N-CSR 1 fp0072718_ncsr.htm

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:

811-22175

 

ALPS ETF TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Brendan Hamill, Esq., Secretary

ALPS ETF Trust

1290 Broadway, Suite 1000

Denver, Colorado 80203

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: 877-398-8461

 

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

 

Date of reporting period: December 1, 2020 – November 30, 2021

 

 

Item 1.Report to Stockholders.

 

(a)

 

   

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview  
Alerian MLP ETF 1
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 4
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 7
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 8
Financial Statements  
Alerian MLP ETF  
Schedule of Investments 9
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 10
Statement of Operations 11
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 12
Financial Highlights 13
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  
Schedule of Investments 14
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 16
Statement of Operations 17
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 18
Financial Highlights 19
Notes to Financial Statements 20
Additional Information 32
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements 34
Trustees & Officers 36

 

alpsfunds.com

   

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

 

The Alerian MLP ETF (the “Fund” or “AMLP”) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index” or “AMZI”). The shares of the Fund are listed and trade on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol AMLP. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Underlying Index.

 

The Underlying Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float-adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the United States energy infrastructure Master Limited Partnership (“MLP”) asset class. The Underlying Index is comprised of energy infrastructure MLPs that earn a majority of their cash flow from the transportation, storage, and processing of energy commodities.

 

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW

 

 

During the twelve-month period from December 1, 2020, to November 30, 2021, the Fund delivered a total return of 38.04% (37.97% NAV). This compares to the Fund’s Underlying Index, which increased 28.42% on a price-return basis and 39.34% on a total-return basis. The difference in performance between the AMZI and AMLP is primarily attributable to the Fund’s operating expenses and the tax impact of the Fund’s C-Corporation structure.

 

During the period, the Fund paid four distributions:

 

$0.6800 per share on February 18, 2021
$0.6800 per share on May 20, 2021
$0.6800 per share on August 19, 2021
$0.7600 per share on November 18, 2021

 

Distributions from AMZI constituents were largely stable during the Fund's fiscal year as reflected by steady payouts from the Fund. In the latest distribution announcements for 3Q21 (paid in 4Q21), four constituents grew their payouts sequentially – MPLX (MPLX), Magellan Midstream Partners (MMP), Western Midstream Partners (WES), and Cheniere Energy Partners (CQP) – and the other constituents maintained their payouts. MPLX also announced a special distribution for the quarter. This helped drive the increased Fund distribution in November 2021.

 

During the fiscal year, NGL Energy Partners (NGL) was removed from the Underlying Index during a quarterly rebalancing, while TC PipeLines (TCP) and Noble Midstream Partners (NBLX) were removed from the Underlying Index in relation to their acquisition by another entity. There were no updates to the Underlying Index methodology.

 

In 2021, energy infrastructure MLPs continued to recover from the pandemic-related headwinds that weighed on 2020 performance. The widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines supported energy demand as daily activities resumed and travel increased. US energy production largely stabilized, as capital discipline by producers kept volume growth in check. Producer discipline and improving demand was supportive for commodity prices and energy stocks in turn. After starting 2021 below $50 per barrel (bbl), West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices had reached $70/bbl by mid-year and a multi-year high of $85/bbl in October. Even after a significant late November sell-off on Omicron variant concerns, WTI oil prices were up 36.40% year-to-date through November 30, 2021. Natural gas prices also strengthened to multi-year highs in 2021, briefly touching $6 per million British thermal unit in October. Rising energy prices contributed to mounting inflation concerns as the year progressed, which also boded well for energy infrastructure MLPs given their real asset exposure and the inflation adjustments often built into their contracts.

 

In addition to a supportive energy macro backdrop, energy infrastructure MLPs benefitted from company-level tailwinds as well. Free cash flow remained in focus for AMZI constituents, with many generating free cash flow even after generous distributions. Excess cash flow has been deployed for debt reduction and returning cash to shareholders, with many constituents active with buybacks. As of November 30, nearly 70% of the AMZI by weighting has a buyback authorization in place. AMZI constituents have also made strides with reporting environmental, social and governance metrics, while also pursuing energy transition opportunities in areas like carbon capture and renewable fuels. An ongoing recovery in energy markets broadly and company-level tailwinds from strong free cash flow generation could lend continued support to energy infrastructure MLPs.

 

1 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception^
Alerian MLP ETF – NAV 37.97% -4.47% -1.39% 0.01%
Alerian MLP ETF – Market Price* 38.04% -4.51% -1.38% 0.01%
Alerian MLP Infrastructure Total Return Index 39.34% -3.61% -0.04% 2.03%
Alerian MLP Total Return Index 38.75% -2.55% -0.05% 1.88%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.90%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.877.398.8461. The Fund accrues deferred income taxes for future tax liabilities associated with the portion of MLP distributions considered to be a tax-deferred return of capital and for any net operating gains as well as capital appreciation of its investment. This deferred tax liability is reflected in the daily NAV and as a result the fund's after-tax performance could differ significantly from the underlying assets even if the pre-tax performance is closely tracked.

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced Investment Operations on August 24, 2010 with an Inception Date, the first day of trading on the NYSE ARCA, of August 25, 2010.
*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The Alerian MLP Infrastructure Total Return Index is comprised of 16 midstream energy Master Limited Partnerships and provides investors with an unbiased benchmark for the infrastructure component of this emerging asset class. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The Alerian MLP Total Return Index is recognized as a leading gauge of energy infrastructure Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs). The capped, float-adjusted, capitalization-weighted index, whose constituents earn the majority of their cash flow from midstream activities involving energy commodities, is reported on a total-return basis (AMZX), which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given period.

 

The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

 

2 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

MPLX LP 10.61%
Plains All American Pipeline LP 9.98%
Enterprise Products Partners LP 9.94%
Magellan Midstream Partners LP 9.94%
Western Midstream Partners LP 9.83%
Energy Transfer LP 9.33%
Phillips 66 Partners LP 6.45%
DCP Midstream LP 6.14%
EnLink Midstream LLC 5.61%
Cheniere Energy Partners LP 4.50%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 82.33%

 

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

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

 

 

 

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

 

3 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

 

The Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (the “Fund” or “ENFR”) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, the Alerian Midstream Energy Select Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index” or “AMEI”). As a secondary objective, the Fund seeks to provide total return through income and capital appreciation. The Shares of the Fund are listed and trade on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol ENFR. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Underlying Index.

 

The Underlying Index is a composite of North American energy infrastructure companies engaged in midstream activities involving energy commodities, including gathering and processing, liquefaction, pipeline transportation, rail terminaling, and storage (also known as “midstream energy businesses”). Midstream energy companies include midstream MLPs and midstream corporations, either based in the United States or Canada. The Underlying Index has a 25% limit for companies taxed as pass-through entities.

 

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW

 

 

During the twelve-month period from December 1, 2020, to November 30, 2021, the Fund delivered a total return of 38.91% (38.93% NAV). This compares to the Fund’s Underlying Index, which increased 31.64% on a price-return basis and 40.13% on a total-return basis.

 

During the period, the Fund paid four quarterly distributions:

 

$0.352220 per share on February 18, 2021
$0.239010 per share on May 20, 2021
$0.243490 per share on August 19, 2021
$0.627280 per share on November 18, 2021

 

AMEI constituents largely maintained or increased their dividends during the fiscal year. In the latest distribution announcements for 3Q21 (paid in 4Q21), five constituents increased their payouts sequentially, and there were no dividend cuts for the quarter. The Fund’s February and November distributions were augmented by special dividends from Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation (MIC). MIC paid out special dividends of $11.00 per share in January and $37.39 per share in October as the company essentially sold itself in parts. Additionally, MPLX paid out a special distribution for 3Q21 that also contributed to the higher distribution from the Fund in November 2021.

 

During the fiscal year, Altus Midstream Company (ALTM) and Oasis Midstream Partners (OMP) were added to the Underlying Index while Delek Logistics Partners (DKL) was removed during quarterly rebalancings. Inter Pipeline (IPL CN) and Noble Midstream Partners (NBLX) were removed from the Underlying Index in relation to their acquisition by another entity. There were no updates to the Underlying Index methodology.

 

In 2021, energy infrastructure companies continued to recover from the pandemic-related headwinds that weighed on 2020 performance. The widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines supported energy demand as daily activities resumed and travel increased. US energy production largely stabilized, as capital discipline by producers kept volume growth in check. Producer discipline and improving demand was supportive for commodity prices and energy stocks in turn. After starting 2021 below $50 per barrel (bbl), West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices had reached $70/bbl by mid-year and a multi-year high of $85/bbl in October. Even after a significant late November sell-off on Omicron variant concerns, WTI oil prices were up 36.40% year-to-date through November 30, 2021. Natural gas prices also strengthened to multi-year highs in 2021, briefly touching $6 per million British thermal unit in October. Rising energy prices contributed to mounting inflation concerns as the year progressed, which also boded well for energy infrastructure companies given their real asset exposure and the inflation adjustments often built into their contracts.

 

In addition to a supportive energy macro backdrop, energy infrastructure companies benefitted from company-level tailwinds as well. Free cash flow remained in focus for AMEI constituents, with many generating free cash flow even after generous dividends. Excess cash flow has been deployed for debt reduction and returning cash to shareholders, with many constituents active with buybacks. As of November 30, approximately 64% of the AMEI Index by weighting has a buyback authorization in place.

 

AMEI constituents have also made strides with reporting environmental, social and governance metrics, and multiple constituents have targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Constituents are also pursuing energy transition opportunities in areas like carbon capture, hydrogen, and renewable fuels. The large Canadian constituents, Enbridge (ENB) and TC Energy (TRP), have been particularly active on this front. An ongoing recovery in energy markets broadly and company-level tailwinds from strong free cash flow generation could lend continued support to energy infrastructure corporations and MLPs.

 

4 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF - NAV 38.93% 1.38% 0.82%
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF - Market Price* 38.91% 1.35% 0.83%
Alerian Midstream Energy Select Total Return Index 40.13% 2.32% 1.71%
Alerian MLP Total Return Index 38.75% -2.55% -3.96%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.35%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced Investment Operations on November 1, 2013.
*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The Alerian Midstream Energy Select Total Return Index is comprised of 33 equity securities of issuers headquartered or incorporated in the United States and Canada that engage in the transportation, storage, and processing of energy commodities. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The Alerian MLP Total Return Index is recognized as a leading gauge of energy infrastructure Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs). The capped, float-adjusted, capitalization-weighted index, whose constituents earn the majority of their cash flow from midstream activities involving energy commodities, is reported on a total-return basis (AMZX), which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given period.

 

The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 50,000 shares.

 

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

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

 

5 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Enbridge, Inc. 9.99%
Enterprise Products Partners LP 8.58%
TC Energy Corp. 8.29%
Cheniere Energy, Inc. 6.38%
Targa Resources Corp. 6.27%
ONEOK, Inc. 6.10%
Plains GP Holdings LP 4.90%
The Williams Cos., Inc. 4.85%
Kinder Morgan, Inc. 4.84%
Pembina Pipeline Corp. 4.79%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 64.99%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned) Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

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

 

 

 

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

 

6 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the (six month) period and held through November 30, 2021.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  Beginning Account Value 6/1/21 Ending Account Value 11/30/21 Expense Ratio(a) Expenses Paid During Period 6/1/21 - 11/30/21(b)
Alerian MLP ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $964.20 0.89% $4.38
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,020.61 0.89% $4.51
         
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,011.00 0.40% $2.02
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,023.06 0.40% $2.03

 

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses.
(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (183), divided by 365.

 

7 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of ALPS ETF Trust and the shareholders of Alerian MLP ETF and Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Alerian MLP ETF and Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (the "Funds"), two of the funds constituting the ALPS ETF Trust as of November 30, 2021, the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, and the related notes.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of November 30, 2021, and the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Denver, Colorado

January 26, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by ALPS Advisors, Inc. since 2007.

 

8 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (100.03%)        
Gathering + Processing (27.10%)        
Crestwood Equity Partners LP(a)   7,496,856   $191,619,639 
DCP Midstream LP(a)   11,614,338    305,805,520 
Enable Midstream Partners LP   11,640,411    83,112,535 
EnLink Midstream LLC(a)   42,917,395    279,392,241 
Western Midstream Partners LP(a)   25,467,949    489,748,659 
Total Gathering + Processing        1,349,678,594 
           
Liquefaction (4.50%)          
Cheniere Energy Partners LP   5,313,739    224,292,923 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas (19.28%)          
Energy Transfer LP   55,199,451    464,779,377 
Enterprise Products Partners LP   23,163,294    495,462,859 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas        960,242,236 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum (49.15%)          
Genesis Energy LP(a)   14,145,817    142,731,294 
Holly Energy Partners LP(a)   5,930,480    99,394,845 
Magellan Midstream Partners LP(a)   10,672,793    495,004,139 
MPLX LP   18,031,271    528,496,553 
NuStar Energy LP(a)   12,831,134    179,635,876 
Phillips 66 Partners LP   9,338,301    321,611,086 
Plains All American Pipeline LP(a)   53,477,843    497,343,940 
Shell Midstream Partners LP   16,084,012    183,357,737 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum        2,447,575,470 
           
TOTAL MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS          
(Cost $3,671,578,558)        4,981,789,223 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.01%)            
State Street Institutional            
Treasury Plus Money            
Market Fund   0.01%   606,733    606,733 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $606,733)             606,733 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.04%)               
(Cost $3,672,185,291)            $4,982,395,956 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.04%)             (2,220,666)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $4,980,175,290 

 

(a)Affiliated Company. See Note 8 in Notes to Financial Statement.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

9 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities November 30, 2021

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value  $2,301,719,803 
Investments in affiliates, at value   2,680,676,153 
Receivable for investments sold   13,499,975 
Receivable for fund shares sold   790,718 
Deferred tax asset (Note 2)   (a)
Income tax receivable   1,229,058 
Franchise tax receivable   341,767 
Total Assets   4,998,257,474 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable for investments purchased   790,758 
Payable for shares redeemed   13,504,243 
Payable to adviser   3,787,183 
Total Liabilities   18,082,184 
NET ASSETS  $4,980,175,290 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $8,253,797,724 
Distributable earnings   (3,273,622,434)
NET ASSETS  $4,980,175,290 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $1,699,888,252 
INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES, AT COST   1,972,297,039 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $4,980,175,290 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   157,457,420 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $31.63 

 

(a)Net Deferred Tax Asset of $467,857,482 is offset 100% by Valuation Allowance.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Statement of Operations For the Year Ended November 30, 2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Distributions from master limited partnerships  $423,726,349 
Less return of capital distributions   (423,726,349)
Total Investment Income    
      
EXPENSES:     
Franchise tax expense   71,821 
Investment adviser fee   43,465,063 
Total Expenses   43,536,884 
NET INVESTMENT LOSS, BEFORE INCOME TAXES   (43,536,884)
Current income tax benefit/(expense)   29,693 
NET INVESTMENT LOSS   (43,507,191)
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):     
Net realized loss on investments, before income taxes   (110,702,669)
Net realized loss on affiliated investments, before income taxes   (341,291,057)
Current income tax benefit/(expense)   308,268 
Net realized loss   (451,685,458)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments, before income taxes   824,272,766 
Net change in unrealized appreciation on affiliated investments, before income taxes   1,152,802,285 
Current income tax benefit/(expense)   (1,348,403)
Net change in unrealized appreciation   1,975,726,648 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS   1,524,041,190 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $1,480,533,999 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

11 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment loss  $(43,507,191)  $(39,857,320)
Net realized loss   (451,685,458)   (2,126,407,627)
Net change in unrealized appreciation   1,975,726,648    166,156,216 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   1,480,533,999    (2,000,108,731)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From tax return of capital   (444,037,776)   (518,981,697)
Total distributions   (444,037,776)   (518,981,697)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   1,051,399,959    1,148,144,286 
Cost of shares redeemed   (987,858,170)   (1,997,921,707)
Net increase/(decrease) from share transactions   63,541,789    (849,777,421)
           
