian countries beginning in the 1970’s. During the 1980’s, inflationary pressures began to stabilize as wage and goods price pressures were mitigated by an acceleration of the global manufacturing trend. The 1990’s experienced increased need for expanding global capacity of goods producing

and extraction industries which helped to lower the cost of commodities. Finally, the productivity enhancements heralded by enhanced computer systems and communications capabilities, including the internet, created opportunities for disintermediation of goods and services from large economic or institutional aggregators to broadly distributed individual investors, producers or users. Today, you or I can buy an inexpensive product from a Japanese design or distribution firm which sources components from manufacturers in Malaysia or Taiwan for assembly and packaging in Mexico and finally, sale in the U.S. This type of business activity has lowered the costs of goods and services for many of us in the developed world and enabled many in the undeveloped or emerging countries to begin to enjoy some of the advances which have enhanced our standard of living. Taken to a different extreme, Wall Street firms, through their global offices, could sell to residents of a town in Norway, partial interests in an aggregation of mortgages underlying homes in Cape Coral, Florida and Stockton, California. So what is next? At Alpine we are investigating how this unfolding new business cycle will fit into the evolution of economic activity, through which our investments, be they regional, sectoral, or company specific, may benefit. In a similar vein, we have to investigate whether the long term economic or socio-political changes brought about by this continued economic evolution, will create future trends for investment.

ALPINE’S FOCUS EXPANDS, BUT REMAINS TARGETED ON INCOME AND GROWTH

From our vantage point, the evolution of economic activity which we described above has already highlighted several areas of potential opportunity which we believe should create long term gains for our investors and deserve special focus. Thus, one year ago as we peered into the abyss of the financial crisis, we launched three new mutual funds, capitalizing on investment expertise we had already developed in-house. Specifically, we are strong believers in the importance of capital growth from equity ownership of companies, but also believe that the income component should grow as well. While equity-income funds have long been a staple of the market and of Alpine we believe that companies which are in a particularly dynamic stage of their evolution, often accelerate their rate of growth in dividend payouts. As a result, we created the Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund. We also launched the Alpine Emerging Markets Real Estate Fund last year because real estate values and rents could potentially create greater value in economies with higher growth rates. Emerging countries are the most in



3



 

 

need of and have the lowest proportion of modern, international standard buildings, so high quality, modern properties are most in demand. Recognition that the 50 to 100 year old infrastructure of the United States needs to be reinforced if not rebuilt, at the same time as many of the world’s emerging countries have yet to create the roads, rails, ports, pipelines, transmission lines, power plants and waste treatment plants, that accompany and provide a higher standard of living, has stimulated our introduction of the Alpine Global Infrastructure Fund. We are very pleased with the first season of performance for these funds and encourage you to read our managers reports on their investment progress, in the respective booklets for either the Alpine Equity Trust or Alpine Series Trust.

Our analysts remain focused on the path of this emerging new business cycle and as well as on companies which may potentially benefit both from cyclical activity, and from opportunities in a changing market place. In this context, we are very pleased with the performance this year of both the Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund and the Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund which have now stood the test of time over multiple years of operation and produced very satisfactory results for fiscal 2009. Our largest open-end funds, the Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund and the Alpine International Real Estate Fund have also bounced back very positively after the travails of last year, as are detailed in their respective shareholder reports.

WHERE TO NEXT?

We have no doubt that 2008 and 2009 will be remembered for being amongst the most challenging periods for both investors and investment managers over the past several generations. Future comparisons should be favorable, but that is not to say that 2010 will be an easy year. However, we do believe that the U.S. and Global economies may continue to transition in a positive fashion towards a multi-year cycle of relatively directional positive returns mirroring prospective global growth. We would expect economic activity to accelerate as the next decade unfolds. As the business cycle matures, Alpine will continue to look for opportunities to provide our investors with both income and growth. We appreciate your support and interest and look forward to communicating with you in the new year.

Sincerely,

-s- Samuel A. Lieber

Samuel A. Lieber
President, Alpine Mutual Funds



 


Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

The letter and those that follow represent the opinion of Alpine Funds management and are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) index is a summary of 10 variables used to help identify turning points—peaks and troughs—in overall economic activity. It’s produced monthly, along with two other indexes summarizing coincident and lagging indicators, by the Conference Board, a not-for-profit business membership and research organization. Every month, the Conference Board evaluates the performance of each component based on known results or estimates. Values are assigned for each and are summarized to produce the LEI index. A base-year approach is use, with the Conference Board converting the LEI’s 1996 outcome to a base figure of 100. All subsequent LEI monthly readings are relative to this base year.

Please refer to the schedule of investments for fund holding information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

The Alpine Emerging Markets Real Estate Fund, Global Infrastructure Fund, and International Real Estate Funds concentrate their investments in real estate, emerging markets, and infrastructure, respectively, which involve greater risk and volatility than more diversified investments. Risks include greater exposure to adverse economic, regulatory, political, and other changes affecting such securities. Foreign investing, especially in emerging markets, entails additional risks, including currency fluctuations, political and economic instability, accounting changes, and foreign taxation. Funds that invest in smaller and mid sized companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility. Funds that engage in short sales of securities involve the risk that losses may exceed the original amount invested.

4


EQUITY MANAGER REPORTS

(LOGO)

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund




 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

(LOGO)

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparative Annualized Returns as of 10/31/09 (Unaudited)

 

 

6 Months(1)

 

1 Year

 

3 Years

 

5 Years

 

Since Inception
(9/22/2003)

 













Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

18.04

%

 

6.64

%

 

-12.89

%

 

-2.58

%

 

2.63

%

 


















S&P 500 Index

 

20.04

%

 

9.80

%

 

-7.02

%

 

0.33

%

 

2.24

%

 


















Lipper Equity Income Funds Average(2)

 

20.26

%

 

9.29

%

 

-6.51

%

 

1.24

%

 

3.59

%

 


















Lipper Equity Income Funds Ranking(2)

 

N/A

 

 

189/301

 

219/234

 

170/184

 

113/158

 


















Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund 30 Day SEC Yield (as of 10/31/09): 1.59%

 

 


















Gross Expense Ratio: 1.19%(3)

 

 

 

 

 


















Net Expense Ratio: 1.19%(3)

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Not annualized. FINRA does not recognize rankings for less than one year.

(2) The since inception return and ranking represents the annualized return for the period beginning 9/25/2003.

(3) As disclosed in the prospectus dated February 27, 2009.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Investment return and principal value of the Fund fluctuate, so that the shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 1-888-785-5578. Performance data shown does not reflect the 1.00% redemption fee imposed on shares held for fewer than 2 months. If it did, total returns would be reduced.

The S&P 500 Index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The Lipper Equity Income Funds Average is an average of funds that seek relatively high current income and income growth through investing 60% or more of their respective portfolios in equities. Lipper Rankings for the periods shown are based on Fund total returns with dividends and distributions reinvested and do not reflect sales charges. The S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Equity Income Funds Average are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment adviser fees. The performance for the Dynamic Dividend Fund reflects the deduction of fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.

To the extent that the Fund’s historical performance resulted from gains derived from participation in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) and/or secondary offerings, there is no guarantee that these results can be replicated in future periods or that the Fund will be able to participate to the same degree in IPO/Secondary offerings in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Distributions* (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (Unaudited)


(PIE CHART)

 

1.

 

ITC Holdings Corp.

2.42

%

2.

 

Microsoft Corp.

2.12

%

3.

 

Mitsubishi Corp.

2.03

%

4.

 

SeaDrill, Ltd.

2.03

%

5.

 

Avon Products, Inc.

1.99

%

6.

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

1.87

%

7.

 

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV

1.84

%

8.

 

Microchip Technology, Inc.

1.82

%

9.

 

Intel Corp.

1.77

%

10.

 

Alcon, Inc.

1.70

%

 


 

 

 

 

*

Portfolio holdings and sector distributions are as of 10/31/09 and are subject to change. Portfolio holdings are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities. Top 10 Holdings do not include short-term investments. Portfolio Distributions percentages are based on total investments and Top 10 Holdings percentages are based on total net assets.

6



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

(LOGO)

   

 

 

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (unaudited)

 

(LINE GRAPH)

This chart represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark. The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver and recovery of certain fees. Without the waiver and recovery of fees, the Fund’s total return would have differed.

 

Commentary


Dear Investor:

The Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund (ADVDX) completed fiscal 2009 by achieving its objective of distributing high current dividend income that qualifies for reduced federal income tax rates, while also focusing on total return for long-term growth of capital. This is despite a very challenging dividend environment and severe volatility in global equity markets throughout the year. In addition, we are pleased that in the second half of fiscal 2009, ADVDX returned to strong growth in its NAV, achieving an attractive total return for our investors.

ADVDX Provided a High Dividend Yield in a Difficult Investment Income Environment

ADVDX paid out total dividends of $1.17 per share during fiscal 2009, which represents a trailing twelvemonth dividend yield of 24.48% based on the closing net asset value of ADVDX on 10/31/09 of $4.78. Our NAV appreciated by 6.64% including dividend reinvestment during the year, which included the challenging investment environment in the first half of fiscal 2009 when the S&P 500 Index declined by 8.53%.

For the six months ended 10/31/09, ADVDX appreciated by 18.04% including dividend reinvestment as global equity markets responded to extensive fiscal and monetary stimulus policies enacted in countries around the world to counter the worst global recession since the 1930’s. Since inception on 9/22/03, ADVDX has paid out total dividends of $8.61 per share, which was 100% earned dividend income. These dividends paid need to be added back to NAV when looking at historical total return calculations.

Fiscal 2009 encompassed the third worst bear market on record in the U.S., with a 57% decline for the S&P 500 Index from its peak in early October 2007 through the market closing lows on March 9, 2009. Only the 1930s recorded worse equity market performance. The S&P 500 Index has rallied by over 55% from the March 2009 lows through fiscal year end 2009, but the Index is still 34% lower than its October 2007 highs.

Within this challenging investment environment of economic recession and a near collapse of the global financial system, it is not surprising that we have also seen an unprecedented amount of dividend cuts.


7



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

(LOGO)

   

Companies across the globe have either cut or eliminated dividends in order to conserve cash amidst declining earnings and tight capital markets. Some of the most well-known dividend-paying companies in the U.S. across different sectors have slashed their dividends in 2009, including GE, Pfizer, Dow, JPMorgan, Macy’s and CBS. A recent analysis by Standard and Poors is forecasting a slightly more positive outlook for U.S. dividend payments next year, potentially a 6% increase, but this is skewed toward the second half of 2010 and is dependent on market conditions.

Internationally, we have experienced even more severe dividend cuts than we have seen in the U.S. This has been particularly challenging for us since Europe has become one of our primary dividend markets. Our internal study completed in May 2009 analyzed a universe of approximately 1,000 liquid, high yielding companies outside of the U.S. and found that on average these companies cut their dividends by over 40%, with some of the weaker markets being Italy, France and Norway. Futures markets for the Euro Stoxx 50 Index are currently predicting a further 6% drop in dividends in 2010, which is reasonable as many of the annual dividends in Europe are being paid out on the weak 2009 year end results.

Despite this challenging environment, we are pleased that we have continued to achieve our primary objective of providing a high level of 100% earned dividend income for our investors. ADVDX has paid a regular monthly minimum dividend of $0.07 per share since April 2006. In addition, in the third month of each quarter the Fund distributes excess dividend income that has been earned and accumulated during the quarter. Due to the difficult dividend markets, we were faced with a decline in the amount of the excess dividend that we were able to earn throughout fiscal 2009. This resulted in a reduction in our March, June and September 2009 excess dividend payment to $0.05 per share from the $0.18 per share that we were able to pay in December 2008. Excluding our excess dividend payments, our regular $0.07 per share per month dividend represents an annualized dividend payment of $0.84, which provides an attractive 17.57% dividend yield based on ADVDX’s closing NAV of $4.78 on 10/31/09.

In order to achieve our current monthly dividend objectives, we made the decision to increase the velocity of our dividend capture program in fiscal 2009. This has resulted in the reduction in the average holding period of our stocks and therefore a decrease in the percentage of our dividend that will be qualified for the reduced U.S. Federal tax rates. Our current estimate for the amount of ADVDX’s fiscal 2009 dividend that will be classified as qualified dividend income is approximately 77% (this amount is subject to change). The other effect from the increase in our dividend capture rotation has been a substantial increase in our portfolio turnover in ADVDX from over 300% in fiscal 2008 to over 600% in

fiscal 2009. This adds to the Fund’s transaction expenses, but due to a substantial amount of tax loss carry-forwards, we do not expect any material tax implications from our increased turnover. We are actively monitoring the global dividend universe and we will continue to work hard to find the best dividend opportunities in these tough markets.

The Financial Sector Was the Biggest Challenge in Fiscal 2009

While we were encouraged by the growth in our NAV in second half fiscal 2009, the total return performance of ADVDX underperformed the broader S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Equity Income Averages for the six- and twelve-month performance periods in fiscal 2009. We would attribute our underperformance primarily due to the fact that the rally off the March lows in the S&P 500 Index was driven by the dramatic rebound in financial stocks. We had been underweight financials through the first nine months of fiscal 2009 as so many financial companies substantially cut or eliminated their dividends. Therefore, we were limited in our ability to participate in a financial rally based on the fulfillment of our dividend objective and income requirements. Financial leaders such as Citigoup and Fannie Mae completely eliminated their dividends in 2009 and Bank of America, JPMorgan and Wells Fargo cut their dividends by over 50% and as much as 98% since 2007. These companies were averaging well over 4% dividends yields in 2007 and the global financial sector had traditionally been one of our largest in our dividend capture and U.S. pair trading strategies.

Throughout the first four months of fiscal 2009, we made the decision to underweight the financial sector stocks because of their rapidly deteriorating dividends and fundamentals as the threat of bank nationalization took us to the March 2009 market lows. The financials actually surpassed the 83% decline in the technology bust from 2000-2002 by declining 84.6% from the intra-day peak on the S&P 500 Financial Select Sector Index (IXM) on 5/23/07 to the low on 3/6/09. From the first trading day of fiscal 2009 on 11/3/08 through 3/6/09, the IXM Index declined by over 60%. Interestingly, three of our worst performing stocks in fiscal 2009 were not banks, but companies that were dragged down by the financial crisis due to the freezing of credit markets and their need for financing and leveraging for their operations. These included Macquarie Infrastructure Co. with an 87% decline, General Electric with a 49% decline, and State Street Corp. with a 45% decline.

However, on the back of the aggressive fiscal and monetary policy actions taken by governments around the world to stave off a global financial meltdown, the IXM financials subsequently rallied a dramatic 78% in just the 55 day period from 3/6/09 to 4/30/09. It was during that time that we lost our performance advantage. Our strategy during this extreme market



8



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

(LOGO)

   

volatility in the financial sector has been to add to higher quality companies on dips where valuations have become appealing and potential opportunities exist for dividend increases in 2010. For example, we have added some global asset managers like Och-Ziff Capital Management in NY and Man Group in London which still pay attractive dividends and have benefited from a rebound in asset values, money inflows, and higher performance fees. We also bought a selected portfolio of Chinese banks and Chinese real estate companies with attractive yields as we seek to participate in their economic rebound and we continue to hold the high quality U.S. industry leaders, like JPMorgan Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley.

Throughout Fiscal 2009 We Stayed Our Course and Remained Flexible To Achieve our Objective

Throughout these highly dynamic markets in fiscal 2009, we have stayed on our course and strived to achieve the best combination of dividend income and capital appreciation potential for our investors. For example, the best performing sector in the S&P 500 in fiscal 2009 was Technology, however it is also the sector with the lowest average dividend yield of 0.9% versus the S&P 500 Index at 2.2%. Despite our continuous dividend challenges in the technology sector, we found attractive opportunities to put close to 10% of ADVDX’s assets into this high performing sector. Our top three technology holdings produced total returns ranging between 23-28% for ADVDX during fiscal 2009. These include Microchip Technology which has a 5% current dividend yield and bellweathers Microsoft with a 2% dividend yield and Intel with almost a 3% yield. These tech leaders have high quality balance sheets with strong earnings and cash flow growth outlooks in this global economic rebound.

Although the still small dividend universe in tech keeps us largely underweight relative to the S&P 500, we were able to be overweight the second best performing sector in fiscal 2009, and that was the materials sector. We are seeing a strong recovery in material stocks based on the recent rebound in global economic growth, particularly coming from China. We are being selective in our investments and look for materials and commodities that are characterized by structural deficits in supply, where China is “short”, and where demand has clearly been improving, like copper, met coal, iron ore, and platinum. We are less favorable in the sub-sectors with ample supply and uncertain demand trajectories like aluminum. One of our current top holdings is Mitsubishi in Japan, which we believe is an inexpensive way to participate in the metallurgical/coking coal industry and we also like iron ore producer Cleveland Cliffs in the U.S. Some of our best performers in this sector in fiscal 2009 were BHP Billiton with a 71% total return, Steel Dynamics with a 65% total return, and fertilizer producer K&S based in Germany with a 43% total return.

The similar investment thesis can be applied to the energy sector as materials, where we have favored the oil services group. Deep water drilling company Seadrill was our best performer having more than doubled this year. Other strong performers in fiscal 2009 were Petrobras with a 71% total return and Anadarko Petroleum with a 47% return. This was balanced with some weak performers in the energy sector that were hit as crude prices made a low of $38.51 in February 2009 before rebounding to close the fiscal year at $77.75. These holdings included Transocean with a 33% decline, Peabody Energy with a 33% decline, and Neste Oil with a 26% decline.

In the context of the high beta rally from the market lows, it is not surprising that some of the underperforming sectors in fiscal 2009 have been the more defensive sectors represented by Telecom, Utilities, Health Care, and Consumer Staples. Those are also some of the highest dividend yielding sectors as well. Some of our worst performing stocks in these sectors included Medtronic with 30% decline, Procter & Gamble with a 20% decline, utility Entergy with a 17% decline, and France Telecom with a 13% decline. But we have also tried to be dynamic within these sectors to look for the attractive total return opportunities. Top performers in fiscal 2009 were Avon Products with a 77% total return, Alcon with a 68% total return, CenturyTel with a 43% total return, and Spanish utility Endesa with a 41% total return.

Throughout fiscal 2009, we have strived to balance our portfolio to weather the economic uncertainty. With the tides and undercurrents changing rapidly, it has been an extremely difficult environment to be a long-only dividend investor that has to have a significant portion of assets invested at all times in order to generate our high dividend yield. However, we feel we have positioned the portfolio to be diversified and balanced to handle the turbulence with a barbell approach. By this we mean that we kept our cyclical names where we felt the stocks offered tremendous value and were positioned to potentially benefit from a better outlook for growth in 2010. We also maintained our more defensive positions in sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, utilities, and telecom which should perform well if global economic growth stalls.

International Markets May Offer Dividends That Are Much Higher Than the US, Plus Attractive Growth

Despite significant dividend cuts around the globe, we have continued to find attractive growth opportunities and larger dividend payouts overseas than we see in the U.S. ADVDX has a relatively larger exposure to overseas markets in comparison to the S&P 500 Index and our equity income peers. In addition to our multi-strategy and multi-cap approach, we invest on average approximately 30-45% of ADVDX’s assets in international equities. We do not actively manage our country



9



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

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weightings - we pick our holdings on a stock by stock basis based on dividend potential and total return. We search for attractive total return opportunities in the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia. This bottoms-up approach had taken a large portion of our international holdings to the Euro region, as the dividend payout ratios have remained higher than any other region including the U.S. And compelling growth and income stories have led us to invest more in Asia and Latin America.

As of October 31, 2009, ADVDX was fully invested, with a total of 41.9% of net assets in international companies and 58.1% of its value in domestic U.S. based companies. However, we are continuously doing our homework and we have the flexibility in ADVDX to move our investments to where we see the greatest combination of value, growth, and dividends. ADVDX is currently invested in equities based in 22 different countries, the majority of which would be considered mature countries. However we do have about 12% of the portfolio invested in emerging market countries like Brazil, China, and South Africa. The average dividend yield for the major indices in our top five international countries is currently 3.7% versus the yield on the S&P 500 Index of 2.2%.

Our Distinctive Investment Approach Combines Three Sub-Strategies: Dividend Capture, Growth and Income, and Value / Restructuring

Our number one priority continues to be to provide our investors with an attractive dividend yield and to improve and grow our capital returns. We believe ADVDX offers a distinctive and balanced approach to achieving both dividend income and long-term growth of capital while offering investors diversification through international equity exposure. We scan the globe looking for the best dividend opportunities for our investors, employing a multi-cap, multi-sector, and multi-style investment approach. The Fund combines three research-driven investment strategies – Dividend Capture, Growth and Income, and Value / Restructuring –to maximize the amount of our earned dividend income and to identify companies globally with the potential for dividend increases and capital appreciation.

Our “Dividend Capture Strategy” Seeks to Enhance the Dividend Income Generated by the Fund

We run a portion of our portfolio with a dividend capture strategy, where we invest in typically high dividend yielding stocks or in special situations where large cash balances are being returned to shareholders as one-time special dividends. We enhance the dividend return of this portfolio by electively rotating a portion of our high yielding holdings after the 61-day ownership period required to obtain the reduced qualified dividend tax rate. The number of special dividends that we participated in has decreased substantially, from over 60 in fiscal 2006 to 40 in fiscal

2008 and down to 17 in fiscal 2009, as companies’ hoarded cash in association with deterioration in earnings and credit availability during the global recession. However, we were still able to be selective and successful in our special dividend research in identifying attractive opportunities for our investors.

For example, one of our top performers in fiscal 2009 with more than a 40% total return was Endesa SA (ELE SM). Endesa is one of Spain’s largest utilities that generates and distributes electricity throughout countries in Europe and Latin America. A controlling stake in Endesa was sold to Italy’s biggest utility company, Enel, in February 2009. As part of the sale, shareholders of Endesa received a $5.89 special dividend, or approximately 30% of the equity value of the company. We remained owners of Endesa following the dividend payment as we believed there was additional upside value to be realized. By our fiscal year end on 10/31/09, the stock price had regained the entire 30% dividend payment and more. We continue to be holders of Endesa as we are hopeful of an additional attractive dividend payment in first quarter 2010.

Another strong performer in ADVDX during fiscal 2009 that announced a special dividend was the U.S. clothing company, The Buckle (BKE). The Buckle is a youth-oriented, casual apparel retailer that we held in the fund due to its solid earnings growth outlook in the consumer discretionary sector plus its attractive 3% dividend yield. In September 2009 the company announced an additional special dividend payment of 6% to distribute excess cash to shareholders. By the time the company went ex-dividend on 10/13/09, it had appreciated by approximately 22% in the 22 days after announcing the special dividend and we have since taken our profits and sold the shares.

Our “Growth and Income Strategy” Targets Capital Appreciation in Addition to Yield

Our second strategy identifies core growth and income stocks that may have slightly lower but still attractive current dividend yields plus an outlook for strong and predictable earnings streams that should support additional future dividend increases. We would categorize four of our top ten holdings as industry leaders with strong growth in their categories and the potential for attractive and rising dividend payouts: ITC Holdings, Microchip Technology, Microsoft, and Intel.

Our largest holding at fiscal year end 2009 in ADVDX was ITC Holdings (ITC), based in Michigan. ITC is the largest independent electric transmission company in the U.S. with 15,000 miles of transmission lines that span 5 Midwestern states. The company is also developing new transmission opportunities in Kansas and Oklahoma and has recently proposed the 3,000 mile Green Power Express transmission project to bring wind resources from the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Iowa to the Midwest. As the only pure-play transmission company in



10



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

(LOGO)

   

the U.S., we believe that ITC is very well positioned to participate in the upgrade and build-out of the nation’s electric transmission grid, a key priority for the Obama administration. A more robust grid is needed to bring renewable, clean energy resources such as wind, solar, and natural gas from remote areas to large population centers. ITC is expected to deliver several years of double digit earnings per share (EPS) growth thanks to favorable regulatory treatment of electric transmission and its ambitious capital spending plans. We view the current share price as attractive for longer-term oriented investors seeking both long term growth and a current 2.7% dividend yield.

Three of our largest growth and income holdings are in the technology sector, which has experienced a solid rebound in global demand since the market lows in March 2009. At the same time, their balance sheets and cash flows have been relatively strong during the economic downtown which has supported attractive dividend growth and presented opportunities for ADVDX to invest in this traditionally low-yielding sector. Microchip Technology (MCHP), based in Arizona, designs, manufactures and markets microcontrollers for high-volume embedded control applications used in a variety of industries, including appliances, automotive, utility, lighting and medical. The company is the market share leader in its core product category (8 bit microcontrollers) and is expanding into adjacent markets (16 bit and 32 bit microcontrollers), which should translate into mid-teens annual earnings growth for the next few years. In addition, we are attracted to the business’ strong free cash flow generation, which has enabled management to maintain one of the highest dividend yields in the technology sector at 5.0%.

We have also found attractive total return opportunities for ADVDX in fiscal 2009 from technology bellweathers Microsoft Corporation and Intel Corporation which are two of our top 10 holdings. Microsoft (MSFT), based in Washington, is the world’s largest software producer for a wide range of uses including operating systems, business applications, internet search, and entertainment. We see several positive drivers for MSFT heading into 2010 including a strong desktop and server product upgrade cycle for its new Windows 7 operating system, a potentially significant corporate replacement cycle after several years of underinvestment, meaningful cost control efforts that should provide operating margin leverage, and accretion from its stock buyback program.

Intel (INTC), based in California, is one of the largest producers of semiconductors in the world with its primary products being microprocessors, chipsets, and motherboards. Intel has benefitted from the similar positive outlook for PC demand in 2010 as new product cycles have coincided with a strengthening global economy and a corporate hardware upgrade cycle that should generate multi-year trends of double digit earnings growth. Both companies offer attractive

combinations of growth plus current dividend yields of 1.8% at Microsoft and 3.2% at Intel. Microchip, Intel, and Microsoft have all produced total returns ranging between 23-28% for ADVDX during fiscal 2009.

Our “Value/Restructuring Strategy” Looks for Attractively Valued or Restructuring Dividend Payers

Our third major strategy is what we call “value with a catalyst or restructuring strategy”, where our internal research points to under-valued or mis-priced equity opportunities for companies with attractive dividend yields. We also look for turnaround situations or depressed earnings where we believe there is a catalyst for an earnings recovery or a restructuring or major corporate action that is expected to add value. The key characteristic for this strategy is low valuations relative to historical averages and above average dividend yields for a combined objective of capital appreciation and high dividend income. With many companies having responded to the global recession with significant corporate restructurings or actions, it is not surprising to find that six of our top 10 holdings at the end of fiscal 2009 fail into this strategy including Seadrill, Avon Products, Alcon, Mitsubishi Corp, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and JPMorgan Chase.

Our best performing stock in fiscal 2009 was also one of our largest holdings in the value/restructuring strategy and that was Seadrill with a total return of over 120%. Seadrill Ltd. (SDRL NO), based in Bermuda and traded in Norway, is Europe’s largest offshore driller. Its aggressive newbuild program and acquisition strategy has given it one of the world’s youngest and most sophisticated fleets, which includes 42 offshore drilling rigs, 14 floaters, 11 jack-ups and 17 tender rigs. Seadrill is a leader in the high-growth and technologically advanced deepwater and ultra-deepwater rig markets which are experiencing strong demand in regions like Brazil, West Africa, and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as oil is getting harder to find and exploration is moving further out to sea. We see a positive catalyst in first quarter 2010 when Seadrill expects to list its stock on the NYSE. This will open the company to a wider range of investors, improve liquidity, and also provide a vehicle for future stock-based acquisitions in the U.S. Lastly, Seadrill reinstated its quarterly dividend in early November 2009 providing a very attractive current annual dividend yield of 8.1% and yet the stock is trading at only 8 times forward earnings.

Another top performer and top holding in fiscal 2009 was Avon, with a total return of over 76%. Avon Products (AVP), based in NY, manufactures and sells beauty, fashion and accessories, and home products directly to consumers worldwide through its global workforce of 5 million independent sales representatives in 120 countries. Avon has been able to aggressively grow its distribution network over the past



11



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

(LOGO)

   

few years as the high unemployment rate attracts workers to the flexible Avon network. There is a strong correlation with representative growth at Avon and future earnings growth. They also have very high exposure to the emerging market consumers with about 75% of their profits being generated from emerging economies such as Brazil and Russia which are forecasted to have average growth in gross domestic product (GDP) of 7% in 2010. In addition, they have recruited over 1 million representatives in China in just the last three years. Management also initiated a cost restructuring and product simplification plan in 2006 that has yielded over $600 million in savings and it expected to top $1 billion by 2013. AVP is a strong cash flow generator and has continued to grow its 2.4% dividend yield.

Yet another top performer and top holding in the value/restructuring strategy was Alcon with a 68% total return in fiscal 2009. Alcon, Inc. (ACL), based in Texas but incorporated in Switzerland, has dominant global eye care and contact lens franchises in additional to its ophthalmic surgical equipment and devices. Nestle own 52% of the company and Novartis owns 24%. Novartis has an option to buy Nestle’s stake in Alcon for $181 per share within the January 2010 to July 2011 time frame and we believe this is a high probability. Alcon’s products are sold in over 180 countries and it is continuing to expand its reach through penetration of attractive growth opportunities in the emerging markets and in the aging populations of the developed economies. ACL’s diversified revenue base lends stability to the top line and the outlook for double digit earnings growth over the next several years in addition to an attractive 2.2% dividend yield.

A top value holding in the portfolio is Mitsubishi Corporation (8058 JP), which is a diversified conglomerate and trading company based in Tokyo. The metals and energy divisions are each about 35% of operating income with the remaining businesses of industrial finance, chemicals, machinery, and living essentials representing less than 10% each. The machinery unit has operations in Asia relating to Mitsubishi Motor and Isuzu but growth in production rights of iron ore and coal are the focal point for growth. We are positive on the outlook for a strong rebound in earnings in 2010 and 2011 at Mitsubishi’s key coking coal, iron ore, copper and energy operations based on tight supply-demand fundamentals while the non-resource divisions appeared to have bottomed and offer additional upside. We believe Mitsubishi’s valuation looks attractive based on expectations of a strong turnaround in profit growth yet the stock is trading at only 10 times forward earnings and 1 times book value plus a 1.6% dividend yield.

Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI BB), based in Belgium, was formed through the acquisition of Anheuser-Busch by

InBev in November 2008. ABI is now the world’s largest brewer with 25% of all global beer volumes. Its two largest brands, Bud Light and Budweiser, are the top selling beers in the world. It has operations in 30 countries and is the market share leader in five of the top six beer markets including the US, Brazil, Germany, Canada, and Mexico and is #2 in Russia. We believe ABI is an attractive value opportunity based on its operating leverage following the AB-InBev merger. Management has exceeded expectations with over $8 billion in asset disposals, extended debt maturities through successful bond issuances, and delivering $1 billion in cost savings in 2009. The company forecasts another $500 million in synergy savings in both 2010 and 2011. Beer fundamentals remain strong in the key US and Brazil markets as economic concerns are resulting in market share gains versus wines and spirits. These factors should drive attractive margin expansion and EPS and dividend growth.

Lastly, we believe that New York based JPMorgan Chase (JPM) has emerged from the recent financial crisis as one of the premier global financial services companies to own for the long term. We saw an extreme value opportunity in February 2009 when we began accumulating additional shares for our investors at less than $20. Although JPMorgan did reduce its dividend by 87% in February 2009 to $0.05 per share, we wanted to take advantage of what we saw as a mis-priced equity valuation and we were able to accumulate an attractive capital appreciation with the stock closing at $41.77 at fiscal year end 2009. With JPMorgan succeeding in repaying its TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) loan from the government and writing down impaired assets, it is now forecasted to offer substantial earnings growth through 2011 with solid double digit growth in 2012-2013. In response to its improved earnings outlook, the bank is expected to raise its dividend throughout 2010 beginning potentially as early as the first quarter, and we expect the stock could appreciate further.

Outlook for First Half 2010: We Remain Optimistic About Global Growth Opportunities

Looking to the first half of 2010, we remain encouraged about the outlook for the equity markets and for ADVDX’s investment strategy. This is based on our view that the global economic data is going to continue to improve, albeit in a potentially choppy manner, from the current levels. Granted, the S&P 500 Index has rebounded by an astounding 55% from the March 2009 lows through fiscal year end 2009. It can be assumed that some of the future improvements in economic conditions are already priced in to current equity values. We may be entering a period of consolidation or more muted increases but we continue to see potential opportunities for our investors, particularly in emerging and growing economies outside the U.S.



12



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

(LOGO)

   

We expect the U.S. economy may experience solid but potentially tepid growth in 2010 as two key engines of growth remain sluggish. One is that overall consumption in the U.S. is expected to remain weak as a result of the continued deleveraging of the average U.S. household from the credit binge of the mid 2000’s. Secondly, small businesses are being hindered by rising taxes and healthcare costs and tight credit conditions from the still fragile U.S. banking system. Consequently, it looks like employment growth will remain subdued and the unemployment rate may remain stubbornly high relative to traditional economic recoveries and in comparison to the 4.7% rate that the U.S. experienced in January 2008. The U.S. government has made tremendous efforts to avert a financial meltdown, but in the end, the key to revitalizing household cash flows and driving sustainable economic growth must be centered on solutions for housing and unemployment.

Within the context of this potentially tepid growth outlook in the U.S., it is likely that inflation will remain subdued through 2010, which is positive for equity valuations. There is still a significant output gap in the U.S. with excess capacity in the labor market, industrial utilization, and rental properties which make up the majority of the inflation rate. We do anticipate upward pressure on commodity and energy prices in 2010 based on tighter supply-demand fundamentals driven by stronger global growth and we continue to look for opportunities to invest in these areas. So even if the Fed begins to raise rates in 2010 from its historically low level of 0.25 basis points, we expect the overall interest rate environment should remain accommodative throughout 2010 and this should be positive for the U.S. equity markets. Early in an economic recovery it is traditional for long rates to rise as money comes out of treasuries and into higher risk alternatives.

We are more optimistic about the outlook for economic growth outside of the U.S. and we continue to look for a combination of growth and income opportunities for our investors that have the potential to capitalize on this growth. We believe the two biggest drivers for our positive outlook are coming from the strong economic outlooks in China and Brazil. China is expected to maintain its substantial stimulus spending program and Brazil has benefitted from strong consumer growth and the infrastructure buildouts heading into the Soccer World Cup games in 2014 and the summer Olympics in 2016. Therefore, we expect that global companies that are exposed to the emerging market consumers, commodities, and energy could be outperformers in 2010. In addition, U.S. companies that have exposure to these strong global markets should also outperform as the dollar is expected to remain relatively weak and these companies have also benefitted from cost cutting efforts and strong margin leverage on rising revenues.

We are aware that there are still many identifiable risks to a solid global growth outlook in 2010 that need to be balanced and monitored. We believe one of the key risks for low inflation and sustainable economic growth is a policy mistake by Central Banks that withdraws the current accommodative monetary actions too soon. For example, we will be closely watching the impact on the credit markets when the U.S. Fed begins to withdrawal its quantitative easing programs, such as the expected wind down of the buying of mortgages in early 2010. This could result in an unwarranted rise in mortgage rates amidst an expected wave of continued foreclosures in 2010 and could further damage our still fragile financial system. Another risk is that that European Central Bank’s deep-rooted fears of inflation may result in actions to raise rates too quickly which would put pressure on banks in the weaker areas of Europe, such as Poland, Spain, Ireland or Greece. Lastly, if China moves to restrict bank lending and thereby slowing its growth, that could be a risk for equities.

We Will Maintain Our Balanced Approach In 2010

The volatility over the past 18 months in global equity markets has provided challenges and opportunities. Our goal is to keep our portfolio balanced and maintain our “barbell” approach to our stock selections. What we mean is that a portion of the portfolio will continue to be invested in more defensive companies with a history of strong and sustainable earnings and cash flow growth with the potential for increasing dividends. These are companies in sectors like healthcare, consumer staples, telecom, and utilities where earnings and dividend growth should be more resilient in economic downturns. On the other end of the barbell, we are searching for attractive value opportunities in some strong companies in the more cyclical sectors like energy, materials, consumer discretionary and industrials where prices had been punished during the economic downturn and where we believe long term growth prospects are still attractive.

We are on watch for continued headline risks particularly in the financial sector in first half 2010 as the recent problems in Dubai, Greece and Spain remind of us lingering debt issues and still inflated global asset valuations. However, we remain optimistic that these risks can be contained and that global economic growth will continue to improve in 2010. In addition, we are hopeful that 2010 will be an attractive environment for ADVDX’s investment strategy as fundamental investors focus on high quality and attractive dividend payers. With real global interest rates still close to zero, we would expect capital to search for sustainable yield opportunities in equities which was the case coming out of the bear market in the mid-70’s.

In summary, we see both catalysts and risks in 2010. Our approach during these uncertain times is to remain broadly diversified within the dividend-paying universe



13



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

(LOGO)

   

while actively scanning the globe for undervalued opportunities and high quality cash flow generators. We are confident that we should be able to continue to distribute attractive dividend payouts by capitalizing on our research driven approach to identifying value opportunities as well as through our active management of the portfolio. We are hopeful that equities will continue to be an attractive asset class relative to bonds and cash in 2010 and that ADVDX will continue to offer strong capital appreciation and total return potential for our investors.