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   1,100,038,012    (3,368,867,849)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of year   3,880,137,278    7,249,005,127 
End of year  $4,980,175,290   $3,880,137,278 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   155,057,420    926,062,100 
Shares sold   33,250,000    130,075,000 
Shares redeemed   (30,850,000)   (240,750,000)
Reverse stock split (Note 1)       (660,329,680)
Shares outstanding, end of year   157,457,420    155,057,420 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

12 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 (a)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019 (a)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018 (a)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 (a) 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $25.02   $39.15   $47.75   $51.85   $61.55 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment loss(b)   (0.27)   (0.24)   (0.35)   (0.45)   (1.10)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   9.68    (10.73)   (4.35)   0.40    (4.30)
Total from investment operations   9.41    (10.97)   (4.70)   (0.05)   (5.40)
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net realized gains               (4.05)    
From tax return of capital   (2.80)   (3.16)   (3.90)       (4.30)
Total distributions   (2.80)   (3.16)   (3.90)   (4.05)   (4.30)
                          
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   6.61    (14.13)   (8.60)   (4.10)   (9.70)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $31.63   $25.02   $39.15   $47.75   $51.85 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   37.97%   (28.36)%   (10.79)%   (0.55)%   (9.27)%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $4,980,175   $3,880,137   $7,249,005   $8,699,748   $9,405,284 
                          
RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:                         
Expenses (excluding net current and deferred tax expenses/benefits and franchise tax expense)   0.85%   0.85%   0.85%   0.85%   0.85%
Expenses (including net current and deferred tax expenses/benefits)(d)   0.87%   0.90%   0.87%   0.85%   0.41%
Expenses (including current and deferred tax expenses/benefits)(e)   0.85%   0.85%   0.85%   0.85%   1.81%
Net investment loss (excluding deferred tax expenses/benefits and franchise tax expense)   (0.85)%   (0.85)%   (0.77)%   (0.85)%   (0.85)%
Net investment income/(loss)(including deferred tax expenses/benefits)(e)   (0.85)%   (0.85)%   (0.77)%   (0.85)%   (1.81)%
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)   20%   23%   34%   26%   23%

 

(a)On May 18, 2020, the Alerian MLP ETF underwent a one for five reverse stock split. The capital share activity presented here has been retroactively adjusted to reflect this reverse split. See Note 1.
(b)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net assets value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(d)Includes amount of current and deferred taxes/benefits for all components of the Statement of Operations.
(e)Includes amount of current and deferred tax benefit associated with net investment income/(loss).
(f)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year is not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

13 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
CANADIAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANIES (29.00%)        
Gathering + Processing (3.86%)        
Keyera Corp.   104,445   $2,294,201 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas (8.28%)          
TC Energy Corp.(a)   104,983    4,924,327 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum (14.76%)          
Enbridge, Inc.   158,259    5,937,887 
Pembina Pipeline Corp.   96,154    2,845,216 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum        8,783,103 
           
Storage (2.10%)          
Gibson Energy, Inc.   69,023    1,248,676 
           
TOTAL CANADIAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANIES          
(Cost $17,563,282)        17,250,307 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (3.07%)        
Exchange Traded Fund (3.07%)        
Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund   33,430    1,824,944 
           
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUND          
(Cost $1,825,195)        1,824,944 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
U.S. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANIES (27.77%)        
Gathering + Processing (12.35%)        
ONEOK, Inc.   60,548    3,623,192 
Targa Resources Corp.   72,171    3,726,189 
Total Gathering + Processing        7,349,381 
           
Liquefaction (7.25%)          
Cheniere Energy, Inc.   36,190    3,793,074 
Tellurian, Inc.(a)(b)   159,340    519,448 
Total Liquefaction        4,312,522 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas (7.95%)          
Equitrans Midstream Corp.   192,824    1,854,967 
Kinder Morgan, Inc.   186,088    2,876,921 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas        4,731,888 
           
Storage (0.22%)          
Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings LLC   35,444    128,307 
           
TOTAL U.S. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANIES          
(Cost $15,034,711)        16,522,098 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
U.S. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE MLPS (25.66%)        
Gathering + Processing (6.41%)        
Crestwood Equity Partners LP   11,037   $282,106 
Enable Midstream Partners LP   17,094    122,051 
Hess Midstream LP, Class A   11,034    273,202 
MPLX LP   72,680    2,130,251 
Oasis Midstream Partners LP   2,866    61,046 
Rattler Midstream LP   19,096    203,372 
Western Midstream Partners LP   38,726    744,701 
Total Gathering + Processing        3,816,729 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas (13.22%)          
Energy Transfer LP   328,637    2,767,123 
Enterprise Products Partners LP   238,333    5,097,943 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Natural Gas        7,865,066 
           
           
Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum (6.03%)          
BP Midstream Partners LP   9,396    120,926 
Genesis Energy LP   20,986    211,749 
Holly Energy Partners LP   8,676    145,410 
Magellan Midstream Partners LP   42,612    1,976,345 
NGL Energy Partners LP(b)   24,239    49,448 
NuStar Energy LP   18,995    265,930 
PBF Logistics LP   5,991    67,878 
Phillips 66 Partners LP   13,814    475,754 
Shell Midstream Partners LP   23,821    271,559 
Total Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum        3,584,999 
           
           
TOTAL U.S. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE MLPS          
(Cost $18,361,968)        15,266,794 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
U.S. GENERAL PARTNERS (14.35%)        
Gathering + Processing (9.45%)        
Altus Midstream Co.   1,381    87,528 
Antero Midstream Corp.   167,605    1,627,444 
EnLink Midstream LLC   157,108    1,022,773 
The Williams Cos., Inc.   107,561    2,881,559 
Total Gathering + Processing        5,619,304 
           
Pipeline Transportation | Petroleum (4.90%)          
Plains GP Holdings LP, Class A   291,402    2,914,020 
           
TOTAL U.S. GENERAL PARTNERS          
(Cost $8,851,131)        8,533,324 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (3.54%)            
Money Market Fund (0.02%)               
State Street Institutional               
Treasury Plus Money               
Market Fund               
(Cost $12,570)   0.01%   12,570   $12,570 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral               
from Securities Loaned (3.52%)               
State Street Navigator               
Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 0.03%               
(Cost $2,092,086)        2,092,086    2,092,086 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $2,104,656)             2,104,656 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (103.39%)               
(Cost $63,740,943)            $61,502,123 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-3.39%)             (2,015,277)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $59,486,846 

 

(a)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $1,952,226.
(b)Non-income producing security.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

15 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities November 30, 2021

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value  $61,502,123 
Receivable for Investments Sold   2,008,777 
Dividends receivable   117,361 
Total Assets   63,628,261 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable for investments purchased   2,030,806 
Payable to adviser   18,523 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned   2,092,086 
Total Liabilities   4,141,415 
NET ASSETS  $59,486,846 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $67,634,146 
Distributable earnings   (8,147,300)
NET ASSETS  $59,486,846 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $63,740,943 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $59,486,846 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   3,200,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $18.59 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Statement of Operations For the Year Ended November 30, 2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Dividends*  $3,620,972 
Securities lending income   1,972 
Total Investment Income   3,622,944 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment adviser fees   288,661 
Total Expenses   288,661 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   3,334,283 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):     
Net realized loss on investments(a)   (5,674,384)
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions   (4,623)
Net realized loss   (5,679,007)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   18,199,127 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies   (2,657)
Net change in unrealized appreciation   18,196,470 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES   12,517,463 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $15,851,746 
* Net of foreign tax withholding.  $170,455 

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

17 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $3,334,283   $2,357,712 
Net realized loss   (5,679,007)   (5,570,975)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   18,196,470    (10,122,824)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   15,851,746    (13,336,087)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS:          
From distributable earnings   (2,301,342)   (1,140,689)
From tax return of capital   (2,346,411)   (1,627,034)
Total distributions   (4,647,753)   (2,767,723)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   22,119,720    20,059,786 
Cost of shares redeemed   (10,825,316)   (18,776,258)
Net increase from share transactions   11,294,404    1,283,528 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   22,498,397    (14,820,282)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of year   36,988,449    51,808,731 
End of year  $59,486,846   $36,988,449 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   2,550,000    2,700,000 
Shares sold   1,250,000    1,250,000 
Shares redeemed   (600,000)   (1,400,000)
Shares outstanding, end of year   3,200,000    2,550,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $14.51   $19.19   $20.34   $22.30   $22.95 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(a)   1.08    0.90    0.88    0.85    0.79 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   4.49    (4.50)   (0.64)   (2.23)   (0.72)
Total from investment operations   5.57    (3.60)   0.24    (1.38)   0.07 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (0.74)   (0.45)   (0.50)   (0.47)   (0.47)
Tax return of capital   (0.75)   (0.63)   (0.89)   (0.11)   (0.25)
Total distributions   (1.49)   (1.08)   (1.39)   (0.58)   (0.72)
                          
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   4.08    (4.68)   (1.15)   (1.96)   (0.65)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $18.59   $14.51   $19.19   $20.34   $22.30 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   38.93%   (18.82)%   1.09%   (6.27)%   0.21%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $59,487   $36,988   $51,809   $41,699   $42,370 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.51%(c)   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   5.84%   5.91%   4.23%   3.86%   3.39%
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(d)   34%   34%   26%   73%   37%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net assets value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(c)Effective July 1, 2021, the Fund's Advisory Fee changed from 0.65% to 0.35%.
(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year is not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

19 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021  

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of November 30, 2021, the Trust consisted of eighteen separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains to the Alerian MLP ETF and the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).

 

The investment objective of the Alerian MLP ETF is to seek investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Total Return Index. The investment objective of the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF is to seek investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, the Alerian Midstream Energy Select Total Return Index. The investment advisor uses a “passive management” or indexing investment approach to try to achieve each Fund’s investment objective. Each Fund is considered non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund.

 

Each Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (“the NYSE Arca”). Each Fund issues and redeems Shares at net asset value (“NAV”), in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. On October, 1, 2021, Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF reduced its Creation Unit size from 50,000 to 25,000 shares.

 

The Board authorized a one-for-five reverse stock split of Alerian MLP ETF that was effective at the market open on May 18, 2020. The impact of the reverse stock split was to decrease the number of shares outstanding by a factor of five, while increasing the NAV of shares outstanding by a factor of five, resulting in no effect to the net assets of the Fund. The financial statements of the Fund have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.

 

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

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

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

 

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

 

20 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

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

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

21 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021  

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value each Fund’s investments as of November 30, 2021:

 

Alerian MLP ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Master Limited Partnerships*  $4,981,789,223   $   $   $4,981,789,223 
Short Term Investments   606,733            606,733 
Total  $4,982,395,956   $   $   $4,982,395,956 

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Canadian Energy Infrastructure Companies*  $17,250,307   $   $   $17,250,307 
Exchange Traded Fund   1,824,944            1,824,944 
U.S. Energy Infrastructure Companies*   16,522,098            16,522,098 
U.S. Energy Infrastructure MLPs*   15,266,794            15,266,794 
U.S. General Partners*   8,533,324            8,533,324 
Short Term Investments   2,104,656            2,104,656 
Total  $61,502,123   $   $   $61,502,123 

 

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

 

The Funds did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the year ended November 30, 2021.

 

C. Foreign Currency Translation

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment valuations and other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. The portion of realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed and is included in realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, when applicable.

 

D. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

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

 

E. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

Each Fund intends to declare and make quarterly distributions, or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF, if any, are distributed at least annually. Distributions from net investment income and capital gains are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by the Funds, timing differences and differing characterization of distributions made by the Funds.

 

Distributions received from each Fund’s investments in Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) may be comprised of both income and return of capital. Each Fund records investment income and return of capital based on estimates made at the time such distributions are received. Such estimates are based on historical information available from each MLP and other industry sources. These estimates may subsequently be revised based on information received from MLPs after their tax reporting periods are concluded.

 

The Funds each expect a portion of its distributions to shareholders might be comprised of tax deferred return of capital. Return of capital distributions are not taxable income to the shareholder, but reduce the investor’s tax basis in the investor’s Fund Shares. Such a reduction in tax basis will result in larger taxable gains and/or lower tax losses on a subsequent sale of Fund Shares. Shareholders who periodically receive the payment of dividends or other distributions consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits from the Funds when, in fact, they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of the distributions is from the net profits of the Funds.

 

22 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

F. Federal Income Taxation and Tax Basis Information

 

Alerian MLP ETF

The Fund is taxed as a regular C-corporation for federal income tax purposes and as such is obligated to pay federal and state income tax. This treatment differs from most investment companies, which elect to be treated as “regulated investment companies” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) in order to avoid paying entity level income taxes. Under current law, the Fund is not eligible to elect treatment as a regulated investment company due to its investments primarily in MLPs invested in energy assets. The Fund expects that substantially all of the distributions it receives from MLPs may be treated as a tax-deferred return of capital, thus reducing the Fund’s current tax liability. However, the amount of taxes paid by the Fund will vary depending on the amount of income and gains derived from investments and/or sales of MLP interests and such taxes will reduce your return from an investment in the Fund.

 

Since the Fund will be subject to taxation on its taxable income, the NAV of the Fund shares will also be reduced by the accrual of any deferred tax liabilities. The Underlying Index however is calculated without any deductions for taxes. As a result, the Fund's after tax performance could differ significantly from the Underlying Index even if the pretax performance of the Fund and the performance of Underlying Index are closely related.

 

Cash distributions from MLPs to the Fund that exceed the Fund’s allocable share of such MLP’s net taxable income are considered a tax deferred return of capital that will reduce the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the equity securities of the MLP. These reductions in the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the MLP equity securities will increase the amount of any taxable gain (or decrease the amount of any tax loss) recognized by the Fund on a subsequent sale of the securities. The Fund will accrue deferred income taxes for any future tax liability associated with (i) that portion of MLP distributions considered to be a tax-deferred return of capital as well as (ii) capital appreciation of its investments. Upon the sale of an MLP security, the Fund may be liable for previously deferred taxes. The Fund will rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs, which is not necessarily timely, to estimate the deferred tax liability for purposes of financial statement reporting and determining the Fund’s NAV. From time to time, the Adviser will modify the estimates or assumptions related to the Fund’s deferred tax liability as new information becomes available. The Fund will generally compute deferred income taxes based on the federal income tax rate applicable to corporations and an assumed rate attributable to state taxes.

 

The Fund’s income tax expense/(benefit) consists of the following:

 

Alerian MLP ETF      Year ended
November 30, 2021
     
   Current   Deferred   Total 
Federal  $   $355,795,901   $355,795,901 
State   1,010,442    33,559,734    34,570,176 
Valuation Allowance       (389,355,635)   (389,355,635)
Total tax expense/(benefit)  $1,010,442   $   $1,010,442 

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes.

 

Components of the Fund’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

Alerian MLP ETF  As of November 30, 2021 
Deferred tax assets:    
Capital loss carryforward  $555,109,326 
Net operating loss carryforward   145,850,354 
Income recognized from MLP investments   1,474,568,495 
Other deferred tax assets   9,517,179 
Valuation allowance   (467,857,482)
Less Deferred tax liabilities:     
Net unrealized gain on investment securities   (1,717,187,872)
Net Deferred Tax Asset/(Liability)  $ 

 

Due to the activities of the MLPs that the fund is invested in, the Fund is required to pay franchise tax in certain states. Generally speaking, franchise tax expense is a tax on equity of a corporation, or base minimum fees, imposed by various jurisdictions. The amounts of the tax are estimated throughout the year based upon the Fund's estimate of underlying activities conducted in the states and reconciled to actual amounts paid upon the filing of the tax returns for the states. These taxes are paid as either estimated tax payments, extension payments, or with the tax return filings of the various states.

 

23 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021  

 

The capital loss carryforward is available to offset future taxable income. The capital loss can be carried forward for 5 years and, accordingly, would begin to expire as of November 30, 2022. The Fund has net capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes as follows:

 

Alerian MLP ETF  Period-Ended   Amount   Expiration 
Federal   11/30/2017   $20,624,857    11/30/2022 
Federal   11/30/2019    757,980,977    11/30/2024 
Federal   11/30/2020    1,033,570,048    11/30/2025 
Federal   11/30/2021    632,162,849    11/30/2026 
Total       $2,444,338,731      

 

The net operating loss carryforward is available to offset future taxable income. The Fund has net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes as follows:

 

Alerian MLP ETF  Period-Ended   Amount   Expiration 
Federal   11/30/2016    67,938,510    11/30/2036 
Federal   11/30/2017    343,920,173    11/30/2037 
Federal   11/30/2021    152,430,737    Indefinite 
Total       $564,289,420      

 

The Fund also has state tax net operating loss carryforwards of various amounts per state. The Deferred Tax Assets associated with these state tax net operating losses are as follows:

 

Alerian MLP ETF  Period-Ended   Amount   Expiration
State   11/30/2016    3,913,692   Varies by State
State   11/30/2017    7,472,303   Varies by State
State   11/30/2018    2,553,292   Varies by State
State   11/30/2019    2,244,759   Varies by State
State   11/30/2020    8,558,965   Varies by State
State   11/30/2021    2,606,566   Varies by State
Total       $27,349,577    

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The TCJA made modifications to the net operating loss (“NOL”) deduction. The TCJA eliminated the NOL carryback ability and replaced the 20 year carryforward period with an indefinite carryforward period for any NOLs arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The TCJA also established a limitation for any NOLs generated in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 to the lesser of the aggregate of available NOLs or 80% of taxable income before any NOL utilization. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act delays the application of the 80% net operating loss limitation, established under TCJA, to tax years ending November 30, 2022 and beyond.

 

The Fund reviews the recoverability of its deferred tax assets based upon the weight of available evidence. When assessing the recoverability of its deferred tax assets, significant weight was given to the effects of potential future realized and unrealized gains on investments and the period over which these deferred tax assets can be realized. Currently, any capital losses that may be generated by the Fund are eligible to be carried back up to three years and can be carried forward for five years to offset capital gains recognized by the Fund in those years.

 

Based upon the Fund’s assessment, it has determined that it is “more-likely-than-not” that a portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized through future taxable income of the appropriate character. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been established for the Fund’s deferred tax assets. The Fund will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance in the future. Significant increases in the fair value of its portfolio of investments may change the Fund’s assessment of the recoverability of these assets and may result in the removal of the valuation allowance against all or a portion of the Fund’s gross deferred tax assets.

 

24 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

Total income tax expense/(benefit) (current and deferred) differs from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% to net investment income and realized and unrealized gain/(losses) on investment before taxes as follows:

 

Alerian MLP ETF  As of November 30, 2021 
Income tax expense at statutory rate  $310,912,140 
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)   25,317,132 
Permanent differences, net   46,296,606 
Effect of tax rate change   7,840,198 
Valuation allowance   (389,355,634)
Net income tax expense  $1,010,442 

 

The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:

 

Alerian MLP ETF   Inception to November 30, 2021 
Unrecognized tax benefit - Beginning  $ 
Gross increases - tax positions in prior period    
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior period    
Gross increases - tax positions in current period    
Settlement    
Lapse of statute of limitations    
Unrecognized tax benefit - Ending  $ 

 

The Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. For the year ended November 30, 2021, the Fund paid $12,356 in penalties and interest.

 

The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on U.S. tax returns and state tax returns filed since inception of the Fund. Tax periods ended November 30, 2018 through November 30, 2020 remain subject to examination by tax authorities in the United States. Due to the nature of the Fund’s investments, the Fund may be required to file income tax returns in several states. The Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next 12 months.

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

 

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. The Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the year ended November 30, 2021, the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

25 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021  

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, permanent book and tax differences resulting primarily from differing treatment of investments in partnerships and redemptions in kind were identified and reclassified among components of the Fund’s net assets as follows:

 

Fund  Paid-in Capital   Total Distributable Earnings 
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  $2,354,429   $(2,354,429)

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 was as follows:

 

  Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2021            
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  $2,301,342   $   $2,346,411 

 

  Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2020            
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  $1,140,689   $   $1,627,034 

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2021, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

   Short-Term   Long-Term 
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  $309,653   $3,183,203 

 

As of November 30, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 
Accumulated net realized loss on investments  $(3,492,856)
Net unrealized depreciation on investments   (78,149)
Other accumulated losses   (4,576,295)
Total  $(8,147,300)

 

As of November 30, 2021, the costs of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   Alerian MLP ETF   Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $3,830,872,327   $61,578,366 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $2,214,241,369   $8,962,768 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (1,062,717,740)   (9,039,011)
Net appreciation (depreciation) of foreign currency       (1,906)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)  $1,151,523,629   $(78,149)

 

The difference between cost amounts for financial statement purposes is due primarily to the recognition of pass-through income from a Fund’s investments in master limited partnerships and wash sales.

 

G. Lending of Portfolio Securities

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

 

26 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of November 30, 2021:

 

   Market Value of Securities on Loan   Cash Collateral Received   Non-Cash Collateral Received   Total Collateral Received 
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF  $1,952,226   $2,092,086   $   $2,092,086 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Fund could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received.

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of November 30, 2021:

 

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements

 

Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 days   30-90 days   Greater than 90 days   Total 
Common Stocks  $2,092,086   $   $   $   $2,092,086 
Total Borrowings                       2,092,086 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)   $2,092,086 

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

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

 

Fund   Advisory Fee
Alerian MLP ETF 0.85% up to and including $10 billion
  0.80% greater than $10 billion up to and including $15 billion
  0.70% greater than $15 billion up to and including $20 billion
  0.55% greater than $20 billion up to and including $25 billion
  0.40% greater than $25 billion

 

Fund   Advisory Fee
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 0.35%*  

 

*Effective July 1, 2021, the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF changed its management fee from 0.65% to 0.35%.

 

27 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021  

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
Alerian MLP ETF  $1,007,815,159   $2,056,333,024 
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF   19,624,493    19,154,710 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
Alerian MLP ETF  $1,050,746,881   $ 
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF   22,106,051    10,824,164 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF had in-kind net realized gain of $2,600,602.

 

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

 

5. MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS

 

 

MLPs are publicly traded partnerships engaged in, among other things, the transportation, storage and processing of minerals and natural resources, and are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. By confining their operations to these specific activities, their interests, or units, are able to trade on public securities exchanges exactly like the shares of a corporation, without entity level taxation. To qualify as a MLP and to not be taxed as a corporation, a partnership must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources as set forth in Section 7704(d) of the Code. These qualifying sources include, among other things, natural resource-based activities such as the processing, transportation and storage of mineral or natural resources. MLPs generally have two classes of owners, the general partner and limited partners. The general partner of an MLP is typically owned by a major energy company, an investment fund, the direct management of the MLP, or is an entity owned by one or more of such parties. The general partner may be structured as a private or publicly traded corporation or other entity. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the MLP through an up to 2% equity interest in the MLP plus, in many cases, ownership of common units and subordinated units. Limited partners typically own the remainder of the partnership, through ownership of common units, and have a limited role in the partnership’s operations and management.

 

MLPs are typically structured such that common units and general partner interests have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to an established minimum amount (“minimum quarterly distributions” or “MQD”). Common and general partner interests also accrue arrearages in distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common and general partner interests have been paid, subordinated units receive distributions of up to the MQD; however, subordinated units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of the MQD is distributed to both common and subordinated units and generally on a pro rata basis. The general partner is also eligible to receive incentive distributions if the general partner operates the business in a manner which results in distributions paid per common unit surpassing specified target levels. As the general partner increases cash distributions to the limited partners, the general partner receives an increasingly higher percentage of the incremental cash distributions.

 

28 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

6.  CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. On October 1, 2021, Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF reduced its Creation Unit size from 50,000 to 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Funds. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of each Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

7.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The Funds engaged in cross trades between other funds in the Trust during the year ended November 30, 2021 pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds of the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7. These transactions related to cross trades during the period complied with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Trust’s procedures.

 

Transactions related to cross trades during the year ended November 30, 2021, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchase cost paid   Sale proceeds received   Realized gain/(loss) on sales 
Alerian MLP ETF  $487,497   $968,039   $(67,830)
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF   605,557    2,121,975    (1,835,906)

 

29 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021  

 

8.  AFFILIATED COMPANIES

 

 

As defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, an affiliated person, including an affiliated company, is one in which a Fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities, or a company which is under common ownership or control with the Fund.

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the Alerian MLP ETF held shares in the following affiliates, as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

Security Name  Share Balance as of November 30, 2021   Market Value as of November 30, 2020   Purchases   Purchases In-Kind   Sales   Market Value as of November 30, 2021   Dividends*   Change in Unrealized Gain/(Loss)   Realized Gain/(Loss) 
Affiliated Investments as of November 30, 2021                           
Crestwood Equity Partners LP   7,496,856   $101,531,691   $41,085,833   $37,059,822   $(42,727,153)  $191,619,639   $   $75,458,281   $(3,250,496)
DCP Midstream LP   11,614,338    179,947,999    20,666,729    60,691,003    (69,415,973)   305,805,520        134,150,882    (2,116,210)
EnLink Midstream LLC   42,917,395    119,052,199    69,823,102    42,632,836    (42,889,916)   279,392,241        132,853,096    (28,578,559)
Genesis Energy LP   14,145,817    86,198,857    10,830,222    27,115,669    (29,250,281)   142,731,294        89,232,882    (32,950,909)
Holly Energy Partners LP   5,930,480    76,290,764    9,621,102    21,847,356    (25,757,986)   99,394,845        25,672,946    (19,954)
Magellan Midstream Partners LP   10,672,793    375,129,243    103,844,955    100,929,554    (140,138,448)   495,004,139        100,650,536    (1,222,625)
NuStar Energy LP   12,831,134    161,682,778    19,567,890    44,942,526    (51,067,546)   179,635,876        43,825,841    (18,915,425)
Plains All American Pipeline LP   53,477,843    400,072,962    78,854,524    106,735,891    (161,923,449)   497,343,940        269,618,733    (158,691,185)
Western Midstream Partners LP   25,467,949    319,874,889    44,005,630    101,134,923    (130,494,652)   489,748,659        219,603,617    (31,784,406)
                            $2,680,676,153   $   $1,091,065,814   $(277,529,769)

 

Investments no longer affiliated as of November 30, 2021                    
NGL Energy                                    
Partners LP      $32,054,838   $1,483,677   $3,538,267   $(39,331,963)  $   $   $66,065,568   $(63,810,387)
TC PipeLines LP       206,078,373        15,443,118    (213,403,097)           (4,330,097)   49,099 
                            $   $   $61,735,471   $(63,761,288)
                                              
GRAND TOTAL                                $   $1,152,802,285$   (341,291,057)

 

*100% of the income received was estimated as Return of Capital.

 

9. MARKET DISRUPTIONS RISK

 

 

The Funds are subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause each Fund to lose value.

 

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

 

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

 

30 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events, if any, after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

31 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)  

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

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

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

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

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

In early 2021, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year 2020 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2022 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2021.

 

The Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF designates the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2020:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF 71.85% 11.91%

 

LICENSING AGREEMENTS

 

 

Alerian (the “Licensor”) has entered into an index licensing agreement with ALPS Advisors Inc. (the “Adviser”) with respect to each of the Alerian MLP ETF and the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF, to allow the Adviser’s use of AMZI and AMEI. The following disclosure relates to the Licensor:

 

Alerian is the designer of the construction and methodology for the underlying index (each an “Underlying Index”) for each of the Alerian MLP ETF and the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). “Alerian,” “Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index,” “Alerian Energy Infrastructure Index,” “Alerian Index Series” and “AMZI” are service marks or trademarks of Alerian. Alerian acts as brand licensor for each Underlying Index. Alerian is not responsible for the descriptions of either Underlying Index or the Funds that appear herein. Alerian is not affiliated with the Trust, the Adviser or the Distributor.

 

Neither Fund is issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Alerian (“Licensor”) or its affiliates. Licensor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index (“Index”) to track general market performance. Licensor’s only relationship to the Licensee is the licensing of the Index which is determined, composed and calculated by Licensor without regard to the Licensee or the Fund. Licensor has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Index. Licensor is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. Licensor has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing or trading of either Fund and is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of pricing or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Shares of either Fund or in the determination or calculation of the NAV of the relevant Fund. Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, Alerian MLP Infrastructure Total Return Index, AMZI and AMZIX are trademarks of GKD Index Partners, LLC and their general use is granted under a license from GKD Index Partners, LLC.

 

LICENSOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE QUALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS OF ANY KIND RELATED TO THE INDEX OR DATA. LICENSOR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED TO LICENSEE OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. LICENSOR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL LICENSOR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

32 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)  

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of either Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by either Fund, owners of the Shares of the relevant Fund or any other person or entity from the use of either Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to either Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of either Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

(Applicable to the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF only)

 

The Underlying Index is the exclusive property of GKD Index Partners LLC d/b/a Alerian, which has contracted with S&P Opco, LLC (a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC) (“S&P Dow Jones Indices”) to calculate and maintain the Underlying Index. S&P® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“SPFS”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); and these trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices. “Calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices” and its related stylized mark(s) have been licensed for use by Alerian.

 

The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices, SPFS, Dow Jones or any of their affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities”). S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities do not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Underlying Index to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities only relationship to Alerian with respect to the Underlying Index is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities and for the providing of calculation and maintenance services related to the Underlying Index. S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is not an investment advisor. Inclusion of a security within the Underlying Index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices Entities to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it considered to be investment advice.

 

S&P DOW JONES INDICES ENTITIES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES ENTITIES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES ENTITIES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY ALERIAN, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES ENTITIES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.

 

33 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on June 7, 2021 via electronic means (video-conference), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), evaluated a proposal to approve the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “AAI”) with respect to the Alerian MLP ETF (“AMLP”) and the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (“ENFR”) (each “a Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), as well as a proposed reduction to the advisory fees for ENFR. The Independent Trustees also met separately to consider (i) each Investment Advisory Agreement and (ii) the proposed reduction to the advisory fee for ENFR.

 

In evaluating the (i) proposed reduction to the advisory fee for ENFR and (ii) renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreements with respect to each Fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees considered various factors, including (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI with respect to the applicable Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreements; (ii) the advisory fees and other expenses paid by the Fund compared to those of similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the costs of the services provided to the Fund by AAI and the profits realized by AAI and its affiliates from its relationship to the Fund; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale have been or would be realized if and as the assets of the Fund grow and whether fees reflect the economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders; and (v) any additional benefits and other considerations.

 

With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI under the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered and reviewed information concerning the services provided under the Investment Advisory Agreements, the investment parameters of the index of each Fund, financial information regarding AAI and its parent company, information describing AAI’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds. For ENFR, the Board noted that the amended Advisory Agreement was identical to the Advisory Agreement currently in place for ENFR other than with respect to the reduced advisory fee.

 

The Board reviewed information on the performance of each Fund and its applicable benchmark. The Board also evaluated the correlation and tracking error between each underlying index and its corresponding Fund’s performance. Based on this review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees. found that the nature and extent of services provided to each Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreements was appropriate and that the quality was satisfactory and, for ENFR, that there will be no diminution in the nature or level of services provided to ENFR.

 

The Board noted that the advisory fees for each Fund were unitary fees pursuant to which AAI assumes all expenses of the Funds (including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services) other than the payments under the Advisory Agreement, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses.

 

With respect to advisory fee rates, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, noted the following:

 

The gross management fee rate for AMLP is higher than the median of its FUSE expense group. AMLP’s net expense ratio is also higher than the median of its FUSE expense group.

 

The gross management fee rate for ENFR is lower than the median of its FUSE expense group. ENFR’s net expense ratio is also below the median of their respective FUSE expense group.

 

With respect to AMLP, the Board took into account, among other things, supplemental information provided by the Adviser showing AMLP’s total expenses were in line with the total expenses of peer groups deemed by the Adviser to be more comparable, including peer groups comprised of (i) the master limited partnership (“MLP”) asset class as a whole and (ii) exchange-traded products focused solely on MLP investments. The Board also considered the brand recognition of AMLP’s index provider, the additional costs and expenses incurred by AAI in managing and administering the Fund, that AMLP’s investment advisory fee schedule included breakpoints and the fees charged by the index provider for licensing its indexes.