Thank you for your support of ADVDX and we look forward to a prosperous and peaceful year in 2010 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Jill K. Evans and Kevin Shacknofsky
Co-Portfolio Managers



 

 


 

Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

Please refer to the schedule of portfolio investments for fund holding information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

Investing in small and mid cap stocks involves additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility as compared to large cap stocks. Investing in foreign securities tends to involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.

Neither the Fund nor any of its representatives may give tax advice. Investors should consult their tax advisor for information concerning their particular situation.

Free cash flow: Cash not required for operations or for reinvestment. Often defined as earnings before interest (often obtained from the operating income line on the income statement) less capital expenditures less the change in working capital.

Earnings per share (EPS): Calculated by taking the total earnings divided by the number of shares outstanding.

Earnings Growth is a measure of a company’s net income over a specific period, generally one year, is a key indicator for measuring a company’s success, and the driving force behind stock price appreciation.

Dividend Yield: The yield a company pays out to its shareholders in the form of dividends. It is calculated by taking the amount of dividends paid per share over a specific period of time and dividing by the stock’s price.

A basis point is one hundredth of a percentage point (0.01%).

Beta measures the volatility of the fund, as compared to that of the overall market. The Market’s beta is set at 1.00; a beta higher than 1.00 is considered to be more volatile than the market, while a beta lower than 1.00 is considered to be less volatile.

Book value: net asset value of a company, calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets.

Euro Stoxx 50 Index is The Dow Jones EURO STOXX 50 Index, Europe’s leading Blue-chip index for the Eurozone, provides a Blue-chip representation of supersector leaders in the Eurozone. The index covers 50 stocks from 12 Eurozone countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

The Dow Jones EURO STOXX 50 Index is licensed to financial institutions to serve as underlying for a wide range of investment products such as Exchange Traded Funds (ETF), Futures and Options, and structured products worldwide.

S&P 500 Financial Select Sector Index: Standard and Poor’s 500 Financials Index is a capitalization-weighted index. The parent index is S&P 500. This is a GICS Level 1 Sector group. One cannot invest directly in an index.

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Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund

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Comparative Annualized Returns as of 10/31/09 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Months (1)

 

6 Months (1)

 

Since Inception
(11/05/2008) (1)

 









Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

6.00

%

 

16.43

%

 

14.80

%

 












S&P 500 Index

 

5.48

%

 

20.04

%

 

11.58

%

 












Dow Jones Industrial Average

 

6.65

%

 

20.73

%

 

9.81

%

 












Lipper Equity Income Funds Average(2)

 

5.41

%

 

20.26

%

 

16.48

%

 












Gross Expense Ratio: 3.41%(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Net Expense Ratio: 1.41%(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                     

 

(1) Not annualized.

(2) The since inception return and represents the annualized return for the period beginning 11/6/2008.

(3) As disclosed in the prospectus dated February 27, 2009.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Investment return and principal value of the Fund fluctuate, so that the shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 1-888-785-5578. Performance data shown does not reflect the 1.00% redemption fee imposed on shares held for fewer than 2 months. If it did, total returns would be reduced.

The S&P 500 Index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price weighted average of 30 actively traded shares of large cap U.S. industrial corporations. The Lipper Equity Income Funds Average is an average of Funds that seek relatively high current income and income growth through investing 60% or more of their respective portfolios in equities. The S&P 500 Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the Lipper Equity Income Funds Average are unmanaged and do not reflect fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment adviser fees. The performance for the Accelerating Dividend Fund reflects the deduction of fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.

The adviser contractually agreed to waive a portion of its fees and to absorb certain fund expenses. This arrangement will remain in effect unless the Board of Trustees approves its modification or termination.

To the extent that the Fund’s historical performance resulted from gains derived from participation in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) and/or secondary offerings, there is no guarantee that these results can be replicated in future periods or that the Fund will be able to participate to the same degree in IPO/Secondary offerings in the future.

 

 

Portfolio Distributions* (Unaudited)

(PIE CHART)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Holdings* (Unaudited)

1.

 

Alcon, Inc.

 

4.11%

 

2.

 

Sigma-Aldrich Corp.

 

3.42%

 

3.

 

Chubb Corp.

 

3.20%

 

4.

 

Chevron Corp.

 

3.15%

 

5.

 

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

 

2.77%

 

6.

 

Sonoco Products Co.

 

2.75%

 

7.

 

Sysco Corp.

 

2.72%

 

8.

 

El Paso Pipeline Partners LP

 

2.54%

 

9.

 

United Technologies Corp.

 

2.53%

 

10.

 

Burlington Northern
Santa Fe Corporation

 

2.48%

 

 

 

 


 

*

Portfolio holdings and sector distributions are as of 10/31/09 and are subject to change. Portfolio holdings are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities. Top 10 Holdings do not include short-term investments. Portfolio Distributions percentages are based on total investments and Top 10 Holdings percentages are based on total net assets.

 


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Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund

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Value of a $10,000 Investment (Unaudited)

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

This chart represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark. The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver and recovery of certain fees. Without the waiver and recovery of fees, the Fund’s total return would have differed.

 

Commentary


Dear Investor:

We completed our first year of operation with the Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund, initially launched on November 5, 2008. Since inception through the period ending October 31, 2009, the Fund produced a total return of 14.80%. This compares favorably with a total return of 11.58% for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Average and 9.81% for the Dow Jones Industrial Average for the same period.

The objective of the Accelerating Dividend Fund is to invest in dividend-paying companies which we feel have the potential to accelerate their dividends in the future, based on our analysis of their growth prospects and cash flow generating capabilities. The Fund aims to achieve a sustainable and rising stream of dividend income as well as long-term capital appreciation. We believe dividend acceleration is best sustained by companies with consistent sales or service growth, defensible margins and a strong balance sheet and liquidity profile.

While a limited universe of companies have provided increasing dividends for a sustained period of time, even fewer have demonstrated sustained dividend

acceleration. We use a selective screening process to identify companies with this potential. We feel that in the long-run, these companies provide better risk-adjusted returns for investors while simultaneously providing a buffer against dramatic declines in the stock market and excessive volatility. It is important to recognize that these companies may not outperform the broader market in all environments. For example, when markets rebound off their troughs, more speculative, higher-beta stocks tend to outperform as companies with riskier financial profiles that possessed a higher probability of financial distress recover off their dramatically low valuations. However, when viewed over a longer investment horizon and through a full economic cycle, we feel that companies with more conservative balance sheets and credit profiles should ultimately outperform, especially on a risk-adjusted basis. This point is clearly demonstrated in a recent Wall Street Journal article – “Dividend Payers Return to the Fore” (November 21, 2009 page B1). The article references an analysis from Standard & Poor’s which shows that in the past 10 years, dividend-paying stocks have outperformed non-dividend-paying stocks in every year except for 2003 and 2009. Both of these represented rebound years following bear



16



 

 

Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund

(LOGO)

   

markets where higher-beta, more speculative stocks outperformed.

Growing, or even sustaining, dividends in the recent environment was extremely difficult, as evidenced by a record number of dividend cuts experienced from companies across various sectors. Even dividend stalwarts such as General Electric, Pfizer and US Bancorp, who have a long and proud history of dividend increases were forced to cut their dividends significantly earlier this year. Strikingly, based on the S&P Dividend Aristocrats, 8 companies that have consistently increased their dividends each year for at least 25 years were forced to slash their dividends this year.

Illustrative of companies we deem capable of meeting these standards are the top performing holdings in the brief history of this Fund. The following are the top performers from inception through October 31, 2009: Suntrust Banks +69%, Alcon +63%, Occidental Petroleum Corp +38%, Sigma Aldrich +37%, J&J Snack Foods +34% and JM Smucker Co +33%. In addition, Burlington Northern Corp, in which we had a 10% gain as of October 31, subsequently announced its sale to Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. on November 3 for a 23% premium to its previous closing price. Burlington, which was a top 10 holding of the fund, has a history of dividend acceleration as well as the ability to generate strong operating cash flow even during a deep recessionary environment. These companies are not concentrated in any one particular area, but conversely represent a broad cross-section of numerous industries including financials, oil and gas, chemicals and consumer products. On the other hand, several companies in our portfolio posted disappointing results: Regions Financial -12%, Accenture -10%, WGL Holdings -9%, CPFL Energia -8% and Exelon Corp -7%.

Regions Financial is a large regional bank headquartered in Alabama with a Southeast concentration in its loan portfolio. The bank was included in the group of 19 large banks that were stress tested by the Fed earlier this year and raised the requisite amount of capital dictated by the stress tests. From a long term value perspective, we continue to feel that Regions offers compelling return potential while the downside risks have likely been mitigated through the regulatory assessment and resultant capital increases. However, we recognize that similar to other US regional banks, the recovery timeline is not short and expect earnings to be below normal operating levels for several years. While Regions was forced to virtually eliminate their dividend earlier this year in order to preserve capital, we expect future dividend increases to be concurrent with a reduction in loan loss provisioning and recovery in earnings.

Accenture, a historical dividend accelerator with a strong balance sheet, is a provider of management and

technology consulting services to corporations. We believe that the Company may continue to benefit from global corporate demand for outsourcing solutions and more efficient use of IT technology to enhance productivity and reduce cost. As a result, we feel that Accenture’s business model and financial results will prove to be more resilient in a slow economy. WGL and Exelon are US utility companies and CPFL Energia is a Brazilian utility. Although utilities underperformed the broader market (S&P 500) through October 31, we believe that the sector was positioned for a rebound as investors reduce risk appetite and rotate into more defensive names. Utilities have historically provided attractive dividend yields and cash flow characteristics, and, as discussed below, represent a meaningful part of our portfolio.

Three of our largest industry groups and corresponding percent of portfolio are Oil and Gas – 8.4%, Electric Utilities – 7.9% and Healthcare Equipment and Supplies – 7.7%. We feel that our investments in the energy sector should benefit from the significant infrastructure spending domestically as well as in the emerging markets (i.e, China, Brazil). The utility sector may provide very attractive dividend yields and a conservative corporate profile. Despite a challenged dividend environment, utilities’ steady revenue streams should support the continuation of high dividend payouts. The healthcare equipment companies in our portfolio have solid balance sheets and a history of strong cash flow generation. We feel that they have the capability to increase their dividend even through a continued weak economy, and are also more insulated than pharmaceuticals to the risks associated with the impending healthcare legislation. It is our intention to continue to look for investments that meet our criteria without assuming excessive risk by overly concentrating in one particular sector or geographic region.

We aim to be selective in identifying companies that we feel are best positioned to maintain their historical dividend trajectories by deploying a three-pronged approach. First, we look for companies that internally generate enough free cash flow from their core operations to support their dividends and even fund share repurchases. Second, we monitor the ratio of cash flow to adjusted net income to indentify companies whose core earnings (adjusted for depreciation and amortization) are running in-line with the amount of cash flow from operations. Third, we favor companies with stronger liquidity profiles and an ability to service their debt even under adverse profitability scenarios. We seek companies with more unencumbered balance sheets which retain flexibility in recessions enabling them to avoid franchise-destroying actions, such as forced divestitures of strategic assets. Companies with fortress balance sheets should be better positioned to take advantage of market opportunities and enhance



17



 

 

Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund

(LOGO)

   

their franchise at the expense of competitors by acquiring assets at the bottom, rather than the top, of the cycle.

Despite the strong rebound in equity markets this year and evidence of the resumption of economic growth in the US, we remain cautious on the economy and feel that the recovery will be tepid with speed-bumps along the way. The consumer and corporate deleveraging process will likely continue for several years as the aggregate leverage in our system remains very elevated relative to historical standards. While the pace of labor cuts appears to be decreasing as evidenced by the recent decline in initial unemployment claims, unemployment has continued to climb due to a lack of private sector hiring. It will likely take years for us to recover these lost jobs – by the Fed’s own estimates it will take until 2012 to bring the unemployment rate back down to 8%, a level we have not seen since 1984! Massive government support of the real estate sector through Fannie, Freddie, the FHA and tax credits has increased transaction flow and put a floor on prices, but the market has not demonstrated an ability to stand on its own without stimulus. Finally, emerging markets such as China, which have contributed enormously to the recovery of commodity prices and global trade this year, must ensure that capital flows and local stimulus do not create speculative bubbles that can derail their recoveries. These forces, coupled with an increasing consumer savings rate, will remain a headwind to a potential recovery in the near-term.

There are reasons to be optimistic. Our financial institutions have been repairing their balance sheets and should emerge from this crisis as better-capitalized and more prudent risk managers. Emerging markets such as China, Brazil and India have demonstrated their ability to decouple from OECD (The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) economies and will likely be the leading contributors to global economic growth. In addition, the rapid pace of innovation should continue to create growth, jobs and attractive opportunities for returns. Given the logic of a cautious macro-economic stance, we remain optimistic that companies which meet the high standards of dividend growth and strong liquidity, basic to this strategy, should better withstand a protracted difficult recovery phase while providing attractive capital growth opportunities for investors.

We firmly believe that our strategy should provide investors with attractive risk-adjusted returns through the cycle, and thank our shareholders for their confidence in our management during these unprecedented and volatile market conditions.

Sincerely,

Stephen A. Lieber
David Burg
Co-Portfolio Managers



 


Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

 

Please refer to the schedule of portfolio investments for fund holding information. Fund holdings and/or sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Current and future holdings are subject to risk.

 

Investing in small and mid cap stocks involves additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility as compared to large cap stocks. Investing in foreign securities tends to involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.

 

Cash flow measures the cash generating capability of a company by adding non-cash charges (e.g. depreciation) and interest expense to pretax income.

 

Beta measures the volatility of the fund, as compared to that of the overall market. The Market’s beta is set at 1.00; a beta higher than 1.00 is considered to be more volatile than the market, while a beta lower than 1.00 is considered to be less volatile.

18



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund

(LOGO)

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparative Annualized Returns as of 10/31/09 (Unaudited)

 

 

6 Months (1)

 

1 Year

 

3 Years

 

Since Inception
(11/1/2005)

 















Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

31.48

%

 

21.83

%

 

-4.46

%

 

1.45

%

 















NASDAQ 100 Financial Index

 

9.37

%

 

-13.85

%

 

-13.28

%

 

-7.58

%

 















PHLX/KBW Bank Index

 

29.50

%

 

-25.96

%

 

-25.48

%

 

-16.37

%

 















S&P 500 Index

 

20.04

%

 

9.80

%

 

-7.02

%

 

-1.58

%

 















Lipper Financial Services Funds Average(2)

 

25.21

%

 

-2.14

%

 

-18.48

%

 

-11.12

%

 















Lipper Financial Services Funds Ranking(2)

 

N/A

 

 

7/84

 

 

3/69

 

 

3/59

 

 















Gross Expense Ratio: 2.19%(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Net Expense Ratio: 1.97%(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

(1)

Not annualized. FINRA does not recognize rankings for less than one year.

(2)

The since inception return and ranking represents the annualized return for the period beginning 11/3/2005.

(3)

As disclosed in the prospectus dated February 27, 2009.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Investment return and principal value of the Fund fluctuate, so that the shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 1-888-785-5578. Performance data shown does not reflect the 1.00% redemption fee imposed on shares held for fewer than 2 months. If it did, total returns would be reduced.

The NASDAQ 100 Financial Index is a capitalization-weighted index of the 100 largest financial companies, as well as foreign issues, including American Depository Receipts (ADRs), traded on the NASDAQ National Market System (NASDAQ/NMS) and SmallCap Market. The PHLX/KBW Bank Index is a modified cap-weighted index consisting of 24 exchange-listed and National Market System stocks, representing national money center banks and leading regional institutions. The S&P 500 Index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The Lipper Financial Services Funds Average is an average of funds whose primary objective is to invest primarily in equity securities of companies engaged in providing financial services. Lipper Rankings for the periods shown are based on Fund total returns with dividends and distributions reinvested and do not reflect sales charges. The NASDAQ 100 Financial Index, the PHLX/KBW Bank Index, the S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Financial Services Funds Average are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment adviser fees. The performance for the Dynamic Financial Services Fund reflects the deduction of fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.

The adviser contractually agreed to waive a portion of its fees and to absorb certain fund expenses. This arrangement will remain in effect unless the Board of Trustees approves its modification or termination.

The Fund’s past performance benefitted significantly from initial public offerings (“IPOs”) of certain issuers, and there is no assurance that the Fund can replicate this performance in the future. To the extent that the Fund’s historical performance resulted from gains derived from participation in Secondary offerings, there is no guarantee that these results can be replicated or that the Fund will be able to participate to the same degree in IPO and Secondary offerings in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

   Portfolio Distributions* (Unaudited)

       Top 10 Holdings* (Unaudited)   


(PIE CHART)

 

 

 

 

1.

United Western Bancorp, Inc.

 

6.04%   

2.

The Bancorp, Inc.

 

5.81%   

3.

IntercontinentalExchange, Inc.

 

5.48%   

4.

Banco do Estado do Rio Grande

 

 

 

do Sul SA

 

4.55%   

5.

Metro Bancorp, Inc.

 

4.50%   

6.

Synovus Financial Corp.

 

3.98%   

7.

Blackstone Group LP

 

3.40%   

8.

Alliance Bancorp, Inc.

 

 

 

of Pennsylvania

 

3.31%   

9.

American Capital Agency Corp.

 

3.29%   

10.

1st United Bancorp, Inc.

 

3.23%   


 

 

 


 

*

Portfolio holdings and sector distributions are as of 10/31/09 and are subject to change. Portfolio holdings are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities. Top 10 Holdings do not include short-term investments. Portfolio Distributions percentages are based on total investments and Top 10 Holdings percentages are based on total net assets.

19



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund

(LOGO)

   

 

 

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (Unaudited)

 

(LINE GRAPH)

This chart represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark. The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver and recovery of certain fees. Without the waiver and recovery of fees, the Fund’s total return would have differed.

 

Commentary


Dear Investor:

Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund generated a 21.83% total return for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. This compares favorably to the Fund’s benchmarks which showed total returns of -13.85% for the NASDAQ 100 Financial Index and the PHLX/KBW Bank Index of -25.96% during the same period.

While the Fund’s performance in fiscal 2009 was materially better than the prior year, the market proved equally challenging. At the beginning of fiscal 2008, the outlook for the financial industry was slowly deteriorating due to the problems in residential real estate. The pace at which the industry’s fundamentals were deteriorating dramatically accelerated after the demise of Bear Stearns Co. and through the end of the fiscal year 2008. The speed, depth, and breadth of the decline made it difficult to find investments which would not be significantly affected by market conditions. Equity market volatility continued into fiscal 2009. The year started in the depths of the global financial crisis. With the capital funding markets seized up, governments around the world were forced to infuse capital and liquidity into their bank system in

order to restore order and confidence back to the capital markets. Although governments and their central banks around the world did what they could through fiscal and monetary policies to stabilize the situation, the outlook for the financial industry continued to deteriorate. In the first quarter of calendar 2009, there was talk by politicians both in the US and abroad about potentially nationalizing their large banks. At this point investor sentiment toward the banking industry was at its lowest. The ability for banks to raise much needed capital from the private sector was impossible. Then, in early March, two banks that were considered potential nationalization candidates, Bank of America and Citicorp, both disclosed improving operating trends in the March quarter. This marked the nadir for the bank indexes as hedge funds scrambled to cover their short positions and portfolio managers, who as a group were significantly underweight financials at the beginning of the year, were quickly increasing their sector allocation on the news. Investor confidence has continued to improve through the remainder of the fiscal year as earnings for some of the large financial companies beat consensus estimates and recent economic data point to less contraction than originally



20



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund

(LOGO)

   

anticipated. This improved outlook is attributable to a high level of Government intervention which includes fiscal spending and targeted stimulus programs. In addition, the housing market data has also begun to improve thanks in part to the Federal Reserve’s program of purchasing mortgages and Agency securities and the Government’s first time home ownership program.

The challenge of fiscal 2009 was the rapid change in investor sentiment toward the capital markets and the financial sector. This year was truly a tale of two markets. The first period was represented by risk aversion, a strong dollar, weak commodity prices, and extreme consumer and investor pessimism. During this period financial stocks were among the worst performing sectors. The second period was in complete contrast with risk taking, weak dollar, strong commodity prices, and improving consumer and investor sentiment. During this period financial stocks were among the best performing sectors. The quickness in the change of investor sentiment and the strength of the rally in financial stocks has caused an adjustment in our investment tactics. With the fundamentals of the industry weak, the outlook uncertain, and no established long term trend, we became more short term focused. Profits were taken if a market rally caused an investment to advance meaningfully in a short period of time in order to protect against a possible quick reversal.

A common characteristic of sector funds is the concentration risk of the industry the fund invests in. We try to reduce this risk by diversifying our investments into different subsectors within the financial industry, and different business models within those subsectors, as well as different geographical markets. This is done with the belief that as some subsectors underperform the group there will be other subsectors outperforming. This was the case in fiscal 2009. The Fund’s best performing holdings were the foreign financial companies. The Brazilian companies were by far the strongest. Banco Panamericano had a total return of 204%, Banco Estado Rio Grande Sul’s total return was 183%, and BM&F Bovespa’s total return was 146%. Another area of outperformance this fiscal year was asset management companies. Within this subsector, the stocks of the alternative investment managers had the best returns. Our holding of Och-Ziff Capital Management generated a total return of 166%, Fortress Investment Group a 103% total return, and Blackstone Group a 62% total return. The next best performing subsector was the security brokerage firms. Among this group our holdings of the niche firms like MF Global, GFI Group, and JMP Group generated the best returns.

On the downside, the worst performing subsector was the domestic banks. A number of the underperforming holdings were banks in the Southeast with exposure to Florida. The sharp decline in the State’s real estate market negatively affected the performance of banks

such as, Bank of Florida Corporation (-76%), Superior Bancorp (-61%), and The South Financial Group (-86%).

The improved investor sentiment toward financials has allowed one important condition needed to resolve the banking crisis to appear. That condition is the opening of the capital markets to equity issuance by banks. In order for the industry to address their problem assets and repay Government TARP money much capital is needed from the private sector. Starting in the summer there has been a wave of banks recapitalizing their balance sheets. These equity raises have been of two types. A defensive offering in which a bank uses the proceeds to rebuild their low capital base and increase their loan loss reserve and an offensive offering in which a bank uses the proceeds to repay TARP money and build excess capital to make acquisitions. We expect both of these types of equity issuances to continue into 2010. The Fund has participated in many of these offerings. We believe the defensive offerings help diminish the overriding concern of capital adequacy while the offensive offerings prove a potential catalyst if the issuing banks are successful in acquiring failed institutions. As a result of our participating in these offerings, the commercial banks category has increased as a percentage of the portfolio distribution over last year end. Two of our largest holdings, The Bancorp Inc. and United Western Bancorp, were purchased in these offerings.

As the industry cleanses itself of weaker institutions, rational pricing of loans and deposits has been returning. Loan underwriting standards are once again prudent. Risk is now being priced into loans while debt coverage and collateral requirements are stricter. We would expect the vintage of loans being underwritten today should perform very well over their life. On the funding side of the balance sheet, the exit of many troubled banks with liquidity problems has dramatically reduced the outlying special Certificate of Deposit (CD) rate promotions. In addition, the bank regulators are beginning to rein in troubled banks from offering CD rates that are way above the prevailing local market rates. Also helping the funding side of the balance sheet is the liquidity that is coming back to the wholesale money market which is reducing the cost of short term borrowing. These factors have allowed the net interest margin for many banks to increase in the third quarter. We believe margins could improve further in the coming quarters as maturing CDs continue to reprice lower and new loans are being underwritten with interest rate floors above their indexed rate. The balance sheets of some banks are also positioned to see widening margins in a rising interest rate environment. Thus, any movement up in rates after the Federal Reserve completes their mortgage purchase program could benefit these banks.

We believe that banks may continue to strengthen their capital ratios. This is being done through the issuance of additional capital and reducing the size of their balance



21



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund

(LOGO)

   

sheet. Banks have been reducing the thin margin, wholesale side of their balance sheet. These tend to be liquid securities funded with short term borrowings. The banks are also weeding out their loan portfolios accounts with weakening financials and clients which have no other bank products than their loan. Bankers are marketing for relationship customers who want to do all their banking business with them. These accounts are more profitable and tend to stay with a bank longer than rate shoppers.

Our concern with the banking industry is the continuing deterioration of credit quality. We expect loan charge-offs will continue to remain elevated for another year. While residential real estate appears to be stabilizing, the lingering effect of the recession is exerting stress on commercial real estate. This is the main worry and focus of bank examiners. The regulators are requiring banks with commercial real estate concentration to reduce their exposure. Another unknown is the potential for new banking regulation which may hinder the industry’s profitability. We understand that the regulators are

already requiring many banks to maintain capital ratios well in excess of the well-capitalized guidelines.

Longer term, we see the banking industry emerging out of the current recession a stronger and more disciplined industry. As the economy recovers and the credit cycle turns upward, we expect that banks will find themselves with excess capital and loan loss reserves as they did in the early 1990s. This could lead to acceleration in healthy bank mergers and stock buybacks. We look for signs of increasing consumption and private investment as early indicators to a sustained economic recovery.

While we believe 2010 holds some challenges for banks, the industry is in much better shape than it was a year ago. We wish to thank you for your continued support as we pass through these unusual times.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Kovalski
Portfolio Manager



 

 


 

The fund primarily invests in equity securities of financial services companies and will be affected by risk factors particular to this industry such as regulation, monetary and fiscal policies and interest rates, as well as general market risks. The fund invests in smaller companies, which involve additional risks such as liquidity and greater volatility. The fund invests in foreign securities which involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.

There is no assurance the fund will achieve its investment objective.

Please refer to the schedule of portfolio investments for fund holding information. Fund holdings and/or sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

22



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund

(LOGO)

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparative Annualized Returns as of 10/31/09 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Months (1)

 

1 Year

 

3 Years

 

Since Inception
(07/11/2006)

 












Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

42.38

%

 

 19.03%

 

  -5.99%

 

  -4.57%

 












Russell 2000 Total Return Growth Index

 

15.70

%

 

 11.34%

 

  -6.88%

 

  -4.28%

 












S&P 500 Index

 

20.04

%

 

  9.80%

 

  -7.02%

 

  -3.96%

 












Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Average(2)

 

16.74

%

 

 13.12%

 

  -7.54%

 

  -4.47%

 












Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Ranking(2)

 

N/A

 

 

140/557

 

144/475

 

258/465

 












Gross Expense Ratio: 1.38%(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Net Expense Ratio: 1.42%(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Not annualized. FINRA does not recognize rankings for less than one year.
(2) The since inception return and ranking represents the annualized return for the period beginning 7/13/2006.
(3) As disclosed in the prospectus dated February 27, 2009.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Investment return and principal value of the Fund fluctuate, so that the shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 1-888-785-5578. Performance data shown does not reflect the 1.00% redemption fee imposed on shares held for fewer than 2 months. If it did, total returns would be reduced.

The Russell 2000 Total Return Growth Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the small-cap growth market. Based on ongoing empirical research of investment manager behavior, the methodology used to determine growth probability approximates the aggregate small-cap growth manager’s opportunity set. The S&P 500 Index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The S&P 500 Index is unmanaged and does not reflect the deduction of fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment advisory fees. The Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Average is an average of Funds that, by portfolio practice, invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies with market capitalizations (on a three year weighted basis) less than 250% of the dollar-weighted median of the smallest 500 of the middle 1,000 securities of the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index. Lipper Rankings for the periods shown are based on Fund total returns with dividends and distributions reinvested and do not reflect sales charges. The Russell 2000 Total Return Growth Index, S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Small-Cap Growth Funds Average are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment adviser fees. The performance for the Dynamic Innovators Fund reflects the deduction of fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.

The adviser contractually agreed to waive a portion of its fees and to absorb certain fund expenses. This arrangement will remain in effect unless the Board of Trustees approves its modification or termination.

 

The Fund’s past performance benefitted significantly from initial public offerings (“IPOs”) of certain issuers, and there is no assurance that the Fund can replicate this performance in the future. To the extent that the Fund’s historical performance resulted from gains derived from participation in Secondary offerings, there is no guarantee that these results can be replicated or that the Fund will be able to participate to the same degree in IPO and Secondary offerings in the future.

 

 

     Portfolio Distributions* (Unaudited)

(PIE CHART)

Top 10 Holdings* (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

 

Itron, Inc.

 

7.03%

 

2.

 

ANSYS, Inc.

 

5.99%

 

3.

 

Priceline.com, Inc.

 

5.68%

 

4.

 

FLIR Systems, Inc.

 

5.26%

 

5.

 

Alcon, Inc.

 

5.14%

 

6.

 

Logitech International SA

 

5.05%

 

7.

 

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

 

4.86%

 

8.

 

Life Technologies Corp.

 

4.67%

 

9.

 

inVentiv Health, Inc.

 

4.28%

 

10.

 

PowerSecure International, Inc.

 

4.27%

 


 

 

 


 

*

Portfolio holdings and sector distributions are as of 10/31/09 and are subject to change. Portfolio holdings are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities. Top 10 Holdings do not include short-term investments. Portfolio Distributions percentages are based on total investments and Top 10 Holdings percentages are based on total net assets.



23



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund

(LOGO)

   

 

 

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (Unaudited)

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

This chart represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark. The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver and recovery of certain fees. Without the waiver and recovery of fees, the Fund’s total return would have differed.

 

Commentary


Dear Investor:

The Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund provided a 19.03% return for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. This compares with the 9.80% return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Average and 11.34% for the Russell 2000 Total Return Growth Index for the same period.

Since inception of the Fund on July 11, 2006, cumulative performance is -4.57% compared with the -3.96% for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and -4.28% for the Russell 2000 Total Return Growth Index.

The Fund has returned to the positive results experienced in its first calendar year, 2007, which produced a 35% gain in net asset value per share. While past performance is not a guarantee of future results, we believe that the initial results suggest that the concept of concentrating on innovation has now been proven. We seek demonstrated technological leadership, new disruptive technologies, introduction of new and better products and innovative business models. The negative results of the following year, 2008, certainly challenged this Fund’s portfolio as so many others. It is very reassuring that sizeable gains in shares of many

companies with innovative opportunities provided significant outperformance in fiscal 2009.

The leadership of the Fund’s investment performance in this fiscal year were shares in a group of companies with successful innovative business activities or strategies. The top ten among the Fund’s forty-three holdings produced gains ranging from 65% to 209% during this fiscal year.

First in percentage return was Priceline.com Inc.’s 208.9% return. The company’s profits grew with its innovations in an internet based hotel reservation system which allows interactive bidding by customers.

Second in percentage return was Imdex Limited, up 153.4%, an Australian oil and gas drilling system developer and manufacturer of energy production equipment.

Third in return was Westport Innovations, Inc., up 135.9%, a Canadian developer of natural gas fuel systems for automotive engines with key alliances in the U.S. markets with Ford Motor and Cummins Engine.

Power Secure International, Inc. was fourth in gain, up 110.6%. It provides energy management and



24



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund

(LOGO)

   

conservation solutions to utilities and their customers to selectively regulate and reduce consumption.

Scientific Learning Corp., up 102%, was fifth. It has led in the development of internet based computer learning systems for cognitive enhancement.

The group of holdings which gained under 100%, but over 65%, were led by Allscript-Misys Healthcare Solutions, with a 97.3% return. It develops and supplies computer patient data systems for healthcare professionals. In another phase of the healthcare business, Inventiv Health, with a 78.2% return, provides marketing strategies and services for the pharmaceutical industry. Flowserve Corp., which gained 73.7%, is the leader in flow control systems for the oil and natural gas industries. Alcon, Inc., up 67.6%, is the dominant producer of specialty medications for vision and eyecare. Among the top ten is Life Technologies Corp., which gained 65.3%, a major specialty provider of biotechnology tools for medical research and healthcare institutions.

The companies we mention are predominantly small to mid-size enterprises. But, the portfolio strategy will not be limited to the smaller companies. We seek out any significant opportunity for innovation. For example, the largest company among the Fund’s holdings is Hewlett Packard Company, now being enhanced by proposed new acquisitions.

While we are pleased to report strong results in our top ten holdings, there have been others with disappointment and some where losses have been taken. Most disappointing was Sequenom, Inc., with a

loss of -82.7% recorded after the company disclosed errors in genetic sequencing data which they had published. Promising specialized medical technology companies did prove negative with losses reported in CardioNet, Inc. (-71.3%), Synovis Life Technologies (-31.4%) and Abiomed (-39.3%). We recognize that intensive analysis is necessary in such fields as biotechnology and medical product innovation which may have risks offsetting often remarkable benefits. Other investments in the medical field which could benefit from enlarged government programs, notably stimulus money, include Alscrips-Mysis Healthcare, Mednax Inc. and Quality Systems, Inc.

The early stages of economic recovery have usually provided companies with increasing cash flow to devote to capital investment and marketing for innovative products. We anticipate that this trend may develop even with a limited pace of recovery. Concentration on innovation when successful should drive growth and provide a stream of potential opportunities for investment in this Fund’s strategic areas.

Our organization has added to its research staff and capabilities. We anticipate bringing their wider knowledge to our search for innovative businesses. We thank our shareholders for their continuing support.

Sincerely,

Stephen A. Lieber
Samuel A. Lieber
Co-Portfolio Managers



 

 


 

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Please refer to the schedule of portfolio investments for fund holding information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

The Fund may invest in smaller and medium size companies, which involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility. The Fund may also invest in micro-cap company stocks which are more volatile than those of larger companies and tend to perform poorly during times of economic stress. The Fund may invest in foreign securities which involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. The Fund may invest in debt securities which typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. The Fund’s portfolio will involve short positions, which involves unlimited risk including the possibility that losses may exceed the original amount invested. The Fund may also use options and future contracts, which have risks associated with unlimited losses of the underlying holdings due to unanticipated market movements and failure to correctly predict the direction of securities prices, interest rates and currency exchange rates. However, a mutual fund investor’s risk is limited to one’s amount of investment in a mutual fund.

Cash flow measures the cash generating capability of a company by adding non-cash charges (e.g. depreciation) and interest expense to pretax income.

25



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund

(LOGO)

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparative Annualized Returns as of 10/31/09 (Unaudited)

 

 

6 Months (1)

 

1 Year

 

Since Inception
(12/31/2007)

 









Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund

 

31.51

%

 

33.61

%

 

-13.05

%

 












S&P 500 Index

 

20.04

%

 

9.80

%

 

-15.29

%

 












NASDAQ Composite Index

 

19.62

%

 

20.09

%

 

-12.40

%

 












Lipper Mid-Cap Core Funds Average

 

19.40

%

 

17.52

%

 

-14.43

%

 












Lipper Mid-Cap Core Funds Ranking

 

N/A

 

 

19/370

 

128/352

 












Gross Expense Ratio: 3.00%(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Net Expense Ratio: 1.40%(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

(1)

Not annualized. FINRA does not recognize rankings for less than one year.

(2)

As disclosed in the prospectus dated February 27, 2009.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Investment return and principal value of the Fund fluctuate, so that the shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 1-888-785-5578. Performance data shown does not reflect the 1.00% redemption fee imposed on shares held for fewer than 2 months. If it did, total returns would be reduced.

The S&P 500 Index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The NASDAQ Composite Index is a stock market index of all of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market, meaning that it has over 3,000 components. It is highly followed in the U.S. as an indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies. The Lipper Mid-Cap Core Funds Average is an average of funds that invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies with market capitalizations below Lipper’s USDE large cap floor. Lipper Rankings for the periods shown are based on Fund total returns with dividends and distributions reinvested and do not reflect sales charges. The S&P 500 Index, NASDAQ Composite Index and the Lipper Mid-Cap Core Funds Average are unmanaged and do not reflect fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment adviser fees. The performance for the Dynamic Transformations Fund reflects the deduction of fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.

The adviser contractually agreed to waive a portion of its fees and to absorb certain fund expenses. This arrangement will remain in effect unless the Board of Trustees approves its modification or termination.

To the extent that the Fund’s historical performance resulted from gains derived from participation in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) and/or secondary offerings, there is no guarantee that these results can be replicated in future periods or that the Fund will be able to participate to the same degree in IPO/Secondary offerings in the future.


Portfolio Distributions* (Unaudited)

(PIE CHART)

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Holdings*(Unaudited)

 

 

 

  1.

Pall Corp.

 

9.03

%

  2.

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.

 

7.01

%

  3.

Priceline.com, Inc.

 

6.74

%

  4.

Autoliv, Inc.

 

5.73

%

  5.

CME Group, Inc.

 

5.17

%

  6.

Walter Energy, Inc.

 

4.99

%

  7.

Teleflex, Inc.

 

4.95

%

  8.

Clean Harbors, Inc.

 

4.34

%

  9.

Emergency Medical Services Corp.

 

4.10

%

10.

Hewlett-Packard Co.

 

4.05

%

 

 

 


 

*

Portfolio holdings and sector distributions are as of 10/31/09 and are subject to change. Portfolio holdings are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities. Top 10 Holdings do not include short-term investments. Portfolio Distributions percentages are based on total investments and Top 10 Holdings percentages are based on total net assets.



26



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund

(LOGO)

   

 

 

                Value of a $10,000 Investment (Unaudited)

 

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

This chart represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark. The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver and recovery of certain fees. Without the waiver and recovery of fees, the Fund’s total return would have differed.

 

Commentary


Dear Investor:

The Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund return for its first fiscal year to October 31, 2009 was 33.61%. This compared with the 9.80% for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Average and 20.09% for the NASDAQ.