 

Based on the foregoing, and the other information available to them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the advisory fee rate for each Fund and the proposed reduction in advisory fee rate for ENFR was reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of the services provided.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees considered other benefits available to AAI because of its relationship with the Funds and concluded that the advisory fees were reasonable taking into account any such benefits. With respect to ENFR, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that the Adviser should continue to keep the Board informed on an ongoing basis of any significant developments (e.g., material increases in asset levels) so as to facilitate the Independent Trustees’ evaluation of whether economies of scale have been achieved.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees also considered with respect to each Fund the information provided by AAI about the costs and profitability of AAI with respect to each of the Funds, including the asset levels and other factors that influence the profitability and financial viability of the Funds. The Board, including the Independent Trustees reviewed and noted the relatively small size of ENFR and concluded that AAI was not realizing any economies of scale. With respect to AMLP, the Independent Trustees noted that neither Fund’s asset levels has not recovered to its historic high. The Independent Trustees determined that AAI should continue to keep the Board informed on an ongoing basis of any significant developments (e.g., material increases in asset levels) so as to facilitate the Independent Trustees’ evaluation of whether further economies of scale have been achieved.

 

34 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)  

 

With respect to AMLP, the Board considered, among other things the brand recognition of AMLP’s index provider as well as the trading volumes of the Fund and the narrow trading spreads. The Board considered the breakpoint schedule adopted previously and whether the breakpoints would benefit shareholders and appropriately reflect economies of scale achieved by AAI with respect to AMLP should AMLP’s assets increase, noting that AMLP’s assets were well below historical highs on account of market events related to COVID-19. The Board also considered the substance of its discussions with AAI regarding AMLP’s advisory fee rates. Upon discussion, the Board, including the Independent Trustees determined that the advisory fee rate for the Fund reflects an appropriate sharing of economies of scale.

 

In voting to renew each Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the terms of each Investment Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, the fees paid by certain other funds, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the members of the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Board, including the Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together.

 

35 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)  

 

The general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser for the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trust currently has four Trustees. Three Trustees have no affiliation or business connection with the Adviser or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by the Adviser. These are the “non-interested” or “independent” Trustees (“Independent Trustees”). The other Trustee (the “Interested Trustee”) is affiliated with the Adviser.

 

The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Independent Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are shown below.

 

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES 

Name, Address & Year of Birth* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees
Mary K. Anstine,
1940
Trustee

Since

March 2008

Ms. Anstine is Trustee/Director of AV Hunter Trust and Colorado Uplift Board. 36 Ms. Anstine is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds).
Jeremy W. Deems,
1976
Trustee

Since

March 2008

Mr. Deems is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Green Alpha Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor, and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Shelton Green Alpha Fund. 36 Mr. Deems is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); and Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Clough Funds Trust (1 fund).

Rick A.

Pederson,

1952

Trustee

Since

March 2008

Mr. Pederson is Partner, Bow River Capital Partners (private equity management), 2003 - present; Board Member, Prosci Inc. (private business services) 2013-2016; Advisory Board Member, Citywide Banks (Colorado community bank) 2014-2017; Board Member, Strong-Bridge Consulting, 2015-2019; Board Member, IRI/ODMS Holdings LLC, 2017-2019; Director, National Western Stock Show (not for profit) 2010 - present; Director, History Colorado (not for profit) 2015-present; Director, Citywide Bank Advisory Board 2017-present; Trustee, Boettcher Foundation, 2018 -present. 19 Mr. Pederson is Trustee of Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds) and Principal Real Estate Income Fund (1 fund).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

 

36 | November 30, 2021

   

 

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)  

 

The Trustee who is an “interested person” of the Trust, his term of office and length of time served, his principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by the Interested Trustee and the other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee, are shown below.

 

INTERESTED TRUSTEE 

Name, Address and Year of Birth of Interested Trustee* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees

Edmund J.

Burke,
1961

Trustee Since December 2017. Mr. Burke joined ALPS in 1991 and served as the President and Director of ALPS Holdings, Inc., and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“AAI”), and Director of ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“ADI”), ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“AFS”), and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (“APSD”). Mr. Burke retired from ALPS in June 2019. 31 Mr. Burke is a Trustee of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Equity Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Opportunities Fund (1 fund); Clough Funds Trust (1 fund); Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (1 fund); Director of the Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc. (1 fund) and Financial Investors Trust (32 funds).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Effective December 1, 2021, Mr. Burke is an Independent Trustee of the Trust.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

 

37 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Alerian Exchange Traded Funds

 

Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

OFFICERS

 

Name, Address and Year of Birth of Officer* Position(s) Held with Trust Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Laton Spahr, 1975 President Since June 2021 Mr. Spahr joined ALPS in 2019 and currently serves as President and Portfolio Manager of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Spahr was a Senior Vice President and Strategy Leader of the Value & Income Team for Oppenheimer Funds from 2013 to 2019.
Matthew Sutula, 1985

Chief

Compliance

Officer (“CCO")

Since

December 2019

Mr. Sutula joined ALPS in 2012 and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Sutula served as interim Compliance Officer of the Trust (September 2019 to December 2019). Compliance Manager and Senior Compliance Analyst for AAI, as well as Compliance Analyst for AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, he spent seven years at Morningstar, Inc. in various analyst roles supporting the registered investment company databases. Mr. Sutula is also Chief Compliance Officer of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, ALPS Variable Investment Trust, RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc., Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc.
Kathryn Burns, 1976 Treasurer

Since

September 2018

Ms. Burns serves as Vice President, Director of Fund Operations of AAI since 2018. From 2013 to 2018, she served as Vice President and Fund Controller at AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, she worked at Old Mutual Capital where she served as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2010 – 2012) and Regulatory Reporting Manager and Assistant Treasurer to the Old Mutual Funds Trusts (2006 – 2012). She also served as a CPA for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Ms. Burns also serves as President of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Principal Real Estate Income Fund and RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. From June 2018 to November 2021 she also served as Treasurer of Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Brendan Hamill, 1986 Secretary

Since

September 2021

Mr. Hamill joined ALPS in August 2021, and is currently Vice President and Principal Legal Counsel. Prior to joining ALPS, Mr. Hamill was an attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP (law firm) (December 2018-August 2021) and Vedder Price, P.C. (law firm) (August 2015-December 2018). Mr. Hamill also serves as Secretary of Financial Investors Trust, Secretary of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Secretary of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, and Assistant Secretary of James Advantage Funds.

 

*The business address of each Officer is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Each Officer is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act.
**This is the period for which the Officer began serving the Trust. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his/her successor is elected.

 

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

38 | November 30, 2021

   

 

Intentionally Left Blank

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 4
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 5
Financial Statements  
Schedule of Investments 6
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 7
Statement of Operations 8
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 9
Financial Highlights 10
Notes to Financial Statements 11
Additional Information 17
Trustees & Officers 18

 

alpsfunds.com

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

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

 

Performance Overview

The economic recovery continued its progression from the depths of the pandemic and real estate continued to be well positioned. Since inception (2/25/2021) through November 30, 2021, the ALPS Active REIT ETF returned 22.0%, outperforming the S&P 500 Total Return Index which returned 17.6%, and slightly underperforming its benchmark, the S&P US REIT Index which was up 24.6% for the same period.

 

In GSI Capital Advisors view, real estate represents an attractive investment opportunity with a favorable fundamental outlook and reasonable to compelling valuations. Notwithstanding potential headwinds from market anxiety related to the COVID variants, employment and supply chain concerns, and fears of rising interest rates, real estate valuations and REIT prices continued their upward trend. Despite the relative outperformance of the REIT market this year, we believe REIT valuations remain attractive. Real estate and REITs are priced to deliver unleveraged returns that remain abnormally wide relative to fixed income alternatives.

 

At current valuations, the Sub-Advisor believes REITS offer attractive operating cash flow. REITs are trading at an average adjusted funds from operations (“AFFO”) yield of 4.2%. AFFO is a conservative measurement of operating cash flow which is a more accurate metric in the assessment and relative valuation of REITs. In isolation, the Sub-Advisor believes an AFFO yield of 4.2% seems to represent fair value in today’s environment. However, when viewed in conjunction with a two-year average forecasted annual AFFO growth rate of 11.6%, the combination suggests the possibility of strong total returns. The current AFFO yield and growth rate is particularly compelling in an investment environment where current yield is hard to find with short term interest rates close to zero and the ten-year Treasury yield at 1.4%.

 

REIT prices have experienced a significant recovery since the market trough in March, 2020 and are now above the pre-pandemic levels. As investors begin to understand the longer-term implications of the pandemic on the economy and behavior patterns, the impact on different property types and geographic locations is coming into focus. This has resulted in a wide divergence in property sector performance. From the inception date of the Fund in February, top performing property sectors have included retail, storage, residential and industrial. Bottom performing property sectors have included health care, hotels, office and net lease.

 

Retail property has been the star of the year relative to other property sectors. It began the year in an oversold condition and, while a recovery was expected, the magnitude and velocity of the recovery has been surprising. The pent-up demand and wealth of the consumer has resulted in a significant increase in retail sales, much of it at brick-and-mortar locations. Residential and storage property have benefited from excellent and improving fundamentals combined with declining cap rates (net operating income/property value) throughout the year. Industrial property continued to benefit from a strong secular trend of increased on-line sales which enhances property sector fundamentals.

 

Net lease property has been an underperforming sector primarily impacted by the expectation of rising interest rates, without the ability to produce exceptional income growth due to the structure of their long-term leases, which causes the sector to have characteristics similar to intermediate bonds. Health care and office REITs are likely to be the two sectors most impacted by the pandemic over the long term. Both sectors are suffering from deterioration in demand, income and rental rates, as well as the resulting decline from the expected permanent impairment in valuation. Health care REITs are suffering from declining operating conditions and tenant credit quality, and office properties from permanent demand reduction as more companies transition to flexible office and work-from-home models. Hotel demand has been negatively impacted by the effects of the pandemic and related travel restrictions.

 

The Fund has benefited from its sector tilts as the residential overweight and the office property underweight have produced excess relative returns and enhanced total returns for the portfolio. Stock selection has been mixed with the portfolio holdings in health care property detracting from performance, in particular the positions in Sabra Health Care REIT and Ventas, Inc.

 

The debate among investors over the level of inflation in the economy and whether it is temporary or permanent continues. To the extent there is either actual inflation, higher expected inflation, or fears regarding inflation, real estate and REITs should be relative beneficiaries compared to other asset classes.

 

The Sub-Advisor believes it is not possible to accurately predict future levels of inflation. The Sub-Advisor further believes that high unexpected inflation can be very damaging to the purchasing power of an investment portfolio. If one can find an attractive hedge or partial hedge against inflation, it is a valuable component of a portfolio. It is the view of the Sub-Advisor that real estate is such an investment. If inflation escalates, real estate should perform well and partially hedge a portfolio. If inflation does not escalate, real estate should deliver attractive real rates of return based on current valuations and return potential.

 

1 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Fund Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  6 Months Since Inception^
ALPS Active REIT ETF - NAV 8.52% 22.01%
ALPS Active REIT ETF - Market Price* 8.71% 20.31%
S&P United States REIT Index 10.93% 24.57%

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Fund is new with limited operating history.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

2 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)  

 

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. 7.50%
Equinix, Inc. 6.89%
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. 6.61%
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. 6.48%
CubeSmart 6.05%
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. 5.18%
WP Carey, Inc. 4.73%
Essex Property Trust, Inc. 4.70%
Prologis, Inc. 3.59%
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. 3.50%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 55.23%

 

Sector Allocation* (as of November 30, 2021)  

 

Residential REITs 23.36%
Specialized REITs 22.32%
Industrial REITs 16.67%
Retail REITs 12.60%
Health Care REITs 8.74%
Office REITs 6.29%
Diversified REITs 4.73%
Hotel & Resort REITs 3.50%
Money Market Fund 1.79%
Total 100.00%

 

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

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

 

 

 

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

 

3 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the (six month) period and held through November 30, 2021.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

   Beginning Account Value 6/1/21   Ending Account Value 11/30/21   Expense Ratio(a)   Expenses Paid During Period 6/1/21 - 11/30/21(b) 
ALPS Active REIT ETF                
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,085.20    0.68%  $3.55 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,021.66    0.68%  $3.45 

 

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.
(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (183), divided by 365.

 

4 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of ALPS ETF Trust and the shareholders of ALPS Active REIT ETF:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments of ALPS Active REIT ETF (the "Fund"), one of the funds constituting the ALPS ETF Trust, as of November 30, 2021, the related statement of operations, the statements of changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the period from February 25, 2021 (commencement of operations) through November 30, 2021, and the related notes.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of November 30, 2021, and the result of its operations, the changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the period from February 25, 2021 (commencement of operations) through November 30, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements and financial highlights based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Denver, Colorado

January 26, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by ALPS Advisors, Inc. since 2007.

 

5 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (97.69%)        
Diversified REITs (4.70%)        
WP Carey, Inc.   14,922   $1,139,295 
           
Health Care REITs (8.69%)          
Medical Properties Trust, Inc.   28,915    615,600 
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.   4,600    128,524 
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.   19,521    252,407 
Ventas, Inc.   15,609    732,374 
Welltower, Inc.   4,750    378,195 
Total Health Care REITs        2,107,100 
           
Hotel & Resort REITs (3.49%)          
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.(a)   53,808    844,786 
           
Industrial REITs (16.59%)          
First Industrial Realty Trust,          
Inc.   26,369    1,592,951 
Prologis, Inc.   5,734    864,401 
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.   22,296    1,562,504 
Total Industrial REITs        4,019,856 
           
Office REITs (6.26%)          
Cousins Properties, Inc.   11,100    419,136 
Highwoods Properties, Inc.   8,956    386,899 
Kilroy Realty Corp.   10,658    687,761 
Orion Office REIT, Inc.(a)   1,287    22,866 
Total Office REITs        1,516,662 
           
Residential REITs (23.22%)          
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.   7,569    1,808,006 
Camden Property Trust   4,134    682,978 
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.   15,365    1,249,175 
Essex Property Trust, Inc.   3,336    1,132,372 
Invitation Homes, Inc.   18,778    759,382 
Total Residential REITs        5,631,913 
           
Retail REITs (12.54%)          
Kite Realty Group Trust   31,546    634,706 
Realty Income Corp.   12,052    818,572 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.   26,821    470,977 
Simon Property Group, Inc.   3,945    602,954 
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.   25,758    510,266 
Total Retail REITs        3,037,475 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Specialized REITs (22.20%)        
American Tower Corp.   1,735   $455,403 
CubeSmart   27,062    1,459,183 
CyrusOne, Inc.   4,652    414,121 
Equinix, Inc.   2,044    1,660,136 
MGM Growth Properties LLC, Class A   15,950    583,930 
Public Storage   1,922    629,224 
VICI Properties, Inc.   6,600    179,520 
Total Specialized REITs        5,381,517 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $21,585,853)        23,678,604 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.78%)            
State Street Institutional               
Treasury Plus Money               
Market Fund   0.01%   430,783    430,783 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $430,783)             430,783 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.47%)               
(Cost $22,016,636)            $24,109,387 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.53%)            128,484 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $24,237,871 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities November 30, 2021

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value  $24,109,387 
Receivable for investments sold   402,272 
Dividends receivable   13,112 
Total Assets   24,524,771 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable for investments purchased   273,094 
Payable to adviser   13,806 
Total Liabilities   286,900 
NET ASSETS  $24,237,871 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $21,461,485 
Total distributable earnings   2,776,386 
NET ASSETS  $24,237,871 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $22,016,636 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $24,237,871 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   820,002 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $29.56 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

7 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Statement of Operations For the Period Ended November 30, 2021(a)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Dividends  $334,085 
Total Investment Income   334,085 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment adviser fees   95,975 
Total Expenses   95,975 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   238,110 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN:     
Net realized gain on investments(b)   718,062 
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   2,092,751 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS   2,810,813 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $3,048,923 

 

(a)The ALPS Active REIT ETF commenced operations on February 25, 2021.

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Period February 25, 2021 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2021 
OPERATIONS:    
Net investment income  $238,110 
Net realized gain   718,062 
Net change in unrealized appreciation   2,092,751 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   3,048,923 
      
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:     
From distributable earnings   (277,240)
Total distributions   (277,240)
      
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:     
Proceeds from sale of shares   21,611,468 
Cost of shares redeemed   (145,280)
Net increase from capital share transactions   21,466,188 
Net increase in net assets   24,237,871 
      
NET ASSETS:     
Beginning of period    
End of period  $24,237,871 
      
OTHER INFORMATION:     
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:     
Beginning shares    
Shares sold   825,002 
Shares redeemed   (5,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   820,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

9 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Period February 25, 2021 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2021 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $24.62 
      
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:     
Net investment income(a)   0.37 
Net realized and unrealized gain   5.01 
Total from investment operations   5.38 
      
DISTRIBUTIONS:     
From net investment income   (0.38)
From net realized gains   (0.06)
Total distributions   (0.44)
      
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSET VALUE   4.94 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $29.56 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   22.01%
      
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:     
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $24,238 
      
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS     
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.68%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.69%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   92%

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of November 30, 2021, the Trust consists of eighteen separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the ALPS Active REIT ETF (the “Fund”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek total return through dividends and capital appreciation. The Fund is considered non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund.

 

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

 

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

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

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

 

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

 

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

 

11 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of November 30, 2021:

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF                
Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $23,678,604   $   $   $23,678,604 
Short Term Investments   430,783            430,783 
Total  $24,109,387   $   $   $24,109,387 

 

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

 

The Fund did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the period ended November 30, 2021.

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

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

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

12 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

 

For the period starting with the commencement of operations and ending November 30, 2021, the following reclassifications, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets, were recorded to reflect permanent tax differences resulting primarily from in-kind transactions:

 

Fund  Paid-in Capital   Total Distributable Earnings 
ALPS Active REIT ETF  $(4,703)  $4,703 

 

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

 

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

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

As of November 30, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for each Fund were as follows:

 

   ALPS Active REIT ETF 
Undistributed net investment income  $672,958 
Accumulated net realized gain on investments   28,770 
Net unrealized appreciation on investments   2,074,658 
Total  $2,776,386 

 

As of November 30, 2021, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   ALPS Active REIT ETF 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $2,573,653 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (498,995)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  $2,074,658 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $22,034,729 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales.

 

F. Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)

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

 

13 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

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

 

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

 

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

G. Income Taxes

 

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

 

As of and during the period ended November 30, 2021, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

H. Lending of Portfolio Securities

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

 

Any cash collateral received is reinvested in a money market fund managed by SSB as disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments and is reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned. Non-cash collateral, in the form of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, is not disclosed in the Fund’s Statements of Assets and Liabilities as it is held by the lending agent on behalf of the Fund, and the Fund does not have the ability to re-hypothecate these securities. The fund did not participate in any securities lending during the period ended November 31, 2021.

 

14 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the period starting with the commencement of operations and ending November 30, 2021, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Active REIT ETF  $14,984,683   $15,089,929 

 

For the period starting with the commencement of operations and ended November 30, 2021, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Active REIT ETF  $21,177,548   $141,445 

 

For the period starting with the commencement of operations and ending November 30, 2021, the ALPS Active REIT ETF had in-kind net realized loss of $4,703.

 

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

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

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

 

15 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

6. MARKET DISRUPTIONS RISK

 

 

The Fund is subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause the Fund to lose value.

 

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

 

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

 

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events, if any, after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

16 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Additional Information   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

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

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

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

 

17 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser for the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trust currently has four Trustees. Three Trustees have no affiliation or business connection with the Adviser or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by the Adviser. These are the “non-interested” or “independent” Trustees (“Independent Trustees”). The other Trustee (the “Interested Trustee”) is affiliated with the Adviser.

 

The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Independent Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are shown below.

 

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

Name, Address & Year of Birth* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees

Mary K. Anstine,

1940

Trustee

Since

March 2008

Ms. Anstine is Trustee/Director of AV Hunter Trust and Colorado Uplift Board. 36 Ms. Anstine is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds).
Jeremy W. Deems, 1976 Trustee

Since

March 2008

Mr. Deems is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Green Alpha Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor, and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Shelton Green Alpha Fund. 36 Mr. Deems is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); and Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Clough Funds Trust (1 fund).

Rick A.

Pederson,

1952

Trustee

Since

March 2008

Mr. Pederson is Partner, Bow River Capital Partners (private equity management), 2003 - present; Board Member, Prosci Inc. (private business services) 2013-2016; Advisory Board Member, Citywide Banks (Colorado community bank) 2014-2017; Board Member, Strong-Bridge Consulting, 2015-2019; Board Member, IRI/ODMS Holdings LLC, 2017-2019; Director, National Western Stock Show (not for profit) 2010 - present; Director, History Colorado (not for profit) 2015-present; Director, Citywide Bank Advisory Board 2017-present; Trustee, Boettcher Foundation, 2018 -present. 19 Mr. Pederson is Trustee of Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds) and Principal Real Estate Income Fund (1 fund).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

 

18 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Trustees & Officers   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Trustee who is an “interested person” of the Trust, his term of office and length of time served, his principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by the Interested Trustee and the other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee, are shown below.

 

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

Name, Address and Year of Birth of Interested Trustee* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees
Edmund J. Burke, 1961 Trustee Since December 2017. Mr. Burke joined ALPS in 1991 and served as the President and Director of ALPS Holdings, Inc., and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“AAI”), and Director of ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“ADI”), ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“AFS”), and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (“APSD”). Mr. Burke retired from ALPS in June 2019. 31 Mr. Burke is a Trustee of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Equity Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Opportunities Fund (1 fund); Clough Funds Trust (1 fund); Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (1 fund); Director of the Liberty All- Star Growth Fund, Inc. (1 fund) and Financial Investors Trust (32 funds).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Effective December 1, 2021, Mr. Burke is an Independent Trustee of the Trust.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

 

19 | November 30, 2021

   

 

ALPS Active REIT ETF

 

Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

OFFICERS

Name, Address and Year of Birth of Officer* Position(s) Held with Trust Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Laton Spahr, 1975 President Since June 2021 Mr. Spahr joined ALPS in 2019 and currently serves as President and Portfolio Manager of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Spahr was a Senior Vice President and Strategy Leader of the Value & Income Team for Oppenheimer Funds from 2013 to 2019.
Matthew Sutula, 1985 Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) Since December 2019 Mr. Sutula joined ALPS in 2012 and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Sutula served as interim Compliance Officer of the Trust (September 2019 to December 2019). Compliance Manager and Senior Compliance Analyst for AAI, as well as Compliance Analyst for AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, he spent seven years at Morningstar, Inc. in various analyst roles supporting the registered investment company databases. Mr. Sutula is also Chief Compliance Officer of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, ALPS Variable Investment Trust, RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc., Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc.
Kathryn Burns, 1976 Treasurer Since September 2018 Ms. Burns serves as Vice President, Director of Fund Operations of AAI since 2018. From 2013 to 2018, she served as Vice President and Fund Controller at AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, she worked at Old Mutual Capital where she served as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2010 – 2012) and Regulatory Reporting Manager and Assistant Treasurer to the Old Mutual Funds Trusts (2006 – 2012). She also served as a CPA for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Ms. Burns also serves as President of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Principal Real Estate Income Fund and RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. From June 2018 to November 2021 she also served as Treasurer of Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Brendan Hamill, 1986 Secretary Since September 2021 Mr. Hamill joined ALPS in August 2021, and is currently Vice President and Principal Legal Counsel. Prior to joining ALPS, Mr. Hamill was an attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP (law firm) (December 2018-August 2021) and Vedder Price, P.C. (law firm) (August 2015-December 2018). Mr. Hamill also serves as Secretary of Financial Investors Trust, Secretary of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Secretary of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, and Assistant Secretary of James Advantage Funds.

 

*The business address of each Officer is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Each Officer is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act.
**This is the period for which the Officer began serving the Trust. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his/her successor is elected.

 

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

20 | November 30, 2021

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 4
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 5
Financial Statements  
Schedule of Investments 6
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 7
Statement of Operations 8
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 9
Financial Highlights 10
Notes to Financial Statements 11
Additional Information 17
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement 18
Trustees & Officers 19

 

alpsfunds.com

 

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (the “Fund”) seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the NYSE Equal Sector Weight IndexSM (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index is an index of ETFs comprised of all active Select Sector SPDR® ETFs in an equal weighted portfolio. These are the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Materials Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Technology Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Utilities Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Industrial Select Sector SPDR® Fund, Health Care Select Sector SPDR® Fund and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR® Fund (each, an “Underlying Sector ETF” and collectively, the “Underlying Sector ETFs”). In order to track the Underlying Index, the Fund will use a “fund of funds” approach, and seek to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 90% of its total assets in the shares of the Underlying Sector ETFs.

 

The Underlying Index is designed to track performance of the equally weighted Underlying Sector ETFs. Accordingly, the Underlying Index is rebalanced to an equal weighting quarterly during the months of March, June, September, and December.

 

Each Underlying Sector ETF is an “index fund” that invests in the equity securities of companies in a particular sector or group of industries. The objective of each Underlying Sector ETF is to track its respective underlying sector index by replicating the securities in the underlying sector index. Together, the eleven Underlying Sector ETFs represent the Underlying Index as a whole.

 

Performance Overview

The ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF, for the twelve month period ended November 30, 2021, generated a total return of 25.89%, in-line with the Fund’s Underlying Index, net of fees, which returned 26.06%. The Fund underperformed the S&P 500® Total Return Index (the "S&P 500"), which returned 27.92% for the same period.

 

The S&P 500 returned 27.92% for the trailing twelve month period ended November 30, 2021, finishing near its all-time high. Unmoved by persistent talks of inflation and policy changes, markets surged without significant drawdowns until September. October proved resilient, as the drawdown was met by a swift bounce back to all-time-highs for most of the averages. Main macroeconomic talking points throughout 2021 centered on inflation and the question surrounding how transitory price increases would turn out to be. Inflation fears continued to be justified with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) surging 6.2% in October, along with core inflation readings increasing 4.6% for the same month; both indicators notching their largest increases since December 1990, and August 1991, respectively. Federal Reserve Chairman Powell was quick to reassure markets of the non-persistent inflation narrative throughout 2021 and announced a taper and reduction of balance sheet purchases starting in November of ‘21. Although the Fed plans to complete tapering before any rate hikes in 2022, projections of the magnitude for rate increases vary, as global supply chain woes and the newly discovered Omicron variant do not ensure a future without added policy support. Despite a murky outlook for 2021 and heading into the New Year, global GDP surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2021, aided by policy support and strong consumer spending. Record profit margins for U.S. corporations led the way for record valuations through most of the year, but was matched by an earnings season in Q3 where many companies cut forward looking expectations amid a slowing global growth outlook.

 

The best performing Fund holdings for the period were the Energy Select Sector SPDR® (XLE), which increased 55.56% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR® (XLF), which saw a gain of 38.64%. The worst performing Fund holdings for the period were the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR® (XLP) which returned 7.87% and the Utilities Select Sector SPDR® (XLU) which returned 7.98%.

 

Looking forward the Fund's adviser believes the Fund’s strategy of holding each of the ten sectors (with Information Technology and Telecommunication Service combined) in the S&P 500® via the Select SPDR® Funds can result in a diversified core holding, and potential for market participation in all economic cycles through equal sector weighting.

 

1 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF - NAV 25.89% 14.40% 13.77% 14.51%
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF - Market Price* 25.78% 14.39% 13.77% 14.52%
NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Total Return Index 26.06% 14.57% 14.02% 14.78%
S&P 500® Total Return Index 27.92% 17.90% 16.16% 16.32%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current Prospectus) is 0.50%. Net Expense Ratio (per the current Prospectus) is 0.28%. Net expense ratio reflects the reimbursement of distribution fees for underlying sector ETFs. In addition, the Adviser has contractually agreed, through March 31, 2022, to reduce its advisory fee by 0.19%. This fee waiver may only be terminated by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (and not by the Adviser) prior to such date. Please see the prospectus for additional information.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced Investment Operations on July 6, 2009 with an Inception Date, the first day of trading on the Exchange, of July 7, 2009.
*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Total Return Index consists of a strategy that holds all active Select Sector SPDR® ETFs in an equal-weighted portfolio. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index: the Standard & Poor’s composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. The indexes are reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

 

2 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The following table shows the sector weights of both the Fund and the S&P 500® Total Return Index as of November 30, 2021:

 

Sector Weighting Comparison (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  EQL* S&P 500® +/-
Consumer Discretionary 9.9% 13.2% -3.3%
Energy 9.9% 2.7% 7.2%
Technology 9.7% 29.4% -19.7%
Materials 9.3% 2.5% 6.8%
Real Estate 9.0% 2.6% 6.4%
Financials 9.0% 10.8% -1.8%
Industrials 8.9% 7.8% 1.1%
Utilities 8.8% 2.4% 6.4%
Consumer Staples 8.8% 5.6% 3.2%
Healthcare 8.7% 12.7% -4.0%
Communication Services 8.1% 10.4% -2.3%
Total 100.0% 100.0%  

 

Source: S&P 500®

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned). Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

 

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

 

3 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the (six month) period and held through November 30, 2021.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

   Beginning Account Value 6/1/21   Ending Account Value 11/30/21   Expense Ratio(a)   Expenses Paid During Period 6/1/21 - 11/30/21(b) 
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF                
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,052.20    0.15%  $0.77 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,024.32    0.15%  $0.76 

 

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.
(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (183), divided by 365.

 

4 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of ALPS ETF Trust and the shareholders of ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments of ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (the "Fund"), one of the funds constituting the ALPS ETF Trust, as of November 30, 2021, the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, and the related notes.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of November 30, 2021, and the result of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements and financial highlights based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Denver, Colorado

January 26, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by ALPS Advisors, Inc. since 2007.

 

5 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (99.99%)          
Communication Services (8.07%)          
Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund   222,722   $16,786,557 
           
Consumer Discretionary (9.89%)          
Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund(a)   100,573    20,561,144 
           
Consumer Staples (8.77%)          
Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund   259,491    18,239,622 
           
Energy (9.86%)          
Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund   375,458    20,496,252 
           
Financials (9.00%)          
Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund   492,747    18,704,676 
           
Healthcare (8.69%)          
Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund   139,224    18,061,530 
           
Industrials (8.95%)          
Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund(a)   184,560    18,598,111 
           
Materials (9.27%)          
Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund   227,676    19,272,774 
           
Real Estate (9.01%)          
Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund(a)   395,249    18,730,850 
           
Technology (9.66%)          
Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund   119,096    20,093,877 
           
Utilities (8.82%)          
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund(a)   278,872    18,341,412 
           
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $135,913,815)        207,886,805 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (11.21%)      
Money Market Fund (0.02%)            
State Street Institutional               
Treasury Plus Money               
Market Fund               
(Cost $32,849)   0.01%   32,849   $32,849 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (11.19%)               
State Street Navigator               
Securities Lending               
Government Money               
Market Portfolio, 0.03%               
(Cost $23,271,365)        23,271,365    23,271,365 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $23,304,214)             23,304,214 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (111.20%)               
(Cost $159,218,029)            $231,191,019 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-11.20%)           (23,294,595)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $207,896,424

 

(a)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $39,848,327.