The Dynamic Transformations Fund started January 1, 2008 in, what is often referred to in the investment field, as an incubation stage. In essence, the beginning of a new mutual fund strategy is a “proof of concept”. We believe that the central concept of the Fund – that there should be exceptional growth opportunities through investment in companies which are in the process of enhancing their business through transforming strategies, often literally a business culture change – has now been proven.

The strategy is well illustrated through the performance over the last year in the top ten performing holdings of the Fund.

The number one performer, up 199.8%, was Priceline.com, Inc. Priceline is leading the transformation of its industry, a specialty business of providing customer negotiated hotel, travel and cruise reservations. It has achieved sustained and large

profitability gains in an environment where travel became much more competitive as demand declined.

The second largest gainer was PNC Financial Services Group, with a 112.4% total return. This major regional bank headquartered in Western Pennsylvania, positioned itself to potentially benefit by the 2008 crisis in the banking industry through acquisition of a major Cleveland, Ohio banking system, National City, Inc. Its recent financial results compare outstandingly with a typical bank. The third largest return was in State Street Corp., at 101.3%. State Street, a major trust bank, had lost some of its investment standing during the banking crisis through its ownership of unconsolidated lending vehicles. Investor confidence began to be restored when the management announced write-downs on these vehicles to eliminate the risk of further losses.

The next largest gain was 69.9% in the shares of CME Group, Inc. CME is the parent of Chicago Mercantile Exchange and other exchanges. It is the largest exchange in the field of derivatives. Much of the investment crisis of 2008 was impacted by derivative obligations being traded outside of the exchange structures in an unregulated fashion. There now is growing expectation that regulations will require that



27



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund

(LOGO)

   

exchanges such as CME take on this additional transaction volume, which should enhance growth opportunity in a transformational manner.

Walter Investment Management Corp. and Walter Energy Inc. rose 68.4% and 67.8%, respectively. These gains reflected a true transformation in the shares of Walter when the company separated its two businesses, mortgage investment management and energy resources. This particularly enabled concentration on the high growth potential metallurgical coal mining subsidiary. Autoliv Corp. provided a 61.9% return. This international manufacturer of auto safety equipment, seatbelts and airbags, has begun a new product program with the introduction of infrared safety equipment to be installed on cars in order to identify nighttime risks, particularly highlighting pedestrians.

A transformation program was initiated by Starbucks Corp., up 44.5%, recognizing that the company had lost its historical growth luster. Combining reduction in the number of stores with changes in product and even introduction of instant coffees, Starbucks appears to have regained a growth trend.

Intuitive Surgical Inc., up 42.6% continued its growth in a transformational fashion by achieving increased sales of disposable operating room products. Historically, an outstanding growth company based on its robotic surgery equipment, the company’s sales of supplies this year sustained growth when recessionary conditions reduced hospital investment in major systems.

Of the underperforming holdings in the Fund during this period, many had transformational trends that we feel are still not fully realized in the profits column. For example, General Electric Company (-9.9%) was bought in November at a price substantially identical to that which it held the end of the fiscal year. We expected then, and expect now, that General Electric should succeed in the transformation of the capital position of its extensive financial operations, and thus, bring back acceptable investment returns.

There are many other holdings with interesting potential for their transformations, such as Snap-On Tools, Inc. – the automotive tools specialist – which has developed a new line of tools which include diagnostic capabilities.

The severely competitive conditions of the recessionary environment, the managerial preoccupation with the most efficient use of capital and the necessity of seeking out new approaches to, and sources of, profits all lead to potential transformational business opportunities. But, not all results are satisfactory or even profitable. This is well illustrated by the Fund’s largest realized loss in this fiscal period, the 96% decline in the value of shares in Federal National Mortgage Association, Fannie Mae. During the early phase of the financial crisis of 2008 we believed that Fannie Mae was on the threshold of obtaining new support from proposed legislation discussed at that time by Sen. Dodd and Congressman Frank. No such support emerged and, instead, the government threw the company into a conservatorship. While still not fully resolved, this wiped out virtually all the market value. This is not an economic event which we would anticipate being repeated. Other negative performers in the fiscal year period included Ambac Financial Group (-51.1%), Helix Energy Solutions (-51.3%) and Flotek Industries
(-67.4%).

The essence of the transformation concept of investing is to recognize and select important and promising changes in corporate culture. Many have provided outstanding investment gains and we believe that the Fund’s brief experience suggests that it is well positioned to potentially benefit by strong continuing trends in a recovering economy. We appreciate the interest of our investors in our strategy.

Sincerely,

Stephen A. Lieber, Portfolio Manager
Sarah Hunt, Associate Portfolio Manager



 


The Fund may invest in smaller and medium size companies, which involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility. The Fund may also invest in micro-cap company stocks which are more volatile than those of larger companies and tend to perform poorly during times of economic stress. The Fund may invest in foreign securities which involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. The Fund may invest in debt securities which typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. The fund may also use options and future contracts, which have risks associated with unlimited losses of the underlying holdings due to unanticipated market movements and failure to correctly predict the direction of securities prices, interest rates and currency exchange rates.

Please refer to the schedule of portfolio investments for fund holding information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

The NASDAQ Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to represent the performance of the National Market System which includes over 5,000 stocks traded only over-the-counter and not on an exchange. You cannot invest directly in an index.

28



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund

(LOGO)

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparative Annualized Returns as of 10/31/09 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Months (1)

 

1 Year

 

3 Years

 

5 Years

 

Since Inception
(6/7/2001)

 













Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund

 

11.28

%

 

11.03

%

-8.48

%

-1.45

%

2.61

%

 















S&P 500 Index

 

20.04

%

 

9.80

%

-7.02

%

0.33

%

-0.59

%

 















Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Average

 

18.00

%

 

15.96

%

-3.22

%

2.05

%

1.65

%

 















Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Ranking

 

N/A

 

 

553/651

535/540

438/442

67/278

 















Gross Expense Ratio: 1.25%(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Net Expense Ratio: 1.25%(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Not annualized. FINRA does not recognize rankings for less than one year.

(2)

As disclosed in the prospectus dated February 27, 2009.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Investment return and principal value of the Fund fluctuate, so that the shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 1-888-785-5578. Performance data shown does not reflect the 1.00% redemption fee imposed on shares held for fewer than 2 months. If it did, total returns would be reduced.

The S&P 500 Index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Average is an average of Funds that, by portfolio practice, maintain a mix of between 60%–80% equity securities, with the remainder invested in bonds, cash, and cash equivalents. Lipper Rankings for the periods shown are based on Fund total returns with dividends and distributions reinvested and do not reflect sales charges. The S&P 500 Index and the Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Average are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment adviser fees. The performance for the Dynamic Balance Fund reflects the deduction of fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.

 

To the extent that the Fund’s historical performance resulted from gains derived from participation in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) and/or secondary offerings, there is no guarantee that these results can be replicated in future periods or that the Fund will be able to participate to the same degree in IPO/Secondary offerings in the future.


Portfolio Distributions* (Unaudited)

(PIE CHART)

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Holdings* (Unaudited)

 

 

 

  1.

U.S. Treasury Bond,
5.250%, 11/15/2028

 

14.42

%

  2.

U.S. Treasury Bond,
6.000%, 02/15/2026

 

6.65

%

  3.

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

 

4.57

%

  4.

U.S. Treasury Note,
5.000%, 08/15/2011

 

3.90

%

  5.

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

3.45

%

  6.

Simon Property Group, Inc.

 

2.91

%

  7.

Johnson & Johnson

 

2.89

%

  8.

Eagle Materials, Inc.

 

2.20

%

  9.

Allegheny Energy, Inc.

 

2.11

%

10.

State Street Corp.

 

1.97

%

 

 

 


 

*

Portfolio holdings and sector distributions are as of 10/31/09 and are subject to change. Portfolio holdings are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities. Top 10 Holdings do not include short-term investments. Portfolio Distributions percentages are based on total investments and Top 10 Holdings percentages are based on total net assets.

 

 




29



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund

(LOGO)

   

 

 

                  Value of a $10,000 Investment (Unaudited)

 

(LINE GRAPH)

This chart represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark. The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver and recovery of certain fees. Without the waiver and recovery of fees, the Fund’s total return would have differed.

 

Commentary


Dear Investor:

The Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund provided an 11.03% return for its fiscal year ending October 31, 2009. This return compared with 9.80% from the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and the 15.96% from the Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund Index. Since inception on June 7, 2001, the Fund has provided a 2.61% average annual rate of return as compared with -0.59% for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and 1.65% for the Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Fund Index.

The Dynamic Balance Fund investments include diverse strategies and types of investment vehicle. Central to the program is the continuing utilization of a substantial portion of the Fund holdings in United States Treasury obligations; 25% of assets at fiscal year end. This is an actively managed segment of the portfolio aimed to add to total return by taking advantage of cyclical trends in the markets for U.S. Treasury obligations while providing income.

A major component of the Fund strategy is investing in stocks of comparatively large capitalization companies

which have demonstrated long term records of substantial dividend payment and increases. These holdings accounted for 40% of the portfolio at fiscal year end. Another segment is aimed at participating in cyclical opportunities for corporate profits growth. These stock holdings accounted for 30% of the portfolio at fiscal year end.

Within the different equity investment segments, sector commitments included real estate investment trusts and operating companies (10.6%), diversified financial services (4.8%), and commercial banks (4.5%). Portfolio results varied significantly across these different categories of investment, reflecting the high level of volatility in the fiscal year. Among equities, the top performer during our fiscal year was Temple Inland Inc., a packaging company whose shares provided a 111.3% total return. Ventas Inc., a real estate operating company, produced a 96.2% return, while ProLogis, a distribution center real estate operator, brought a 78.4% return. Among financials, the outstanding return was 75.7% in the shares of Goldman Sachs, followed by title insurer Fidelity National Financial Inc. with a 69.3% return. A variety of issues produced significant returns; with 24



30



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund

(LOGO)

   

different holdings providing returns ranging from 30% to 111%. Historically low volatility issues had important recoveries after the fall of prices in 2008. Illustratively, our holdings in the Walgreen Company total return was 56.3%, Darden Restaurants, 43.2%, American Electric Power, 22.4%, Honeywell International, 20.6%, J.C. Penney, 19.7%, 3M Company, 18.9%, Colgate Palmolive, 17.7%.

The major challenged area of the portfolio was in financials. Bank of America (-36.6%), Wells Fargo (-4.5%) and regional institutions, such as Southside Bankshares, Inc. (-4.3%), New York Community Bank (-20.1%), and Webster Financial (-40.9%), encountered severe challenges to their financial status and adverse volatility for their shares.

Active portfolio strategies were employed to take advantage of severe declines, and quick recoveries such as were experienced by the shares of Goldman Sachs, CVS Caremark, the drugstore chain, and Deere & Company, the tractor and farm equipment manufacturer. Many new positions were taken with the view that we saw undervaluation which should provide significant long term returns. Taking advantage of the research program we had built to search for companies with accelerating dividend potential, we added Chubb Corp. and Emerson Electric Company to the portfolio.

The fiscal year 2009 reflects the Fund’s portfolio structure in a group of strategies aimed at risk avoidance. Much of the strategy worked well in the fiscal year. The major exception was in the striking pattern of dividend cuts among financial institutions. Leading banks dropped their dividends down to a nominal $.01 per quarter level during the challenging bank crisis, and even certain stalwarts of American industry, such as General Electric, made unprecedented dividend cuts. Looking ahead, we anticipate a normalizing structure for financial institutions and for corporate earning power. While we anticipate many companies will have a slow and often limited recovery, we will concentrate on the search for what, in our view, are the more vigorous, and well financed, innovative and transformational companies to be the core of this portfolio. We will also endeavor to enhance returns, as we did earlier this year, through the sale of options on portfolio holdings at times when they appear to have limited near term potential. Our goal is strong results while continuing a defensive investment strategy.

We thank our shareholders for their continuing support.

Sincerely,

Stephen A. Lieber
Samuel A. Lieber
Co-Portfolio Managers



 

 


 

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

 

Please refer to the schedule of portfolio investments for fund holdings information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

 

Investing in this fund involves special risks, including but not limited to, options and futures transactions. Please refer to the prospectus for further details. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities.

31


FIXED INCOME MANAGER REPORTS

(LOGO)

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund




 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

(LOGO)

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparative Annualized Returns as of 10/31/09 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Months (1)

 

1 Year

 

3 Years

 

5 Years

 

Since Inception (2)

 













Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income
Fund — Investor Class

 

1.70

%

 

3.65

%

 

3.79

%

 

3.41

%

 

3.42

%

 


















Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income
Fund — Investor Class (Pre-liquidation, After-tax)

 

1.40

%

 

3.32

%

 

3.50

%

 

3.11

%

 

3.06

%

 


















Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income
Fund — Investor Class (Post-liquidation, After-tax)

 

1.29

%

 

3.14

%

 

3.50

%

 

3.13

%

 

3.05

%

 


















Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income
Fund — Adviser Class

 

1.07

%

 

2.89

%

 

3.54

%

 

3.24

%

 

3.00

%

 


















Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income
Fund — Adviser Class (Pre-liquidation, After-tax)

 

0.80

%

 

2.59

%

 

3.27

%

 

2.96

%

 

2.69

%

 


















Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income
Fund — Adviser Class (Post-liquidation, After-tax)

 

0.87

%

 

2.59

%

 

3.27

%

 

2.97

%

 

2.73

%

 


















Barclays Capital 1 Year Municipal Bond Index

 

1.39

%

 

4.40

%

 

4.14

%

 

3.33

%

 

2.88

%

 


















Lipper Short Municipal Debt Funds Average(3)

 

1.61

%

 

3.81

%

 

2.43

%

 

2.33

%

 

2.28

%

 


















Lipper Short Municipal Debt Funds Rank — Investor Class(3)

 

N/A

 

49/64

 

12/56

 

4/51

 

2/42

 













Gross Expense Ratio (Investor Class): 0.83%(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Net Expense Ratio (Investor Class): 0.70%(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Gross Expense Ratio (Adviser Class): 1.08%(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Net Expense Ratio (Adviser Class): 0.95%(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The adviser contractually agreed to waive a portion of its fees and to absorb certain fund expenses. This arrangement will remain in effect unless the Board of Trustees approves its modification or termination.

 

(1)

Not annualized. FINRA does not recognize rankings for less than one year.

(2)

Advisor Class shares commenced on March 30, 2004 and Investor shares commenced on December 5, 2002. Returns for indices are since December 5, 2002.

(3)

The since inception return and ranking represents the annualized return for the period beginning 12/31/2002.

(4)

As disclosed in the prospectus dated February 27, 2009.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Investment return and principal value of the Fund fluctuate, so that the shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 1-888-785-5578. Performance data shown does not reflect the 0.25% redemption fee imposed on shares held for fewer than one month. If it did, total returns would be reduced. Effective 10/12/07, Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Fund Adviser Class began imposing a maximum sales charge of 0.50% on purchases. Performance data shown for time period beginning with dates after 10/12/07 reflect the sales charge.

 

The Barclays Capital 1 Year Municipal Bond Index is the 1-year (1-2) component of the Municipal Bond Index. The Barclays Capital 1 Year Municipal Bond Index is a rules-based, market-value weighted index engineered for the long-term, tax-exempt bond market. Lipper Short Municipal Debt Funds Average is an unmanaged index that tracks funds that invest in municipal debt issues with dollar-weighted average maturities of less than three years. Lipper Rankings for the periods shown are based on Fund total returns with dividends and distributions reinvested and do not reflect sales charges. The Barclays Capital 1 Year Municipal Bond Index and the Lipper Short Municipal Debt Funds Average are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment adviser fees. The performance for the Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund reflects the deduction of fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.

33



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

(LOGO)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Distributions*(Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings*(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(PIECHART)

 

1.

 

City of Philadelphia Tax 7 Revenue
Anticipation Notes - Series B,
2.500%, 06/30/2010

 

3.63%

 

 

2.

 

Michigan State Housing Development
Authority Rental Revenue - Series A,
2.7500%, 11/04/2009

 

2.99%

 

 

3.

 

Pennsylvania State Higher Education
Assistance Agency - Series B,
3.250%, 11/05/2009

 

2.77%

 

 

4.

 

BayMedical Center of Florida - Series B,
2.300%, 11/04/2009

 

2.51%

 

 

5.

 

Michigan State Housing Development
Authority Single Mortgage Revenue -
Series B, 5.000%, 11/04/2009

 

2.39%

 

 

6.

 

Montgomery County, Tennessee Public
Building Authority Revenue,
0.230%, 11/02/2009

 

1.89%

 

 

7.

 

Sevier County, Tennessee Public Building
Authority Revenue, 0.370%, 11/02/2009

 

1.86%

 

 

8.

 

West Baton Rouge, Louisiana Parish
Industrial Revenue, 2.200%, 11/06/2009

 

1.79%

 

 

9.

 

New York State Mortgage Agency
Homeowner Revunue - Series 139,
0.300%, 11/2/2009

 

1.73%

 

 

10.

 

BlackRock Liquidity Fund MuniCash
Portfolio, 0.25%

 

1.71%

 

 


 

 

 

 

*

Portfolio holdings and sector distributions are as of 10/31/09 and are subject to change. Portfolio holdings are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities. Portfolio Distributions percentages are based on total investments and Top 10 Holdings percentages are based on total net assets.

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Value of a $10,000 Investment (Unaudited)

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

This chart represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark. The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver and recovery of certain fees. Without the waiver and recovery of fees, the Fund’s total return would have differed.

34



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

(LOGO)

   

 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund / Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund—Commentary


Dear Investor:

We are pleased to provide you with the annual report for the Alpine Income Trust for the period ending October 31, 2009. The Income Trust includes both the Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund and the Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund.

Performance Summary

According to Lipper Analytical Services, the total return for the Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund (Investor Class) for the one year period ending October 31, 2009, was 3.65% versus 3.81% for the Lipper average for Short Municipal Debt Funds. We would also like to report that at the close of this reporting period on October 31, 2009 the Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund (Investor Class) received a five star overall Morningstar rating out of 123 funds in the Muni National Short Category. (derived from a weighted average of the fund’s three, five- and ten-year risk adjusted return measure, if applicable).

The Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund had a total return of 1.03% for the one year period ending October 31, 2009, versus an average of 0.29% in the Lipper category of Tax Exempt Money Market Funds. Furthermore, Lipper Analytical Services ranked the Fund number one out of 101 funds in the Tax Exempt Money Market Fund category for the one year period, number 1 out of 90 funds for the three year period, and number 1 out of 82 funds for the 5 year period ending October 31, 2009, based on total returns.

Market Overview

Although a return to robust economic growth in the near future is unlikely, the longest and deepest U.S. recession since the Great Depression may have recently ended. The economy which shrank at an annualized rate of more than 5% in the fourth quarter of 2008 and in the first quarter of 2009, showed improvement in the second and third quarters. While national unemployment has reached double digits and consumer spending has been restrained, job losses have been lower than they were in the beginning of 2009. In addition, there are signs of stabilizing real estate markets in some cities, and equities have rebounded sharply from their March lows in anticipation of stronger economic growth in the months ahead.

In the last six months, intermediate and long-term U.S. Treasury yields rose as new issuance increased significantly and steadying financial markets prompted

investors to assume greater investment risks and seek higher returns, particularly from assets that performed worst in 2008. In contrast, municipal interest rates declined in the face of very strong demand, as investors were attracted by discounted valuations and tax-free income offered by municipal securities.

Despite their strong rebound this year, tax-free securities have remained an attractive fixed income investment particularly for investors in the highest tax brackets. As of October 31, 2009, the 1.86% yield offered by a AAA (as rated by Standard and Poor’s) five-year tax-free municipal bond was about 80% of the 2.34% pretax yield offered by a five-year Treasury. Ten-year AAA municipal bonds are even more attractive on a relative basis, with a 3.04% yield that is 89% of the 3.41% pretax yield offered by 10-year Treasuries. The ratios increase even more as you go out longer on the yield curve making long-term municipal securities even more attractive.

Nationally, new municipal supply through the end of October totaled about $335 billion, according to the Bond Buyer. Tax-Exempt supply has been a bit lower than expected, due in part to the Build America Bonds program, which has shifted about 20% of the issuance to the taxable bond market and helped alleviate the supply/demand imbalance that stressed the tax-free market last year. With the national economy still very weak and a significant federal fiscal stimulus package providing some temporary relief to states, we expect aggregate new issuance in 2009 to be higher than in 2008.

Demand from retail investors for municipal securities has been very strong, and year-to-date investor cash flows into municipal bond funds have been extremely robust. In the aftermath of last year’s financial market turbulence, investors seeking more exposure to fixed income securities and higher returns than they receive from the typical cash management investments have embraced municipals because of attractive after-tax yields and valuations relative to Treasuries. Concerns about higher federal, state and local taxes have also fueled interest in tax-free securities.

Many states are facing fiscal difficulties and have been forced to take drastic actions to close budget deficits. California’s challenges show no signs of abating. Although State officials reached a budget agreement in late July that includes spending cuts and borrowing from local governments, there need to be more willingness to adjust taxes, fees and spending to match the difficult economic realities facing the state. Considering that the



35



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

(LOGO)

   

state’s recovery will probably lag a national economic recovery, we continue to monitor California securities for appropriate investment in our portfolios.

In terms of sector performance, the segments of the municipal market that fared the worst last year, long-term and lower-quality securities, have been this year’s leaders. Tobacco bonds outpaced other segments in the last six months, though longer-term trends do not appear to be especially positive. Corporate-related municipal securities, such as industrial revenue and pollution control revenue bonds, airline bonds and health-care related issues, also did well as credit markets stabilized. In contrast, prerefunded bonds and escrowed-to-maturity bonds lagged with only mild gains this year.

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

During the past six months, we continued the same strategy that we have been utilizing throughout 2009. As a result, we positioned the Fund with the following goals in mind: 1) to keep volatility low while still providing a competitive return, 2) to take advantage of the current interest rate environment while being mindful that interest rates are likely to eventually rise and 3) to be defensive in the face of declining credit quality in the municipal sector. While the Fund’s total return has not kept pace with funds that have large exposure to lower-rated bonds or longer average maturities, we feel that our Fund is well positioned based on the present conditions in the marketplace.

Upon examining the fundamentals of the municipal market over the past ten months, we saw four key factors that formed our investment strategy. They included historically low interest rates, deteriorating credit quality, marginal liquidity and a supply/demand imbalance of tax exempt securities. When we took all four of these variables into consideration, we concluded that based on the objective of the Fund it would be advantageous to keep our average weighted maturity short and take a more defensive position.

As a result, the Fund’s duration, which is a measure of a bond fund’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates, was 0.12 years at the end of October, a lot shorter than that of our benchmark. With short-term interest rates so low we strategically shortened the Fund’s duration and most likely will keep it there until short-term rates move higher. One aspect of this strategy is to hold more cash or near-cash investments in the portfolio. Currently, we have an overweight of the portfolio in variable demand notes which provide the Fund with an attractive yield relative to longer maturing securities and little volatility. Furthermore, a significant portion of the remaining portfolio matures within the next year, thus providing

the Fund with flexibility to take advantage of potential opportunities in the future. At this point in the economic cycle, we do not want to reach for higher yield by increasing the Fund’s interest rate risk.

We believe the front end of the municipal yield curve will remain relatively low until such time as the Federal Open Market Committee begins to tighten its monetary policy. We think the Fed could start raising rates toward the latter half of 2010.

While the municipal bond market has rallied during most of 2009, we have remained hesitant in selling our longer-term securities despite the paper gains that have been generated for several reasons. It is our goal to minimize capital gains if possible and maximize income and selling these higher yielding investments would not be consistent with these two objectives.

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund

Since our last shareholder report at the end of April, the money markets have improved substantially, boasting the outlook for large money center banks, which are critical to money market financing. As a result, many of the temporary supports with which the Federal Reserve and Treasury surrounded the market in 2008 are now being withdrawn as confidence returns. The Treasury’s decision not to extend the money fund guarantee program, in which this fund participated, is one such example. The program ended as scheduled on September 18, 2009.

The Federal Reserve has had a 0% interest rate policy in place since December 2008, though the transmission of that policy had not been fully felt in the market until recently because of ongoing credit worries focused on large financial institutions. But now, with the outlook for credit improving, the Fed’s unprecedented action is gaining traction and money market rates have fallen towards the 0% target. Municipal rates have moved in similar fashion since our last reporting period. Seven-day variable rates, as measured by The Bond Buyer declined from 1.13% to .51%, while rates on one-year municipal notes, as measured by The Bond Buyer declined from 0.72% to 0.55%. At this writing, rates have continued to push lower.

While credit markets have improved, municipal issuers have continued to feel the ongoing effects of the financial crisis. Many states and local governments are facing increasingly difficult budget problems; these issuers are finding money market funding very expensive or virtually impossible until their financial situations improve. Thus, seasonal borrowers such as California, Illinois and Michigan are largely missing from the holdings of most



36



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

(LOGO)

   

money market funds. For other borrowers who are able to access the money markets for funding, the current record-low rates have been a huge benefit.

After short-term interest rates fell to historic lows, we further reduced the Fund’s average maturity weighted to a range that continues to be shorter than industry averages in case of unexpected liquidity needs. Because yield differences have become relatively narrow along the market’s maturity range, this conservative positioning has not detracted materially from the Fund’s performance. Until we start to see rates trend higher we will continue to hold a significant portion of the Fund in variable rate demand notes and other short maturing municipal securities.

Outlook

While there could be additional supply/demand imbalances or possible credit rating downgrades, we believe overall that the municipal market is still a high quality market. We will continue to remain cautious until we feel that the markets have adjusted to where yields are more reflective of credit quality. At that point we will reposition our Funds accordingly.

Sincerely,

Steven C. Shachat
Portfolio Managers



 

 


An investment in the Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund is neither insured nor guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.

Investing in these Funds involves special risks, including but not limited to, investing in municipal obligations and derivative securities, mortgage-related and asset-backed investments. Please refer to the prospectus for further details. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. Income from tax-exempt funds may be subject to state and local taxes and a portion of income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax for certain investors. The Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Fund is permitted to invest in Asset Backed and Mortgage- Backed Securities. Investments in these securities include additional risks that investors should be aware of and are more fully described in the prospectus. The Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Fund has never invested in, does not currently hold, nor has any plans to invest in such securities.

Please refer to the Schedule of Portfolio Investments for fund holding information. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. is an independent mutual fund research and rating service. Each Lipper average represents a universe of Funds with similar invest objectives. Rankings for the periods shown include dividends and distributions reinvested and do not reflect sales charges.

For each fund with at least a three-year history, Morningstar calculates a Morningstar Rating™ (based on a Morningstar Risk Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a fund’s monthly performance, including the effects of sales charges, loads, and redemption fees), placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The top 10% of funds in each category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. (Each share class is counted as a fraction of one fund within this scale and rated separately, which may cause slight variations in the distribution percentages.) The Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund – Investor Class Shares received 4 stars among 123 funds for the three-year, and received 5 stars among 117 Muni National Short funds for the five-year periods ending 10/31/2009.

©2009 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein (1) is proprietary to Morningstar (2) may not be copied or distributed and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information, Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The federal government guarantees interest payments from government securities, such as U.S. Treasury bills, while dividend payments carry no such guarantee. Government securities, if held to maturity, guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest.

Any tax or legal information provided is merely a summary of our understanding and interpretation of some of the current income tax regulations and is not exhaustive. Investors must consult their tax advisor or legal counsel for advice and information concerning their particular situation. Neither the Fund nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

Cash flow: measures the cash generating capability of a company by adding non-cash charges (e.g. depreciation) and interest expense to pretax income.

37



 

 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund

(LOGO)

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparative Annualized Returns as of 10/31/09 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

6 Months (1)

 

1 Year

 

3 Years

 

5 Years

 

Since Inception
(12/5/02)

 













Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund — Investor Class

 

0.38

%

 

1.03

%

 

2.54

%

 

2.64

%

 

2.21

%

 


















Lipper Tax-Exempt Money Market Funds Average(2)

 

0.06

%

 

0.29

%

 

1.79

%

 

1.93

%

 

1.56

%

 


















Lipper Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund Rank — Investor Class(2)

 

N/A

 

 

1/101

 

1/90

 

1/82

 

1/71

 


















Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund — Investor Class, 7-day effective yield (as of 10/31/09): 0.42%


















Gross Expense Ratio: 0.49%(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Net Expense Ratio: 0.49%(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Not annualized. FINRA does not recognize rankings for less than one year.

(2) The since inception return and ranking represents the annualized return for the period beginning 12/31/2002.

(3) As disclosed in the prospectus dated February 27, 2009.

Note, the yield more closely reflects the current earnings of the money market fund than the total return.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is not predictive of future results. Performance current to the most recent month end may be lower or higher than the performance quoted and may be obtained by calling 1-888-785-5578.

The Lipper Tax-Exempt Money Market Funds Average is an average of funds that invest in high quality municipal obligations with dollar-weighted average maturities of less than 90 days. The Lipper Tax-Exempt Money Market Funds Average is unmanaged and does not reflect the deduction of fees associated with a mutual fund, such as investment adviser fees. Lipper Rankings for the periods shown are based on Fund total returns with dividends and distributions reinvested and do not reflect sales charges. The performance for the Municipal Money Market Fund reflects the deduction of fees for these value-added services. Investors cannot directly invest in an index.

 

 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund vs. Peer Performance (Unaudited)

 

(BAR CHART)

 


 

 

*

The Adviser Class return for 2004 is from 3/30/04 (inception)–12/31/04.

**

The Adviser Class return for 2007 is from 1/01/07–12/05/07 (class ceased operations)

 

 

The graph and the table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment performance reflects the waiver of certain fees. Without the waiver of fees, the Fund’s total return would have been lower.

38



 

 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund

(LOGO)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable Equivalent Yield as of 10/31/09 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joint Return

 

Single Return

 

Marginal
Tax Rate

 

Your Tax-Exempt Effective Yield
of 0.42% is Equivalent to a
Taxable Yield of:

 









$  67,901 - 137,050

 

$

33,950 - 82,250

 

25%

 

0.56%

 










$137,051 - 208,850

 

$

82,251 - 171,550

 

28%

 

0.58%

 










$208,851 - 372,950

 

$

171,551 - 372,950

 

33%

 

0.63%

 










Over $372,950

 

Over $372,950

 

35%

 

0.65%

 

 

The chart reflects projected 2009 marginal federal tax rates before limitations and phaseouts. Individuals with adjusted gross income in excess of $142,700 should consult a tax professional to determine their actual 2009 marginal tax rate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Distributions* (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (Unaudited)



(PIE CHART)

 

1.

 

Port Corpus Christi Authority Nueces County, Texas Solid Waste Disposal, Flint Hills Resources LP, 0.670%, 11/04/2009

 

4.12%

 

 

2.

 

Danville, Kentucky Commercial Paper, 1.700%, 11/05/2009

 

3.93%

 

 

3.

 

BlackRock Liquidity Fund MuniCash Portfolio, 0.240%, 11/02/2009

 

3.43%

 

 

4.

 

Gainesville, Florida Utilities Systems Revenue - Series A, 0.300%, 11/02/2009

 

3.24%

 

 

5.

 

Gulf Coast, Texas Industrial Development Authority Revenue, Citgo Pete, 0.220%, 11/02/2009

 

3.17%

 

 

6.

 

California Infrastructure & Economic Development Bank Revenue, Pacific Gas Electric - Series A, 0.200%, 11/02/2009

 

2.89%

 

 

7.

 

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. of Florida Senior Secured High Risk Notes - Series A-2, 4.500%, 06/01/2010

 

2.54%

 

 

8.

 

Michigan State Hospital Financing Authority, Oaklawn Hospital, 0.240%, 11/05/2009

 

2.53%

 

 

9.

 

Charlotte-Mecklenberg Hospital Authority Revenue - Series E

 

2.53%

 

 

10.

 

West Orange, Florida Healthcare District Revenue - Series B, 1.500%, 11/05/2009

 

2.44%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

*

Portfolio holdings and sector distributions are as of 10/31/09 and are subject to change. Portfolio holdings are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities. Portfolio Distributions percentages are based on total investments and Top 10 Holdings percentages are based on total net assets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39



 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks—98.1%

 

 

 

 

Automobiles & Components—1.1%

 

 

 

 

69,400

 

Hyundai Motor Co.

 

$

6,427,828

 

 

 

 

 



 

Banks—0.4%

 

 

 

 

123,800

 

Banco Santander Brasil
SA—ADR (a)

 

 

1,468,268

 

26,200

 

Standard Chartered

 

 

645,228

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

2,113,496

 

 

 

 

 



 

Capital Goods—9.9%

 

 

 

 

149,200

 

Albany International Corp.

 

 

2,485,672

 

250,800

 

Atlas Copco AB

 

 

3,447,848

 

15,526,103

 

China State Construction
International Holdings, Ltd.

 

 

6,350,513

 

140,100

 

FLSmidth & Co. A/S

 

 

7,465,905

 

146,200

 

Fluor Corp.

 

 

6,494,204

 

84,800

 

ITT Corp.

 

 

4,299,360

 

42,700

 

Lockheed Martin Corp.

 

 

2,937,333

 

530,600

 

Mitsubishi Corp.

 

 

11,653,571

 

273,100

 

Outotec Oyj

 

 

8,669,140

 

47,900

 

United Technologies Corp.

 

 

2,943,455

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

56,747,001

 

 

 

 

 



 

Commercial & Professional Services—0.8%

 

 

 

 

2

 

De La Rue PLC

 

 

30

 

225,070

 

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

 

 

4,445,133

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

4,445,163

 

 

 

 

 



 

Consumer Durables & Apparel—3.6%

 

 

 

 

1,576,300

 

Brookfield Incorporacoes SA

 

 

6,075,771

 

371,200

 

JM AB (a)

 

 

5,639,508

 

702,000

 

PDG Realty SA

 

 

5,937,670

 

38,629

 

VF Corp.

 

 

2,744,204

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

20,397,153

 

 

 

 

 



 

Consumer Services—0.8%

 

 

 

 

76,100

 

McDonald’s Corp.

 

 

4,460,221

 

 

 

 

 



 

Diversified Financials—10.2%

 

 

 

 

1,500,000

 

Anglo Irish Bank Corp. PLC (a)

 

 

 

419,574

 

Azimut Holding SpA

 

 

5,081,741

 

337,500

 

Bank of America Corp.

 

 

4,920,750

 

222,100

 

CETIP SA—Balcao Organizado de
Ativos e Derivativos (a)

 

 

1,487,727

 

45,700

 

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

 

 

7,776,769

 

256,200

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

 

10,701,474

 

145,579

 

Julius Baer Gruppe (a)

 

 

5,480,321

 

686,236

 

KKR & Co. Guernsey LP (a)

 

 

6,107,500

 

1,111,892

 

Man Group PLC

 

 

5,657,183

 

135,200

 

Morgan Stanley

 

 

4,342,624

 

555,700

 

Och-Ziff Capital Management
Group, LLC

 

 

6,740,641

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

58,296,730

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks—continued

 

 

 

 

Energy—12.1%

 

 

 

 

120,100

 

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

 

$

7,317,693

 

44,885

 

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.

 

 

4,275,296

 

225,600

 

Fred Olsen Energy ASA

 

 

8,746,783

 

121,700

 

Frontline, Ltd.

 

 

2,839,261

 

275,100

 

Halliburton Co.

 

 

8,035,671

 

187,500

 

Petroleo Brasileiro SA—ADR

 

 

8,666,250

 

48,400

 

Pride International, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,430,704

 

122,200

 

Schlumberger, Ltd.

 

 

7,600,840

 

555,500

 

SeaDrill, Ltd. (a)

 

 

11,603,032

 

263,600

 

Suncor Energy, Inc.

 

 

8,704,072

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

69,219,602

 

 

 

 

 



 

Food & Staples Retailing—1.1%

 

 

 

 

113,000

 

Cia Brasileira de Distribuicao
Grupo Pao de Acucar

 

 

3,418,994

 

59,500

 

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

 

 

2,955,960

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

6,374,954

 

 

 



 

Food, Beverage & Tobacco—4.6%

 

 

 

 

223,500

 

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV

 

 

10,526,876

 

179,544

 

Heineken NV

 

 

7,957,157

 

33,300

 

The J.M. Smucker Co.

 

 

1,755,909

 

123,900

 

Molson Coors Brewing Co.

 

 

6,067,383

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

26,307,325

 

 

 

 

 



 

Health Care Equipment & Services—4.3%

 

 

 

 

68,000

 

Alcon, Inc.

 

 

9,709,720

 

151,200

 

Fresenius Medical Care

 

 

7,331,812

 

333,425

 

Meridian Bioscience, Inc.

 

 

7,398,701

 

48,600

 

Sinopharm Group Co. (a)

 

 

176,837

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

24,617,070

 

 

 

 

 



 

Household & Personal Products—3.9%

 

 

 

 

355,746

 

Avon Products, Inc.

 

 

11,401,659

 

78,200

 

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

 

 

6,148,866

 

168,236

 

Hypermarcas SA (a)

 

 

3,444,751

 

27,400

 

Oriflame Cosmetics SA—SDR

 

 

1,545,349

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

22,540,625

 

 

 

 

 



 

Insurance—0.2%

 

 

 

 

90,200

 

Hilltop Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

 

1,067,968

 

 

 

 

 



 

Materials—12.5%

 

 

 

 

934,300

 

Aquarius Platinum, Ltd. (a)

 

 

4,205,035

 

32,400

 

ArcelorMittal—ADR

 

 

1,102,248

 

91,100

 

BHP Billiton, Ltd.—ADR

 

 

5,974,338

 

196,700

 

Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc.