 

Common Abbreviations:

SPDR® - Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities November 30, 2021

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value  $231,191,019 
Dividends receivable   3,230 
Total Assets   231,194,249 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable to adviser   26,460 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned   23,271,365 
Total Liabilities   23,297,825 
NET ASSETS  $207,896,424 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $139,494,455 
Total distributable earnings   68,401,969 
NET ASSETS  $207,896,424 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $159,218,029 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $207,896,424 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   2,000,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $103.95 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

7 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Statement of Operations For the Year Ended November 30, 2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Dividends  $3,810,884 
Securities Lending Income   52,671 
Total Investment Income   3,863,555 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment adviser fees   728,900 
Total Expenses before waiver/reimbursement   728,900 
Less fee waiver/reimbursement by investment adviser   (433,400)
Net Expenses   295,500 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   3,568,055 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN:     
Net realized gain on investments(a)   7,438,861 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments   32,612,619 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS   40,051,480 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $43,619,535 

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $3,568,055   $3,855,342 
Net realized gain   7,438,861    17,484,465 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation   32,612,619    (6,901,203)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   43,619,535    14,438,604 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (3,568,055)   (3,851,925)
From tax return of capital   (37,609)   (17,569)
Total distributions   (3,605,664)   (3,869,494)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   27,797,544    36,501,060 
Cost of shares redeemed   (24,055,755)   (51,336,731)
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions   3,741,789    (14,835,671)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   43,755,660    (4,266,561)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of year   164,140,764    168,407,325 
End of year  $207,896,424   $164,140,764 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   1,950,000    2,150,000 
Shares sold   300,000    500,000 
Shares redeemed   (250,000)   (700,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   2,000,000    1,950,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

9 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $84.17   $78.33   $70.34   $69.28   $59.74 
                          
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(a)   1.76    1.91    1.53    1.50    1.37 
Net realized and unrealized gain   19.82    5.84    8.03    1.02    10.03 
Total from investment operations   21.58    7.75    9.56    2.52    11.40 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (1.78)   (1.90)   (1.57)   (1.46)   (1.86)
From tax return of capital   (0.02)   (0.01)            
Total distributions   (1.80)   (1.91)   (1.57)   (1.46)   (1.86)
                          
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSET VALUE   19.78    5.84    7.99    1.06    9.54 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $103.95   $84.17   $78.33   $70.34   $69.28 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   25.89%   10.37%   13.86%   3.66%   19.46%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $207,896   $164,141   $168,407   $154,742   $166,284 
                          
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                         
Ratio of expenses excluding waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   0.37%   0.37%   0.37%   0.37%   0.37%
Ratio of expenses including waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   0.15%   0.15%   0.15%   0.15%   0.15%
Ratio of net investment income excluding waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   1.59%   2.31%   1.89%   1.92%   1.92%
Ratio of net investment income including waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   1.81%   2.53%   2.11%   2.14%   2.14%
Portfolio turnover rate(c)   8%   11%   4%   14%   5%

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of November 30, 2021, the Trust consists of eighteen separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (the “Fund”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Index (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund is considered non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund.

 

The Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. The Fund issues and redeems Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. On October 1, 2021, the Fund reduced its Creation Unit size from 50,000 to 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

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

 

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

 

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

 

11 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of November 30, 2021:

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Exchange Traded Funds*  $207,886,805   $   $   $207,886,805 
Short Term Investments   23,304,214            23,304,214 
Total  $231,191,019   $   $   $231,191,019 

 

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

 

The Fund did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the year ended November 30, 2021.

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

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

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

12 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the following reclassifications, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets, were recorded to reflect permanent tax differences resulting primarily from in-kind transactions:

 

Fund  Paid-in Capital   Accumulated Net Investment Loss   Accumulated Net Realized Gain/(Loss) on Investments 
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  $9,035,078   $   $(9,035,078)

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 was as follows:

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2021            
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  $3,568,055   $   $37,609 

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2020            
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  $3,851,925   $   $17,569 

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2021, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  $   $3,424,546 

 

As of November 30, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for each Fund were as follows:

 

   ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF 
Accumulated net realized loss on investments   (3,424,546)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments   71,826,515 
Total  $68,401,969 

 

As of November 30, 2021, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $73,395,168 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (1,568,653)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  $71,826,515 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $159,364,504 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales.

 

13 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

F. Income Taxes

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as the Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. The Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the year ended November 30, 2021, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

G. Lending of Portfolio Securities

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of November 30, 2021:

 

   Market Value of Securities on Loan   Cash Collateral Received   Non-Cash Collateral Received   Total Collateral Received 
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF  $39,848,327   $23,271,365   $18,712,637   $41,984,002 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Fund could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received.

 

14 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of November 30, 2021:

 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements

 

Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 days   30-90 days   Greater than 90 days   Total 
Common Stocks  $23,271,365   $   $   $   $23,271,365 
Total Borrowings                       23,271,365 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)                $23,271,365 

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.37% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive 0.19% of its annual unitary fee payable by the Fund until at least March 31, 2022. The waiver may only be terminated by the Fund's Board of Trustees prior to such date.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (“APSD”) is both the distributor for the Fund as well as the Select Sector SPDR exchange traded funds (“Underlying Sector ETFs”) that the Fund invests in. As required by exemptive relief obtained by the Underlying Sector ETFs, the Adviser will reimburse the Fund an amount equal to the distribution fee received by APSD from the Underlying Sector ETFs attributable to the Fund’s investment in the Underlying Sector ETFs, for so long as APSD acts as the distributor to the Fund and the Underlying Sector ETFs. Such reimbursement is generally expected to equal 0.03% annually.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021 the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund Purchases Sales
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF $ 15,391,996 $ 15,392,360

 

For the ended ended November 30, 2021, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund Purchases Sales
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF $ 23,178,199 $ 19,436,467

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF had in-kind net realized gain of $8,884,051.

 

15 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

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

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by the Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Fund. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of the Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. MARKET DISRUPTIONS RISK

 

 

The Fund is subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause the Fund to lose value.

 

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

 

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

 

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events, if any, after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

16 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

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

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

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

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF designates the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2020:

 

   Qualified Dividend Income   Dividend Received Deduction 
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF   73.77%   73.60%

 

In early 2021, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distribution paid to them by the Fund during the calendar year 2020 via Form 1099. The Fund will notify shareholders in early 2022 of amounts paid to them by the Fund, if any, during the calendar year 2021.

 

LICENSING AGREEMENT

 

 

ICE Data Indices, LLC (the “Index Provider”) is not affiliated with the ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (the “Fund”) or ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”). The Fund is entitled to use the Underlying Index pursuant to a licensing agreement with the Index Provider and the Adviser. The Adviser pays a licensing fee to the Index Provider out of the management fee.

 

The only relationship that the Index Provider has with the Fund, the Adviser or Distributor of the Fund in connection with the Fund is that the Index Provider has licensed certain of its intellectual property, including the determination of the component stocks of the Underlying Index and the name of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is selected and calculated without regard to the Adviser, Distributor or owners of the Fund. The Index Provider has no obligation to take the specific needs of the Adviser, Distributor or owners of the Fund into consideration in the determination and calculation of the Underlying Index. The Index Provider is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of pricing or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Shares of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the net asset value of the Fund. The Index Provider has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration or trading of the Fund.

 

NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Index is a service mark of ICE Data Indices, LLC or its affiliates (“ICE Data”) and has been licensed for use by the Adviser in connection with the Fund. Neither the Trust nor the Fund is sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by ICE Data. ICE Data makes no representations or warranties regarding the Adviser or the Fund or the ability of the NYSE® Equal Sector Weight Index to track general stock market performance.

 

ICE DATA MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE NYSE® EQUAL SECTOR WEIGHT INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. IN NO EVENT SHALL ICE DATA HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

17 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on June 7, 2021 via electronic means (video-conference), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), evaluated a proposal to approve the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “AAI”) with respect to the ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (“EQL” or the “Fund”). The Independent Trustees also met separately to consider the Investment Advisory Agreement.

 

In evaluating the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund, the Board considered various factors, including (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI with respect to the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement; (ii) the advisory fees and other expenses paid by the Fund compared to those of similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the costs of the services provided to the Fund by AAI and the profits realized by AAI and its affiliates from its relationship to the Fund; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale have been or would be realized if and as the assets of the Fund grow and whether fees reflect the economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders; and (v) any additional benefits and other considerations.

 

With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered and reviewed information concerning the services provided under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the investment parameters of the index of the Fund, financial information regarding AAI and its parent company, information describing AAI’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.

 

The Board reviewed information on the performance of the Fund and its applicable benchmark. The Board also evaluated the correlation and tracking error between the underlying index and the Fund’s performance. Based on this review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, found that the nature and extent of services provided to the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement was appropriate and that the quality was satisfactory.

 

The Board noted that the advisory fee for the Fund was a unitary fee pursuant to which AAI assumes all expenses of the Fund (including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services) other than the payments under the Investment Advisory Agreement, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses.

 

With respect to advisory fee rates, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, noted the following:

 

The gross management fee rate the Fund is higher than the median of its FUSE expense group. The Fund’s net expense ratio, however, is lower than the median of its FUSE expense group.

 

Based on the foregoing, and the other information available to them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the advisory fee rate for the Fund was reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of the services provided.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees considered other benefits available to AAI because of its relationship with the Fund and concluded that the advisory fees were reasonable taking into account any such benefits.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees, also considered, with respect to the Fund, the information provided by AAI about the costs and profitability of AAI with respect to the Fund, including the asset levels and other factors that influence the profitability and financial viability of the Fund. The Board, including the Independent Trustees reviewed and noted the relatively small size of the Fund and concluded that AAI was not realizing any economies of scale. The Independent Trustees determined that AAI should continue to keep the Board informed on an ongoing basis of any significant developments (e.g., material increases in asset levels) so as to facilitate the Independent Trustees’ evaluation of whether further economies of scale have been achieved.

 

In voting to renew the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, the fees paid by certain other funds, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the members of the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Board, including the Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together.

 

18 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser for the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trust currently has four Trustees. Three Trustees have no affiliation or business connection with the Adviser or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by the Adviser. These are the “non-interested” or “independent” Trustees (“Independent Trustees”). The other Trustee (the “Interested Trustee”) is affiliated with the Adviser.

 

The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Independent Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are shown below.

 

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

Name, Address & Year of Birth* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees
Mary K. Anstine, 1940 Trustee Since March 2008 Ms. Anstine is Trustee/Director of AV Hunter Trust and Colorado Uplift Board. 36 Ms. Anstine is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds).
Jeremy W. Deems, 1976 Trustee Since March 2008 Mr. Deems is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Green Alpha Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor, and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Shelton Green Alpha Fund. 36 Mr. Deems is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); and Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Clough Funds Trust (1 fund).
Rick A. Pederson, 1952 Trustee Since March 2008 Mr. Pederson is Partner, Bow River Capital Partners (private equity management), 2003 -  present; Board Member, Prosci Inc. (private business services) 2013-2016; Advisory Board Member, Citywide Banks (Colorado community bank) 2014-2017; Board Member, Strong-Bridge Consulting, 2015-2019; Board Member, IRI/ODMS Holdings LLC, 2017-2019; Director, National Western Stock Show (not for profit) 2010 -  present; Director, History Colorado (not for profit) 2015-present; Director, Citywide Bank Advisory Board 2017-present; Trustee, Boettcher Foundation, 2018 -present. 19 Mr. Pederson is Trustee of Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds) and Principal Real Estate Income Fund (1 fund).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

 

19 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Trustee who is an “interested person” of the Trust, his term of office and length of time served, his principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by the Interested Trustee and the other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee, are shown below.

 

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

Name, Address and Year of Birth of Interested Trustee* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees
Edmund J. Burke, 1961 Trustee Since December 2017. Mr. Burke joined ALPS in 1991 and served as the President and Director of ALPS Holdings, Inc., and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“AAI”), and Director of ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“ADI”), ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“AFS”), and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (“APSD”). Mr. Burke retired from ALPS in June 2019. 31 Mr. Burke is a Trustee of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Equity Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Opportunities Fund (1 fund); Clough Funds Trust (1 fund); Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (1 fund); Director of the Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc. (1 fund) and Financial Investors Trust (32 funds).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Effective December 1, 2021, Mr. Burke is an Independent Trustee of the Trust.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

 

20 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF

 

Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

OFFICERS

Name, Address and Year of Birth of Officer* Position(s) Held with Trust Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Laton Spahr, 1975 President Since June 2021 Mr. Spahr joined ALPS in 2019 and currently serves as President and Portfolio Manager of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Spahr was a Senior Vice President and Strategy Leader of the Value & Income Team for Oppenheimer Funds from 2013 to 2019.
Matthew Sutula, 1985 Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) Since December 2019 Mr. Sutula joined ALPS in 2012 and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Sutula served as interim Compliance Officer of the Trust (September 2019 to December 2019). Compliance Manager and Senior Compliance Analyst for AAI, as well as Compliance Analyst for AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, he spent seven years at Morningstar, Inc. in various analyst roles supporting the registered investment company databases. Mr. Sutula is also Chief Compliance Officer of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, ALPS Variable Investment Trust, RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc., Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc.
Kathryn Burns, 1976 Treasurer Since September 2018 Ms. Burns serves as Vice President, Director of Fund Operations of AAI since 2018. From 2013 to 2018, she served as Vice President and Fund Controller at AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, she worked at Old Mutual Capital where she served as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2010 – 2012) and Regulatory Reporting Manager and Assistant Treasurer to the Old Mutual Funds Trusts (2006 – 2012). She also served as a CPA for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Ms. Burns also serves as President of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Principal Real Estate Income Fund and RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. From June 2018 to November 2021 she also served as Treasurer of Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Brendan Hamill, 1986 Secretary Since September 2021 Mr. Hamill joined ALPS in August 2021, and is currently Vice President and Principal Legal Counsel. Prior to joining ALPS, Mr. Hamill was an attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP (law firm) (December 2018-August 2021) and Vedder Price, P.C. (law firm) (August 2015-December 2018). Mr. Hamill also serves as Secretary of Financial Investors Trust, Secretary of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Secretary of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, and Assistant Secretary of James Advantage Funds.

 

*The business address of each Officer is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Each Officer is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act.
**This is the period for which the Officer began serving the Trust. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his/her successor is elected.

 

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

21 | November 30, 2021

 
 

 

   

 

 
 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 4
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 5
Financial Statements  
Schedule of Investments 6
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 7
Statement of Operations 8
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 9
Financial Highlights 10
Notes to Financial Statements 11
Additional Information 16
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements 17
Trustees & Officers 19

 

alpsfunds.com

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF (the "Fund") seeks long-term total return from a combination of income and capital gains. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in U.S. companies that Hillman Capital Management, Inc., the Fund's sub-adviser believes have competitive advantages and have temporarily fallen out of favor for reasons that are considered non-recurring or short-term; whose value is not currently well known; or whose value is not fully recognized by the public.

 

Performance Overview

For the period from July 15, 2021 (the Fund’s inception date) through November 30, 2021, the ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF returned, at NAV, -3.63% versus a return of 0.58% for the Russell 1000 Value Total Return Index. While the sub-adviser does not believe that reviewing performance over a 138 day period is meaningful, Hillman Capital Management, Inc. ("HCM") does feel that within this time frame shareholders can judge adherence to investment policy and strategy. With that in mind, HCM is pleased to report that the portfolio was invested in a diversified portfolio of companies that fulfill our criteria for sustainable competitive advantage, at a discount to our assessment of fair market value. It is HCM's philosophy that adherence to this discipline is in the best interest of shareholders.

 

During the period, investors appeared concerned by the rise of the Delta and Omicron COVID-19 variants as well as supply chain bottlenecks and the resulting input price volatility. Sensing that the transitory inflationary period may last longer than previously believed, bond traders pushed the yield on the Ten-Year US. Treasury Note up 12 basis points, from 1.31% to 1.43%. Rates in developed countries modestly declined, with the yield on the German Ten Year Government Bond and the Japanese Ten-Year Government Bond settling at -0.347% and 0.059%, respectively.

 

Over the 138 days, the Fund achieved notably positive returns in the Information Technology and Real Estate Sectors, while the Industrials, Communication Services, Consumer Staples, Health Care and Materials Sectors significantly detracted from results.

 

The top 5 performers for the period were Pfizer, Inc. (Ticker: PFE), Simon Property Group, Inc. (Ticker: SPG), salesforce.com, Inc. (Ticker: CRM), Microsoft Corporation (Ticker: MSFT), and ServiceNow, Inc. (Ticker: NOW).

 

The bottom 5 performers for the fiscal year were Compass Minerals International, Inc. (Ticker: CMP), Biogen, Inc. (Ticker: BIIB), Western Union Company (Ticker: WU), Nordstrom, Inc. (Ticker: JWN), and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (Ticker: BMY).