 

 

6,996,619

 

96,000

 

HeidelbergCement AG

 

 

5,754,264

 

271,197

 

Impala Platinum Holdings, Ltd.

 

 

6,052,449

 

262,103

 

Israel Chemicals, Ltd.

 

 

3,121,147

 

9,247,100

 

Lumena Resources Corp. (a)

 

 

3,376,596

 

370,556

 

Mechel—ADR

 

 

6,358,741

 

41,400

 

Monsanto Co.

 

 

2,781,252

 

17,300

 

Rio Tinto PLC—ADR

 

 

3,079,919

 

318,700

 

Teck Resources, Ltd. (a)

 

 

9,216,804

 

250,500

 

Terra Industries, Inc.

 

 

7,958,385

 

166,400

 

Vedanta Resources PLC

 

 

5,716,083

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

71,693,880

 

 

 

 

 



 

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

40



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks—continued

 

 

 

 

Media—1.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

685,258

 

Regal Entertainment
Group—Class A

 

$

8,641,103

 

1

 

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

 

 

40

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

8,641,143

 

 

 

 

 



 

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology &
Life Sciences—2.1%

 

 

 

 

122,100

 

Abbott Laboratories

 

 

6,174,597

 

121,200

 

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries,
Ltd.—ADR

 

 

6,118,176

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

12,292,773

 

 

 

 

 



 

Real Estate—5.6%

 

 

 

 

285,700

 

BR Malls Participacoes SA (a)

 

 

3,162,551

 

10,144,600

 

Glorious Property Holdings,
Ltd. (a)

 

 

4,463,509

 

5,306,025

 

KWG Property Holdings, Ltd.

 

 

3,902,395

 

315,300

 

MRV Engenharia

 

 

5,867,129

 

7,566,100

 

Shenzhen Investment, Ltd.

 

 

3,045,887

 

3,093,500

 

Shui On Land, Ltd.

 

 

1,919,916

 

200,000

 

Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (a)

 

 

4,026,000

 

499,400

 

Westfield Group

 

 

5,515,774

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

31,903,161

 

 

 

 

 



 

Retailing—1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

264,900

 

Foot Locker, Inc.

 

 

2,776,152

 

73,800

 

TJX Companies, Inc.

 

 

2,756,430

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

5,532,582

 

 

 

 

 



 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment—4.5%

 

 

 

 

530,800

 

Intel Corp.

 

 

10,143,588

 

198,100

 

Linear Technology Corp.

 

 

5,126,828

 

433,500

 

Microchip Technology, Inc.

 

 

10,386,660

 

2,419

 

Taiwan Semiconductor
Manufacturing, Ltd.—ADR

 

 

23,077

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

25,680,153

 

 

 

 

 



 

Software & Services—3.2%

 

 

 

 

437,400

 

Microsoft Corp.

 

 

12,129,102

 

112,200

 

Shanda Games, Ltd—ADR (a)

 

 

1,117,512

 

139,800

 

Trend Micro, Inc.

 

 

4,969,838

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

18,216,452

 

 

 

 

 



 

Technology Hardware & Equipment—2.0%

 

 

 

 

126,500

 

Hewlett-Packard Co.

 

 

6,003,690

 

41,100

 

International Business Machines
Corp.

 

 

4,957,071

 

7,300

 

QUALCOMM, Inc.

 

 

302,293

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

11,263,054

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks—continued

 

 

 

 

Telecommunication Services—4.1%

 

 

 

 

172,400

 

AT&T, Inc.

 

$

4,425,508

 

112,400

 

CenturyTel, Inc.

 

 

3,648,504

 

25,720

 

Chunghwa Telecom Co.,
Ltd.—ADR

 

 

447,013

 

177,000

 

Frontier Communications Corp.

 

 

1,269,090

 

402,300

 

Tele2 AB

 

 

5,961,681

 

418,400

 

Vimpel Communications—ADR (a)

 

 

7,501,912

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

23,253,708

 

 

 

 

 



 

Transportation—4.2%

 

 

 

 

800

 

A P Moller—Maersk AS

 

 

5,504,968

 

259,800

 

Cia de Concessoes Rodoviarias

 

 

5,132,289

 

60,900

 

CSX Corp.

 

 

2,568,762

 

63,200

 

Norfolk Southern Corp.

 

 

2,946,384

 

92,100

 

Union Pacific Corp.

 

 

5,078,394

 

249,100

 

Westshore Terminals Income
Fund

 

 

2,932,890

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

24,163,687

 

 

 

 

 



 

Utilities—4.4%

 

 

 

 

 

266,800

 

Endesa SA

 

 

8,908,908

 

58,600

 

FPL Group, Inc.

 

 

2,877,260

 

311,800

 

ITC Holdings Corp.

 

 

13,850,156

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

25,636,324

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $544,018,575)

 

 

561,292,053

 

 

 

 

 



 

Short-Term Investments—0.0%

 

 

 

 

984

 

Alpine Municipal Money
Market Fund, 0.42%

 

 

984

 

335

 

Federated Treasury Obligations
Fund, 0.01%

 

 

335

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $1,319)

 

 

1,319

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Investments
(Cost $544,019,894)—98.1%

 

 

561,293,372

 

 

 

Other Assets in Excess of
Liabilities—1.9%

 

 

10,858,035

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0%

 

$

572,151,407

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 


Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

ADR—American Depository Receipt

SDR—Special Drawing Rights

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

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

41



 

 

Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks—99.2%

 

 

 

 

Aerospace & Defense—2.5%

 

 

 

 

500

 

United Technologies Corp.

 

$

30,725

 

Chemicals—7.9%

 



 

350

 

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

 

 

26,995

 

350

 

Praxair, Inc.

 

 

27,804

 

800

 

Sigma-Aldrich Corp.

 

 

41,544

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

96,343

 

 

 

 

 



 

Commercial Banks—1.8%

 

 

 

 

3,000

 

Banco Panamericano SA

 

 

11,155

 

1,000

 

Pacific Continental Corp.

 

 

10,900

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

22,055

 

 

 

 

 



 

Construction Materials—0.5%

 

 

 

 

100

 

HeidelbergCement AG

 

 

5,994

 

 

 

 

 



 

Consumer Finance—1.2%

 

 

 

 

1,000

 

Discover Financial Services

 

 

14,140

 

 

 

 

 



 

Containers & Packaging—2.7%

 

 

 

 

1,250

 

Sonoco Products Co.

 

 

33,437

 

 

 

 

 



 

Diversified Consumer Services—2.0%

 

 

 

 

1,200

 

Hillenbrand, Inc.

 

 

23,976

 

 

 

 

 



 

Diversified Financial Services—3.5%

 

 

 

 

70

 

CME Group, Inc.

 

 

21,183

 

500

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

 

20,885

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

42,068

 

 

 

 

 



 

Diversified Telecommunication Services—1.7%

 

 

 

 

800

 

AT&T, Inc.

 

 

20,536

 

 

 

 

 



 

Electric Utilities—7.9%

 

 

 

 

600

 

Companhia de Transmissao de
Energia Electrica Paulista

 

 

16,550

 

400

 

CPFL Energia SA—ADR

 

 

20,912

 

600

 

Exelon Corp.

 

 

28,176

 

1,300

 

Light SA

 

 

18,132

 

400

 

Southern Co.

 

 

12,476

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

96,246

 

 

 

 

 



 

Energy Equipment & Services—1.0%

 

 

 

 

400

 

Halliburton Co.

 

 

11,684

 

 

 

 

 



 

Food & Staples Retailing—5.1%

 

 

 

 

1,250

 

Sysco Corp.

 

 

33,062

 

750

 

Walgreen Co.

 

 

28,373

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

61,435

 

 

 

 

 



 

Food Products—5.4%

 

 

 

 

550

 

Campbell Soup Co.

 

 

17,462

 

325

 

General Mills, Inc.

 

 

21,424

 

500

 

The J.M. Smucker Co.

 

 

26,365

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

65,251

 

 

 

 

 



 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—7.7%

 

 

 

 

350

 

Alcon, Inc.

 

 

49,976

 

400

 

Becton, Dickinson & Co.

 

 

27,344

 

500

 

DENTSPLY International, Inc.

 

 

16,480

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

93,800

 

 

 

 

 



 

Household Products—4.6%

 

 

 

 

550

 

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

 

 

33,638

 

700

 

WD-40 Co.

 

 

22,043

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

55,681

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks—continued

 

 

 

 

Independent Power Producers & Energy
Traders—0.5%

500

 

AES Tiete SA

 

$

5,634

 

 

 

 

 



 

Industrial Conglomerates—1.8%

 

 

 

 

650

 

Tyco International Ltd.

 

 

21,807

 

 

 

 

 



 

Insurance—6.6%

 

 

 

 

500

 

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

 

 

11,155

 

800

 

Chubb Corp.

 

 

38,816

 

1,200

 

Hilltop Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

 

14,208

 

800

 

Protective Life Corp.

 

 

15,400

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

79,579

 

 

 

 

 



 

IT Services—3.6%

 

 

 

 

2,900

 

Cia Brasileira de Meios de
Pagamento

 

 

26,587

 

600

 

Telvent GIT SA

 

 

17,250

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

43,837

 

 

 

 

 



 

Machinery—2.3%

 

 

 

 

775

 

Snap-On, Inc.

 

 

28,311

 

 

 

 

 



 

Media—1.3%

 

 

 

 

1,100

 

Comcast Corp.—Class A

 

 

15,950

 

 

 

 

 



 

Multi-Utilities—1.4%

 

 

 

 

400

 

Wisconsin Energy Corp.

 

 

17,468

 

 

 

 

 



 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—8.4%

 

 

 

 

300

 

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

 

 

18,279

 

500

 

Chevron Corp.

 

 

38,270

 

1,400

 

El Paso Pipeline Partners LP

 

 

30,828

 

200

 

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

 

 

15,176

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

102,553

 

 

 

 

 



 

Pharmaceuticals—0.8%

 

 

 

 

200

 

Abbott Laboratories

 

 

10,114

 

 

 

 

 



 

Road & Rail—6.1%

 

 

 

 

400

 

Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Corporation

 

 

30,128

 

500

 

Norfolk Southern Corp.

 

 

23,310

 

3,000

 

Tegma Gestao Logistica SA

 

 

20,930

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

74,368

 

 

 

 

 



 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment—4.3%

 

 

 

 

1,500

 

Intel Corp.

 

 

28,665

 

900

 

Linear Technology Corp.

 

 

23,292

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

51,957

 

 

 

 

 



 

Specialty Retail—1.3%

 

 

 

 

1,500

 

Foot Locker, Inc.

 

 

15,720

 

 

 

 

 



 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—2.5%

 

 

 

 

1,200

 

Brookline Bancorp Inc.

 

 

11,748

 

1,713

 

Ocwen Financial Corp. (a)

 

 

18,723

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

30,471

 

 

 

 

 



 

Transportation Infrastructure—1.9%

 

 

 

 

1,200

 

Companhia de Concessoes
Rodoviarias

 

 

23,706

 

 

 

 

 



 

Water Utilities—0.9%

 

 

 

 

1,940

 

Cascal NV

 

 

10,515

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $1,069,723)

 

 

1,205,361

 

 

 

 

 



 

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

42



 

Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments—0.6%

 

 

 

 

7,760

 

Federated Treasury Obligations
Fund, 0.01%

 

$

7,760

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $7,760)

 

 

7,760

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Investments
(Cost $1,077,483)—99.8%

 

 

1,213,121

 

 

 

Other Assets in Excess of
Liabilities—0.2%

 

 

1,465

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0%

 

$

1,214,586

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 


Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

ADR—American Depository Receipt

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

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

43



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

 

Value

 


 


 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks—102.8%

 

 

 

 

Capital Markets—17.3%

 

 

 

 

30,850

 

BGC Partners, Inc.

 

$

149,006

 

20,000

 

Blackstone Group LP

 

 

268,400

 

19,700

 

Cowen Group, Inc. (a)

 

 

148,735

 

18,500

 

GFI Group, Inc.

 

 

95,275

 

2,000

 

Investment Technology Group,
Inc. (a)

 

 

43,140

 

5,000

 

JMP Group, Inc.

 

 

42,100

 

1,000

 

Legg Mason, Inc.

 

 

29,110

 

25,100

 

MF Global Ltd. (a)

 

 

178,712

 

2,000

 

Och-Ziff Capital Management
Group LLC

 

 

24,260

 

7,500

 

OptionsXpress Holdings, Inc.

 

 

117,225

 

36,040

 

Sanders Morris Harris Group, Inc.

 

 

209,392

 

6,900

 

Thomas Weisel Partners Group,
Inc. (a)

 

 

31,257

 

4,000

 

TradeStation Group, Inc. (a)

 

 

30,880

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,367,492

 

 

 

 

 



 

Commercial Banks—51.8%

 

 

 

 

45,165

 

1st United Bancorp, Inc. (a)

 

 

254,731

 

55,000

 

Banco do Estado do Rio Grande
do Sul SA

 

 

359,049

 

26,600

 

Banco Panamericano SA

 

 

98,904

 

9,800

 

Banco Santander Brasil
SA—ADR (a)

 

 

116,228

 

90,000

 

The Bancorp, Inc. (a)

 

 

459,000

 

12,400

 

Bank of Florida Corp. (a)

 

 

18,104

 

2,428

 

Barclays PLC (a)

 

 

12,832

 

15,000

 

California United Bank (a)

 

 

189,300

 

4,000

 

Cardinal Financial Corp.

 

 

32,600

 

26,600

 

Centerstate Banks, Inc.

 

 

200,298

 

21,194

 

Citizens First Corp.

 

 

178,030

 

4,700

 

Community National Bank of the
Lakeway Area (a)

 

 

9,165

 

25,000

 

First Bancorp of Puerto Rico

 

 

47,250

 

4,000

 

First Business Financial Services,
Inc.

 

 

38,000

 

1,260

 

First Community Bank Corp. of
America (a)

 

 

4,813

 

1,500

 

Hampton Roads Bankshares, Inc.

 

 

3,075

 

35,000

 

Marshall & Ilsley Corp.

 

 

186,200

 

930

 

MB Financial, Inc.

 

 

16,628

 

30,000

 

Metro Bancorp Inc. (a)

 

 

354,900

 

11,600

 

Nara Bancorp, Inc.

 

 

85,376

 

10,200

 

New Centry Bancorp, Inc. (a)

 

 

57,630

 

2,000

 

North Valley Bancorp

 

 

5,540

 

2,375

 

Old Point Financial Corp.

 

 

35,696

 

12,042

 

Pacific Mercantile Bancorp (a)

 

 

35,765

 

3,120

 

Rurban Financial Corp.

 

 

23,712

 

100,000

 

Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida

 

 

149,000

 

2,388

 

The South Financial Group, Inc.

 

 

1,910

 

38,750

 

Southern National Bancorp of
Virginia, Inc. (a)

 

 

240,250

 

5,000

 

State Bancorp, Inc.

 

 

38,200

 

2,500

 

Sterling Bancorp

 

 

16,825

 

7,500

 

Sterling Bancshares, Inc.

 

 

41,775

 

6,000

 

Summit State Bank

 

 

33,120

 

500

 

Superior Bancorp (a)

 

 

1,060

 

141,443

 

Synovus Financial Corp.

 

 

314,003

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

 

Value

 


 


 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks—continued

 

 

 

 

Commercial Banks—continued

 

 

 

 

15,000

 

Tidelands Bancshares, Inc. (a)

 

$

51,900

 

15,000

 

Union Bankshares Corp.

 

 

184,800

 

34,300

 

United Community Banks, Inc. (a)

 

 

139,258

 

2,430

 

Valley Commerce Bancorp (a)

 

 

18,104

 

1,000

 

Wintrust Financial Corp.

 

 

28,210

 

1,974

 

Yadkin Valley Financial Corp.

 

 

7,264

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

4,088,505

 

 

 

 

 



 

Diversified Financial Services—14.4%

 

 

 

 

7,124

 

BM&F Bovespa SA

 

 

46,102

 

125,000

 

Bolsa Mexicana de Valores SA
de CV (a)

 

 

143,330

 

665

 

CME Group, Inc.

 

 

201,236

 

5,173

 

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (a)

 

 

82,820

 

4,315

 

IntercontinentalExchange, Inc. (a)

 

 

432,320

 

7,000

 

The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (a)

 

 

126,420

 

4,000

 

NYSE Euronext

 

 

103,400

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,135,628

 

 

 

 

 



 

Industrial Conglomerates—1.3%

 

 

 

 

7,000

 

General Electric Co.

 

 

99,820

 

 

 

 

 



 

Insurance—1.6%

 

 

 

 

8,000

 

CRM Holdings, Ltd. (a)

 

 

7,600

 

4,700

 

Tower Group, Inc.

 

 

115,526

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

123,126

 

 

 

 

 



 

Professional Services—0.4%

 

 

 

 

3,500

 

Experian PLC

 

 

32,111

 

 

 

 

 



 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—3.3%

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

American Capital Agency Corp.

 

 

260,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—11.5%

 

 

 

 

30,398

 

Alliance Bancorp, Inc. of
Pennsylvania

 

 

261,575

 

1,700

 

Astoria Financial Corp.

 

 

16,966

 

5,000

 

Central Federal Corp.

 

 

10,050

 

2,144

 

Fidelity Bancorp, Inc.

 

 

11,963

 

10,000

 

First Keystone Financial, Inc. (a)

 

 

93,750

 

5,895

 

First Pactrust Bancorp, Inc.

 

 

29,357

 

1,100

 

Parkvale Financial Corp.

 

 

9,911

 

130,000

 

United Western Bancorp, Inc.

 

 

477,100

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

910,672

 

 

 

 

 



 

Transportation Infrastructure—1.2%

 

 

 

 

13,000

 

CAI International, Inc. (a)

 

 

97,500

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $12,629,025)

 

 

8,114,854

 

 

 

 

 



 

Investment Companies—3.7%

 

 

 

 

30,000

 

Allied Capital Corp. (a)

 

 

93,600

 

1,950

 

Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X
Shares (a)

 

 

44,694

 

4,000

 

Direxion Daily Large Cap Bear 3X
Shares (a)

 

 

89,120

 

2,500

 

ProShares UltraShort Financials (a)

 

 

67,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

294,914

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(Cost $944,694)

 

 

294,914

 

 

 

 

 



 

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

44



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

 

Value

 


 


 



 

 

Short-Term Investments—0.0%

 

 

 

 

883

 

Federated Treasury Obligations
Fund, 0.01%

 

$

883

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $883)

 

 

883

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Investments
(Cost $13,574,602)—106.5%

 

 

8,410,651

 

 

 

Liabilities in Excess of Other
Assets—(6.5)%

 

 

(515,718)

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0%

 

$

7,894,933

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 


Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

 

ADR—American Depository Receipt

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

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

45



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Common Stocks—113.6%

 

 

 

 

Aerospace & Defense—1.9%

 

 

 

 

4,000

 

Aerovironment, Inc. (a)

 

$

106,640

 

10,000

 

Hexcel Corp. (a)

 

 

110,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

216,640

 

 

 

 

 



 

Auto Components—2.9%

 

 

 

 

32,857

 

Westport Innovations, Inc. (a)

 

 

324,911

 

 

 

 

 



 

Chemicals—4.9%

 

 

 

 

7,000

 

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

 

 

539,910

 

 

 

 

 



 

Commercial Banks—1.9%

 

 

 

 

11,000

 

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

 

 

210,210

 

 

 

 

 



 

Communications Equipment—1.1%

 

 

 

 

30,000

 

Alvarion, Ltd. (a)

 

 

117,900

 

 

 

 

 



 

Computers & Peripherals—11.9%

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

Hewlett-Packard Co.

 

 

237,300

 

33,000

 

Logitech International SA (a)

 

 

561,000

 

26,000

 

Stratasys, Inc. (a)

 

 

410,280

 

5,000

 

Synaptics, Inc. (a)

 

 

112,500

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,321,080

 

 

 

 

 



 

Diversified Financial Services—4.9%

 

 

 

 

500

 

CME Group, Inc.

 

 

151,305

 

8,500

 

Portfolio Recovery Associates,
Inc. (a)

 

 

392,190

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

543,495

 

 

 

 

 



 

Electrical Equipment—6.5%

 

 

 

 

35,000

 

LSI Industries, Inc.

 

 

244,650

 

57,000

 

PowerSecure International,
Inc. (a)

 

 

474,240

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

718,890

 

 

 

 

 



 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments &
Components—13.0%

 

 

 

 

21,000

 

FLIR Systems, Inc. (a)

 

 

584,010

 

13,000

 

Itron, Inc. (a)

 

 

780,520

 

9,870

 

MOCON, Inc.

 

 

79,453

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,443,983

 

 

 

 

 



 

Energy Equipment & Services—0.9%

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

ION Geophysical Corp. (a)

 

 

95,750

 

 

 

 

 



 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—16.1%

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

ABIOMED, Inc. (a)

 

 

90,500

 

4,000

 

Alcon, Inc.

 

 

571,160

 

10,000

 

ArthroCare Corp. (a)

 

 

190,000

 

1,400

 

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (a)

 

 

344,890

 

10,000

 

Medtronic, Inc.

 

 

357,000

 

19,846

 

Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. (a)

 

 

239,343

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,792,893

 

 

 

 

 



 

Health Care Providers & Services—11.1%

 

 

 

 

15,000

 

Chindex International, Inc. (a)

 

 

209,100

 

3,000

 

HMS Holdings Corp. (a)

 

 

128,790

 

28,000

 

inVentiv Health, Inc. (a)

 

 

475,440

 

8,000

 

MEDNAX, Inc. (a)

 

 

415,360

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,228,690

 

 

 

 

 



 

Health Care Technology—2.0%

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

Allscripts-Misys Healthcare
Solutions, Inc. (a)

 

 

97,500

 

2,000

 

Quality Systems, Inc.

 

 

122,040

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

219,540

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Common Stocks—continued

 

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—1.9%

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Life Time Fitness, Inc. (a)

 

$

215,500

 

 

 

 

 



 

Internet & Catalog Retail—5.7%

 

 

 

 

4,000

 

Priceline.com, Inc. (a)

 

 

631,160

 

 

 

 

 



 

Internet Software & Services—2.4%

 

 

 

 

500

 

Google, Inc. (a)

 

 

268,060

 

 

 

 

 



 

IT Services—2.4%

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

Redecard SA—ADR (b)

 

 

156,750

 

3,906

 

Telvent GIT SA

 

 

112,298

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

269,048

 

 

 

 

 



 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—8.0%

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Charles River Laboratories
International, Inc. (a)

 

 

365,200

 

11,000

 

Life Technologies Corp. (a)

 

 

518,870

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

884,070

 

 

 

 

 



 

Machinery—5.7%

 

 

 

 

4,000

 

Flowserve Corp.

 

 

392,840

 

5,391

 

Middleby Corp. (a)

 

 

244,266

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

637,106

 

 

 

 

 



 

Metals & Mining—0.9%

 

 

 

 

125,000

 

Imdex, Ltd.

 

 

97,328

 

 

 

 

 



 

Personal Products—1.2%

 

 

 

 

6,000

 

Medifast, Inc. (a)

 

 

132,120

 

 

 

 

 



 

Software—6.3%

 

 

 

 

16,400

 

ANSYS, Inc. (a)

 

 

665,512

 

8,000

 

Scientific Learning Corp. (a)

 

 

40,400

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

705,912

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $16,077,653)

 

 

12,614,196

 

 

 

 

 



 

Short-Term Investments—0.0%

 

 

 

 

363

 

Federated Treasury Obligations
Fund, 0.01%

 

 

363

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $363)

 

 

363

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Investments
(Cost $16,078,016)—113.6%

 

 

12,614,559

 

 

 

Liabilities in Excess of Other
Assets—(13.6)%

 

 

(1,507,044)

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0%

 

$

11,107,515

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 


Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

ADR—American Depository Receipt

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

 

(b)

Restricted under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. Securities restricted under Rule 144A comprised 1.4% of the Fund’s net assets.

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

46



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Common Stocks—93.0%

 

 

 

 

Aerospace & Defense—3.2%

 

 

 

 

1,500

 

Aerovironment, Inc. (a)

 

$

39,990

 

4,000

 

BE Aerospace, Inc. (a)

 

 

70,920

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

110,910

 

 

 

 

 



 

Air Freight & Logistics—2.3%

 

 

 

 

3,100

 

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings,
Inc. (a)

 

 

81,499

 

 

 

 

 



 

Auto Components—7.5%

 

 

 

 

6,000

 

Autoliv, Inc.

 

 

201,480

 

10,000

 

Exide Technologies (a)

 

 

61,200

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

262,680

 

 

 

 

 



 

Chemicals—3.1%

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Flotek Industries, Inc. (a)

 

 

16,100

 

2,000

 

Mosaic Co.

 

 

93,460

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

109,560

 

 

 

 

 



 

Commercial Banks—3.0%

 

 

 

 

1,000

 

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

 

 

48,940

 

1,991

 

Wells Fargo & Co.

 

 

54,792

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

103,732

 

 

 

 

 



 

Commercial Services & Supplies—4.3%

 

 

 

 

2,700

 

Clean Harbors, Inc. (a)

 

 

152,415

 

 

 

 

 



 

Computers & Peripherals—6.3%

 

 

 

 

3,000

 

Hewlett-Packard Co.

 

 

142,380

 

5,000

 

Stratasys, Inc. (a)

 

 

78,900

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

221,280

 

 

 

 

 



 

Diversified Financial Services—5.2%

 

 

 

 

600

 

CME Group, Inc.

 

 

181,566

 

 

 

 

 



 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments &
Components—3.9%

 

 

 

 

4,940

 

FLIR Systems, Inc. (a)

 

 

137,382

 

 

 

 

 



 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—14.5%

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

ABIOMED, Inc. (a)

 

 

90,500

 

1,000

 

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (a)

 

 

246,350

 

3,500

 

Teleflex, Inc.

 

 

174,125

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

510,975

 

 

 

 

 



 

Health Care Providers & Services—4.1%

 

 

 

 

3,000

 

Emergency Medical Services
Corp. (a)

 

 

144,060

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Common Stocks—continued

 

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—2.7%

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

Starbucks Corp. (a)

 

$

94,900

 

 

 

 

 



 

Household Durables—2.4%

 

 

 

 

3,000

 

Pulte Homes, Inc.

 

 

27,030

 

3,000

 

Ryland Group, Inc.

 

 

55,650

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

82,680

 

 

 

 

 



 

Industrial Conglomerates—1.3%

 

 

 

 

3,300

 

General Electric Co.

 

 

47,058

 

 

 

 

 



 

Internet & Catalog Retail—6.7%

 

 

 

 

1,500

 

Priceline.com, Inc. (a)

 

 

236,685

 

 

 

 

 



 

Machinery—12.2%

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Pall Corp.

 

 

317,400

 

3,000

 

Snap On, Inc.

 

 

109,590

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

426,990

 

 

 

 

 



 

Metals & Mining—5.0%

 

 

 

 

3,000

 

Walter Energy, Inc.

 

 

175,500

 

 

 

 

 



 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—2.4%

 

 

 

 

2,000

 

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

 

 

85,620

 

 

 

 

 



 

Personal Products—2.5%

 

 

 

 

4,000

 

Medifast, Inc. (a)

 

 

88,080

 

 

 

 

 



 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—0.4%

 

 

 

 

1,095

 

Walter Investment Management
Corp.

 

 

14,257

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $3,560,079)

 

 

3,267,829

 

 

 

 

 



 

Short-Term Investments—14.3%

 

 

 

 

501,629

 

Federated Treasury Obligations
Fund, 0.01%

 

 

501,629

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $501,629)

 

 

501,629

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Investments
(Cost $4,061,708)—107.3%

 

 

3,769,458

 

 

 

Liabilities in Excess of Other
Assets—(7.3)%

 

 

(255,253

)

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0%

 

$

3,514,205

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 


Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

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

47



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Common Stocks—69.6%

 

 

 

 

Aerospace & Defense—1.0%

 

 

 

 

15,000

 

Honeywell International, Inc.

 

$

538,350

 

 

 

 

 



 

Airlines—0.0%

 

 

 

 

3,000

 

AirTran Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

 

12,690

 

 

 

 

 



 

Auto Components—1.9%

 

 

 

 

30,500

 

Autoliv, Inc.

 

 

1,024,190

 

 

 

 

 



 

Capital Markets—2.0%

 

 

 

 

25,900

 

State Street Corp.

 

 

1,087,282

 

 

 

 

 



 

Chemicals—1.8%

 

 

 

 

3,200

 

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

 

 

246,816

 

5,000

 

PPG Industries, Inc.

 

 

282,150

 

25,000

 

RPM International, Inc.

 

 

440,500

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

969,466

 

 

 

 

 



 

Commercial Banks—4.5%

 

 

 

 

18,000

 

Bancorp Rhode Island, Inc.

 

 

459,360

 

6,000

 

Bank of Florida Corp. (a)

 

 

8,760

 

10,000

 

Pacific Continental Corp.

 

 

109,000

 

5,000

 

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

 

 

244,700

 

12,000

 

Regions Financial Corp.

 

 

58,080

 

7,138

 

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

 

 

148,399

 

30,000

 

Valley National Bancorp

 

 

398,400

 

69,501

 

Webster Financial Corp.

 

 

786,056

 

10,432

 

Wells Fargo & Co.

 

 

287,089

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

2,499,844

 

 

 

 

 



 

Commercial Services & Supplies—1.0%

 

 

 

 

27,500

 

McGrath RentCorp

 

 

543,125

 

 

 

 

 



 

Construction Materials—2.2%

 

 

 

 

49,199

 

Eagle Materials, Inc.

 

 

1,222,595

 

 

 

 

 



 

Consumer Finance—0.4%

 

 

 

 

5,800

 

The Student Loan Corp.

 

 

243,890

 

 

 

 

 



 

Diversified Financial Services—4.8%

 

 

 

 

43,041

 

Bank of America Corp.

 

 

627,538

 

300

 

CME Group, Inc.

 

 

90,783

 

45,600

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

 

1,904,712

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

2,623,033

 

 

 

 

 



 

Electric Utilities—2.5%

 

 

 

 

51,000

 

Allegheny Energy, Inc.

 

 

1,163,820

 

6,900

 

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

 

 

208,518

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,372,338

 

 

 

 

 



 

Electrical Equipment—3.0%

 

 

 

 

30,000

 

AMETEK, Inc.

 

 

1,046,700

 

10,700

 

Emerson Electric Co.

 

 

403,925

 

5,000

 

Hubbell, Inc.—Class B

 

 

212,650

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,663,275

 

 

 

 

 



 

Food & Staples Retailing—3.6%

 

 

 

 

200

 

Arden Group, Inc.

 

 

22,554

 

20,000

 

CVS Caremark Corp.

 

 

706,000

 

20,000

 

Sysco Corp.

 

 

529,000

 

20,000

 

Walgreen Co.

 

 

756,600

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

2,014,154

 

 

 

 

 



 

Food Products—1.1%

 

 

 

 

12,000

 

Kellogg Co.

 

 

618,480

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Common Stocks—continued

 

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—2.4%

 

 

 

 

8,600

 

Becton, Dickinson & Co.

 

$

587,896

 

15,000

 

Teleflex, Inc.

 

 

746,250

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,334,146

 

 

 

 

 



 

Health Care Providers & Services—1.2%

 

 

 

 

13,000

 

MEDNAX, Inc. (a)

 

 

674,960

 

 

 

 

 



 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—0.5%

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

 

 

303,100

 

 

 

 

 



 

Household Durables—1.9%

 

 

 

 

20,000

 

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

 

 

249,200

 

20,000

 

Hovnanian Enterprises,
Inc.—Class A (a)

 

 

78,200

 

28,000

 

Lennar Corp.—Class A

 

 

352,800

 

30,000

 

Pulte Homes, Inc.

 

 

270,300

 

32,000

 

Standard Pacific Corp. (a)

 

 

96,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,046,500

 

 

 

 

 



 

Household Products—1.0%

 

 

 

 

4,000

 

Clorox Co.

 

 

236,920

 

4,000

 

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

 

 

314,520

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

551,440

 

 

 

 

 



 

Industrial Conglomerates—3.3%

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

3M Co.

 

 

735,700

 

74,600

 

General Electric Co.

 

 

1,063,796

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,799,496

 

 

 

 

 



 

Insurance—0.8%

 

 

 

 

20,000

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.

 

 

23,000

 

5,000

 

Chubb Corp.

 

 

242,600

 

12,227

 

Fidelity National Financial,
Inc.—Class A (b)

 

 

165,921

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

431,521

 

 

 

 

 



 

IT Services—0.2%

 

 

 

 

5,374

 

Fidelity National Information
Services, Inc.

 

 

116,938

 

 

 

 

 



 

Machinery—2.1%

 

 

 

 

14,800

 

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

 

 

702,112

 

12,000

 

PACCAR, Inc.

 

 

448,920

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,151,032

 

 

 

 

 



 

Media—1.0%

 

 

 

 

7,692

 

CBS Corporation—Class B

 

 

90,535

 

15,000

 

The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

 

 

431,700

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

522,235

 

 

 

 

 



 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—6.9%

 

 

 

 

59,000

 

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

 

 

2,525,790

 

8,000

 

El Paso Pipeline Partners LP

 

 

176,160

 

13,000

 

Hess Corp.

 

 

711,620

 

20,000

 

Penn Virginia Corp.

 

 

405,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

3,818,570

 

 

 

 

 



 

Pharmaceuticals—3.5%

 

 

 

 

7,000

 

Abbott Laboratories

 

 

353,990

 

27,000

 

Johnson & Johnson

 

 

1,594,350

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

1,948,340

 

 

 

 

 



 

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

48



 

 

Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Common Stocks—continued

 

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—10.6%

 

 

 

 

20,000

 

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

 

$

338,200

 

15,000

 

Boston Properties, Inc.

 

 

911,550

 

100,000

 

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.

 

 

816,000

 

37,500

 

Cogdell Spencer, Inc.

 

 

174,000

 

13,804

 

Developers Diversified Realty
Corp.

 

 

118,576

 

45,000

 

DiamondRock Hospitality Co. (a)

 

 

342,450

 

10,000

 

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

 

 

309,500

 

12,700

 

ProLogis

 

 

143,891

 

23,677

 

Simon Property Group, Inc.

 

 

1,607,432

 

42,271

 

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

 

 

319,146

 

5,000

 

Ventas, Inc.

 

 

200,650

 

30,000

 

Weingarten Realty Investors

 

 

555,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

5,836,395

 

 

 

 

 



 

Real Estate Management & Development—0.2%

 

 

 

 

8,433

 

Forestar Group, Inc. (a)

 

 

124,471

 

 

 

 

 



 

Road & Rail—1.3%

 

 

 

 

15,000

 

Norfolk Southern Corp.

 

 

699,300

 

 

 

 

 



 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—1.0%

 

 

 

 

75,600

 

Federal National Mortgage
Association

 

 

81,648

 

8,433

 

Guaranty Financial Group, Inc. (a)

 

 

573

 

31,500

 

New York Community Bancorp,
Inc.

 

 

339,885

 

12,934

 

Ocwen Financial Corp. (a)

 

 

141,369

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

563,475

 

 

 

 

 



 

Trading Companies & Distributors—0.7%

 

 

 

 

15,000

 

WESCO International, Inc. (a)

 

 

383,400

 

 

 

 

 



 

Water Utilities—1.2%

 

 

 

 

31,200

 

SJW Corp.

 

 

679,224

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $49,832,996)

 

 

38,417,255

 

 

 

 

 



 

Investment Companies—0.1%

 

 

 

 

10,406

 

Medallion Financial Corp.

 

 

81,687

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(Cost $90,186)

 

 

81,687

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Bonds and Notes—25.0%

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury Bonds—21.1%

 

 

 

 

$

3,000,000

 

6.000%, 02/15/2026

 

$

3,670,782

 

 

7,000,000

 

5.250%, 11/15/2028

 

 

7,965,783

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,636,565

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

U.S. Treasury Notes—3.9%

 

 

 

 

 

2,000,000

 

5.000%, 08/15/2011

 

 

2,152,344

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total Bonds and Notes
(Cost $13,505,427)

 

 

13,788,909

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments—5.4%

 

 

 

 

 

2,991,615

 

Federated Treasury Obligations
Fund, 0.01%

 

 

2,991,615

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $2,991,615)

 

 

2,991,615

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total Investments
(Cost $66,420,224)—100.1%

 

 

55,279,466

 

 

 

 

Liabilities in Excess of Other
Assets—(0.1)%

 

 

(49,248)

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0%

 

$

55,230,218

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Schedule of Written Option Contracts
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contracts
(100 shares
per contract)

 

 

 

Value

 


 

 

 


 

 

Call Options

 

 

 

 

122

 

Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
Expiration: December, 2009
Exercise Price: $15.00

 

$

4,270

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Total Written Options Contracts
(Premiums received $15,494)

 

$

4,270

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 


Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

 

(b)

All or a portion of the shares have been committed as collateral for written option contracts.

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

49



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—102.3%

 

 

 

 

Alabama—2.4%

 

 

 

 

$            20,000,000

 

Chatom Industrial Development
Board Revenue (SPA: National
Rural Utilities Finance)
4.000%, 02/01/2010 (c)

 

$

20,005,800

 

5,795,000

 

Health Care Authority For Baptist
Health—Series A
(CS: Assured Guaranty)
6.125%, 05/15/2012 (c)

 

 

6,122,823

 

3,850,000

 

Health Care Authority For Baptist
Health—Series B
(CS: Assured Guaranty)
1.000%, 11/06/2009 (a)(b)(d)

 

 

3,850,000

 

8,500,000

 

Infirmary Health System Special
Care Facilities Financing Authority
(LOC: Regions Bank)
2.240%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

8,500,000

 

1,900,000

 

Madison Industrial Development
Board Revenue, WL Halsey
Grocery Co.
(LOC: Regions Bank)
1.250%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,900,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

40,378,623

 

 

 

 

 



 

Arizona—1.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,500,000

 

Cochise County Pollution Control
Corp., Arizona Electric Power
Cooperative, Inc.
3.100%, 03/01/2010 (c)

 

 

8,560,435

 

3,300,000

 

Maricopa County Pollution
Control Corp., Arizona Public
Services Co.—Series B
5.500%, 05/01/2012 (c)

 

 

3,424,212

 

6,000,000

 

Navajo County Pollution Control
Corp.—Series A
5.000%, 06/01/2012 (c)

 

 

6,160,020

 

8,560,000

 

Tolleson Commercial Paper
1.050%, 11/05/2009 (e)

 

 

8,560,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

26,704,667

 

 

 

 

 



 

Arkansas—1.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,400,000

 

Pulaski County Public Facilities
Board Revenue, Anthony School
(LOC: Regions Bank)
1.500%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,400,000

 

5,525,000

 

Pulaski County Public Facilities
Board Revenue, Chapelridge
(LOC: Regions Bank)
1.500%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,525,000

 

6,500,000

 

Pulaski County Public Facilities
Board Revenue, Chapelridge
South West
(LOC: Regions Bank)
1.500%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,500,000

 

4,350,000

 

Pulaski County Public Facilities
Board, VY Heights
Apartments II—Series C
(LOC: Regions Bank)
1.250%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,350,000

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Arkansas—continued

 

 

 

 

$              7,600,000

 

State Development Finance
Authority Revenue, Chapelridge
Benton—Series C
(LOC: Regions Bank)
2.000%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

7,600,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

29,375,000

 

 

 



 

California—11.0%

 

 

 

 

18,970,000

 

Housing Finance Agency,
Multifamily Housing
Revenue—Series A
(CS: GO Agency; SPA: DEPFA
Bank PLC)
1.050%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

18,970,000

 

900,000

 

Loma Linda Hospital Revenue,
Loma Linda University Medical
Center—Series A
(CS: AMBAC)
4.750%, 12/01/2009

 

 

900,522

 

2,000,000

 

Municipal Finance Authority,
Waste Management
Inc.—Series A
4.900%, 02/01/2010 (c)

 

 

2,011,100

 

15,800,000

 

Southern California Home
Financing Authority
Revenue—Series A
(SPA: Fannie Mae)
2.150%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

15,800,000

 

 

 

State Commercial Paper

 

 

 

 

3,000,000

 

0.400%, 11/05/2009 (e)

 

 

3,000,000

 

7,800,000

 

0.500%, 11/12/2009 (e)

 

 

7,800,546

 

9,020,000

 

0.400%, 11/13/2009 (e)

 

 

9,020,451

 

21,000,000

 

0.450%, 11/19/2009 (e)

 

 

21,002,520

 

12,995,000

 

State Economic Recovery
Revenue—Series C-2
(CS: ST GTD; SPA: Bank of
America N.A.)
0.450%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

12,995,000

 

26,575,000

 

State Economic Recovery
Revenue—Series C-4
(CS: ST GTD; SPA: JPMorgan
Chase Bank)
0.400%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

26,575,000

 

18,100,000

 

State Economic Recovery
Revenue—Series C-5
(CS: ST GTD; SPA: Bank of
America N.A.)
0.440%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

18,100,000

 

11,860,000

 

State Housing Finance Agency
Revenue, Home
Mortgage—Series B
(SPA: BNP Paribas)
2.250%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

11,860,000

 

10,000,000

 

State Housing Finance Agency
Revenue, Multifamily—Series B
(CS: GO Agency; SPA: DEPFA
Bank PLC)
3.750%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

10,000,000

 

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

50



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

California—continued

 

 

 

 

$              2,500,000

 

State Housing Finance Agency
Revenue, Multifamily—Series D
(CS: GO Agency; SPA: DEPFA
Bank PLC)
6.000%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

2,500,000

 

3,000,000

 

State Municipal Finance
Authority Revenue, Waste
Management, Inc.
3.450%, 03/01/2010 (c)

 

 

3,003,000

 

20,000,000

 

State of California—Series DCL-049
(CS: FSA; LIQ, LOC: Dexia
Credit Local)
2.000%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

20,000,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

183,538,139

 

 

 

 

 



 

Colorado—1.3%

 

 

 

 

1,900,000

 

Denver City & County Airport
Revenue, Subseries A3
(CS: FSA)
5.000%, 05/15/2011 (c)

 

 

1,980,788

 

2,000,000

 

Denver City & County Airport
Revenue, Subseries A4
5.250%, 05/15/2011 (c)

 

 

2,086,380

 

6,250,000

 

Housing & Finance Authority,
Holden Properties
(LOC: Associated Bank N.A.)
5.000%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,250,000

 

5,295,000

 

State Educational & Cultural
Facilities Authority Revenue,
National Jewish Federation
Board—Series A-7
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.250%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,295,000

 

3,615,000

 

State Educational & Cultural
Facilities Authority Revenue,
National Jewish Federation
Board—Series A-8
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.250%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,615,000

 

2,700,000

 

State Educational & Cultural
Facilities Authority Revenue,
National Jewish Federation
Board—Series D-5
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.250%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,700,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

21,927,168

 

 

 

 

 



 

Connecticut—0.4%

 

 

 

 

6,000,000

 

State Development Authority
Pollution Control Revenue
5.250%, 04/01/2010 (c)

 

 

6,103,860

 

 

 

 

 



 

Delaware—0.6%

 

 

 

 

4,450,000

 

State Economic Development
Authority, Delmarva Power &
Light Co.
0.900%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,450,000

 

5,200,000

 

State Economic Development
Authority Gas Facilities,
Delmarva Power & Light Co.
4.500%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,200,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

9,650,0000

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

District of Columbia—0.3%

 

 

 

 

$              5,405,000

 

Reset Optional Certificates Trust II
(LIQ: Citigroup Financial Products)
1.060%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

5,405,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

Florida—10.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,900,000

 

Bay Medical Center—Series A
(LOC: Regions Bank)
2.300%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,900,000

 

42,000,000

 

Bay Medical Center—Series B
(LOC: Regions Bank)
2.300%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

42,000,000

 

8,500,000

 

Broward County Housing Finance
Authority, Golf View Gardens
Apartments
(LOC: Regions Bank)
3.250%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

8,500,000

 

2,705,000

 

Cape Coral Water & Sewer
Revenue
6.000%, 10/01/2011

 

 

2,775,790

 

 

 

Citizens Property Insurance Corp.,
Senior Secured High Risk
Notes—Series A
(CS: MBIA)

 

 

 

 

600,000

 

5.000%, 03/01/2010

 

 

608,214

 

1,700,000

 

5.000%, 03/01/2011

 

 

1,762,458

 

20,000,000

 

Citizens Property Insurance Corp.,
Senior Secured High Risk
Notes—Series A-2
4.500%, 06/01/2010

 

 

20,209,400

 

3,500,000

 

Eustis Multi-Purpose Revenue,
Series A
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
0.750%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,500,000

 

6,400,000

 

Housing Finance Corp., Autumn
Place Apartments
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
0.860%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,400,000

 

8,850,000

 

Housing Finance Corp.,
Bridgewater Club
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
0.670%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

8,850,000

 

7,900,000

 

Housing Finance Corp., Stuart
Pointe Apartments
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
0.670%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

7,900,000

 

2,225,000

 

Jacksonville Aviation Authority
Revenue
(CS: AMBAC)
5.000%, 10/01/2010

 

 

2,301,140

 

4,400,000

 

Lake County Industrial
Development Authority Revenue,
Senninger Irrigation, Inc.
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
1.150%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,400,000

 

6,160,000

 

Lee County Housing Finance
Authority Revenue, Cape Coral
Apartments—Series A
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
2.000%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,160,000

 

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

51



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Florida—continued

 

 

 

 

$

5,625,000

 

Lee County Housing Finance
Authority Revenue, Heron
Pond Apartments
(LOC: Regions Bank)
3.000%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

5,625,000

 

 

6,500,000

 

Manatee County Housing Finance
Authority Revenue,
Miranda Gardens
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
2.500%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,500,000

 

 

 

 

Miami-Dade County Industrial
Development Authority Revenue,
Waste Management, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

1,000,000

 

4.510%, 04/01/2010 (c)

 

 

999,970

 

 

10,000,000

 

5.400%, 08/01/2011 (c)

 

 

10,263,200

 

 

5,185,000

 

Miami-Dade County Aviation
Revenue—Series C
(CS: MBIA)
5.250%, 10/01/2010

 

 

5,209,732

 

 

10,375,000

 

Municipal Power Agency
Revenue—Series C
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.220%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

10,375,000

 

 

2,170,000

 

Okeechobee County, Waste
Management and
Landfill—Series A
5.000%, 01/04/2010 (c)

 

 

2,176,944

 

 

1,100,000

 

St. Johns County Industrial
Development Authority Revenue,
Coastal Health Care Investor
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
3.250%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,100,000

 

 

3,050,000

 

State Finance Department General
Service Revenue, Environmental
Protection and
Preservation—Series 2000-A
(CS: MBIA)
5.375%, 07/01/2010

 

 

3,089,985

 

 

6,200,000

 

West Orange Healthcare District
Revenue—Series B
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
1.500%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,200,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

169,806,833

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Georgia—2.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,500,000

 

Atlanta Airport
Revenue—Series C-2
(CS: MBIA; SPA: Wachovia
Bank N.A.)
2.260%, 01/01/2030 (a)(b)(i)

 

 

6,500,000

 

 

4,420,000

 

Atlanta Urban Residential Finance
Authority Revenue,
Delmonte/Brownlee—Series A
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
0.700%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,420,000

 

 

9,000,000

 

Burke County Development
Authority Pollution Control
Revenue, Vogtle Power Co.
4.375%, 04/01/2010 (c)

 

 

9,131,580

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Georgia—continued

 

 

 

 

$

8,600,000

 

Cobb County Development
Authority Revenue, Boy Scouts
of America
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
0.550%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

8,600,000

 

 

1,500,000

 

Douglas County Development
Authority Revenue, Electrical
Fiber Systems
(LOC: Regions Bank)
1.250%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,500,000

 

 

400,000

 

Douglas County Development
Authority Revenue, Whirlwind
Steel Buildings
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

400,000

 

 

4,210,000

 

Griffin-Spalding County
Development Authority Revenue,
Woodland Industries, Inc.
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
2.260%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,210,000

 

 

2,240,000

 

Manchester Industrial
Development Authority Revenue,
G&S Metal Consultants, Inc.
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
1.170%, 11/06/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,240,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

37,001,580

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Idaho—0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,555,000

 

Boise Urban Renewal
Agency—Series A
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
2.950%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,555,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Illinois—6.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,000,000

 

Aurora Economic Development
Revenue, Aurora Christian
Schools, Inc.
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
0.700%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

9,000,000

 

 

2,555,000

 

Bloomington Industrial
Development Revenue
1.090%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,555,000

 

 

16,050,000

 

Chicago Board of Education
Revenue—Series C-2
(CS: FSA; SPA: DEPFA Bank PLC)
3.000%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

16,050,000

 

 

5,700,000

 

Chicago Board of Education
Revenue, Dedicated—D-2
(CS: Assured Guarantee; SPA:
DEPFA Bank PLC)
4.050%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,700,000

 

 

26,760,000

 

Crestwood Tax Increment Revenue,
135th & Cicero Redevelopment
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
2.500%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

26,760,000

 

 

700,000

 

Des Plaines Industrial
Development Revenue,
MMP Properties LLC
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

700,000

 

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

52



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Illinois—continued

 

 

 

 

 

$

4,710,000

 

Educational Facilities Authority
Revenue, Beverly Arts
Center—Chicago
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
0.970%, 11/06/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

4,710,000

 

 

1,680,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Transparent Container
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
3.250%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,680,000

 

 

4,055,000

 

Granite City Solid Waste Revenue,
Waste Management Inc.
4.875%, 05/03/2010 (c)

 

 

4,090,846

 

 

20,900,000

 

Rockford Revenue, Wesley
Willows Obligations Group
(LOC: M&I Bank)
2.000%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

20,900,000

 

 

4,375,000

 

Springfield Airport Authority,
Allied-Signal Inc.
6.500%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,375,000

 

 

7,305,000

 

State Finance Authority Revenue,
Resurrection Health—Series B
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.300%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

7,305,000

 

 

5,320,000

 

State Health Facilities
Authority Revenue, Memorial
Health System
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.200%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,320,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

109,145,846

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Indiana—2.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,750,000

 

Columbus Industrial Revenue,
Mill Division
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
0.900%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,750,000

 

 

4,305,000

 

Jeffersonville Industrial Economic
Development Revenue, Eagle
Steel Products Inc.
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
3.400%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,305,000

 

 

2,100,000

 

Lawrence Fort Harrison Reuse
Authority Revenue, Fort
Harrison Military Base
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
0.970%, 11/06/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,100,000

 

 

9,300,000

 

State Development Finance
Authority, Cathedral High School
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
2.000%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

9,300,000

 

 

19,045,000

 

State Finance Authority Revenue,
Marion General
Hospital—Series A
(LOC: Regions Bank)
3.000%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

19,045,000

 

 

3,600,000

 

Whiting Environmental Facilities
Revenue, Amoco Oil Co.
0.220%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,600,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,100,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Iowa—1.2%

 

 

 

 

 

$

12,000,000

 

State Finance Authority Revenue,
Central College
(LOC: Wells Fargo Bank N.A.)
0.200%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

12,000,000

 

 

8,000,000

 

State Higher Education Loan
Authority Revenue, Private
College Facilities
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.210%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

8,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Kansas—0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,700,000

 

Wichita Hospital Revenue,
Christi Health
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.210%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,700,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Kentucky—1.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

700,000

 

Bardstown Industrial Development
Revenue, JAV Investments LLC
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

700,000

 

 

2,680,000

 

Clark County Pollution Control
Revenue—Series J-1
(CS: CFC)
2.000%, 04/15/2010 (a)(b)

 

 

2,680,000

 

 

4,400,000

 

Danville Commercial Paper
1.300%, 11/04/2009 (e)

 

 

4,400,264

 

 

2,335,000

 

Fort Mitchell Industrial Building
Revenue, Grandview/Hemmer
(LOC: PNC Bank N.A.)
3.250%, 02/01/2010 (a)(b)

 

 

2,335,000

 

 

400,000

 

Hancock County Industrial
Development Revenue,
Precision Roll Grinders
(LOC: Chase Manhattan Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

400,000

 

 

1,000,000

 

Kenton County Airport Board
Revenue—Series C
(CS: MBIA)
5.000%, 03/01/2010

 

 

1,008,810

 

 

4,000,000

 

Kenton County Industrial
Building Revenue, Baptist
Convalescent Center
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
1.120%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,000,000

 

 

9,800,000

 

Louisville Regional Airport
Authority Special Facilities
Revenue, OH LLC—Series A
0.230%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

9,800,000

 

 

2,000,000

 

Pulaski County Waste Utilities
Revenue—Series B
3.250%, 02/15/2010 (a)(b)

 

 

2,000,600

 

 

4,630,000

 

West Buechel Industrial Building
Revenue—Derby Fabricating LLC
1.090%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,630,000

 

 

 

 

(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,954,674

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

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

53



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Louisiana—5.9%

 

 

 

 

$              4,600,000

 

Jefferson Parish Industrial
Development Board Revenue,
Sara Lee Corp.
7.000%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

4,600,000

 

2,195,000

 

North Webster Parish Industrial
Development Revenue, CSP
(LOC: Regions Bank)
4.260%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,195,000

 

2,995,000

 

Ouachita Parish Industrial
Development Board, Garrett
Manufacturing LLC
(LOC: Regions Bank)
1.750%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,995,000

 

20,000,000

 

Plaquemines Port Harbor &
Terminal District Revenue,
International Marine
Terminal—Series A
(LOC: Wachovia Bank N.A.)
3.250%, 03/15/2010 (a)(b)

 

 

20,144,400

 

2,050,000

 

State Housing Finance Agency
Revenue, Multifamily Housing
Restoration—Series A
(LOC: Regions Bank)
2.750%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,050,000

 

 

 

West Baton Rouge Parish
Industrial Revenue

 

 

 

 

30,000,000

 

2.200%, 11/06/2009 (e)

 

 

30,001,500

 

19,000,000

 

2.100%, 11/12/2009 (e)

 

 

19,000,950

 

18,000,000

 

2.300%, 11/12/2009 (e)

 

 

18,001,800

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

98,988,650

 

 

 

 

 



 

Maine—0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,780,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Crobb Box Co.—Series A
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
1.050%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,780,000

 

1,750,000

 

State Finance Authority Solid
Waste Disposal Revenue,
Waste Management, Inc.
2.250%, 05/03/2010 (c)

 

 

1,750,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

6,530,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

Massachusetts—1.1%

 

 

 

 

575,000

 

State Development Finance
Agency, Waste Management,
Inc.—Series B
6.900%, 12/01/2009 (c)

 

 

576,656

 

3,500,000

 

State Health & Educational
Facilities Authority,
Northeastern University—Series T-1
4.125%, 02/16/2012 (c)

 

 

3,553,620

 

2,000,000

 

State Health & Educational
Facilities Authority,
Northeastern University—Series T-2
4.100%, 04/19/2012 (c)

 

 

2,020,020

 

11,470,000

 

State Port Authority
Revenue—Series B
(CS: FSA)
5.500%, 07/01/2010 (a)(b)

 

 

11,628,401

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

17,778,697

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

 

Value

 


 


 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Michigan—7.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

$              6,000,000

 

Detroit Revenue—Anticipation
Notes
5.000%, 03/01/2010

 

$

6,050,820

 

5,000,000

 

Municipal Bond Authority,
State Aid Revenue
Notes—Series 2009B
6.000%, 01/20/2010

 

 

5,027,450

 

13,800,000

 

Royal Oak Hospital Finance
Authority, William Beaumont
(CS: AMBAC; SPA: Morgan
Stanley Bank)
0.800%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

13,800,000

 

50,000,000

 

State Housing Development
Authority Rental
Revenue—Series A
(CS: FSA; SPA: DEPFA Bank PLC)
2.750%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

50,000,000

 

40,000,000

 

State Housing Development
Authority Single Mortgage
Revenue—Series B
(SPA: DEPFA Bank PLC)
5.000%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

40,000,000

 

400,000

 

State Strategic Fund Limited
Obligations Revenue, Creative
Foam Corp.
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
1.500%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

400,000

 

300,000

 

State Strategic Fund Limited
Obligations Revenue,
CTD Real Estate Co. LLC
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
3.000%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

300,000

 

600,000

 

State Strategic Fund Limited
Obligations Revenue, Gebara
Management Co. LLC
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
3.000%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

600,000

 

800,000

 

State Strategic Fund Limited
Obligations Revenue,
Press-Way Inc.
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
3.000%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

800,000

 

3,520,000

 

State Strategic Fund Limited
Obligations Revenue,
Quantum, Inc.
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
3.950%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,520,000

 

8,230,000

 

State Strategic Fund Limited
Obligations Revenue, Sacred
Heart Rehabilitation Center
(LOC: Fifth Third bank)
0.890%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

8,230,000

 

2,100,000

 

State Strategic Fund Limited
Obligations Revenue, Taylor
Building Products, Inc.
(LOC: PNC Bank N.A.)
3.125%, 09/15/2010 (c)

 

 

2,106,636

 

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

54



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

 

Value

 


 


 



 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Michigan—continued

 

 

 

 

$                 300,000

 

State Strategic Fund Limited
Obligations Revenue, Warren
Screw Products, Inc.
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.900%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

300,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

131,134,906

 

 

 

 

 



 

Minnesota—0.2%

 

 

 

 

3,315,000

 

Ramsey Industrial Development
Revenue, Kilkenny LLC—Series A
(LOC: Associated Bank N.A.)
4.000%, 11/03/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,315,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

Mississippi—1.6%

 

 

 

 

7,500,000

 

Business Finance Corp., Coast
Electric Power Association
(SPA: MBIA)
1.875%, 05/03/2010 (a)(b)

 

 

7,500,000

 

8,400,000

 

Business Finance Corp.,
Mississippi Power Co.
0.270%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

8,400,000

 

4,200,000

 

Business Finance Corp., Solid
Waste Disposal Revenue,
Mississippi Power Co.
0.290%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,200,000

 

6,175,000

 

State Home Corp. Multifamily
Authority Revenue, Chapel
Ridge Apartments
(LOC: Regions Bank)
1.500%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,175,000

 

250,000

 

State Hospital Equipment &
Facilities Authority Revenue,
Forrest County General Hospital
5.250%, 01/01/2011

 

 

257,560

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

26,532,560

 

 

 

 

 



 

Missouri—1.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,565,000

 

St. Louis Airport
Revenue—Series A
(CS: MBIA)
5.500%, 07/01/2010

 

 

1,605,409

 

17,950,000

 

State Health & Educational
Facilities Authority,
SSM Health Care—Series B
0.610%, 11/05/2009 (c)

 

 

17,950,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

19,555,409

 

 

 

 

 



 

Multistate—0.2%

 

 

 

 

 

4,700,000

 

Theop LLC
0.488%, 01/01/2039 (d)(f)(h)

 

 

3,031,500

 

 

 

 

 



 

Nevada—0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,500,000

 

Clark County Passenger Facilities
Revenue, Las Vegas
McCarran Airport
(CS: MBIA)
5.250%, 07/01/2010

 

 

1,543,515

 

 

 

 

 



 

New Hampshire—0.8%

 

 

 

 

5,000,000

 

State Business Financing
Authority Revenue, Pennichuck
Water Works
(CS: AMBAC)
3.625%, 07/01/2010 (c)

 

 

4,999,800

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

 

Value

 


 


 



 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

New Hampshire—continued

 

 

 

 

$              1,000,000

 

State Business Financing
Authority Revenue,
United Illuminating Co.
7.125%, 02/01/2012 (c)

 

$

1,084,830

 

7,805,000

 

State Health & Educational
Facilities Authority Revenue,
Wentworth Gouglass Hospital
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.200%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

7,805,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

13,889,630

 

 

 

 

 



 

New Jersey—0.3%

 

 

 

 

230,000

 

Health Care Facilities Finance
Authority Revenue,
Trinitas Hospital—Series B
6.500%, 07/01/2012

 

 

221,805

 

2,000,000

 

Newark Tax Appeal
Notes—Series H
4.750%, 12/29/2009

 

 

2,008,460

 

 

 

State Housing & Mortgage
Finance Agency Revenue,
Single Family
Housing—Series EE

 

 

 

 

915,000

 

2.000%, 10/01/2010

 

 

914,991

 

720,000

 

2.750%, 04/01/2011

 

 

720,288

 

870,000

 

Tobacco Settlement Financing
Corporation
5.750%, 06/01/2032

 

 

942,697

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

4,808,241

 

 

 

 

 



 

New Mexico—0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

5,000,000

 

Hospital Equipment Loan Council,
Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
0.650%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,000,000

 

1,215,000

 

Las Cruces Industrial
Development Revenue,
Parkview Metal Products
(LOC: American National
Bank & Trust)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,215,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

6,215,000

 

 

 

 

 



 

New York—6.0%

 

 

 

 

 

10,450,000

 

City of New York—Subseries A-4
(CS: FSA)
1.070%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)(d)

 

 

10,450,000

 

3,560,000

 

Monroe County Industrial
Development Agency
Revenue—Series A
(LOC: M&T Bank)
1.050%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,560,000

 

2,620,000

 

Monroe County Industrial
Development Agency Revenue,
Hillside Children’s Center
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.900%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,620,000

 

18,000,000

 

New York City Housing
Development Corp.—
Series A 1-A
(LIQ: Dexia Credit Local)
0.270%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

18,000,000

 

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

55



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

New York—continued

 

 

 

 

$

21,800,000

 

New York City Housing
Development Corp.—
Series H 2-A
(LIQ: Dexia Credit Local)
0.270%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

21,800,000

 

 

2,000,000

 

New York City Industrial
Development Agency Revenue,
Terminal One Group Association
5.000%, 01/01/2010

 

 

2,006,500

 

 

2,800,000

 

New York General
Obligations—Series J
(CS: FSA)
1.030%, 11/06/2009 (a)(b)(d)

 

 

2,800,000

 

 

5,090,000

 

Otsego County Industrial
Development Agency Revenue,
Templeton Foundation—Series A
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.850%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,090,000

 

 

500,000

 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, JFK
International Air Terminal
(CS: MBIA)
6.250%, 12/01/2009

 

 

501,225

 

 

1,000,000

 

State Dormitory Authority
Revenue—Series A
5.000%, 07/01/2010

 

 

1,012,250

 

 

3,000,000

 

State Energy Research &
Development Authority,
Orange/Rockland
Utilities—Series A
(CS: AMBAC; LOC: Wachovia
Bank N.A.)
0.450%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,000,000

 

 

29,000,000

 

State Mortgage Agency
Homeowner Revenue—Series 139
(SPA: Dexia Credit Local)
0.300%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

29,000,000

 

 

500,000

 

Westchester Tobacco Asset
Securitization Corporation
5.000%, 06/01/2026

 

 

457,745

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100,297,720

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

North Carolina—2.4%

 

 

 

 

 

17,165,000

 

Charlotte Airport
Revenue—Series A
(CS: Chase Manhattan Bank;
SPA: MBIA)
6.000%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

17,165,000

 

 

4,140,000

 

Davidson County Industrial
Facilities & Pollution Control
Financing Authority Revenue,
Diebold, Inc.
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.400%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,140,000

 

 

18,000,000

 

Mecklenburg County
Certificates—Series A
(SPA: SunTrust Bank)
0.800%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

18,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39,305,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Ohio—3.1%

 

 

 

 

$

1,340,000

 

Clermont County Industrial
Development Revenue,
Iannelli Enterprises
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
1.270%, 11/06/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

1,340,000

 

 

7,000,000

 

Geauga County Revenue, South
Franklin Circle—Series B
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.280%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

7,000,000

 

 

12,335,000

 

Hamilton County Health Care
Revenue, Sisters of Charity
Senior Care
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
1.100%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

12,335,000

 

 

6,595,000

 

Henry County Facilities
Improvement Revenue
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.850%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,595,000

 

 

1,680,000

 

Marysville Tax Increment
Revenue—Series A
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
3.000%, 09/01/2010

 

 

1,686,804

 

 

1,000,000

 

Marysville Tax Increment Revenue,
Gate Department—Series B
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
3.500%, 09/01/2010

 

 

1,008,110

 

 

2,680,000

 

Sharonville Industrial
Development Revenue,
Duke Realty LP
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
1.170%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,680,000

 

 

3,225,000

 

Stark County Industrial
Development Revenue,
Products, Inc.
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
1.100%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,225,000

 

 

5,000,000

 

State Air Quality Development
Authority, Ohio Power
7.125%, 06/01/2010 (c)

 

 

5,153,350

 

 

10,025,000

 

Summit County Port Authority
Revenue, Lawrence School
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
0.700%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

10,025,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51,048,264

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Oklahoma—0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

600,000

 

Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma
National Healthcare
System—Series 2006
(CS: ACA)
4.100%, 12/01/2011 (g)

 

 

600,222

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Oregon—0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

400,000

 

Gilliam County Solid Waste
Disposal Revenue, Waste
Management, Inc.—Series A
6.000%, 05/03/2010 (c)

 

 

405,904

 

 

5,220,000

 

Multnomah County Higher
Education Revenue, Concordia
University of Portland
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.550%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,220,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,625,904

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

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

56



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Pennsylvania—6.9%

 

 

 

 

$

60,000,000

 

City of Philadelphia Tax &
Revenue Anticipation
Notes—Series B
2.500%, 06/30/2010

 

$

60,702,600

 

 

1,000,000

 

Philadelphia Municipal Lease
Authority Revenue—Series B
(CS: FSA)
5.250%, 11/15/2010

 

 

1,035,590

 

 

1,000,000

 

State Economic Development
Financing Authority Revenue,
Albert Einstein
Healthcare—Series A
5.000%, 10/15/2010

 

 

1,023,530

 

 

1,000,000

 

State Economic Development
Financing Authority Revenue,
Exelon Generation
5.000%, 06/01/2012 (c)

 

 

1,054,750

 

 

3,300,000

 

State Economic Development
Financing Authority Revenue,
Waste Management, Inc.
3.600%, 03/01/2010 (c)

 

 

3,300,825

 

 

2,750,000

 

State Economic Development
Financing Authority Revenue,
Waste Management,
Inc.—Series A
2.250%, 05/03/2010 (c)

 

 

2,750,000

 

 

46,300,000

 

State Higher Education
Assistance Agency—Series B
(CS: FSA)
3.250%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

46,300,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

116,167,295

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Puerto Rico—1.8%

 

 

 

 

 

8,000,000

 

Government Development
Bank of Puerto Rico—Series B
5.000%, 12/01/2009

 

 

8,023,280

 

 

1,590,000

 

Municipal Finance
Agency—Series A
(CS: FSA)
5.250%, 07/01/2010

 

 

1,592,210

 

 

20,000,000

 

Sales Tax Financing Corp.—Series A
5.000%, 08/01/2011 (c)

 

 

20,728,200

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,343,690

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

South Carolina—0.9%

 

 

 

 

 

6,550,000

 

State Jobs—Economic
Development Authority Revenue,
Congo Medical Products
(LOC: Bayerische)
1.470%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,550,000

 

 

1,000,000

 

State Jobs—Economic
Development Authority Revenue,
Palmetto Health
3.000%, 08/01/2010

 

 

1,004,360

 

 

7,500,000

 

York County Pollution Control
Revenue—Series B-1
(SPA: National Rural Utilities
Finance)
2.250%, 03/01/2010 (c)

 

 

7,500,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,054,360

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

South Dakota—0.9%

 

 

 

 

$

15,000,000

 

State Health & Educational
Facilities Revenue, Regional
Health
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.200%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

15,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Tennessee—6.2%

 

 

 

 

 

12,500,000

 

Chattanooga Health Educational &
Housing Facilities Board,
Girls Prep Schools
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
0.550%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

12,500,000

 

 

1,900,000

 

Franklin County Industrial
Development Board, Hi-Tech
(LOC: Regions Bank)
1.750%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,900,000

 

 

8,500,000

 

Franklin Public Building Authority,
Series A-1
(SPA: DEPFA Bank PLC)
0.330%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

8,500,000

 

 

4,755,000

 

Knox County Health Educational
& Housing Facilities Board,
Cookevelle Regional Medical
Center
(LOC: Regions Bank)
1.750%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,755,000

 

 

3,450,000

 

Metropolitan Government
Nashville & Davidson Health &
Educational Facilities Board
Revenue, Wedgewood
(LOC: AmSouth Bank)
1.250%, 11/06/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,450,000

 

 

4,005,000

 

Metropolitan Government
Nashville & Davidson County
Industrial Development Board,
Nashville Public Radio
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
4.100%, 11/06/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,005,000

 

 

31,600,000

 

Montgomery County Public
Building Authority Revenue
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.230%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

31,600,000

 

 

31,200,000

 

Sevier County Public Building
Authority
(SPA: DEPFA Bank PLC)
0.370%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

31,200,000

 

 

6,355,000

 

Shelby County Health Educational
& Housing Facilities Board,
Eden Pointe Apartments
(LOC: Regions Bank)
1.500%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,355,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

104,265,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Texas—2.0%

 

 

 

 

 

12,500,000

 

Brazos River Harbor Navigation
District Revenue, Merey
Sweeny LP
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.240%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

12,500,000

 

 

6,000,000

 

Gulf Coast Industrial Development
Authority Revenue,
Cinergy Solutions
2.700%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,000,000

 

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

57



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Texas—continued

 

 

 

 

$

2,000,000

 

Houston Airport Systems Revenue,
People Mover—Series A
(CS: FSA)
5.375%, 07/15/2010

 

$

2,000,120

 

 

2,000,000

 

Municipal Gas Acquisition &
Supply Corp. Revenue—Series A
5.000%, 12/15/2010

 

 

2,039,900

 

 

2,500,000

 

North Texas Tollway Authority
Revenue—Series H
5.000%, 01/01/2011 (c)

 

 

2,580,125

 

 

5,000,000

 

State Transportation Commission,
First Tier
5.000%, 02/15/2011 (c)

 

 

5,160,850

 

 

2,850,000

 

Waxahachie Industrial
Development Authority Revenue
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
0.700%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,850,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33,130,995

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Utah—0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

1,120,000

 

Logan City Revenue, Integrated
Systems, Inc.
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.820%, 11/06/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,120,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Vermont—1.2%

 

 

 

 

 

1,505,000

 

Housing Finance Agency,
Single Family Housing
Revenue—Series 21A
(CS: FSA; SPA: Dexia Credit Local)
0.820%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,505,000

 

 

2,820,000

 

State Economic Development
Authority, Hazelett Strip-Casting
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
1.100%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,820,000

 

 

16,500,000

 

State Housing Finance Agency,
Multiple Purpose—Series C
(CS: FSA; SPA: Dexia Credit Local)
0.750%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

16,500,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,825,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Virgin Islands—0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

500,000

 

Public Finance Authority
Revenue—Series B
5.000%, 10/01/2010

 

 

513,195

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Virginia—0.2%

 

 

 

 

 

3,500,000

 

Alexandria Industrial Development
Authority, American Association
for the Study of Liver Diseases
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
0.700%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,500,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Washington—1.2%

 

 

 

 

 

1,400,000

 

State Economic Development
Finance Authority Revenue,
Belina Interiors, Inc.—Series E
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
3.750%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,400,000

 

 

1,110,000

 

State Economic Development
Finance Authority Revenue,
Belina Interiors, Inc.—Series F
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
3.750%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,110,000

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Washington—continued

 

 

 

 

$

7,000,000

 

State Health Care Facilities
Revenue, Seattle Cancer Care
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.650%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

7,000,000

 

 

10,880,000

 

State Housing Finance
Commission, Mirabella—Series A
(LOC: HSH Nordbank AG)
0.400%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

10,880,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,390,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

West Virginia—0.2%

 

 

 

 

 

3,000,000

 

Economic Development Authority
Revenue, Appalachian Power Co.
7.125%, 06/01/2010 (c)

 

 

3,063,840

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Wisconsin—4.1%

 

 

 

 

 

9,800,000

 

Ladysmith Solid Waste Disposal
Revenue, Cityforest Corp.
(LOC: Associated Bank N.A.)
3.500%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

9,800,000

 

 

1,200,000

 

Rhinelander Industrial
Development Revenue,
Superior Diesel/SDI Properties
(LOC: Bank of New York)
2.250%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,200,000

 

 

15,000,000

 

State Health & Educational
Facilities Authority, Bay Area
Medical Center, Inc.
(LOC: M&I Bank)
3.000%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

15,000,000

 

 

10,500,000

 

State Health & Educational
Facilities Authority, Mercy
Alliance, Inc.
(LOC: M&I Bank)
1.560%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

10,500,000

 

 

10,060,000

 

State Health & Educational
Facilities Authority,
Oakwood Village
(LOC: M&I Bank)
2.000%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

10,060,000

 

 

19,775,000

 

State Health & Educational
Facilities Authority, Reedsburg
Area Medical Center, Inc.
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
2.000%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

19,775,000

 

 

2,495,000

 

State Health & Educational
Facilities Authority,
St. Joseph’s Community Hospital
(LOC: M&I Bank)
2.000%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,495,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

68,830,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Wyoming—0.2%

 

 

 

 

 

2,855,000

 

Gillette Environmental
Improvement Revenue,
Black Hills Power and Light
Co.—Series A
8.000%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,855,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $1,711,272,833)

 

 

1,712,604,983

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

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

58



 

 

Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 



 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds—1.7%

 

 

 

 

 

28,700,000

 

BlackRock Liquidity Fund
MuniCash Portfolio, 0.25%

 

$

28,700,000

 

 

32,958

 

SEI Tax Exempt Trust—Institutional
Tax Free Fund—Class A, 0.08%

 

 

32,958

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total Money Market Funds
(Cost $28,732,958)

 

 

28,732,958

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total Investments
(Cost $1,740,005,791)—104.0%

 

 

1,741,337,941

 

 

 

 

Liabilities in Excess of Other
Assets—(4.0)%

 

 

(67,477,802

)

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0%

 

$

1,673,860,139

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 


Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

 

(a)

Variable Rate Security—The rate reported is the rate in effect as of October 31, 2009. The date shown is the next reset date.

 

 

(b)

Maturity date represents first available put date.