 

HCM continues to believe that the road to pandemic and economic recovery will be bumpy, as new strains of COVID-19 appear and hiccups in vaccination distribution slow the road to global herd immunity. Vast sums of public and private debt have been assumed to help corporations and households weather the economic storm. Servicing and repaying these debts over time will have an impact on the economy. The medical profession and the population should eventually prevail, and we caution against investing based upon overly optimistic or unnecessarily dire scenarios. We implore investors to adhere to their long-term asset allocation programs.

 

HCM's equity strategies are driven by our core belief that competitively advantaged companies will outperform their peers through economic cycles and market cycles. The goal is to invest in great enterprises at attractive prices. HCM's investment team will continue to invest according to this precept for the long-term interest of our clients. HCM feels that the Fund is well positioned with investments in companies with sustainable competitive advantages, at prices that we believe to be reasonable.

 

1 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  Since Inception^
ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF - NAV -3.63%
ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF – Market Price* -3.55%
Russell 1000® Value Total Return Index 0.58%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.55%.

 

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

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced operations on July 15, 2021, with the first day of trading on the exchange of July 16, 2021.
*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The Fund is new with limited operating history.

 

Russell 1000® Value Total Return is a broad-based benchmark that measures the performance of the large cap value segment of the US equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

 

2 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Simon Property Group, Inc. 2.77%
salesforce.com, Inc. 2.73%
Microsoft Corp. 2.72%
ServiceNow, Inc. 2.67%
Alphabet, Inc. 2.65%
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. 2.57%
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. 2.56%
CVS Health Corp. 2.50%
Wells Fargo & Co. 2.46%
Amazon.com, Inc. 2.36%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 25.99%

 

Sector Allocation* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Health Care 19.40%
Industrials 14.76%
Consumer Staples 12.64%
Communication Services 12.61%
Information Technology 11.87%
Energy 8.70%
Financials 5.03%
Consumer Discretionary 4.16%
Materials 3.79%
Real Estate 2.77%
Basic Materials 2.56%
Money Market Fund 1.71%
Total Investments 100.00%

 

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund's benchmark

 

 

 

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

 

3 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the (six month) period and held through November 30, 2021.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

   Beginning Account Value 6/1/21   Ending Account Value 11/30/21   Expense Ratio(a)   Expenses Paid During Period 6/1/21 - 11/30/21(b) 
ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF                
Actual(c)  $1,000.00   $963.70    0.55%  $2.06 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,022.31    0.55%  $2.79 

 

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.
(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (183), divided by 365.
(c)The ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF commenced operations on July 15, 2021. Actual expenses on this Fund are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value of the period, multiplied by the number of days since the Fund launched (138) divided by 365.

 

4 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of ALPS ETF Trust and the shareholders of ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments of ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF (the "Fund"), one of the funds constituting the ALPS ETF Trust , as of November 30, 2021, the related statement of operations, the statements of changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the period from July 15, 2021 (commencement of operations) through November 30, 2021, and the related notes.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of November 30, 2021, and the result of its operations, the changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the period from July 15, 2021 (commencement of operations) through November 30, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements and financial highlights based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Denver, Colorado

January 26, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by ALPS Advisors, Inc. since 2007.

 

5 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (91.48%)        
Communication Services (12.55%)        
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   50   $141,897 
AT&T, Inc.   4,379    99,973 
Comcast Corp., Class A   2,142    107,057 
Discovery, Inc., Class A(a)   4,307    100,224 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a)   356    115,508 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   2,201    110,644 
Total Communication Services        675,303 
           
Consumer Discretionary (4.14%)          
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   36    126,255 
Nordstrom, Inc.(a)   4,555    96,429 
Total Consumer Discretionary        222,684 
           
Consumer Staples (12.58%)          
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA,          
ADR(b)   1,782    99,293 
Coca-Cola Co.   2,201    115,442 
Conagra Brands, Inc.   3,654    111,630 
Constellation Brands, Inc.,          
Class A   549    123,707 
Kellogg Co.   1,958    119,790 
Kraft Heinz Co.   3,177    106,779 
Total Consumer Staples        676,641 
           
Energy (2.31%)          
Exxon Mobil Corp.   2,079    124,407 
           
Financials (5.00%)          
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.   2,511    137,578 
Wells Fargo & Co.   2,754    131,586 
Total Financials        269,164 
           
Health Care (19.31%)          
Becton Dickinson and Co.   504    119,519 
Biogen, Inc.(a)   501    118,106 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   1,823    97,767 
CVS Health Corp.   1,503    133,857 
GlaxoSmithKline PLC, ADR   3,060    125,828 
Medtronic PLC   972    103,712 
Merck & Co., Inc.   1,598    119,707 
Pfizer, Inc.   2,191    117,722 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.   855    102,258 
Total Health Care        1,038,476 
           
Industrials (14.69%)          
3M Co.   612    104,064 
Boeing Co.(a)   554    109,609 
Emerson Electric Co.   1,265    111,118 
General Dynamics Corp.   653    123,398 
General Electric Co.   1,207    114,653 
Lockheed Martin Corp.   329    109,662 
Raytheon Technologies Corp.   1,458    117,981 
Total Industrials        790,485 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Information Technology (11.81%)        
Intel Corp.   2,192   $107,846 
Microsoft Corp.   441    145,790 
salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   513    146,185 
ServiceNow, Inc.(a)   221    143,142 
Western Union Co.   5,850    92,547 
Total Information Technology        635,510 
           
Materials (6.33%)          
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.   477    137,108 
Compass Minerals International, Inc.   1,809    88,008 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.   1,557    115,156 
Total Materials        340,272 
           
Real Estate (2.76%)          
Simon Property Group, Inc.   972    148,560 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $5,207,790)        4,921,502 
           
Security Description  Shares   Value 
MASTER LIMITED PARTERSHIPS (6.34%)        
Energy (6.34%)        
Enterprise Products Partners LP   5,121    109,538 
Magellan Midstream Partners LP   2,637    122,304 
Plains All American Pipeline LP   11,754    109,312 
Total Energy        341,154 
           
TOTAL MASTER LIMITED PARTERSHIPS          
(Cost $365,804)        341,154 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.70%)            
Money Market Fund            
State Street Institutional               
Treasury Plus Money               
Market Fund   0.01%   91,409    91,409 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $91,409)             91,409 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.52%)               
(Cost $5,665,003)            $5,354,065 
NET ASSETS LESS OTHER LIABILITIES (0.48%)             25,597 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $5,379,662 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.
(b)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $44,576.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities November 30, 2021

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value  $5,354,065 
Receivable for investments sold   49,754 
Dividends receivable   14,426 
Total Assets   5,418,245 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable for investments purchased   35,990 
Payable to adviser   2,593 
Total Liabilities   38,583 
NET ASSETS  $5,379,662 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $5,610,203 
Total distributable earnings   (230,541)
NET ASSETS  $5,379,662 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $5,665,003 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $5,379,662 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   225,002 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $23.91 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

7 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Statement of Operations For the Period Ended November 30, 2021(a)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Dividends  $62,919 
Securities Lending Income   45 
Total Investment Income   62,964 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment adviser fees   12,221 
Net Expenses   12,221 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   50,743 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN:     
Net realized gain on investments(b)   60,733 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments   (310,938)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS   (250,205)
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(199,462)

 

(a)The ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF commenced operations on July 15, 2021.
(b)Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Period July 15, 2021 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2021 
OPERATIONS:    
Net investment income  $50,743 
Net realized gain   60,733 
Net change in unrealized depreciation   (310,938)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   (199,462)
      
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:     
From distributable earnings   (17,283)
Total distributions   (17,283)
      
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:     
Proceeds from sale of shares   6,232,629 
Cost of shares redeemed   (636,222)
Net increase from capital share transactions   5,596,407 
Net increase in net assets   5,379,662 
      
NET ASSETS:     
Beginning of period    
End of period  $5,379,662 
      
OTHER INFORMATION:     
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:     
Beginning shares    
Shares sold   250,002 
Shares redeemed   (25,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   225,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

9 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented

 

   For the Period July 15, 2021 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2021 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $24.88 
      
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:     
Net investment income(a)   0.22 
Net realized and unrealized loss   (1.12)
Total from investment operations   (0.90)
      
DISTRIBUTIONS:     
From net investment income   (0.07)
Total distributions   (0.07)
      
NET (DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (0.97)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $23.91 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   (3.63)%
      
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:     
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $5,380 
      
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS     
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.55%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.28%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   10%

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of November 30, 2021, the Trust consisted of eighteen separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF (the “Fund”). The Fund seeks long-term total return from a combination of income and capital gains. The Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). The Fund issues and redeems Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares (prior to October 1, 2021 in blocks of 50,000 Shares), each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

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

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

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

 

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

 

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

 

11 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of November 30, 2021:

 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $4,921,502   $   $   $4,921,502 
Master Limited Parterships*   341,154            341,154 
Short Term Investments   91,409            91,409 
Total  $5,354,065   $   $   $5,354,065 

 

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

 

The Fund did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the period ended November 30, 2021.

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

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

 

12 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

 

For the period ended November 30, 2021, the following reclassifications, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets, were recorded to reflect permanent tax differences resulting primarily from in-kind transactions:

 

Fund  Paid-in Capital   Total Distributable Earnings 
ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF  $13,796   $(13,796)

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal period ended November 30, 2021 was as follows:

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2021            
ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF  $17,283   $   $ 

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

As of November 30, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for each Fund were as follows:

 

   Accumulated net investment income   Accumulated net realized gain on investments   Other accumulated gains   Net unrealized (depreciation) on investments   Total 
ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF   65,780   $38   $   $(296,359)  $(230,541)

 

As of November 30, 2021, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $194,062 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (490,421)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  $(296,359)
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $5,650,424 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from investments in partnerships.

 

13 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

F. Income Taxes

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as the Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. The Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the period ended November 30, 2021, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

G. Lending of Portfolio Securities

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of November 30, 2021:

 

   Market Value of Securities on Loan   Cash Collateral Received   Non-Cash Collateral Received   Total Collateral Received 
ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF  $44,576   $   $47,937   $47,937 

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis at a rate of 0.55% as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

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

 

Hillman Capital Management, Inc. (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s sub-adviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with the Trust (the ‘‘Sub-Advisory Agreement’’). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a sub-advisory fee out of the Adviser’s advisory fee for the services it provides. The fee is payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

 

14 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

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

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the period ended November 30, 2021, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF  $584,753   $499,018 

 

For the ended ended November 30, 2021, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF  $6,051,241   $624,077 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, Fund had in-kind net realized gains of $13,296.

 

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

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by the Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares (prior to October 1, 2021, the Creation Unit size was 50,000 Shares). Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Fund. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of the Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. MARKET DISRUPTIONS RISK

 

 

The Fund is subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause the Fund to lose value.

 

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

 

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

 

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events, if any, after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

15 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

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

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

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

 

16 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on March 8, 2021 via electronic means (video-conference), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), evaluated a proposal to approve (i) the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “HVAL Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “AAI”) with respect to the ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF (“HVAL” or the “Fund”) and (ii) the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (the “HCM Sub-Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust or AAI and Hillman Capital Management, Inc. (the “Sub-Adviser” or “HCM”) with respect to the Fund. The Independent Trustees also met separately to consider each Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

In evaluating the HVAL Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services expected to be provided by the Adviser to HVAL under the HVAL Advisory Agreement; (ii) the advisory fees and other expenses proposed to be paid by HVAL compared to those of similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the expected costs of the services to be provided to HVAL and the projected profitability to be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from the Adviser’s relationship with HVAL; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if and as HVAL’s assets increase and whether the fee level in the HVAL Advisory Agreement reflects these economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders; and (v) any additional benefits and other considerations.

 

With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Adviser under the HVAL Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered and reviewed information concerning the services proposed to be provided under the HVAL Advisory Agreement, the proposed investment strategy, financial information regarding the Adviser and its parent company, information describing the Adviser’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons who would be responsible for the day-to-day management of HVAL, the anticipated financial support of HVAL, and the nature and quality of services provided to other ETFs, open-end and closed-end funds sponsored by the Adviser. Based upon their review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the Adviser was qualified to oversee the services to be provided by other service providers and that the services to be provided by the Adviser to HVAL are expected to be satisfactory.

 

With respect to the costs of services to be provided and profits to be realized by the Adviser, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered the resources involved in managing HVAL as well as the fact that the Adviser agreed to pay all of HVAL’s expenses (except for interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of HVAL’s business) out of the unitary advisory fee. Based on their review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the expected profitability of HVAL to the Adviser was not unreasonable.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees, also reviewed comparative fee and expense data provided by FUSE regarding HVAL. The Trustees noted the proposed advisory fee for services to be provided to HVAL by the Adviser was 0.55% of HVAL’s average daily net assets. The Trustees also considered that the advisory fee with respect to HVAL was a unitary one and that, as set forth above, the Adviser had agreed to pay all of HVAL’s expenses (except for interest expenses, marketing fees, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of HVAL’s business) out of the unitary fee. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered that, taking into account the impact of HVAL’s unitary advisory fee, HVAL’s expense ratio was below the median of both of its FUSE gross advisory fees peer group and total net expenses peer group. Based on the foregoing and the other information available to them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the advisory fees for HVAL were reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of services to be provided.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees, also considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser from its relationship with HVAL and concluded that the advisory fees were reasonable taking into account such benefits.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as HVAL grows and whether fee levels reflect a reasonable sharing of such economies of scale for the benefit of HVAL investors. Because HVAL is newly organized, the Trustees reviewed HVAL’s proposed unitary advisory fee and anticipated expenses and determined to review economies of scale in the future when HVAL had attracted assets.

 

In voting to approve the HVAL Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the terms of the HVAL Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, the fees paid by certain other funds, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together.

 

17 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

HCM Sub-Advisory Agreement

 

In evaluating the HCM Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees considered various factors, including (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services expected to be provided by HCM with respect to HVAL under the HCM Sub-Advisory Agreement; (ii) the advisory fees and other expenses proposed to be paid by HVAL compared to those of similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the projected profitability to HCM of its proposed sub-advisory relationship with HVAL and the reasonableness of compensation to HCM (iv) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if, and as, HVAL’s assets increase, and whether the fee level in the HCM Sub-Advisory Agreement reflects these economies of scale; and (v) any additional benefits and other considerations.

 

With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by HCM under the HCM Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees considered and reviewed information concerning the services to be provided under the HCM Sub-Advisory Agreement, the proposed investment strategy, financial information regarding HCM, information describing HCM’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons who would be responsible for the day-to-day management of HVAL. Based upon their review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that HCM was qualified to oversee the portfolio management of HVAL. The Board, including the Independent Trustees considered that the contractual sub-advisory fee to be paid to HCM is 0.25% of HVAL’s average daily net assets out of a total management fee of 0.55% with respect to HVAL. Based on the consideration of all factors deemed relevant by them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the sub-advisory fees to be received by HCM under the HCM Sub-Advisory Agreement are reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of services provided.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by HCM, the Board, including the Independent Trustees considered the resources involved in managing HVAL. Based on their review of the projected profitability of HVAL to HCM, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the projected profitability of HVAL to HCM was not unreasonable.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees also considered other benefits that have been and may be realized by HCM from its relationships with HVAL and concluded that the sub-advisory fees with respect to HVAL were reasonable taking into account such benefits.

 

In voting to approve the HCM Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the terms of the HCM Sub-Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the Board, including the Independent Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Board, including the Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together.

 

In voting to approve the Distribution Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the terms of Distribution Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the Board, including the Independent Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Board, including the Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together.

 

18 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser for the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trust currently has four Trustees. Three Trustees have no affiliation or business connection with the Adviser or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by the Adviser. These are the “non-interested” or “independent” Trustees (“Independent Trustees”). The other Trustee (the “Interested Trustee”) is affiliated with the Adviser.

 

The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Independent Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are shown below.