 

 

(c)

Put Bond

 

 

(d)

Auction Rate Note

 

 

(e)

Commercial Paper

 

 

(f)

Security fair valued in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. These securities comprised 0.2% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

 

(g)

Restricted under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. Liquid securities restricted under Rule 144A comprised 0.0% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

 

(h)

Restricted under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. These securities have been determined to be illiquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. Illiquid securities restricted under Rule 144A comprised 0.2% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

 

(i)

Illiquid.

CS—Credit Support
LIQ—Liquidity Facility
LOC—Letter of Credit
SPA—Standby Purchase Agreement

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

59



 

 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—92.6%

 

 

 

 

Alaska—0.1%

 

 

 

 

$

565,000

 

Industrial Development & Export
Authority—Lot 12
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.760%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

565,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Arizona—0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

2,074,000

 

Phoenix Industrial Development
Authority, Salvo Properties LLC
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.700%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,074,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Arkansas—0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

2,830,000

 

Lowell Industrial Development
Authority, Ark Democrat-Gazette
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.550%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,830,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

California—6.1%

 

 

 

 

 

2,000,000

 

ABAG Finance Authority for
Nonprofit Corps., Sharp
Healthcare—Series C
(LOC: Citibank N.A.)
0.210%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,000,000

 

 

1,280,000

 

ABAG Finance Authority for
Nonprofit Corps., Sharp
Healthcare—Series D
(LOC: Citibank N.A.)
0.210%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,280,000

 

 

7,000,000

 

Housing Finance Agency Revenue,
Home Mortgage—Series U
(CS: FSA; LIQ: Dexia Credit Local)
0.440%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

7,000,000

 

 

22,855,000

 

Infrastructure & Economic
Development Bank Revenue,
Pacific Gas Electric—Series A
(LOC: Wells Fargo Bank N.A.)
0.200%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

22,855,000

 

 

14,940,000

 

State of California—Series DCL-049
(CS: FSA; LIQ, LOC: Dexia
Credit Local)
2.000%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

14,940,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48,075,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Colorado—0.9%

 

 

 

 

 

2,360,000

 

Housing & Finance Authority
Economic Development Revenue,
Cytoskeleton, Inc.
(LOC: Compass Bank)
1.010%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,360,000

 

 

1,250,000

 

Housing & Finance Authority
Economic Development Revenue,
Top Shop— Series A
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.610%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,250,000

 

 

1,792,000

 

Jefferson County Industrial
Development Revenue,
Epicenter LLC
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.610%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,792,000

 

 

2,000,000

 

Pitkin County Industrial
Development Revenue,
Aspen Skiing Co.—Series B
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.300%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,402,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Florida—15.7%

 

 

 

 

$

20,000,000

 

Citizens Property Insurance Corp.,
Senior Secured High Risk
Notes—Series A-2
4.500%, 06/01/2010

 

$

20,098,937

 

 

25,600,000

 

Gainesville Utilities System
Revenue—Series A
(SPA: SunTrust Bank)
0.300%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

25,600,000

 

 

15,000,000

 

Highlands County Health Facilities
Authority, Adventist
Health—Series A
(CS: FSA; SPA: Dexia Credit Local)
0.450%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

15,000,000

 

 

7,995,000

 

Hillsborough County Aviation
Authority, Putters—Series 3021
(CS: Assured Guaranty Corp.; LIQ:
JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.510%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

7,995,000

 

 

3,200,000

 

Industrial Development Revenue,
Enterprise—Series A-1
(LOC: Wachovia Bank N.A.)
0.570%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,200,000

 

 

3,705,000

 

Manatee County Industrial
Development Revenue,
Gaemmerler U.S. Corp.
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.570%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,705,000

 

 

1,850,000

 

Marion County Industrial
Development Authority,
Universal Forest Products
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.570%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,850,000

 

 

2,800,000

 

Miami-Dade County Industrial
Development Authority,
Atlas Packaging, Inc.
(LOC: Mellon United
National Bank)
0.700%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,800,000

 

 

17,000,000

 

Orange County Health Facilities
Authority, Adventist Long
Term Care
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
2.650%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

17,000,000

 

 

1,790,000

 

Polk County Industrial
Development Authority,
Elite Building Products, Inc.
(LOC: Wachovia Bank N.A.)
0.670%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,790,000

 

 

5,900,000

 

Sunshine State Governmental
Financing Commission
(LOC: DEXIA Credit Local)
0.270%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,900,000

 

 

19,300,000

 

West Orange Healthcare District
Revenue—Series B
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
1.500%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

19,300,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

124,238,937

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

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

60



 

 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Georgia—1.9%

 

 

 

 

$

2,450,000

 

Atlanta Urban Residential
Finance Authority Revenue,
New Community East Lake
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.400%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

2,450,000

 

 

8,980,000

 

Atlanta Urban Residential
Finance Authority Revenue,
Peaks at West Atlanta
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
1.300%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

8,980,000

 

 

4,000,000

 

Fulton County Development
Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Leggett & Platt, Inc.
(LOC: Wachovia Bank N.A.)
0.570%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,430,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Illinois—8.3%

 

 

 

 

 

6,660,000

 

Aurora Economic Development
Revenue, Aurora Christian
Schools, Inc.
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
0.700%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,660,000

 

 

2,600,000

 

Aurora Economic Development
Revenue, Christian Schools,
Inc.—Series B
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
0.700%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,600,000

 

 

410,000

 

Carol Stream Industrial
Development Revenue Bonds,
MI Enterprises
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
1.500%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

410,000

 

 

11,000,000

 

Chicago Board of Education
Revenue—Series D
(CS: FSA; SPA: Dexia Credit Local)
0.250%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

11,000,000

 

 

1,495,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Alpha Beta Press, Inc.
(LOC: American National
Bank & Trust)
1.400%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,495,000

 

 

3,650,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Amtex Steel, Inc.
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.400%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,650,000

 

 

4,200,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue, Beloit
Memorial Hospital, Inc.—Series A
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.220%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,200,000

 

 

555,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Church Road Partnership
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

555,000

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Illinois—continued

 

 

 

 

$

1,500,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
DevelGroup LLC
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
1.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

1,500,000

 

 

2,125,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue, E Kinast
Distributors, Inc.—Series A
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.910%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,125,000

 

 

440,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Fine Points LLC
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

440,000

 

 

4,300,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Flying Food Fare, Inc.
(LOC: Harris Trust & Savings Bank)
0.580%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,300,000

 

 

1,140,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Haskris Co.
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,140,000

 

 

3,000,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
John Hofmeister & Son, Inc.
(LOC: Harris Bank N.A.)
0.580%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,000,000

 

 

2,800,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
MacLean-Fogg Co.
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
1.420%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,800,000

 

 

995,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Merug LLC—Series B
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
1.400%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

995,000

 

 

1,250,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Metform Corporation
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
1.420%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,250,000

 

 

2,900,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Development Revenue,
Search, Inc.
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,900,000

 

 

6,000,000

 

Health Facilities Authority
Revenue, Rehabilitation
Institute of Chicago
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.250%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,000,000

 

 

4,000,000

 

Phoenix Realty Special Account -U
LP Multifamily Revenue,
Brightons Mark
(LOC: Northern Trust Company)
0.410%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,000,000

 

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

61



 

 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund

 

   

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Illinois—continued

 

 

 

 

$

1,800,000

 

Richton Park Industrial
Development Revenue,
Avatar Corp.
(LOC: National City Bank)
0.550%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

1,800,000

 

 

2,940,000

 

Woodridge Du Page Will & Cook
Variable Revenue, Home Run
Inn Frozen Foods
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,940,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65,760,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Indiana—5.4%

 

 

 

 

 

1,700,000

 

Finance Authority Industrial
Revenue, IB&B LLC—Series A
(LOC: Harris N.A.)
0.540%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,700,000

 

 

1,000,000

 

Hammond Industrial Economic
Development Revenue,
A.M. Castle & Co.
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
1.420%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,000,000

 

 

3,385,000

 

Hobart Economic Development
Revenue, Albanese Confectionery
(LOC: Harris N.A.)
0.580%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,385,000

 

 

3,500,000

 

Indianapolis Local Public
Improvement Revenue,
Indianapolis Airport
(CS: FSA; SPA: Dexia Credit Local)
0.230%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,500,000

 

 

10,000,000

 

State Finance Authority
Environmental Revenue,
Duke Energy—Series A-4
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.210%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

10,000,000

 

 

7,000,000

 

State Finance Authority Hospital
Revenue, Parkview Health
System, Inc.
(LOC: Citibank N.A.)
0.220%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

7,000,000

 

 

9,540,000

 

Valparaiso Industrial Economic
Development Revenue,
Task Force Tips, Inc.
(LOC: Harris N.A.)
0.540%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

9,540,000

 

 

1,700,000

 

Washington County Industrial
Economic Development Revenue,
Frank Miller Lumber Co.
(LOC: National City Bank)
1.350%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,700,000

 

 

1,900,000

 

 

Whiting Environmental Facilities
Revenue, Amoco Oil Co.
0.220%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,900,000

 

 

2,800,000

 

Whiting Environmental Facilities
Revenue, BP Products
North America, Inc.
0.220%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,800,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

42,525,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Iowa—2.1%

 

 

 

 

$

4,475,000

 

Lakes Trust Various State—
Series 2007-1
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.460%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

4,475,000

 

 

4,590,000

 

Lakes Trust Various State—
Series 2007-2
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.460%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,590,000

 

 

7,590,000

 

Sergeant Bluff Industrial
Development Revenue,
Sioux City Brick & Tile Co.
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.410%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

7,590,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,655,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Kansas—0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

1,110,000

 

State Development Finance
Authority, Four Seasons
Apartments
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.560%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,110,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Kentucky—4.0%

 

 

 

 

 

300,000

 

Bardstown Industrial Development
Revenue, JAV Investment LLC
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

300,000

 

 

31,000,000

 

Danville Commercial Paper
1.700, 11/05/2009 (c)

 

 

31,000,000

 

 

510,000

 

Hancock County Industrial
Development Revenue,
Precision Roll Grinders
(LOC: Chase Manhattan Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

510,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,810,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Louisiana—0.2%

 

 

 

 

 

1,240,000

 

Local Government Environmental
Facilities & Communities
Development Authority,
Hollybrook Cottonseed
Processing, LLC
(LOC: First South Farm Credit)
0.610%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,240,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Massachusetts—0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

3,000,000

 

State Development Finance
Agency, Bridgewell, Inc.—Series A
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.650%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Michigan—5.4%

 

 

 

 

 

2,680,000

 

Kalamazoo Economic
Development Revenue,
Friendship Village—Series B
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
3.500%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,680,000

 

 

20,000,000

 

State Hospital Financing Authority,
Oaklawn Hospital
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.240%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

20,000,000

 

 

8,000,000

 

State Hospital Financing Authority,
Southwestern Rehabilitation
(LOC: Fifth Third Bank)
0.770%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

8,000,000

 

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

62



 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund

 

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

Michigan—continued

 

 

 

$

400,000

 

Sterling Heights Economic
Development Corp. Limited
Obligations Revenue, Kunath
Enterprises LLC
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
1.400%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

400,000

 

 

7,600,000

 

Strategic Fund Limited Obligation
Revenue, Glastender Inc.
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.700%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

7,600,000

 

 

1,600,000

 

Strategic Fund Limited Obligation
Revenue, Kaja Enterprises, LLC
(LOC: National City Bank)
0.550%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,600,000

 

 

900,000

 

Strategic Fund Limited Obligations
Revenue, Landscape Forms, Inc.
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
1.400%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

900,000

 

 

1,200,000

 

Strategic Fund Limited Obligation
Revenue, Mold Masters Co.
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,200,000

 

 

500,000

 

Strategic Fund Limited Obligation
Revenue, Richwood Industries, Inc.
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.700%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

42,880,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Minnesota—0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

1,570,000

 

Blooming Prairie Industrial
Development Revenue,
Metal Services
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.510%, 11/03/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,570,000

 

 

4,983,000

 

Minneapolis Revenue,
Minnehaha Academy
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.200%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,983,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,553,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Missouri—1.2%

 

 

 

 

 

1,500,000

 

Greene County Industrial
Development Authority Revenue,
Kramer Enterprises
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.660%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,500,000

 

 

 

 

Springfield Industrial Development
Authority Revenue,
DMP Properties LLC
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)

 

 

 

 

 

1,825,000

 

0.610%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,825,000

 

 

1,360,000

 

0.660%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,360,000

 

 

1,685,000

 

St. Charles County Industrial
Development Authority Revenue,
Patriot Machine Inc.
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.610%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,685,000

 

 

2,000,000

 

St. Joseph Industrial Development
Authority Revenue,
Albaugh Inc.—Series A
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.610%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,000,000

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

Missouri—continued

$

800,000

 

State Environmental Improvement
Revenue, Utilicorp United Inc.
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
2.090%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

800,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,170,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Montana—0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

4,180,000

 

Great Falls Multifamily Revenue,
Autumn Run Apartments
0.290%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,180,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

New Mexico—0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

1,305,000

 

Albuquerque Industrial
Development Revenue, Karsten Co.
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.640%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,305,000

 

 

1,830,000

 

Las Cruces Industrial Development
Revenue, Parkview Metal Products
(LOC: American National
Bank & Trust)
2.380%, 08/06/2009 (a)(b)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,830,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,135,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

New York—2.3%

 

 

 

 

 

4,000,000

 

Clinton County Industrial
Development Agency, Champlain
Valley Physicians Hospital
(CS: Radian; LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.650%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,000,000

 

 

330,000

 

New York City Industrial
Development Agency, Peninsula
Hospital Center
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

330,000

 

 

13,550,000

 

State Energy Research &
Development Authority, Orange/
Rockland Utilities—Series A
(CS: AMBAC; LOC:
Wachovia Bank N.A.)
0.450%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

13,550,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,880,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

North Carolina—2.6%

 

 

 

 

 

20,000,000

 

Charlotte-Mecklenberg Hospital
Authority Revenue—Series E
(CS: FSA; SPA: Dexia Credit Local)
0.320%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

20,000,000

 

 

700,000

 

Mecklenburg County
Certificates—Series A
(SPA: SunTrust Bank)
0.800%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

700,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,700,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Ohio—3.1%

 

 

 

 

 

4,015,000

 

Cuyahoga County Civic Facilities
Revenue, Fairfax Development
Corp.
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.850%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,015,000

 

 

2,105,000

 

Fairfield Industrial Development
Revenue, Prestige Display
& Packaging
(LOC: National City Bank)
0.620%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,105,000

 

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

63



 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund

 

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Ohio—continued

 

 

 

 

$

6,300,000

 

Geauga County Revenue, South
Franklin Circle—Series A
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.280%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

6,300,000

 

 

11,800,000

 

State Solid Waste Revenue,
BP Exploration & Oil
0.220%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

11,800,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24,220,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Oklahoma—2.2%

 

 

 

 

 

8,800,000

 

Development Finance Authority
Revenue, Seaboard Farms, Inc.
(LOC: Bank of New York)
0.400%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

8,800,000

 

 

3,300,000

 

Guymon Utilities Authority
Revenue, Seaboard Farms, Inc.
(LOC: Bank of the West)
0.900%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,300,000

 

 

5,000,000

 

Pittsburg County Economic
Development Authority Revenue,
Simonton Building Products, Inc.
(LOC: PNC Bank N.A.)
0.350%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,100,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Oregon—1.1%

 

 

 

 

 

2,200,000

 

State Economic Development
Revenue, McFarland
Cascade—Series 175
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.540%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,200,000

 

 

300,000

 

State Economic Development
Revenue, Patrick Industries, Inc.
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

300,000

 

 

6,070,000

 

State Economic Development
Revenue, YoCream
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.850%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,070,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,570,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Pennsylvania—2.5%

 

 

 

 

 

9,915,000

 

Delaware County Industrial
Development Authority Revenue
(CS: BHAC; LIQ: Citibank N.A.)
0.280%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)(e)

 

 

9,915,000

 

 

10,225,000

 

Washington County Industrial
Development Authority Revenue,
Presbyterian Senior Care
(CS: Radian; LOC:
National City Bank)
0.310%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

10,225,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,140,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

South Carolina—0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

4,380,000

 

State Jobs—Economic Development
Authority Revenue, MFG Co., Inc.
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
0.400%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

4,380,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Tennessee—1.1%

 

 

 

 

$

1,200,000

 

Huntingdon Industrial
Development Board Revenue,
Associates Rubber Co.
(LOC: PNC Bank N.A.)
0.900%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

1,200,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Tennessee—continued

 

 

 

 

$

2,500,000

 

Metropolitan Government
Nashville & Davidson County
Health & Educational Facilities
Revenue
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.290%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

2,500,000

 

 

5,155,000

 

Metropolitan Nashville Airport
Authority Revenue,
AERO Nashville LLC
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.360%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,155,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,855,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Texas—11.8%

 

 

 

 

 

10,020,000

 

Austin Hotel Occupancy Tax
Revenue, Sub Lien—Series A
(LOC: Dexia Credit Local)
0.260%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

10,020,000

 

 

2,600,000

 

Dallam County Industrial
Development Corp. Revenue,
Rick & Janice Van Ryn
(LOC: Great Plains AG Credit)
0.610%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,600,000

 

 

2,100,000

 

Dallam County Industrial
Development Corp. Revenue,
Cons Dairy Management LLC
(LOC: Great Plains AG Credit)
0.610%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,100,000

 

 

3,250,000

 

Fort Bend County Industrial
Development Corp. Revenue,
Aaron Rents, Inc.
(LOC: Wachovia Bank N.A.)
0.570%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,250,000

 

 

25,000,000

 

Gulf Coast Industrial Development
Authority Revenue, Citgo Pete
(LOC: BNP Paribas)
0.220%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

25,000,000

 

 

3,400,000

 

Gulf Coast Waste Disposal
Authority Revenue, Amoco Oil Co.
0.220%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,400,000

 

 

2,000,000

 

Northside Independent School
District
(CS: PSF-GTD; LIQ: State Street
Bank & Trust Co.)
1.200%, 12/01/2009 (d)

 

 

2,000,000

 

 

12,000,000

 

Port Arthur Navigation District
Revenue, BASF Corp.
0.520%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

12,000,000

 

 

32,500,000

 

Port Corpus Christi Authority
Nueces County Solid Waste
Disposal, Flint Hills Resources LP
0.670%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

32,500,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

92,870,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Vermont—2.4%

 

 

 

 

 

6,450,000

 

Housing Finance Agency—Series 26
(CS: FSA; SPA: TD Bank N.A.)
5.000%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,450,000

 

 

12,800,000

 

Housing Finance Agency—Series A
(CS: FSA; SPA: Dexia Credit Local)
0.750%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

12,800,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,250,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

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

64



 

Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund

 

Schedule of Portfolio Investments—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

Virginia—1.7%

 

 

 

 

$

1,000,000

 

Brunswick County Industrial
Development Authority Revenue,
Aegis Waste Solutions, Inc.
(LOC: Bank of America N.A.)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

1,000,000

 

 

5,170,000

 

Port Authority Revenue,
P-Floats—Series 2671
(CS: FSA; LIQ: Dexia Credit Local)
1.210%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

5,170,000

 

 

7,650,000

 

Staunton Industrial Development
Authority Revenue,
Specialty Blades, Inc.
(LOC: SunTrust Bank)
1.300%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

7,650,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,820,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Washington—6.0%

 

 

 

 

 

2,745,000

 

Economic Development Finance
Authority Revenue, Wesmar
Co. Inc., Project—Series F
(LOC: U.S. Bank N.A.)
0.510%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

2,745,000

 

 

6,125,000

 

Port Bellingham Industrial
Development Revenue,
Hempler Foods Group
(LOC: Bank of Montreal)
0.540%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

6,125,000

 

 

3,140,000

 

Port Bellingham Industrial
Development Revenue,
Wood Stone Corp.
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
1.100%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

3,140,000

 

 

11,500,000

 

Seattle Housing Authority Revenue,
High Point Project Phase II
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.850%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

11,500,000

 

 

9,520,000

 

State Housing Finance Commission,
Mirabella—Series A
(LOC: HSH Nordbank AG)
0.400%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

9,520,000

 

 

14,375,000

 

State Housing Finance Commission,
Panorama City
(LOC: Keybank N.A.)
0.400%, 11/02/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

14,375,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

47,405,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security
Description

 

Value

 


 


 


 

 

Municipal Bonds—continued

 

 

 

 

West Virginia—0.5%

 

 

 

 

$

4,000,000

 

Economic Development Authority
Solid Waste Disposal Facilities
Revenue, Appalachian
Power—Series B
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
0.370%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

$

4,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Wisconsin—0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

300,000

 

Elkhorn Industrial Development
Revenue, Lanco Precision Plus
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/04/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

300,000

 

 

1,750,000

 

Franklin Industrial Development
Revenue, Smyczek/ECS Project
(LOC: Wells Fargo Bank N.A.)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,750,000

 

 

600,000

 

Hartford Water & Electric Systems
Revenue
(CS: Assured Guaranty)
2.000%, 07/01/2010

 

 

603,569

 

 

1,000,000

 

Mequon Industrial Development
Revenue, Gateway Plastics, Inc.
(LOC: JPMorgan Chase Bank)
2.300%, 11/05/2009 (a)(b)

 

 

1,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,653,569

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $731,476,506)

 

 

731,476,506

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds—5.7%

 

 

 

 

 

27,100,000

 

BlackRock Liquidity Fund
MuniCash Portfolio, 0.25%

 

 

27,100,000

 

 

17,800,000

 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds
Muni Fund Portfolio, 0.17%

 

 

17,800,000

 

 

66,811

 

SEI Tax Exempt Trust—Institutional
Tax Free Fund—Class A, 0.08%

 

 

66,811

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total Money Market Funds
(Cost $44,966,811)

 

 

44,966,811

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Total Investments
(Cost $776,443,317)—98.3%

 

 

776,443,317

 

 

 

 

Other Assets in Excess of
Liabilities—1.7%

 

 

13,389,137

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS—100.0%

 

$

789,832,454

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 


Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a)

Variable Rate Security—The rate reported is the rate in effect as of October 31, 2009. The date shown is the next reset date.

 

(b)

Maturity date represents first available put date.

 

(c)

Commercial Paper

 

(d)

Put Bond

 

(e)

Restricted under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. These securities have been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. Liquid securities restricted under Rule 144A comprised 1.3% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

CS—Credit Support

LIQ—Liquidity Facility

LOC—Letter of Credit

SPA—Standby Purchase Agreement

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

65



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic
Dividend
Fund

 

Accelerating
Dividend
Fund

 

Dynamic
Financial Services
Fund

 

 

 


 


 


 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments, at value (1)

 

$

561,293,372

 

$

1,213,121

 

$

8,410,651

 

Cash

 

 

83,906

 

 

 

 

100

 

Cash denominated in foreign currencies

 

 

3,238,039

 

 

 

 

 

Receivable from capital shares issued

 

 

2,386,629

 

 

 

 

6,263

 

Receivable from investment securities sold

 

 

47,977,308

 

 

33,565

 

 

460,158

 

Due from Adviser

 

 

 

 

685

 

 

 

Dividends and interest receivable

 

 

2,301,003

 

 

2,037

 

 

735

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

45,607

 

 

4,730

 

 

12,884

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total assets

 

 

617,325,864

 

 

1,254,138

 

 

8,890,791

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable for capital shares redeemed

 

 

887,931

 

 

 

 

 

Payable for investment securities purchased

 

 

22,055,397

 

 

28,809

 

 

349,074

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory fees

 

 

503,044

 

 

 

 

4,804

 

Line of credit

 

 

21,423,000

 

 

 

 

621,000

 

Other

 

 

305,085

 

 

10,743

 

 

20,980

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total liabilities

 

 

45,174,457

 

 

39,552

 

 

995,858

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net Assets

 

$

572,151,407

 

$

1,214,586

 

$

7,894,933

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets represented by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital stock

 

$

1,522,135,095

 

$

1,060,985

 

$

13,458,870

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

 

24,330,835

 

 

12,387

 

 

4,653

 

Accumulated net realized gains (losses) on investments, foreign currency translation, forward currency contracts and swap contracts

 

 

(991,627,413

)

 

5,574

 

 

(404,704

)

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

17,273,478

 

 

135,638

 

 

(5,163,951

)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

39,412

 

 

2

 

 

65

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total Net Assets

 

$

572,151,407

 

$

1,214,586

 

$

7,894,933

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

572,151,407

 

$

1,214,586

 

$

7,894,933

 

Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding

 

 

119,757,986

 

 

105,816

 

 

1,150,680

 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share

 

$

4.78

 

$

11.48

 

$

6.86

 

 

 



 



 



 

(1) Cost of investments

 

$

544,019,894

 

$

1,077,483

 

$

13,574,602

 

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

66



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic
Innovators
Fund

 

Dynamic
Transformations
Fund

 

Dynamic
Balance
Fund

 

 

 


 


 


 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments, at value (1)

 

$

12,614,559

 

$

3,769,458

 

$

55,279,466

 

Receivable from capital shares issued

 

 

100

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

Receivable from investment securities sold

 

 

42

 

 

 

 

 

Due from Adviser

 

 

 

 

205

 

 

 

Dividends and interest receivable

 

 

4,900

 

 

9

 

 

253,537

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

10,595

 

 

3,615

 

 

7,834

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total assets

 

 

12,630,196

 

 

3,788,287

 

 

55,540,837

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written option contracts, at value (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,270

 

Payable for capital shares redeemed

 

 

5,033

 

 

 

 

9,035

 

Payable for investment securities purchased

 

 

106,439

 

 

255,974

 

 

215,000

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory fees

 

 

11,020

 

 

 

 

48,949

 

Line of credit

 

 

1,376,000

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

24,189

 

 

18,108

 

 

33,365

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,522,681

 

 

274,082

 

 

310,619

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net Assets

 

$

11,107,515

 

$

3,514,205

 

$

55,230,218

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets represented by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital stock

 

$

26,624,214

 

$

4,600,119

 

$

66,652,864

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(26,712

)

Accumulated net realized losses on investments, foreign currency translation and written option contracts expired or closed

 

 

(12,053,242

)

 

(793,664

)

 

(266,400

)

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

(3,463,457

)

 

(292,250

)

 

(11,140,758

)

Written options

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,224

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total Net Assets

 

$

11,107,515

 

$

3,514,205

 

$

55,230,218

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

11,107,515

 

$

3,514,205

 

$

55,230,218

 

Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding

 

 

1,366,241

 

 

457,722

 

 

6,216,339

 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share

 

$

8.13

 

$

7.68

 

$

8.88

 

 

 



 



 



 

(1) Cost of investments

 

$

16,078,016

 

$

4,061,708

 

$

66,420,224

 

(2) Premiums received

 

$

 

$

 

$

15,494

 

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

67



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ultra Short
Tax Optimized
Income
Fund

 

Municipal
Money Market
Fund

 

 

 


 


 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments, at value (1)

 

$

1,741,337,941

 

$

776,443,317

 

Receivable from capital shares issued

 

 

26,925,565

 

 

13,352,757

 

Receivable from investment securities sold

 

 

20,249

 

 

 

Interest receivable

 

 

7,488,614

 

 

1,130,349

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

25,759

 

 

23,093

 

 

 



 



 

Total assets

 

 

1,775,798,128

 

 

790,949,516

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable for capital shares redeemed

 

 

5,245,242

 

 

664,212

 

Payable for investment securities purchased

 

 

95,073,156

 

 

 

Payable to custodian

 

 

718,660

 

 

97,156

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory fees

 

 

714,825

 

 

295,017

 

Distribution fees

 

 

46,517

 

 

 

Other

 

 

139,589

 

 

60,677

 

 

 



 



 

Total liabilities

 

 

101,937,989

 

 

1,117,062

 

 

 



 



 

Net Assets

 

$

1,673,860,139

 

$

789,832,454

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets represented by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital stock

 

$

1,672,579,705

 

$

789,832,454

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

 

524

 

 

 

Accumulated net realized losses on investments sold

 

 

(52,240

)

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

 

 

1,332,150

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

Total Net Assets

 

$

1,673,860,139

 

$

789,832,454

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adviser Class Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

211,643,324

 

 

 

 

Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding

 

 

20,949,311

 

 

 

 

Net asset value and redemption price per share

 

$

10.10

 

 

 

 

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value plus sales charge of 0.005%)

 

$

10.15

 

 

 

 

Investor Class Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

1,462,216,815

 

$

789,832,454

 

Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding

 

 

145,546,483

 

 

789,835,122

 

Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share

 

$

10.05

 

$

1.00

 

 

 



 



 

(1) Cost of investments

 

$

1,740,005,791

 

$

776,443,317

 

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

68



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

Statements of Operations
For the year ended October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic
Dividend
Fund

 

Accelerating
Dividend
Fund (1)

 

Dynamic
Financial Services
Fund

 

 

 


 


 


 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

$

25,021

 

$

729

 

$

43

 

Dividend income*

 

 

141,972,618

 

 

25,719

 

 

113,379

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total investment income

 

 

141,997,639

 

 

26,448

 

 

113,422

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory fees

 

 

5,213,424

 

 

10,416

 

 

62,150

 

Administration fees

 

 

201,469

 

 

411

 

 

2,753

 

Fund accounting fees

 

 

127,249

 

 

260

 

 

1,731

 

Audit and tax fees

 

 

26,250

 

 

16,557

 

 

20,677

 

Custodian fees

 

 

44,771

 

 

94

 

 

616

 

Legal fees

 

 

48,149

 

 

17,481

 

 

4,083

 

Registration and filing fees

 

 

43,405

 

 

6,733

 

 

20,113

 

Printing and mailing fees

 

 

217,446

 

 

99

 

 

4,613

 

Transfer agent fees

 

 

201,458

 

 

414

 

 

2,751

 

Trustee fees

 

 

4,069

 

 

2,119

 

 

2,430

 

Interest expense

 

 

101,599

 

 

 

 

5,516

 

Other fees

 

 

35,743

 

 

184

 

 

465

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total expenses before expense waiver by Adviser

 

 

6,265,032

 

 

54,768

 

 

127,898

 

Expense waiver by Adviser (Note 6)

 

 

 

 

(40,707

)

 

(38,481

)

 

 



 



 



 

Net expenses

 

 

6,265,032

 

 

14,061

 

 

89,417

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net investment income

 

 

135,732,607

 

 

12,387

 

 

24,005

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

(371,836,256

)

 

5,392

 

 

(145,307

)

Written option contracts expired or closed

 

 

672,620

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

(1,907,275

)

 

182

 

 

7,994

 

Forward currency contracts

 

 

(3,392,718

)

 

 

 

 

Swap contracts

 

 

5,526,555

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net realized gain (loss)

 

 

(370,937,074

)

 

5,574

 

 

(137,313

)

 

 



 



 



 

Change in unrealized appreciation on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

259,883,578

 

 

135,638

 

 

1,352,226

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

249,106

 

 

2

 

 

674

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net change in unrealized appreciation

 

 

260,132,684

 

 

135,640

 

 

1,352,900

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

 

 

(110,804,390

)

 

141,214

 

 

1,215,587

 

 

 



 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

$

24,928,217

 

$

153,601

 

$

1,239,592

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Net of foreign taxes withheld

 

$

6,800,092

 

$

494

 

$

2,644

 

 

 



 



 



 

(1) Fund commenced operations on November 5, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

69



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Statements of Operations—Continued
For the year ended October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic
Innovators
Fund

 

Dynamic
Transformations
Fund

 

Dynamic
Balance
Fund

 

 

 


 


 


 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

$

 

$

415

 

$

554,539

 

Dividend income*

 

 

61,037

 

 

32,251

 

 

930,076

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total investment income

 

 

61,037

 

 

32,666

 

 

1,484,615

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory fees

 

 

98,541

 

 

27,333

 

 

511,518

 

Administration fees

 

 

4,112

 

 

1,192

 

 

22,758

 

Fund accounting fees

 

 

2,595

 

 

752

 

 

14,372

 

Audit and tax fees

 

 

20,198

 

 

20,397

 

 

23,050

 

Custodian fees

 

 

916

 

 

263

 

 

5,061

 

Legal fees

 

 

4,427

 

 

4,258

 

 

8,905

 

Registration and filing fees

 

 

21,169

 

 

19,207

 

 

22,802

 

Printing and mailing fees

 

 

5,674

 

 

956

 

 

4,151

 

Transfer agent fees

 

 

4,113

 

 

1,198

 

 

22,775

 

Trustee fees

 

 

2,273

 

 

2,384

 

 

2,617

 

Interest expense

 

 

18,786

 

 

94

 

 

1,266

 

Other fees

 

 

677

 

 

229

 

 

3,849

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total expenses before expense waiver by Adviser

 

 

183,481

 

 

78,263

 

 

643,124

 

Expense waiver by Adviser (Note 6)

 

 

(31,680

)

 

(41,270

)

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net expenses

 

 

151,801

 

 

36,993

 

 

643,124

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

(90,764

)

 

(4,327

)

 

841,491

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

(5,526,915

)

 

(653,420

)

 

703

 

Written option contracts expired or closed

 

 

 

 

 

 

145,530

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net realized gain (loss)

 

 

(5,526,823

)

 

(653,420

)

 

146,233

 

 

 



 



 



 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

6,968,188

 

 

1,518,183

 

 

4,462,680

 

Written option contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,224

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

(49

)

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net change in unrealized appreciation

 

 

6,968,139

 

 

1,518,183

 

 

4,473,904

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net realized and unrealized income on investments

 

 

1,441,316

 

 

864,763

 

 

4,620,137

 

 

 



 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

$

1,350,552

 

$

860,436

 

$

5,461,628

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Net of foreign taxes withheld

 

$

3,577

 

$

 

$

 

 

 



 



 



 

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

70



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Statements of Operations—Continued
For the year ended October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ultra Short
Tax Optimized
Income
Fund

 

Municipal
Money Market
Fund

 

 

 


 


 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

$

28,207,964

 

$

10,340,336

 

 

 



 



 

Total investment income

 

 

28,207,964

 

 

10,340,336

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisory fees

 

 

5,872,536

 

 

3,075,664

 

Administration fees

 

 

23,290

 

 

22,506

 

Distribution fees - Adviser Class

 

 

184,838

 

 

 

Fund accounting fees

 

 

19,415

 

 

18,748

 

Audit and tax fees

 

 

23,289

 

 

19,277

 

Custodian fees

 

 

12,045

 

 

11,253

 

Legal fees

 

 

13,421

 

 

37,472

 

Registration and filing fees

 

 

139,358

 

 

52,480

 

Printing and mailing fees

 

 

80,785

 

 

31,220

 

Transfer agent fees

 

 

23,430

 

 

22,506

 

Trustee fees

 

 

3,915

 

 

5,530

 

Interest Expense

 

 

 

 

24

 

Other fees

 

 

17,719

 

 

310,297

 

 

 



 



 

Total expenses before expense waiver by Adviser

 

 

6,414,041

 

 

3,606,977

 

Expense waiver by Adviser (Note 6)

 

 

(1,528,133

)

 

(9,413

)

 

 



 



 

Net expenses

 

 

4,885,908

 

 

3,597,564

 

 

 



 



 

Net investment income

 

 

23,322,056

 

 

6,742,772

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain on investments

 

 

2,449

 

 

87,593

 

Change in unrealized appreciation on investments

 

 

2,292,156

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

 

 

2,294,605

 

 

87,593

 

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

$

25,616,661

 

$

6,830,365

 

 

 



 



 

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

71



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic
Innovators Fund

 

 

 


 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

$

1,350,552

 

Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Purchases of investments

 

 

(2,289,048

)

Proceeds from sales of investments

 

 

7,608,069

 

Decrease in dividends and interest receivable

 

 

3,285

 

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

13,829

 

Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

(1,870

)

Net realized loss on investments

 

 

5,526,915

 

Unrealized appreciation on investments

 

 

(6,968,188

)

 

 



 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

5,243,544

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Decrease in line of credit

 

 

(2,623,000

)

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

4,676,100

 

Payment on shares redeemed

 

 

(7,296,644

)

 

 



 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(5,243,544

)

 

 



 

Net change in cash

 

$

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH:

 

 

 

 

Beginning Balance

 

 

 

 

 



 

Ending Balance

 

$

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

During the year ended October 31, 2009, the Dynamic Innovators Fund paid cash of $29,042 in interest.

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

72



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$

135,732,607

 

$

184,237,212

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

(371,836,256

)

 

(544,541,420

)

Written option contracts expired or closed

 

 

672,620

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

(1,907,275

)

 

(11,931,318

)

Forward currency contracts

 

 

(3,392,718

)

 

(11,434,127

)

Swap contracts

 

 

5,526,555

 

 

20,730

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

259,883,578

 

 

(322,575,911

)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

249,106

 

 

(604,332

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

24,928,217

 

 

(706,829,166

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(126,650,712

)

 

(188,534,882

)

From net realized gain on investments

 

 

 

 

 

From tax return on capital

 

 

 

 

(5,952,906

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

 

 

(126,650,712

)

 

(194,487,788

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

196,120,574

 

 

563,036,031

 

Dividends reinvested

 

 

87,140,087

 

 

139,704,564

 

Redemption fees

 

 

178,370

 

 

517,263

 

Cost of shares redeemed

 

 

(208,323,675

)

 

(703,254,544

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets from capital share transactions

 

 

75,115,356

 

 

3,314

 

 

 



 



 

Total change in net assets

 

 

(26,607,139

)

 

(901,313,640

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

598,758,546

 

 

1,500,072,186

 

 

 



 



 

End of year*

 

$

572,151,407

 

$

598,758,546

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Including accumulated undistributed net investment income of:

 

$

24,330,835

 

$

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

73



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets—Continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

 


 

 

Period Ended
October 31, 2009 (1)

 

 


OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

$

12,387

 

Net realized gain on:

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

 

5,392

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

182

 

Change in unrealized appreciation on:

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

 

135,638

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 



 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

 

153,601

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

 

 

From net realized gain on investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

 

1,060,985

 

Dividends reinvested

 

 

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

Cost of shares redeemed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Change in net assets from capital share transactions

 

 

 

1,060,985

 

 

 

 



 

Total change in net assets

 

 

 

1,214,586

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

End of period*

 

 

$

1,214,586

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Including accumulated undistributed net investment income of:

 

 

$

12,387

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

(1)

Fund commenced operations on November 5, 2008.

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

74



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$

24,005

 

$

130,723

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

(145,307

)

 

310,493

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

7,994

 

 

(51,301

)

Swap contracts

 

 

 

 

929

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

1,352,226

 

 

(5,081,969

)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

674

 

 

(65,035

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

1,239,592

 

 

(4,756,160

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(99,399

)

 

 

From net realized gain on investments

 

 

(419,990

)

 

(2,663,086

)

From tax return of capital

 

 

(4,121

)

 

 

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

 

 

(523,510

)

 

(2,663,086

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

1,966,966

 

 

6,472,426

 

Dividends reinvested

 

 

473,302

 

 

2,103,627

 

Redemption fees

 

 

1,015

 

 

10,070

 

Cost of shares redeemed

 

 

(1,938,943

)

 

(5,310,381

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets from capital share transactions

 

 

502,340

 

 

3,275,742

 

 

 



 



 

Total change in net assets

 

 

1,218,422

 

 

(4,143,504

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

6,676,511

 

 

10,820,015

 

 

 



 



 

End of year*

 

$

7,894,933

 

$

6,676,511

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Including accumulated undistributed net investment income of:

 

$

4,653

 

$

80,047

 

 

 



 



 

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

75



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets—Continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment loss

 

$

(90,764

)

$

(74,231

)

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

(5,526,915

)

 

(6,519,886

)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

92

 

 

(65,509

)

Swap contracts

 

 

 

 

113

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

6,968,188

 

 

(13,405,862

)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

(49

)

 

49

 

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

1,350,552

 

 

(20,065,326

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

 

 

(99,263

)

From net realized gain on investments

 

 

 

 

(1,905,602

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

 

 

 

 

(2,004,865

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

1,676,100

 

 

45,945,955

 

Dividends reinvested

 

 

 

 

1,654,158

 

Redemption fees

 

 

1,168

 

 

117,477

 

Cost of shares redeemed

 

 

(7,302,845

)

 

(58,619,588

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets from capital share transactions

 

 

(5,625,577

)

 

(10,901,998

)

 

 



 



 

Total change in net assets

 

 

(4,275,025

)

 

(32,972,189

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

15,382,540

 

 

48,354,729

 

 

 



 



 

End of year*

 

$

11,107,515

 

$

15,382,540

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Including accumulated undistributed net investment income of:

 

$

 

$

 

 

 



 



 

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

76



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets—Continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Transformations Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Period Ended
October 31, 2008 (1)

 

 

 


 


 

OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

$

(4,327

)

$

14,717

 

Net realized loss on investments

 

 

(653,420

)

 

(140,244

)

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

 

 

1,518,183

 

 

(1,810,433

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

860,436

 

 

(1,935,960

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(14,717

)

 

 

From net realized gain on investments

 

 

 

 

 

From tax return of capital

 

 

(2,411

)

 

 

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

 

 

(17,128

)

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

82,368

 

 

4,630,875

 

Dividends reinvested

 

 

17,115

 

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

1

 

 

22

 

Cost of shares redeemed

 

 

(78,085

)

 

(45,439

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets from capital share transactions

 

 

21,399

 

 

4,585,458

 

 

 



 



 

Total change in net assets

 

 

864,707

 

 

2,649,498

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

2,649,498

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

End of year*

 

$

3,514,205

 

$

2,649,498

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Including accumulated undistributed net investment income of:

 

$

 

$

14,717

 

 

 



 



 

(1) Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

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

77



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets—Continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$

841,491

 

$

1,768,731

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

703

 

 

(1,238,791

)

Written option contracts expired or closed

 

 

145,530

 

 

695,713

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

4,462,680

 

 

(29,296,828

)

Written option contracts

 

 

11,224

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

5,461,628

 

 

(28,071,175

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(845,241

)

 

(1,629,117

)

From net realized gain on investments

 

 

 

 

(6,116,765

)

From tax return on capital

 

 

(114,962

)

 

(102,670

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

 

 

(960,203

)

 

(7,848,552

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

314,766

 

 

579,192

 

Dividends reinvested

 

 

918,908

 

 

7,231,038

 

Redemption fees

 

 

106

 

 

1,353

 

Cost of shares redeemed

 

 

(3,602,450

)

 

(11,154,144

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets from capital share transactions

 

 

(2,368,670

)

 

(3,342,561

)

 

 



 



 

Total change in net assets

 

 

2,132,755

 

 

(39,262,288

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

53,097,463

 

 

92,359,751

 

 

 



 



 

End of year*

 

$

55,230,218

 

$

53,097,463

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Including accumulated undistributed net investment loss of:

 

$

(26,712

)

$

(26,712

)

 

 



 



 

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

78



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets—Continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ultra Short
Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$

23,322,056

 

$

6,238,586

 

Net realized gain on investments

 

 

2,449

 

 

2,783

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

 

 

2,292,156

 

 

(1,051,084

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

25,616,661

 

 

5,190,285

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to Adviser Class Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(1,957,636

)

 

(222,769

)

Distributions to Investor Class Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(21,386,016

)

 

(6,001,676

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

 

 

(23,343,652

)

 

(6,224,445

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

1,796,530,927

 

 

265,275,500

 

Dividends reinvested

 

 

16,990,391

 

 

5,659,596

 

Redemption fees

 

 

67,162

 

 

16,542

 

Cost of shares redeemed

 

 

(385,248,405

)

 

(86,950,657

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets from capital share transactions

 

 

1,428,340,075

 

 

184,000,981

 

 

 



 



 

Total change in net assets

 

 

1,430,613,084

 

 

182,966,821

 

 

 



 



 

NET ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

243,247,055

 

 

60,280,234

 

 

 



 



 

End of year*

 

$

1,673,860,139

 

$

243,247,055

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Including accumulated undistributed net investment income of:

 

$

524

 

$

22,120

 

 

 



 



 

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

79



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets—Continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Money Market Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$

6,742,772

 

$

22,134,818

 

Net realized gain on investments

 

 

87,593

 

 

10,588

 

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

6,830,365

 

 

22,145,406

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to Adviser Class Shareholders (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

 

 

(1,159

)

Distributions to Investor Class Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(6,742,772

)

 

(22,133,659

)

From net realized gain on investments

 

 

(87,593

)

 

(10,588

)

From tax return of capital

 

 

(2,781

)

 

 

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

 

 

(6,833,146

)

 

(22,145,406

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

1,310,070,747

 

 

5,315,613,045

 

Dividends reinvested

 

 

5,367,192

 

 

18,013,012

 

Cost of shares redeemed

 

 

(1,190,003,238

)

 

(5,784,755,674

)

 

 



 



 

Change in net assets from capital share transactions

 

 

125,434,701

 

 

(451,129,617

)

 

 



 



 

Total change in net assets

 

 

125,431,920

 

 

(451,129,617

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

664,400,534

 

 

1,115,530,151

 

 

 



 



 

End of year*

 

$

789,832,454

 

$

664,400,534

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Including accumulated undistributed net investment income of:

 

$

 

$

 

 

 



 



 

(1) The Municipal Money Market Fund - Adviser Class ceased operations on December 5, 2007.

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

80



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share, beginning of year

 

$

5.72

 

$

13.32

 

$

12.52

 

$

11.98

 

$

12.34

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

1.37

 

 

1.33

 

 

1.95

 

 

1.61

 

 

1.57

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

(1.14

)

 

(7.29

)

 

0.61

 

 

0.51

 

 

(0.14

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total from investment operations

 

 

0.23

 

 

(5.96

)

 

2.56

 

 

2.12

 

 

1.43

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Redemption fees

 

 

0.00

(a)

 

0.00

(a)

 

0.00

(a)

 

0.00

(a)

 

0.00

(a)

Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(1.17

)

 

(1.58

)

 

(1.76

)

 

(1.58

)

 

(1.51

)

From net realized gains on investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.28

)

From tax return on capital

 

 

 

 

(0.06

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.17

)

 

(1.64

)

 

(1.76

)

 

(1.58

)

 

(1.79

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Net asset value per share, end of year

 

$

4.78

 

$

5.72

 

$

13.32

 

$

12.52

 

$

11.98

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total return

 

 

6.64

%

 

–49.05

%

 

21.66

%

 

18.68

%

 

11.85

%

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets at end of year (000)

 

$

572,151

 

$

598,759

 

$

1,500,072

 

$

633,264

 

$

311,335

 

Ratio of total expenses to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.20

%

 

1.18

%

 

1.15

%

 

1.18

%

 

1.20

%

After waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.20

%

 

1.18

%

 

1.15

%

 

1.18

%

 

1.23

%

Ratio of interest expense to average net assets

 

 

0.02

%

 

0.02

%

 

0.00

%(a)

 

0.00

%(a)

 

0.00

%

Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.18

%

 

1.16

%

 

1.15

%

 

1.18

%

 

1.20

%

After waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.18

%

 

1.16

%

 

1.15

%

 

1.18

%

 

1.23

%

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

 

 

26.04

%

 

15.32

%

 

15.65

%

 

14.04

%

 

14.22

%

Portfolio turnover

 

 

656

%

 

323

%

 

216

%

 

192

%

 

216

%


 


(a)  The amount is less than $0.005 per share or 0.005%.

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

81



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Financial Highlights—Continued
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Accelerating
Dividend
Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Period Ended
October 31,
2009 (a)

 

 

 


 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share, beginning of period

 

$

10.00

 

 

 



 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.12

 

Net realized and unrealized gains on investments

 

 

1.36

 

 

 



 

Total from investment operations

 

 

1.48

 

 

 



 

Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

 

From net realized gains on investments

 

 

 

 

 



 

Total distributions

 

 

 

 

 



 

Net asset value per share, end of period

 

$

11.48

 

 

 



 

Total return

 

 

14.80

%(b)

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

Net Assets at end of period (000)

 

$

1,215

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

Before waivers

 

 

5.26

%(c)

After waivers

 

 

1.35

%(c)

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

 

 

1.19

%(c)

Portfolio turnover

 

 

104

%


 

 

 


 

(a)

For the period from November 5, 2008 (inception of fund) to October 31, 2009.

 

 

(b)

Not annualized.

 

 

(c)

Annualized.

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

82



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Financial Highlights—Continued
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period Ended
October 31,
2006 (a)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share, beginning of year

 

$

6.24

 

$

13.89

 

$

12.13

 

$

10.00

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.07

 

 

(0.02

)

 

0.02

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

1.10

 

 

(4.40

)

 

2.54

 

 

2.12

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total from investment operations

 

 

1.13

 

 

(4.33

)

 

2.52

 

 

2.14

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Redemption fees

 

 

0.00

(b)

 

0.01

 

 

0.00

(b)

 

0.00

(b)

Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(0.10

)

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.01

)

From net realized gains on investments

 

 

(0.41

)

 

(3.33

)

 

(0.75

)

 

 

From tax return of capital

 

 

(0.00

)(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.51

)

 

(3.33

)

 

(0.76

)

 

(0.01

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net asset value per share, end of year

 

$

6.86

 

$

6.24

 

$

13.89

 

$

12.13

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total return

 

 

21.83

%

 

–41.16

%

 

21.64

%

 

21.47

%

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets at end of year (000)

 

$

7,895

 

$

6,677

 

$

10,820

 

$

7,544

 

Ratio of total expenses to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers

 

 

2.06

%

 

1.94

%

 

2.61

%

 

2.53

%

After waivers

 

 

1.44

%

 

1.35

%

 

1.35

%

 

1.35

%

Ratio of interest expense to average net assets

 

 

0.09

%

 

0.37

%

 

1.02

%

 

0.01

%

Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers

 

 

1.97

%

 

1.57

%

 

1.59

%

 

2.52

%

After waivers

 

 

1.35

%

 

0.98

%

 

0.33

%

 

1.34

%

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

 

 

0.39

%

 

1.32

%

 

(0.16

)%

 

0.15

%

Portfolio turnover

 

 

437

%

 

455

%

 

397

%

 

106

%


 

 


(a)

For the period from November 1, 2005 (inception of fund) to October 31, 2006.

 

 

(b)

The amount is less than $0.005 per share.

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

83



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Financial Highlights—Continued
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period Ended
October 31,
2006 (a)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share, beginning of year

 

$

6.83

 

$

14.08

 

$

10.31

 

$

10.00

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

0.07

 

 

0.09

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

1.30

 

 

(6.84

)

 

3.91

 

 

0.22

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total from investment operations

 

 

1.30

 

 

(6.85

)

 

3.98

 

 

0.31

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Redemption fees

 

 

0.00

(b)

 

0.03

 

 

0.01

 

 

 

Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.14

)

 

 

From net realized gains on investments

 

 

 

 

(0.41

)

 

(0.08

)

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total distributions

 

 

 

 

(0.43

)

 

(0.22

)

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net asset value per share, end of year

 

$

8.13

 

$

6.83

 

$

14.08

 

$

10.31

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total return

 

 

19.03

%

 

–49.95

%

 

39.47

%

 

3.10

%(c)

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets at end of year (000)

 

$

11,108

 

$

15,383

 

$

48,355

 

$

5,073

 

Ratio of total expenses to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.86

%

 

1.31

%

 

1.53

%

 

4.25

%(d)

After waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.54

%

 

1.35

%

 

1.33

%

 

1.35

%(d)

Ratio of interest expense to average net assets

 

 

0.19

%

 

0.04

%

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%

Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.67

%

 

1.27

%

 

1.53

%

 

4.25

%(d)

After waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.35

%

 

1.31

%

 

1.33

%

 

1.35

%(d)

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

 

 

(0.92

)%

 

(0.18

)%

 

1.08

%

 

3.18

%(d)

Portfolio turnover

 

 

20

%

 

76

%

 

135

%

 

3

%


 

 


(a)

For the period from July 11, 2006 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2006.

 

 

(b)

The amount is less than $0.005 per share.

 

 

(c)

Not annualized.

 

 

(d)

Annualized.

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

84



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Financial Highlights—Continued
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Dynamic
Transformations
Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31,
2009

 

Period Ended
October 31,
2008 (a)

 

 

 


 


 

Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share, beginning of year

 

$

5.79

 

$

10.00

 

 

 



 



 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.03

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

1.92

 

 

(4.24

)

 

 



 



 

Total from investment operations

 

 

1.93

 

 

(4.21

)

 

 



 



 

Redemption fees

 

 

0.00

(b)

 

0.00

(b)

Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

From net realized gains on investments

 

 

 

 

 

From tax return of capital

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 



 



 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.04

)

 

 

 

 



 



 

Net asset value per share, end of year

 

$

7.68

 

$

5.79

 

 

 



 



 

Total return

 

 

33.61

%

 

–42.10

%(c)

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets at end of year (000)

 

$

3,514

 

$

2,649

 

Ratio of total expenses to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers

 

 

2.86

%

 

2.95

%(d)

After waivers

 

 

1.35

%

 

1.35

%(d)

Ratio of interest expense to average net assets

 

 

0.00

%(b)

 

0.00

%(d)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers

 

 

2.86

%

 

2.95

%(d)

After waivers

 

 

1.35

%

 

1.35

%(d)

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

 

 

(0.16

)%

 

0.44

%(d)

Portfolio turnover

 

 

57

%

 

108

%


 

 


(a)

For the period from December 31, 2007 (inception of fund) to October 31, 2008.

 

 

(b)

The amount is less than 0.005% or $0.005 per share.

 

 

(c)

Not annualized.

 

 

(d)

Annualized.

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

85



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share, beginning of year

 

$

8.15

 

$

13.55

 

$

13.72

 

$

12.67

 

$

12.44

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.13

 

 

0.26

 

 

0.26

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.19

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

0.75

 

 

(4.47

)

 

0.28

 

 

1.26

 

 

0.85

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total from investment operations

 

 

0.88

 

 

(4.21

)

 

0.54

 

 

1.47

 

 

1.04

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Redemption fees

 

 

0.00

(a)

 

0.00

(a)

 

0.00

(a)

 

0.00

(a)

 

 

Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(0.13

)

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.19

)

From net realized gains on investments

 

 

 

 

(0.93

)

 

(0.47

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.62

)

From tax return on capital

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.15

)

 

(1.19

)

 

(0.71

)

 

(0.42

)

 

(0.81

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Net asset value per share, end of year

 

$

8.88

 

$

8.15

 

$

13.55

 

$

13.72

 

$

12.67

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total return

 

 

11.03

%

 

–33.63

%

 

4.03

%

 

11.79

%

 

8.46

%

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets at end of year (000)

 

$

55,230

 

$

53,097

 

$

92,360

 

$

98,162

 

$

97,471

 

Ratio of total expenses to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.26

%

 

1.24

%

 

1.16

%

 

1.19

%

 

1.21

%

After waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.26

%

 

1.24

%

 

1.16

%

 

1.19

%

 

1.31

%

Ratio of interest expense to average net assets

 

 

0.00

%(a)

 

0.90

%

 

0.00

%(a)

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%(a)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.26

%

 

1.15

%

 

1.16

%

 

1.19

%

 

1.21

%

After waivers, reimbursements, and recoveries

 

 

1.26

%

 

1.15

%

 

1.16

%

 

1.19

%

 

1.31

%

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

 

 

1.65

%

 

2.35

%

 

1.87

%

 

1.60

%

 

1.60

%

Portfolio turnover

 

 

41

%

 

34

%

 

28

%

 

22

%

 

36

%


 

 


(a)

The amount is less than $0.005 per share or 0.005%.

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

86



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Financial Highlights—Continued
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Adviser Class Shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share, beginning of year

 

$

10.05

 

$

10.10

 

$

10.10

 

$

10.03

 

$

10.15

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.30

 

 

0.38

 

 

0.38

 

 

0.31

 

 

0.28

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

0.04

 

 

(0.04

)

 

0.00

(a)

 

0.09

 

 

(0.12

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total from investment operations

 

 

0.34

 

 

0.34

 

 

0.38

 

 

0.40

 

 

0.16

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.39

)

 

(0.38

)

 

(0.33

)

 

(0.28

)

From net realized gains on investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.00

)(a)

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.39

)

 

(0.38

)

 

(0.33

)

 

(0.28

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Net asset value per share, end of year

 

$

10.10

 

$

10.05

 

$

10.10

 

$

10.10

 

$

10.03

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total return

 

 

3.40

%

 

3.39

%

 

3.82

%

 

4.01

%

 

1.60

%

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets at end of year (000)

 

$

211,643

 

$

11,568

 

$

871,630

 

$

408,535

 

$

112,454

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers

 

 

1.05

%

 

1.08

%

 

1.14

%

 

1.16

%

 

1.15

%

After waivers

 

 

0.85

%

 

0.85

%

 

0.85

%

 

0.85

%

 

0.85

%

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

 

 

2.75

%

 

4.12

%

 

3.82

%

 

3.33

%

 

2.73

%

Portfolio turnover (b)

 

 

16

%

 

129

%

 

171

%

 

96

%

 

97

%


 

 

 


 

(a)

The amount is less than $0.005 per share.

 

 

(b)

Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole, without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

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

87



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Financial Highlights—Continued
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

 


 

 

Year Ended
October 31,

 

 


 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Investor Class Shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share, beginning of year

 

$

10.00

 

$

10.04

 

$

10.05

 

$

10.03

 

$

10.15

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.31

 

 

0.41

 

 

0.40

 

 

0.36

 

 

0.30

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

 

 

0.05

 

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.01

)

 

0.02

 

 

(0.12

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total from investment operations

 

 

0.36

 

 

0.37

 

 

0.39

 

 

0.38

 

 

0.18

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(0.31

)

 

(0.41

)

 

(0.40

)

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.30

)

From net realized gains on investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.00

)(a)

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.31

)

 

(0.41

)

 

(0.40

)

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.30

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Net asset value per share, end of year

 

$

10.05

 

$

10.00

 

$

10.04

 

$

10.05

 

$

10.03

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total return

 

 

3.65

%

 

3.75

%

 

3.97

%

 

3.88

%

 

1.84

%

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets at end of year (000)

 

$

1,462,217

 

$

231,679

 

$

59,409

 

$

45,260

 

$

45,691

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers

 

 

0.80

%

 

0.83

%

 

0.89

%

 

0.91

%

 

0.90

%

After waivers

 

 

0.60

%

 

0.60

%

 

0.60

%

 

0.60

%

 

0.60

%

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

 

 

3.00

%

 

4.37

%

 

4.07

%

 

3.58

%

 

2.98

%

Portfolio turnover (b)

 

 

16

%

 

129

%

 

171

%

 

96

%

 

97

%


 

 

 


 

(a)

The amount is less than $0.005 per share.

 

 

(b)

Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole, without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

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

88



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Financial Highlights—Continued
(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Municipal Money Market Fund

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share, beginning of year

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.04

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.02

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total from investment operations

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.04

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.02

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.02

)

From tax return of capital

 

 

(0.00

)(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Net asset value per share, end of year

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

$

1.00

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total return

 

 

1.03

%

 

2.94

%

 

3.68

%

 

3.33

%

 

2.24

%

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets at end of year (000)

 

$

789,832

 

$

664,401

 

$

1,115,100

 

$

365,840

 

$

204,689

 

Ratio of total expenses to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers

 

 

0.53

%

 

0.49

%

 

0.49

%

 

0.53

%

 

0.53

%

After waivers

 

 

0.53

%

 

0.35

%

 

0.26

%

 

0.30

%

 

0.27

%

Ratio of interest expense to average net assets

 

 

0.00

%(a)

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%

Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before waivers

 

 

0.53

%

 

0.49

%

 

0.49

%

 

0.53

%

 

0.53

%

After waivers

 

 

0.53

%

 

0.35

%

 

0.26

%

 

0.30

%

 

0.27

%

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

 

 

0.99

%

 

2.93

%

 

3.37

%

 

3.31

%

 

2.26

%


 

 

 


 

(a)

The amount is less than 0.005% or $0.005 per share.

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

89



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

   

Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2009

 

 

1.

Organization:

 

 

 

Alpine Series Trust (the “Series Trust”) was organized in 2001 as a Delaware business trust, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. Alpine Income Trust (the “Income Trust”) was organized in 2002 as a Delaware business trust, and is registered under the 1940 Act, as an open-end management investment company. The Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund, Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund, Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund, Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund, Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund and Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund are six separate funds of the Series Trust. The Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund and Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund are two separate funds of the Income Trust. The Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund, Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund, Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund, Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund, Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund, Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund, Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund, and Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund (individually referred to as a “Fund” and collectively, “the Funds”) are diversified funds. Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC (the “Adviser”) is a Delaware limited liability company and serves as the investment manager to the Funds. The Board of Trustees approved the closing of the Adviser Class of the Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund on September 24, 2007. The final day of operation for this class was December 4, 2007. The Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund commenced operations on November 5, 2008.

 

 

2.

Significant Accounting Policies:

 

 

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported herein. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In preparing these financial statements, the Funds have evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure resulting from subsequent events through December 30, 2009. This evaluation did not result in any subsequent events that necessitated disclosure and/or adjustments.

 

 

 

A. Valuation of Securities:

 

 

 

The Dynamic Dividend Fund, Accelerating Dividend Fund, Dynamic Financial Services Fund, Dynamic Innovators Fund, Dynamic Transformations Fund, Dynamic Balance Fund and Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund value securities for which the primary market is on a domestic or foreign exchange and over-the-counter admitted to trading on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation Market System (“NASDAQ”) at the last quoted sales price at the end of each business day or, if no sale, at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter securities are valued at the last quoted sales price at the end of each business day or, if no sale, at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or whose values have been materially affected by events occurring before the close of U.S. markets but after the close of the securities’ primary markets, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith according to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

 

 

 

For example, fair value pricing may be used where: (i) a security is illiquid (restricted securities and repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days); (ii) the market or exchange for a security is closed on an ordinary trading day and no other market prices are available; (iii) the security is so thinly traded that there have been no transactions in the stock over an extended period; or (iv) the validity of a market quotation received is questionable. In addition, fair value pricing will be used if emergency or unusual situations have occurred, such as when trading of a security on an exchange is suspended; or when an event occurs after the close of the exchange on which the security is principally traded that is likely to have changed the value of the security before the NAV is calculated (applicable to foreign securities).

 

 

 

Among those factors that may be considered when fair valuing a security are: fundamental analytical data relating to the investment in the security; evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the security is purchased and sold; type of security or asset; financial statements of issuer; special reports prepared by analysts or the Adviser; information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; and the historical tendency of the security’s price to track or respond to general and specific market movements (in terms of indices, sectors, or other market measurements).

 

 

 

As of October 31, 2009, the Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund held securities that are fair valued, which comprised 0.2% of the Fund’s net assets.

90



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

   

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

The valuation of certain debt securities are valued at the evaluated mean price based upon current market prices of securities which are comparable in coupon, rating, and maturity or an appropriate matrix utilizing similar factors.

 

 

 

The Municipal Money Market Fund values its investments at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Pursuant to Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act, amortized cost, as defined, is a method of valuing securities at acquisition cost, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount rather than at their value based on current market factors.

 

 

 

In accordance with GAAP, the Funds use a three-tier hierarchy to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would us in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entities own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would us in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1  —  

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 2  —

Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3  —

Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available; representing the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

 

 

 

 

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in level 3.

 

 

 

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

 

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments as of the reporting period end. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards.

91



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

   

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

          The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ net assets as of October 31, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic
Dividend
Fund

 

Accelerating
Dividend
Fund

 

Dynamic
Financial
Services
Fund

 

Dynamic
Innovators
Fund

 

Dynamic
Trans-
formations
Fund

 

Dynamic
Balance
Fund

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Level 1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary

 

$

51,326,056

 

$

55,646

 

$

 

$

1,171,571

 

$

676,945

 

$

2,896,026

 

Consumer Staples

 

 

51,803,909

 

 

182,368

 

 

 

 

132,120

 

 

88,080

 

 

3,184,074

 

Energy

 

 

48,869,786

 

 

114,237

 

 

 

 

95,750

 

 

85,620

 

 

3,818,570

 

Financials

 

 

81,406,727

 

 

188,312

 

 

6,950,584

 

 

753,705

 

 

299,555

 

 

13,409,910

 

Health Care

 

 

36,909,843

 

 

103,915

 

 

 

 

4,125,193

 

 

655,035

 

 

3,957,446

 

Industrials

 

 

85,355,851

 

 

178,917

 

 

229,431

 

 

1,572,636

 

 

818,872

 

 

6,790,668

 

Information Technology

 

 

55,159,660

 

 

95,794

 

 

 

 

3,969,233

 

 

358,661

 

 

116,938

 

Materials

 

 

71,693,880

 

 

135,775

 

 

 

 

637,238

 

 

285,060

 

 

2,192,061

 

Telecommunication Services

 

 

23,253,708

 

 

20,536

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilities

 

 

25,636,324

 

 

129,862

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,051,562

 

Investment Companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

294,914

 

 

 

 

 

 

81,687

 

Short-Term Investments

 

 

1,319

 

 

7,760

 

 

883

 

 

363

 

 

501,629

 

 

2,991,615

 

Level 2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Staples

 

 

3,418,994

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy

 

 

20,349,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financials

 

 

6,107,500

 

 

 

 

934,839

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information Technology

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

156,750

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds and Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,788,909

 

Level 3:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks Financials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total Investments

 

$

561,293,372

 

$

1,213,122

 

$

8,410,651

 

$

12,614,559

 

$

3,769,457

 

$

55,279,466

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Level 1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written Option Contracts

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

4,270

 

          Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic
Dividend
Fund

 

 

 


 

Balance as of October 31, 2008

 

$

 

Accrued discounts / premiums

 

 

 

Realized gain (loss)

 

 

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

 

(278,282

)

Net purchases (sales)

 

 

 

Transfers in and / or out of Level 3

 

 

278,282

 

 

 



 

Balance as of October 31, 2009

 

$

 

 

 



 

92



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

   

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ultra Short
Tax Optimized
Income Fund

 

Municipal
Money
Market Fund

 

 

 


 


 

Level 1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$

28,732,958

 

$

44,966,811

 

Level 2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alaska

 

 

 

 

565,000

 

Alabama

 

 

40,378,623

 

 

 

Arizona

 

 

26,704,667

 

 

2,074,000

 

Arkansas

 

 

29,375,000

 

 

2,830,000

 

California

 

 

183,538,139

 

 

48,075,000

 

Colorado

 

 

21,927,168

 

 

7,402,000

 

Connecticut

 

 

6,103,860

 

 

 

Delaware

 

 

9,650,000

 

 

 

District of Columbia

 

 

5,405,000

 

 

 

Florida

 

 

169,806,833

 

 

124,238,937

 

Georgia

 

 

37,001,580

 

 

15,430,000

 

Idaho

 

 

6,555,000

 

 

 

Illinois

 

 

109,145,846

 

 

65,760,000

 

Indiana

 

 

45,100,000

 

 

42,525,000

 

Iowa

 

 

20,000,000

 

 

16,655,000

 

Kansas

 

 

4,700,000

 

 

1,110,000

 

Kentucky

 

 

31,954,674

 

 

31,810,000

 

Louisiana

 

 

98,988,650

 

 

1,240,000

 

Maine

 

 

6,530,000

 

 

 

Massachusetts

 

 

17,778,697

 

 

3,000,000

 

Michigan

 

 

131,134,906

 

 

42,880,000

 

Minnesota

 

 

3,315,000

 

 

6,553,000

 

Mississippi

 

 

26,532,560

 

 

 

Missouri

 

 

19,555,409

 

 

9,170,000

 

Montano

 

 

 

 

4,180,000

 

Nevada

 

 

1,543,515

 

 

 

New Hampshire

 

 

13,889,630

 

 

 

New Jersey

 

 

4,808,241

 

 

 

New Mexico

 

 

6,215,000

 

 

3,135,000

 

New York

 

 

100,297,720

 

 

17,880,000

 

North Carolina

 

 

39,305,000

 

 

20,700,000

 

Ohio

 

 

51,048,264

 

 

24,220,000

 

Oklahoma

 

 

600,222

 

 

17,100,000

 

Oregon

 

 

5,625,904

 

 

8,570,000

 

Pennsylvania

 

 

116,167,295

 

 

20,140,000

 

Puerto Rico

 

 

30,343,690

 

 

 

South Carolina

 

 

15,054,360

 

 

4,380,000

 

South Dakota

 

 

15,000,000

 

 

 

Tennessee

 

 

104,265,000

 

 

8,855,000

 

Texas

 

 

33,130,995

 

 

92,870,000

 

Utah

 

 

1,120,000

 

 

 

Vermont

 

 

20,825,000

 

 

19,250,000

 

Virgin Islands

 

 

513,195

 

 

 

Virginia

 

 

3,500,000

 

 

13,820,000

 

Washington

 

 

20,390,000

 

 

47,405,000

 

West Virginia

 

 

3,063,840

 

 

4,000,000

 

Wisconsin

 

 

68,830,000

 

 

3,653,569

 

Wyoming

 

 

2,855,000

 

 

 

93



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ultra Short
Tax Optimized
Income Fund

 

Municipal
Money
Market Fund

 

 

 


 


 

Level 3:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multistate

 

$

3,031,500

 

$

 

 

 



 



 

Total Investments

 

$

1,741,337,941

 

$

776,443,317

 

 

 



 



 


 

 

 

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ultra Short
Tax Optimized
Income Fund

 

 

 


 

Balance as of October 31, 2008

 

$

4,080,000

 

Accrued discounts / premiums

 

 

 

Realized gain (loss)

 

 

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

 

(948,500

)

Net purchases (sales)

 

 

(100,000

)

Transfers in and / or out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

 



 

Balance as of October 31, 2009

 

$

3,031,500

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

B. Security Transactions and Investment Income:

 

 

 

Security transactions are recorded on the date a security is purchased or sold (i.e. on the trade date). Realized gains and losses are computed on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, where applicable. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or in the case of some foreign securities, on the date thereafter when the Funds are made aware of the dividend. Foreign income may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, which are accrued as applicable. Capital gains realized on some foreign securities are subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable.

 

 

 

Dividends and interest from non-U.S. sources received by the Funds are generally subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes at rates ranging up to 30%. Such withholding taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of applicable U.S. income tax treaties, and the Funds intend to undertake any procedural steps required to claim the benefits of such treaties.

 

 

 

C. Line of Credit:

 

 

 

Each Fund has a line of credit with U.S. Bank N.A. Loans in aggregate, whether to cover overdrafts or for investment purposes, may not exceed the maximum amount that is permitted under the 1940 Act. For the year ended October 31, 2009, the average interest rate paid on outstanding borrowings under the line of credit was 1.39%, 1.19%, 1.19%, 1.15%, 0.87% and 1.26% for the Dynamic Dividend Fund, Dynamic Financial Services Fund, Dynamic Innovators Fund, Dynamic Transformations Fund, Dynamic Balance Fund, and Municipal Money Market Fund, respectively. The Funds also incur interest expense on custody overdraft charges.

94



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic
Dividend
Fund

 

Accelerating
Dividend
Fund

 

Dynamic
Financial
Services
Fund

 

Dynamic
Innovators
Fund

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Total line of credit amount available

 

$

205,775,288

 

$

418,046

 

$

2,963,597

 

$

4,210,065

 

Line of credit outstanding at October 31, 2009

 

 

21,423,000

 

 

 

 

621,000

 

 

1,376,000

 

Line of credit amount unused at October 31, 2009

 

 

184,352,288

 

 

418,046

 

 

2,342,597

 

 

2,834,065

 

Average balance outstanding during the year

 

 

8,426,786

 

 

 

 

277,556

 

 

1,542,277

 

Interest expense incurred on line of credit during the year

 

 

98,656

 

 

 

 

5,273

 

 

18,779

 

Interest expense incurred on custody overdrafts during the year

 

 

2,943

 

 

 

 

243

 

 

7

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic
Trans-
formations
Fund

 

Dynamic
Balance
Fund

 

Ultra Short
Tax Optimized
Income
Fund

 

Municipal
Money
Market
Fund

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Total line of credit amount available

 

$

1,262,762

 

$

18,513,612

 

$

591,932,709

 

$

263,649,839

 

Line of credit outstanding at October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Line of credit amount unused at October 31, 2009

 

 

1,262,762

 

 

18,513,612

 

 

591,932,709

 

 

263,649,839

 

Average balance outstanding during the year

 

 

8,047

 

 

195,036

 

 

 

 

1,879

 

Interest expense incurred on line of credit during the year

 

 

94

 

 

1,250

 

 

 

 

24

 

Interest expense incurred on custody overdrafts during the year

 

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

D. Income Taxes:

 

 

 

It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute timely, all of its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is recorded.

 

 

 

Under applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax may be imposed on interest, dividends, and capital gains earned on foreign investments. Where available, the Funds will file for claims on foreign taxes withheld.

 

 

 

E. Dividends and Distributions:

 

 

 

Each of the Dynamic Dividend, Accelerating Dividend, Dynamic Financial Services, Dynamic Innovators, Dynamic Transformations, Dynamic Balance Fund and Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Funds intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, throughout the year to its shareholders in the form of dividends. The Municipal Money Market Fund declares and accrues dividends daily on each business day based upon the Fund’s net income, and pays dividends monthly. Distributions to shareholders are recorded at the close of business on the ex-dividend date. All dividends are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Fund at net asset value per share, unless otherwise requested.

 

 

 

The amounts of dividends from net investment income and of distributions from net realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. In the event dividends and distributions to shareholders exceed net investment income and net realized gains for tax purposes they are reported as returns of capital.

 

 

 

F. Class Allocations:

 

 

 

Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains and losses of the Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund are allocated among the classes of the Fund based on the relative net assets of each class. Class specific expenses are allocated to the class to which they relate. Currently, class specific expenses are limited to those incurred under the Distribution Plan for Adviser Class shares.

95



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

G. Foreign Currency Translation Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Each of the Dynamic Dividend, Accelerating Dividend, Dynamic Financial Services, Dynamic Innovators, Dynamic Transformations and Dynamic Balance Funds may invest up to 100%, 100%, 100%, 20%, 100% and 15%, respectively, of the value of its total assets in foreign securities. The books and records of each Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Non-U.S. denominated amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows, with the resultant translation gains and losses recorded in the Statements of Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

i)

market value of investment securities and other assets and liabilities at the exchange rate on the valuation date,

 

 

 

 

 

 

ii)

purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses at the exchange rate prevailing on the respective date of such transactions.

 

 

 

 

 

H. Risk Associated With Foreign Securities and Currencies:

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Such risks include future political and economic developments and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is a possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments, which could adversely affect investments in those countries.

 

 

 

 

 

Certain countries may also impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets by foreign entities, including restrictions on investments in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available to the Funds or result in a lack of liquidity and high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries.

 

 

 

 

 

I. Written Option Contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

The Funds are subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Funds may write (sell) put and call options to gain exposure to or hedge against changes in the value of equities. When the Funds write (sell) an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Funds is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of an option written. By writing an option, the Funds may become obligated during the term of the option to deliver (with respect to a call option) or purchase (with respect to a put option) the securities underlying the option at the exercise price if the option is exercised. When an option expires on its stipulated expiration date, the Funds realize a gain. When the Funds enter into a closing purchase transaction, the Funds realize a gain or loss if the cost of the closing purchase transaction differs from the premium received when the option was sold without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying security, and the liability related to such option is eliminated. If a call option written by a Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale of the underlying security will be increased by the premium originally received and the Fund will realize a gain or loss on the sale of the security. If a put option written by a Fund is exercised, the Fund’s basis in the underlying security will be reduced by the premium originally received. With written option contracts, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Funds since written option contracts are exchange traded.

 

 

 

 

 

The premium amount and the number of written option contracts during the year ended October 31, 2009 were as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Number of
Contracts

 

Premium
Amount

 

Number of
Contracts

 

Premium
Amount

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Options outstanding at October 31, 2008

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

Options written

 

 

1,874

 

 

337,815

 

 

2,720

 

 

672,620

 

Options closed

 

 

(100

)

 

(49,700

)

 

 

 

 

Options exercised

 

 

(974

)

 

(151,491

)

 

 

 

 

Options expired

 

 

(678

)

 

(121,130

)

 

(2,720

)

 

(672,620

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Options outstanding at October 31, 2009

 

 

122

 

$

15,494

 

 

 

$

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

96



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

J. Swap Contracts:

 

 

 

The Funds are subject to equity price risk in the normal course of purusing its investment objectives. The Dynamic Dividend Fund may enter into long equity swap contracts with multiple brokers. A long equity swap contract entitles the Fund to receive from the counterparty any appreciation and dividends paid on an individual security, while obligating the Fund to pay the counterparty any depreciation on the security as well as interest on the notional amount of the contract at a rate equal to 80 basis points.

 

 

 

Fluctuations in the value of an open contract are recorded daily as a net unrealized gain or loss. The Fund will realize a gain or loss upon termination or reset of the contract. Either party, under certain conditions, may terminate the contract prior to the contract’s expiration date.

 

 

 

Credit risk may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to comply with the terms of the contract. The Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a contract in evaluating potential credit risk quarterly. The counterparty risk to the Fund is limited to the net unrealized gain, if any, on the contract, along with dividends receivable on long equity contracts. Additionally, risk may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. At October 31, 2009, the Dynamic Dividend Fund had no open equity swap contracts. During the year ended October 31, 2009, the Dynamic Dividend Fund opened and closed 4,137,994 equity swap contracts.

 

 

 

K. Equity-Linked Structured Notes:

 

 

 

Certain Funds may invest in equity-linked structured notes. Equity-linked structured notes are derivative securities which are specially designed to combine the characteristics of one or more underlying securities and their equity derivatives in a single note form. The return and/or yield or income component may be based on the performance of the underlying equity securities, and equity index, and/or option positions. Equity-linked structured notes are typically offered in limited transactions by financial institutions in either registered or non-registered form. An investment in equity-linked structured notes creates exposure to the credit risk of the issuing financial institution, as well as to the market risk of the underlying securities. There is no guaranteed return of principal with these securities and the appreciation potential of these securities may be limited by a maximum payment or call right. In certain cases, equity-linked structured notes may be more volatile and less liquid than less complex securities or other types of fixed-income securities. Such securities may exhibit price behavior that does not correlate with other fixed-income securities. The Funds did not hold any equity-linked structured notes at the year ended October 31, 2009.

 

 

 

L. Forward Currency Contracts:

 

 

 

The Funds are subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. The Funds may use forward currency contracts to gain exposure to or hedge against changes in the value of foreign currencies. A forward currency contract (“forward”) is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set price on a future date. The market value of the forward contract fluctuates with changes in forward currency exchange rates. The forward contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by each Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the forward contract is closed, a Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the fluctuation in value during the period the forward contract was open. A Fund could be exposed to risk if a counterparty is unable to meet the terms of a forward or if the value of the currency changes unfavorably.

 

 

 

During the year ended October 31, 2009, the Dynamic Dividend Fund entered into 194,000,000 forward currency contracts with Goldman Sachs with a cost of $90,485,002.

 

 

 

M. Derivatives:

 

 

 

The Funds have adopted authoritative standards regarding disclosure about derivatives and hedging activities and how they affect the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liablities and Statements of Operations.

97



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

Fair values of derivative instruments as of October 31, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Liability Derivatives

 

 

 

 


 


 

Derivatives

 

 

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities Location

 

Fair Value

 

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities Location

 

Fair Value

 


 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written option contracts

 

N/A

 

 

Written option contracts

 

$4,270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Operations

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations for the year ended October 31, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

 

 


 

Derivatives

 

 

Purchased
option
contracts

 

Written
option
contracts

 

Forward
currency
contracts

 

Swap
contracts

 


 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity contracts

 

$

 

$

672,620

 

$

 

$

5,526,555

 

Forward currency contracts

 

$

 

$

 

$

(3,392,718

)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity contracts

 

$

(48,500

)

$

145,530

 

$

 

$

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivatives

 

 

 


 

Derivatives

 

 

Purchased
option
contracts

 

Written
option
contracts

 

Forward
currency
contracts

 

Swap
contracts

 


 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity contracts

 

$

47,250

 

$

11,224

 

$

 

$

 

N. Temporary Guarantee Program for Money Market Funds:

The Municipal Money Market Fund elected to participate in the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s (the “Treasury”) Temporary Guarantee Program for Money Market Funds (“Program”) that was set to expire on April 30, 2009, unless extended by the Treasury. On March 31, 2009, the Treasury announced the extension of the Program until September 18, 2009 and the Municipal Money Market Fund applied for continued participation in the Program.

Continued participation in the Program for the period from April 30, 2009 through September 18, 2009, required a payment to the Treasury in the amount of 0.015% of the net asset value of the Fund as of September 19, 2008. The Fund incurred the expense of its participation in the Program without regard to any fee waivers or expense limitations in effect for the Fund. The Secretary of the Treasury did not extend the Program beyond the close of business on September 18, 2009 and the Fund is no longer able to participate in the Program. The Fund paid $257,118 for participation in the Program.

Additional information about the Program is available at http://www.ustreas.gov.

 

 

3.

Capital Share Transactions:

The Funds have an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with $0.0001 par value, authorized. Transactions in shares and dollars of the Funds were as follows:

98



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Shares sold

 

 

40,478,198

 

$

196,120,574

 

 

53,657,887

 

$

563,036,031

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

18,373,014

 

 

87,140,087

 

 

14,596,014

 

 

139,704,564

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

178,370

 

 

 

 

517,263

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(43,839,028

)

 

(208,323,675

)

 

(76,116,507

)

 

(703,254,544

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total net change

 

 

15,012,184

 

$

75,115,356

 

 

(7,862,606

)

$

3,314

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period Ended
October 31, 2009 (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

105,816

 

$

1,060,985

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net change

 

 

105,816

 

$

1,060,985

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Fund commenced operations on November 5, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Shares sold

 

 

343,876

 

$

1,966,966

 

 

697,809

 

$

6,472,426

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

94,660

 

 

473,302

 

 

201,690

 

 

2,103,627

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

1,015

 

 

 

 

10,070

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(357,977

)

 

(1,938,943

)

 

(608,435

)

 

(5,310,381

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total net change

 

 

80,559

 

$

502,340

 

 

291,064

 

$

3,275,742

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Shares sold

 

 

264,825

 

$

1,676,100

 

 

3,672,630

 

$

45,945,955

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

121,184

 

 

1,654,158

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

1,168

 

 

 

 

117,477

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(1,152,188

)

 

(7,302,845

)

 

(4,975,251

)

 

(58,619,588

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total net change

 

 

(887,363

)

$

(5,625,577

)

 

(1,181,437

)

$

(10,901,998

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Dynamic Transformations Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Period Ended
October 31, 2008 (1)

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Shares sold

 

 

11,850

 

$

82,368

 

 

463,465

 

$

4,630,875

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

3,343

 

 

17,115

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

22

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(15,191

)

 

(78,085

)

 

(5,744

)

 

(45,439

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total net change

 

 

2

 

$

21,399

 

 

457,721

 

$

4,585,458

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Shares sold

 

 

38,357

 

$

314,766

 

 

49,518

 

$

579,192

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

113,108

 

 

918,908

 

 

622,616

 

 

7,231,038

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

106

 

 

 

 

1,353

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(450,286

)

 

(3,602,450

)

 

(972,223

)

 

(11,154,144

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total net change

 

 

(298,821

)

$

(2,368,670

)

 

(300,089

)

$

(3,342,561

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Adviser Class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

21,875,510

 

$

220,902,141

 

 

1,276,848

 

$

12,879,474

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

136,158

 

 

1,373,479

 

 

18,092

 

 

182,093

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

1,683

 

 

 

 

212

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(2,212,979

)

 

(22,346,415

)

 

(230,618

)

 

(2,323,435

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total net change

 

 

19,798,689

 

$

199,930,888

 

 

1,064,322

 

$

10,738,344

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor Class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

156,952,569

 

$

1,575,628,786

 

 

25,157,257

 

$

252,396,026

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

1,557,326

 

 

15,616,912

 

 

546,879

 

 

5,477,503

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

65,479

 

 

 

 

16,330

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(36,137,658

)

 

(362,901,990

)

 

(8,444,341

)

 

(84,627,222

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total net change

 

 

122,372,237

 

$

1,228,409,187

 

 

17,259,795

 

$

173,262,637

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Municipal Money Market Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
October 31, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Adviser Class (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,124

 

 

1,124

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

 

 

 

 

(430,895

)

 

(430,895

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total net change

 

 

 

$

 

 

(429,771

)

$

(429,771

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor Class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

1,310,070,047

 

$

1,310,070,047

 

 

5,315,613,045

 

$

5,315,613,045

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

5,367,192

 

 

5,367,192

 

 

18,011,888

 

 

18,011,888

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(1,190,003,238

)

 

(1,190,003,238

)

 

(5,784,324,779

)

 

(5,784,324,779

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total net change

 

 

125,434,701

 

$

125,434,701

 

 

(450,699,846

)

$

(450,699,846

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) The Municipal Money Market Fund - Adviser Class ceased operations on December 5, 2007.


 

 

4.

Purchases and Sales of Securities:

 

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) for the year ended October 31, 2009 are as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-U.S. Government

 

U.S. Government

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Purchases

 

Sales

 

Purchases

 

Sales

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

$

3,442,657,321

 

$

3,331,588,321

 

$

 

$

 

Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

 

1,840,315

 

 

776,122

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

 

29,378,123

 

 

28,822,567

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

 

2,352,005

 

 

6,075,210

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Transformations Fund

 

 

1,665,230

 

 

1,409,518

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

 

11,028,728

 

 

5,841,808

 

 

7,390,417

 

 

11,644,579

 

Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

 

143,934,365

 

 

11,595,000

 

 

 

 

 

100



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

5.

Distribution Plans:

 

 

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar”) serves as each Fund’s distributor. The Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund has adopted a distribution and servicing plan (the “Plan”) for its Adviser Class shares as allowed by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Plan authorizes payments by the Fund in connection with the distribution and servicing of its shares at an annual rate, as determined from time to time by the Board of Trustees, of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Amounts paid under the Plan by the Fund may be spent by the Fund on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund, including but not limited to advertising, compensation for sales and marketing activities of financial institutions and others such as dealers and distributors, shareholder account servicing, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders and the printing and mailing of sales literature. The Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund incurred $184,838 pursuant to the Plan for the year ended October 31, 2009.

 

 

 

The Plan for the Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund may be terminated at any time by vote of the Trustees of the Income Trust who are not “interested persons”, as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Income Trust, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the respective class.

 

 

6.

Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Affiliated Transactions:

 

 

 

Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC (“the Adviser”) provides investment advisory services to each of the Funds. Pursuant to the advisory agreements with the Funds, the Adviser is entitled to an annual fee based on 1.00% of each Fund’s average daily net assets for the Dynamic Balance Fund, Dynamic Dividend Fund, Dynamic Financial Services Fund, Dynamic Innovators Fund, Dynamic Transformations Fund and Accelerating Dividend Fund. The Adviser is entitled to an annual fee based on 0.45% of the Municipal Money Market Fund’s average daily net assets and an annual fee based on 0.75% of the Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

 

 

The Adviser agreed to reimburse the Dynamic Dividend Fund, Accelerating Dividend Fund, Dynamic Financial Services Fund, Dynamic Innovators Fund, Dynamic Transformations Fund, Dynamic Balance Fund and Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund – Investor Class to the extent necessary to ensure that each Fund’s total operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 fees, interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses) does not exceed 1.35%, 1.35%, 1.35%, 1.35%, 1.35%, 1.35%, and 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, respectively. The expense cap for the Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund – Adviser Class is 0.25% higher than the Investor Class. For the year ended October 31, 2009, the Adviser agreed to reimburse the Municipal Money Market Fund to the extent necessary to ensure that the Fund’s total operating expenses (excluding interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses) did not exceed certain limits. The limits ranged from 0.53% to 0.55% of the Fund’s average daily net assets during the year ended October 31, 2009. The Adviser may recover expenses paid in excess of the cap on expenses for the three previous years, as long as the recovery does not cause the Fund to exceed such cap on expenses. For the year ended October 31, 2009, the Adviser waived investment advisory fees and other expenses totaling $40,707, $38,481, $31,680, $41,270, $1,528,133, and $9,413, for the Accelerating Dividend Fund, Dynamic Financial Services Fund, Dynamic Innovators Fund, Dynamic Transformations Fund, Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund and Municipal Money Market Fund, respectively. The expense limitations will remain in effect for each Fund unless and until the Board of Trustees of the Series and Income Trusts approve its modification or termination with respect to each Fund.

 

 

 

Waived expenses subject to potential recovery by year of expiration are as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year of Expiration

 

Accelerating
Dividend
Fund

 

Dynamic
Financial
Services
Fund

 

Dynamic
Innovators
Fund

 

Dynamic
Transformations

Fund

 

Ultra Short
Tax Optimized
Income
Fund

 

Municipal
Money Market
Fund

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

10/31/10

 

$

 

$

26,625

 

$

22,424

 

$

 

$

148,724

 

$

1,718,243

 

10/31/11

 

 

 

 

22,153

 

 

 

 

53,829

 

 

322,815

 

 

1,007,557

 

10/31/12

 

 

40,707

 

 

38,481

 

 

31,680

 

 

41,270

 

 

1,528,133

 

 

9,413

 

At October 31, 2009, the Dynamic Dividend Fund had $984 invested in the Municipal Money Market Fund.

101



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

7.

Federal Income Tax Information

 

 

 

At October 31, 2009, the components of accumulated earnings (losses) on a tax basis were as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic
Dividend Fund

 

Accelerating
Dividend Fund

 

Dynamic
Financial
Services Fund

 

Dynamic
Innovators Fund

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Cost of investments

 

$

554,670,752

 

$

1,077,483

 

$

13,858,859

 

$

16,078,016

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Gross unrealized appreciation

 

 

63,507,760

 

 

144,468

 

 

197,657

 

 

1,139,842

 

Gross unrealized depreciation

 

 

(56,885,140

)

 

(8,830

)

 

(5,645,865

)

 

(4,603,299

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

 

6,622,620

 

 

135,638

 

 

(5,448,208

)

 

(3,463,457

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Undistributed ordinary income

 

 

25,082,724

 

 

17,961

 

 

 

 

 

Undistributed long-term capital gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total distributable earnings

 

 

25,082,724

 

 

17,961

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Other accumulated gains (losses)

 

 

(981,689,032

)

 

2

 

 

(115,729

)

 

(12,053,242

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total accumulated gains (losses)

 

$

(949,983,688

)

$

153,601

 

$

(5,563,937

)

$

(15,516,699

)

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic
Transformations
Fund

 

Dynamic
Balance
Fund

 

Ultra Short
Optimized Tax
Income Fund

 

Municipal
Money
Market Fund

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Cost of investments

 

$

4,061,708

 

$

66,446,936

 

$

1,740,005,791

 

$

776,443,317

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Gross unrealized appreciation

 

 

514,297

 

 

6,303,400

 

 

3,070,623

 

 

 

Gross unrealized depreciation

 

 

(806,547

)

 

(17,470,870

)

 

(1,738,473

)

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

 

(292,250

)

 

(11,167,470

)

 

1,332,150

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Undistributed ordinary income

 

 

 

 

 

 

524

 

 

 

Undistributed long-term capital gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total distributable earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

524

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Other accumulated gains (losses)

 

 

(793,664

)

 

(255,176

)

 

(52,240

)

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total accumulated gains (losses)

 

$

(1,085,914

)

$

(11,422,646

)

$

1,280,434

 

$

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 

The tax basis of investments for tax and financial reporting purposes differs principally due to the deferral of losses on wash sales, REIT tax adjustments, and mark-to-market cost basis adjustments for investments in passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) for tax purposes.

 

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary income

 

$

126,650,712

 

$

188,534,882

 

Long-term capital gain

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

5,952,906

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

126,650,712

 

$

194,487,788

 

 

 



 



 

Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary income

 

$

 

$

 

Long-term capital gain

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

 



 



 

102



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 


 


 

Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary income

 

$

519,389

 

$

2,663,086

 

Long-term capital gain

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

4,121

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

523,510

 

$

2,663,086

 

 

 



 



 

Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary income

 

$

 

$

1,950,065

 

Long-term capital gain

 

 

 

 

54,800

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

 

$

2,004,865

 

 

 



 



 

Dynamic Transformations Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary income

 

$

14,717

 

$

 

Long-term capital gain

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

2,411

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

17,128

 

$

 

 

 



 



 

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary income

 

$

845,241

 

$

2,209,394

 

Long-term capital gain

 

 

 

 

5,536,488

 

Return of capital

 

 

114,962

 

 

102,670

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

960,203

 

$

7,848,552

 

 

 



 



 

Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary income

 

$

91,364

 

$

297,298

 

Exempt interest dividends

 

 

23,252,288

 

 

5,927,147

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

23,343,652

 

$

6,224,445

 

 

 



 



 

Municipal Money Market Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary income

 

$

134,761

 

$

141,465

 

Exempt interest dividends

 

 

6,695,604

 

 

22,003,941

 

Return of capital

 

 

2,781

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

6,833,146

 

$

22,145,406

 

 

 



 



 

103



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Notes to Financial Statements—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

During the year ended October 31, 2009, the Dynamic Balance Fund and Ultrashort Tax Optimized Income Fund utilized $217,302 and $2,449 of capital loss carryovers, respectively. Capital loss carryovers as of October 31, 2009 are as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expiration Date

 

 

Dynamic
Dividend Fund

 

Accelerating
Dividend Fund

 

Dynamic
Financial
Services Fund

 

Dynamic
Innovators Fund

 


 

 


 


 


 


 

10/31/2013

 

$

4,335,047

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

10/31/2014

 

$

15,084,034

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

10/31/2015

 

$

37,200,325

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

10/31/2016

 

$

536,971,822

 

$

 

$

 

$

6,415,976

 

10/31/2017

 

$

388,137,216

 

$

 

$

115,243

 

$

5,637,266

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expiration Date

 

 

Dynamic
Transformations
Fund

 

Dynamic
Balance
Fund

 

Ultra Short
Optimized Tax
Income Fund

 

Municipal
Money
Market Fund

 


 

 


 


 


 


 

10/31/2014

 

$

 

$

 

$

50,128

 

$

 

10/31/2015

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,112

 

$

 

10/31/2016

 

$

140,244

 

$

266,400

 

$

 

$

 

10/31/2017

 

$

653,420

 

$

 

$

 

$

 


 

 

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Funds have previously adopted accounting standards related to the accounting for uncertain tax positions. In accordance with this guidance, the Funds analyzed all open tax years, as defined by the Statute of Limitations, for all major jurisdiction. Open tax years are those that are open for exam by taxing authorities. Major jurisdications for the Funds included Federal and the state of New York. As of October 31, 2009, open Federal and New York tax years include the tax years ended October 31, 2006 through 2009. The Funds have no examination in progress.

 

 

 

The Funds have reviewed all open tax years and major jurisdictions and conluded that there is no impact on the Funds’ net assets and no tax liability resulting from unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain income tax positions taken or expected to be taken on the tax return for the fiscal year-end October 31, 2009. Also, the Funds have recognized no interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits. The Funds are also not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

104



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees
of Alpine Series Trust and Alpine Income Trust:

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of portfolio investments of Alpine Series Trust, comprising the Alpine Dynamic Balance Fund, Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund, Alpine Dynamic Financial Services Fund, Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund, Alpine Dynamic Transformations Fund, and Alpine Accelerating Dividend Fund; and Alpine Income Trust, comprising the Alpine Municipal Money Market Fund and Alpine Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund (collectively the “Funds”) as of October 31, 2009, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the periods indicated therein, and the statement of cash flows for the Alpine Dynamic Innovators for the year ended October 31, 2009. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2009, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where replies where not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of October 31, 2009, the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets, and the financial highlights for the periods indicated, and the cash flows of the Alpine Dynamic Innovators Fund for the year ended October 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

(-S- Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Milwaukee, WI
December 30, 2009

105



 

 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

   

Additional Information (Unaudited)
Expense Examples
October 31, 2009

As a shareholder of the Dynamic Dividend Fund, Accelerating Dividend Fund, Dynamic Financial Services Fund, Dynamic Innovators Fund, Dynamic Transformations Fund, Dynamic Balance Fund and Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund – Adviser and Investor Class, you will incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as initial sales charges (loads) and/or redemption fees and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service fees; and other Fund expenses. As a shareholder of the Municipal Money Market Fund, you will incur ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. The examples below are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 for the period 5/1/2009-10/31/2009.

Actual Expenses

The first line of the tables below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. The Funds charge no sales load (except the Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund – Adviser Class, which charges a sales load of 0.50% on purchases) or transaction fees, but do assess shareholders for outgoing wire transfers, returned checks and stop payment orders at prevailing rates charged by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, the Funds’ transfer agent. If you request a redemption by wire transfer, currently a $15.00 fee is charged by the Funds’ transfer agent. Shareholders in the Dynamic Dividend Fund, Accelerating Dividend Fund, Dynamic Financial Services Fund, Dynamic Innovators Fund, Dynamic Transformations Fund and Dynamic Balance Fund will be charged a redemption fee equal to 1.00% of the net amount of the redemption if they redeem their shares less than 2 months after purchase. Shareholders in the Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund – Adviser and Investor Class will be charged a redemption fee equal to 0.25% of the net amount of the redemption if they redeem their shares less than one month after purchase. IRA accounts will be charged a $15.00 annual maintenance fee. To the extent the Funds invest in shares of other investment companies as a part of their investment strategies, you will indirectly bear your proportionate share of any fees and expenses charged by the underlying funds in which the Funds invest in addition to the expenses of the Fund. These expenses are not included in the example below. The example below includes, but is not limited to, management fees, shareholder servicing fees, fund accounting, custody and transfer agent fees. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which does not represent the Funds’ actual returns. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

106



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

   

Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued
Expense Examples
October 31, 2009

Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
5/1/09

 

Ending
Account Value
10/31/09

 

Expenses Paid
During Period
5/1/2009-10/31/2009 (3)*

 

 

 


 


 


 

Actual (1)

 

$ 1,000.00

 

$ 1,180.40

 

$ 6.65

 

Hypothetical (2)

 

$ 1,000.00

 

$ 1,019.11

 

$ 6.16

 


 

 


(1)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 18.04% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(2)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(3)

Excluding interest expense of 0.03%, the actual and hypothetical expenses paid during the period were $6.49 and $6.01, respectively.

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.21%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
5/1/09

 

Ending
Account Value
10/31/09

 

Expenses Paid
During Period
5/1/2009-10/31/2009*

 

 

 


 


 


 

Actual (1)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,164.30

 

$ 7.36

 

Hypothetical (2)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,018.40

 

$ 6.87

 


 

 


(1)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 16.43% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(2)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the Fund.

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.35%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
5/1/09

 

Ending
Account Value
10/31/09

 

Expenses Paid
During Period
5/1/2009-10/31/2009 (3)*

 

 

 


 


 


 

Actual (1)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,314.80

 

$ 8.46

 

Hypothetical (2)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,017.90

 

$ 7.37

 


 

 


(1)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 31.48% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(2)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(3)

Excluding interest expense of 0.10%, the actual and hypothetical expenses paid during the period were $7.88 and $6.87, respectively.

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.45%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

107



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

   

Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued
Expense Examples
October 31, 2009

Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
5/1/09

 

Ending
Account Value
10/31/09

 

Expenses Paid
During Period
5/1/2009-10/31/2009 (3)*

 

 

 


 


 


 

Actual (1)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,423.80

 

$ 9.35

 

Hypothetical (2)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,017.49

 

$ 7.78

 


 

 


(1)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 42.38% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(2)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(3)

Excluding interest expense of 0.18%, the actual and hypothetical expenses paid during the period were $8.25 and $6.87, respectively.

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.53%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

Dynamic Transformations Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
5/1/09

 

Ending
Account Value
10/31/09

 

Expenses Paid
During Period
5/1/2009-10/31/2009*

 

 

 


 


 


 

Actual (1)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,315.10

 

$ 7.88

 

Hypothetical (2)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,018.40

 

$ 6.87

 


 

 


(1)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 31.51% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(2)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the Fund.

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.35%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
5/1/09

 

Ending
Account Value
10/31/09

 

Expenses Paid
During Period
5/1/2009-10/31/2009*

 

 

 


 


 


 

Actual (1)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,112.80

 

$ 6.71

 

Hypothetical (2)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,018.85

 

$ 6.41

 


 

 


(1)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 11.28% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(2)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the Fund.

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.26%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund
Adviser Class Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
5/1/09

 

Ending
Account Value
10/31/09

 

Expenses Paid
During Period
5/1/2009-10/31/2009*

 

 

 


 


 


 

Actual (1)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,015.70

 

$ 4.32

 

Hypothetical (2)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,020.92

 

$ 4.33

 


 

 


(1)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 1.57% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(2)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the Fund.

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 0.85%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

108



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

   

Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued
Expense Examples
October 31, 2009

Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund
Investor Class Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
5/1/09

 

Ending
Account Value
10/31/09

 

Expenses Paid
During Period
5/1/2009-10/31/2009*

 

 

 


 


 


 

Actual (1)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,017.00

 

$ 3.05

 

Hypothetical (2)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,022.18

 

$ 3.06

 


 

 


(1)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 1.70% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(2)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the Fund.

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 0.60%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

Municipal Money Market Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
5/1/09

 

Ending
Account Value
10/31/09

 

Expenses Paid
During Period
5/1/2009-10/31/2009*

 

 

 


 


 


 

Actual (1)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,003.80

 

$ 2.58

 

Hypothetical (2)

 

$  1,000.00

 

$ 1,022.63

 

$ 2.60

 


 

 


(1)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 0.38% return. The return is considered after expenses are deducted from the Fund.

(2)

Ending account values and expenses paid during period based on a 5.00% annual return. The return is considered before expenses are deducted from the Fund.

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 0.51%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multipliedby 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

109



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued
October 31, 2009

Information about Trustees and Officers

The business and affairs of the Funds are managed under the direction of Trusts’ Board of Trustees. Information pertaining to the Trustees and Officers of the Funds is set forth below. The SAI includes additional information about the Funds’ Trustees and Officers and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-888-785-5578.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independent Trustees


Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
the Trust

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation During
Past Five Years

 

# of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex**

 

Other Directorships
Held by Trustee

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurence B. Ashkin (81)

 

Independent
Trustee

 

Indefinite, since the Trust’s inception

 

Real estate developer since 1980; Founder and President of Centrum Properties, Inc. since 1980.

 

16

 

Board of Trustees Chairman, Perspective Charter Schools, Chicago, IL; Director, Chicago Public Radio; Trustee of each of the Alpine Trusts.*

 













H. Guy Leibler (55)

 

Independent
Trustee

 

Indefinite, since the Trust’s inception

 

Private investor, since 2007; Vice Chair & Chief Operating Officer of L&L Acquisitions, LLC (2004-2007); President, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (2001-2004).

 

16

 

Chairman Emeritus, White Plains Hospital Center; Trustee, each of the Alpine Trusts.*

 













Jeffrey E. Wacksman (49)

 

Independent
Trustee

 

Indefinite, since 2004

 

Partner, Loeb, Block & Partners LLP, since 1994.

 

16

 

Director, International Succession Planning Association; Trustee, Larchmont Manor Park Society; Director, Bondi Icebergs Inc. (Women’s Sportswear); Director, MH Properties, Inc.; Trustee, each of the Alpine Trusts.*

 













James A. Jacobson (64)

 

Independent
Trustee

 

Indefinite, since July 2009

 

Retired, since November 2008; Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Spear Leeds & Kellogg Specialists, LLC, January 2003 to November 2008.

 

16

 

Trustee, each of the Alpine Trusts.*

 













 

 

*

The term “Fund Complex” refers to the Funds in the Alpine Equity Trust, Alpine Series Trust, and Alpine Income Trust, and Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund, Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund, and Alpine Global Premier Properties Fund (the “Alpine Trust”).

110



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued
October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interested Trustees & Officers


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
the Trust

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation During
Past Five Years

 

# of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex**

 

Other Directorships
Held by Trustee

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Samuel A. Lieber* (53)

 

Interested Trustee, President and Portfolio Manager

 

Indefinite, since the Trust’s inception

 

CEO of Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC since November 1997. President of Alpine Trusts since 1998.

 

16

 

Trustee, each of the Alpine Trusts.

 













Stephen A. Lieber*** (84)

 

Vice President and Portfolio Manager

 

Indefinite, since the Trust’s inception

 

Chief Investment Officer, Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC since 2003; Chairman and Senior Portfolio Manager, Saxon Woods Advisors, LLC since 1999.

 

N/A

 

None

 













Robert W. Gadsden (52)

 

Vice President and Portfolio Manager

 

Indefinite, since 1999

 

Portfolio Manager and Senior Real Estate Analyst of Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC since 1999. Formerly Vice President, Prudential Realty Group (1990-1999).

 

N/A

 

None

 













John Megyesi (48)

 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

Indefinite, since January 2009

 

Chief Compliance Officer, Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC since January 2009; Vice President and Manager, Trade Surveillance, Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC (2006-2009); Manager, Trading and Surveillance, Allianze Global Investors (2004-2006).

 

N/A

 

None

 













Meimei Li (45)

 

Treasurer

 

Indefinite, since March 2009

 

Controller, Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC since February 2007; Senior Accountant Pinnacle Group (2005-2007); Senior Auditor, Eisner & Lubin (2001-2005).

 

N/A

 

None

 













Andrew Pappert (29)

 

Secretary

 

Indefinite, since March 2009

 

Director of Fund Operations, Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC since September 2008; Assistant Vice President, Mutual Fund Operations, Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC (2003- 2009).

 

N/A

 

None

 













 

 

*

Denotes Trustees who are “interested persons” of the Trust or Fund under the 1940 Act.

**

The term “Fund Complex” refers to the Funds in the Alpine Equity Trust, Alpine Series Trust, and Alpine Income Trust, and Alpine Global Dynamic Dividend Fund, Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund, and Alpine Global Premier Properties Fund (the “Alpine Trust”).

***

Stephen A. Lieber is the father of Samuel A. Lieber.

Tax Information

The Funds designated the following percentages of dividends declared from net investment income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 as qualified dividend income under the Jobs & Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

 

77

%

Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

 

0

%

Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

 

48

%

Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

 

0

%

Dynamic Transformations Fund

 

 

86

%

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

 

87

%

Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

 

0

%

Municipal Money Market Fund

 

 

0

%

111



 

Alpine Mutual Funds

 

Additional Information (Unaudited)—Continued
October 31, 2009

The Funds designated the following percentages of dividends declared during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 as dividends qualifying for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders.

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Dividend Fund

 

 

23

%

Accelerating Dividend Fund

 

 

0

%

Dynamic Financial Services Fund

 

 

46

%

Dynamic Innovators Fund

 

 

0

%

Dynamic Transformations Fund

 

 

86

%

Dynamic Balance Fund

 

 

33

%

Ultra Short Tax Optimized Income Fund

 

 

0

%

Municipal Money Market Fund

 

 

0

%

The Fund designated as long-term capital gain dividend, pursuant to Internal Revenue Cose Section 852(b)(3), the amount necessary to reduce the earnings and profits of the Fund related to net capital gain to zero for the tax year ended October 31, 2009.

Availability of Proxy Voting Information

Information regarding how each Fund votes proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free at 1-888-785-5578 and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by calling the toll-free number listed above.

Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedule

Beginning with each Fund’s fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2004, each Fund filed its complete schedule of portfolio holdings on Form N-Q with the SEC. Going forward, each Fund will file Form N-Q for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Each Fund’s Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-202-551-8090.

Privacy Policy

The Funds collect non-public information about you from the following sources:

 

 

 

 

information we receive about you on applications or other forms;

 

information you give us orally; and

 

information about your transactions with others or us.

The Funds do not disclose any non-public personal information about our customers or former customers without the customer’s authorization, except as required by law or in response to inquiries from governmental authorities. The Funds restrict access to your personal and account information to those employees who need to know that information to provide products and services to you. The Funds also may disclose that information to unaffiliated third parties (such as to brokers or custodians) only as permitted by law and only as needed for us to provided agreed services to you. The Funds maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to guard your non-public personal information.

In the event that you hold shares of the Funds through a financial intermediary, including, but not limited to a broker-dealer, bank or trust company, the privacy policy of your financial intermediary would govern how your non-public personal information would be shared with unaffiliated third parties.

112



 

TRUSTEES

Samuel A. Lieber

Laurence B. Ashkin

James A. Jacobson

H. Guy Leibler

Jeffrey E. Wacksman

 

CUSTODIAN

U.S. Bank, N.A.

1555 N. Rivercenter Dr. Suite 302

Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

SUB-CUSTODIAN

The Bank of New York Mellon

One Wall Street

New York, NY 10286

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Deloitte & Touche LLP

555 East Wells Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

FUND COUNSEL

Blank Rome LLP

The Chrysler Building

405 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10174

 

DISTRIBUTOR

Quasar Distributors, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

Alpine Woods Capital Investors, LLC

2500 Westchester Ave., Suite 215

Purchase, NY 10577

 

TRANSFER AGENT &

ADMINISTRATOR

US Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

(ALPINE LOGO)

 

SHAREHOLDER | INVESTOR INFORMATION

 

1(888)785.5578

www.alpinefunds.com

 

This material must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.



Item 2. Code of Ethics.

The registrant has adopted a Senior Officer Code of Ethics that applies to the registrant’s president and chief financial officer. The registrant has not made any amendments to its Senior Officer Code of Ethics during the period covered by this report. The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report.

A copy of the registrant’s Senior Officer Code of Ethics is filed herewith.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The registrant’s board of trustees has determined that there is at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. Laurence Ashkin is the “audit committee financial expert” and is considered to be “independent” as each term is defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The registrant has engaged its principal accountant to perform audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services during the past two fiscal years. “Audit services” refer to performing an 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. “Audit-related services” refer to the assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit. “Tax services” refer to professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. “Other services” provided by the principal accountant were for performance analysis review. The following table details the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed for each of the last two fiscal years for audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees by the principal accountant.

  FYE 10/31/2009                   FYE 10/31/2008 
Audit Fees      $ 30,350            $ 28,350     
Audit-Related Fees  $ 0     $ 0  
Tax Fees  $ 4,900     $ 4,800  
All Other Fees  $ 6,200     $ 0  

The audit committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that require the audit committee to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services of the registrant, including services provided to any entity affiliated with the registrant.

The percentage of fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement were as follows:

 


  FYE 10/31/2009  FYE 10/31/2008 
Audit-Related Fees     0%  0% 
Tax Fees     0%  0% 
All Other Fees     0%  0% 

All of the principal accountant’s hours spent on auditing the registrant’s financial statements were attributed to work performed by full-time permanent employees of the principal accountant.

The following table indicates the non-audit fees billed or expected to be billed by the registrant’s accountant for services to the registrant and to the registrant’s investment adviser (and any other controlling entity, etc.—not sub-adviser) for the last two years. The audit committee of the board of trustees has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant's investment adviser is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence and has concluded that the provision of such non-audit services by the accountant has not compromised the accountant’s independence.

Non-Audit Related Fees  FYE 10/31/2009  FYE 10/31/2008 
Registrant 
$ 
6,200
  $0 
Registrant’s Investment Adviser 
$ 
0
  $0 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable to registrants who are not listed issuers (as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

Item 6. Investments.

Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

Not Applicable.

 


Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a)      The Registrant’s President and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and by the Registrant’s service provider.
 
(b)      There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the 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.

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)      (1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Filed herewith.
 
  (2) A separate certification for each principal executive and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
 
  (3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
 
(b)      Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.
 

 


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)   Alpine Income Trust


By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ Samuel A. Lieber
  Samuel A. Lieber, President

Date   1/8/2010

     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/ Samuel A. Lieber
  Samuel A. Lieber, President

Date   1/8/2010

By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ Ron Palmer
  Ron Palmer, Chief Financial Officer

Date   1/8/2010

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.