 

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

Name, Address & Year of Birth* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees
Mary K. Anstine,
1940
Trustee Since March 2008 Ms. Anstine is Trustee/Director of AV Hunter Trust and Colorado Uplift Board. 36 Ms. Anstine is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds).
Jeremy W. Deems,
1976
Trustee Since March 2008 Mr. Deems is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Green Alpha Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor, and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Shelton Green Alpha Fund. 36 Mr. Deems is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); and Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Clough Funds Trust (1 fund).
Rick A. Pederson,
1952
Trustee Since March 2008 Mr. Pederson is Partner, Bow River Capital Partners (private equity management), 2003 -  present; Board Member, Prosci Inc. (private business services) 2013-2016; Advisory Board Member, Citywide Banks (Colorado community bank) 2014-2017; Board Member, Strong-Bridge Consulting, 2015-2019; Board Member, IRI/ODMS Holdings LLC, 2017-2019; Director, National Western Stock Show (not for profit) 2010 -  present; Director, History Colorado (not for profit) 2015-present; Director, Citywide Bank Advisory Board 2017-present; Trustee, Boettcher Foundation, 2018 -present. 19 Mr. Pederson is Trustee of Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds) and Principal Real Estate Income Fund (1 fund).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

 

19 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Trustee who is an “interested person” of the Trust, his term of office and length of time served, his principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by the Interested Trustee and the other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee, are shown below.

 

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

Name, Address and Year of Birth of Interested Trustee* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees
Edmund J. Burke, 1961 Trustee Since December 2017. Mr. Burke joined ALPS in 1991 and served as the President and Director of ALPS Holdings, Inc., and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“AAI”), and Director of ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“ADI”), ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“AFS”), and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (“APSD”). Mr. Burke retired from ALPS in June 2019. 31 Mr. Burke is a Trustee of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Equity Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Opportunities Fund (1 fund); Clough Funds Trust (1 fund); Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (1 fund); Director of the Liberty All- Star Growth Fund, Inc. (1 fund) and Financial Investors Trust (32 funds).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Effective December 1, 2021, Mr. Burke is an Independent Trustee of the Trust.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

 

20 | November 30, 2021

 
 

ALPS Hillman Active Value ETF

 

Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

OFFICERS

Name, Address and Year of Birth of Officer* Position(s) Held with Trust Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Laton Spahr,
1975
President Since June 2021 Mr. Spahr joined ALPS in 2019 and currently serves as President and Portfolio Manager of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Spahr was a Senior Vice President and Strategy Leader of the Value & Income Team for Oppenheimer Funds from 2013 to 2019.
Matthew Sutula,
1985
Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) Since December 2019 Mr. Sutula joined ALPS in 2012 and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Sutula served as interim Compliance Officer of the Trust (September 2019 to December 2019). Compliance Manager and Senior Compliance Analyst for AAI, as well as Compliance Analyst for AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, he spent seven years at Morningstar, Inc. in various analyst roles supporting the registered investment company databases. Mr. Sutula is also Chief Compliance Officer of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, ALPS Variable Investment Trust, RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc., Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc.
Kathryn Burns,
1976
Treasurer Since September 2018 Ms. Burns serves as Vice President, Director of Fund Operations of AAI since 2018. From 2013 to 2018, she served as Vice President and Fund Controller at AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, she worked at Old Mutual Capital where she served as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2010 – 2012) and Regulatory Reporting Manager and Assistant Treasurer to the Old Mutual Funds Trusts (2006 – 2012). She also served as a CPA for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Ms. Burns also serves as President of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Principal Real Estate Income Fund and RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. From June 2018 to November 2021 she also served as Treasurer of Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Brendan Hamill,
1986
Secretary Since September 2021 Mr. Hamill joined ALPS in August 2021, and is currently Vice President and Principal Legal Counsel. Prior to joining ALPS, Mr. Hamill was an attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP (law firm) (December 2018-August 2021) and Vedder Price, P.C. (law firm) (August 2015-December 2018). Mr. Hamill also serves as Secretary of Financial Investors Trust, Secretary of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Secretary of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, and Assistant Secretary of James Advantage Funds.

 

*The business address of each Officer is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Each Officer is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act.
**This is the period for which the Officer began serving the Trust. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his/her successor is elected.

 

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

 

21 | November 30, 2021

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview  
ALPS Clean Energy ETF 1
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 4
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 7
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 10
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 13
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 14
Financial Statements  
Schedule of Investments  
ALPS Clean Energy ETF 15
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 17
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 19
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 21
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 23
Statements of Operations 24
Statements of Changes in Net Assets  
ALPS Clean Energy ETF 25
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 26
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 27
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 28
Financial Highlights 29
Notes to Financial Statements 33
Additional Information 42
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements 46
Trustees & Officers 48

 

alpsfunds.com

 

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS Clean Energy ETF (the “Fund” or “ACES”) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the performance of its underlying index, the CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Total Return Index (ticker symbol NACEX) (the “Underlying Index”). The Underlying Index utilizes a rules-based methodology developed by CIBC National Trust Company, which is designed to provide exposure to a diverse set of U.S. and Canadian companies involved in the clean energy sector including renewables and clean technology.

 

The Fund employs a “passive management” – or indexing – investment approach designed to track the performance of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index utilizes a rules-based methodology developed by CIBC National Trust Company (the “Index Provider”), which is designed to provide exposure to a diverse set of U.S. and Canadian companies involved in the clean energy sector including renewables and clean technology. The clean energy sector is comprised of companies that provide the products and services that enable the evolution of a more sustainable energy sector. Clean energy business segments include, but are not limited to, the following activities: (i) renewable energy sources, including solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity, geothermal energy, biomass, biofuels, and tidal/wave energy, (ii) clean technologies, including electric vehicles, energy storage, lithium, fuel cell, smart grid, and energy efficiency technologies and (iii) other emerging clean energy activities and technologies. The Underlying Index is compiled by the Index Provider and may be comprised of U.S. or Canadian companies. In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index, a company’s stock must be traded on one or more major U.S. or Canadian securities exchanges, be based in the U.S. or in Canada, have a minimum float-adjusted market capitalization and minimum average daily trading value thresholds established by the index rulebook of at least $300 million, and have a minimum median average daily trading liquidity of greater than $3 million over the last 60 trading days prior to the selection date, and the company must derive a majority of its value from clean energy business segments (as defined above). Such eligible companies shall be defined as the “Index Universe.” All equity securities meeting the above criteria are selected for inclusion in the Index Universe. The Underlying Index is reconstituted and rebalanced quarterly on the third Friday in March, June, September and December.

 

Performance Overview

The ALPS Clean Energy ETF for the twelve-month period ended November 30, 2021, generated a total return of 6.16%. Performance was in-line with the Fund’s Underlying Index, net of fees, which returned 6.57%. The Fund underperformed the S&P 1000 Total Return Index, which returned 27.91% for the same period.

 

The S&P 500 Total Return Index returned 27.92% for the trailing twelve-month (TTM) period ended November 30, 2021, finishing near its all-time high. Unmoved by persistent talks of inflation and policy changes, markets surged without significant drawdowns until September. October proved resilient, as the drawdown was met by a swift bounce back to all-time-highs for most of the averages. Main macroeconomic talking points throughout 2021 centered on inflation and the question of how transitory price increases would turn out to be. Inflation fears continued to be justified with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) surging 6.2% in October, along with core inflation readings increasing 4.6% for the same month; both indicators notching their largest increases since December 1990, and August 1991, respectively. Federal Reserve Chairman Powell was quick to reassure markets of the non-persistent inflation narrative throughout 2021 and announced a taper and reduction of balance sheet purchases starting in November of ‘21. Although the Fed plans to complete tapering before any rate hikes in 2022, projections of the magnitude for said rate increases vary, as global supply chain woes and the newly discovered COVID-19 Omicron variant do not ensure a future without added policy support. Despite a murky economic landscape for 2021 and heading into the New Year, global GDP surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2021, aided by policy support and strong consumer spending. Record profit margins for U.S. corporations led the way for record valuations through most of the year, but were matched by an earnings season in Q3 where many companies cut forward-looking expectations amid a slowing global growth outlook.

 

2021 saw an acceleration of clean energy adoption and mandates driven by legislation. The Biden Administration has set forth initiatives to decarbonize the electric sector by 2035, setting the precedent for further infrastructure spending and tax credits aimed at achieving the lofty goals. The $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill was signed into law in November, with specific mandates targeting the funds towards initiatives that will reduce U.S. emissions by 50-52% from 2005 levels in 2030, and to create a 100% carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035. Electric vehicles stole the spotlight throughout the year with Tesla outperforming competitors and IPOs from the likes of Rivian and Lucid Motors. It is likely that North America will see more policy support targeted at clean energy infrastructure in the near future, as projections call for immediate increases in policy action in order to meet a net-zero global fleet by 2050.

 

The best performing stocks in the Fund for the period were Ameresco Inc., Class A (AMRC), which increased 72.91%, Enviva Partners LP (EVA), which saw a gain of 63.43%, and Tesla, Inc. (TSLA), which rose 62.22%. The largest detractors were Workhorse Group, Inc. (WKHS), which decreased 70.48%, XEBEC Adsorption, Inc. (XBC CN), which fell 68.48%, and TPI Composites, Inc. (TPIC), which lost 66.22%.

 

ACES Underlying Index has a differentiated approach to investing in the clean energy sector. First, by narrowing the list of constituents to companies whose primary operations are focused on clean energy, the Fund offers more pure-play exposure to the clean energy sector. Second, constituents are diversified across the sector and offer exposure to the full opportunity set of the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Lastly, focusing on U.S. and Canadian-based companies helps to further minimize the risk of investing in a global industry by reducing risks related to foreign holdings, including currency exchange rates, financial disclosures, and regulatory and policy changes. 

1 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Fund Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 3 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Clean Energy ETF - NAV 6.16% 45.38% 38.92%
ALPS Clean Energy ETF - Market Price* 6.07% 45.08% 38.91%
S&P 1000® Total Return Index 27.91% 14.32% 11.21%
CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Total Return Index 6.57% 45.89% 39.75%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.55%.

 

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

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced operations on June 28, 2018, with the first day of trading on the exchange of June 29, 2018.
*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Total Return Index is an adjusted market cap weighted index designed to provide exposure to a diverse set of U.S. or Canadian based companies involved in the clean energy sector including renewables and clean technology. The clean energy sector is comprised of companies that provide the products and services which enable the evolution of a more sustainable energy sector. Clean energy business segments include but are not limited to: solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, electric vehicles, LED, biomass, smart grid, energy efficiency and storage. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The S&P 1000® Total Return Index combines the S&P MidCap 400® and the S&P SmallCap 600® to form an investable benchmark for the mid- to small-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

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

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the ALPS Clean Energy ETF.  

2 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Tesla, Inc. 7.42%
Plug Power, Inc. 7.18%
Enphase Energy, Inc. 6.84%
First Solar, Inc. 5.24%
NextEra Energy Partners LP 5.00%
Sunrun, Inc. 4.81%
Northland Power, Inc. 4.19%
Brookfield Renewable Partners LP 4.15%
Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. 4.08%
ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. 4.05%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 52.96%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Clean Energy Segment Allocation* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

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

 

 

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

3 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF (the “Fund” or “DTEC”) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the performance of the Indxx Disruptive Technologies Net Total Return Index (ticker symbol IDTEC) (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities that comprise the Underlying Index.

 

The Fund employs a “passive management” – or indexing – investment approach designed to track the performance of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index utilizes a rules-based methodology developed by Indxx, LLC (the “Index Provider”), which is designed to identify the companies using disruptive technologies in each of ten thematic areas: Healthcare Innovation, Internet of Things, Clean Energy and Smart Grid, Cloud Computing, Data and Analytics, FinTech, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, 3D Printing, and Mobile Payments (each a “Theme” and together, the “Themes”). Companies using disruptive technologies are those that are entering traditional markets with new digital forms of production and distribution, seek to disrupt an existing market and value network, displace established market-leading firms, products and alliances and increasingly gain market share. The Underlying Index is compiled by the Index Provider and may be comprised of U.S. and non-U.S. companies, including foreign and emerging markets companies. In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index’s Index Universe, a company’s stock must be traded on one or more major global securities exchanges, have a minimum market capitalization of at least $500 million, and have a six month minimum average daily trading volume of $2 million, and the company must derive a minimum of 50% of its revenue from a single Theme. All equity securities meeting the above criteria are selected for inclusion in the Index Universe. From the Index Universe, the Underlying Index methodology selects ten stocks in each Theme according to proprietary quantitative and qualitative factors. The eligible stocks that are selected for inclusion in the Underlying Index’s portfolio are equally weighted. The Underlying Index is reconstituted annually on the third Friday of September and rebalanced quarterly.

 

Performance Overview

The ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF for the twelve-month period ended November 30, 2021, generated a total return of 12.60%. Performance was in-line with the Fund’s Underlying Index, net of fees, which returned 12.79%. The Fund underperformed the Morningstar Global Markets Index, which returned 18.76% for the same period.

 

The S&P 500 Total Return Index returned 27.92% for the trailing twelve-month (TTM) period ended November 30, 2021, finishing near its all-time high. Unmoved by persistent talks of inflation and policy changes, markets surged without significant drawdowns until September. October proved resilient, as the drawdown was met by a swift bounce back to all-time-highs for most of the averages. Main macroeconomic talking points throughout 2021 centered on inflation and the question surrounding how transitory price increases would turn out to be. Inflation fears continued to be justified with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) surging 6.2% in October, along with core inflation readings increasing 4.6% for the same month; both indicators notching their largest increases since December 1990, and August 1991, respectively. Federal Reserve Chairman Powell was quick to reassure markets of the non-persistent inflation narrative throughout 2021 and announced a taper and reduction of balance sheet purchases starting in November of ‘21. Although the Fed plans to complete tapering before any rate hikes in 2022, projections of the magnitude for rate increases vary, as global supply chain woes and the newly discovered Omicron variant do not ensure a future without added policy support. Despite a murky outlook for 2021 and heading into the New Year, global GDP surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2021, aided by policy support and strong consumer spending. Record profit margins for U.S. corporations led the way for record valuations through most of the year, but was matched by an earnings season in Q3 where many companies cut forward-looking expectations amid a slowing global growth outlook.

 

DTEC outperformed the Morningstar Global Markets Index, which returned 18.76% for the trailing twelve-month period ended November 30, 2021. DTEC holds roughly 65% U.S. equities and 35% foreign. The U.S. Dollar strengthened relative to the Euro, however ex-U.S. markets did not see the historical drop in performance from the move. Similar to the U.S., Eurozone markets saw a strong earnings season and ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic. Value outperformed growth equities internationally for the majority of the year, with the gap in performance closing in recent months. Future growth prospects remain optimistic, predicated on lessening travel restrictions and temporary higher inflation. DTEC’s higher weight to the Information Technology sector has helped buoy its performance over broad-based indices.

 

Disruptive technologies pave the way for a brighter future through innovation and fundamentally alter the way industries operate. Furthermore, the potential to capture returns within different disruptive technology themes is compelling, and offers potential to supercharge a portfolio. DTEC employs an equal weighted strategy to its disruptive themes, resulting in 10 sub-themes (3D Printing, Clean Energy & Smart Grid, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Data & Analytics, FinTech, Healthcare Innovation, Internet of Things, Mobile Payments, Robotics & AI), each with a 10% holding. The Fund picks the top 10 names from its universe that most represent the specific theme. 6 of the 10 DTEC themes were positive this year, with the Data & Analytics theme being the largest performance contributor at 2.83%. Cybersecurity was the second largest positive contributor, adding 2.65% to the portfolio return. Within that theme, Fortinet, Inc. (FTNT), a security network provider, had the largest individual equity performance, returning a whopping 123.6%, and contributing 0.91% to the Fund performance. The worst performing thematic category was Mobile Payments, detracting -1.38% from portfolio performance. StoneCo, Ltd. (STNE), a Brazilian payments firm, was the worst performer in the theme, losing -81.31% and detracting -1.24%.

 

Looking forward, the Fund’s strategy of selecting the top disruptive themes in the market today will provide exposure to areas of the market the Adviser believes will be high-growth relative to the Morningstar Global Markets Index. 

4 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Fund Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 3 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF - NAV 12.60% 23.02% 18.48%
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF - Market Price* 12.61% 23.04% 18.50%
Indxx Disruptive Technologies Net Total Return Index 12.79% 23.27% 18.77%
Morningstar® Global Markets Net Return Index 18.76% 15.51% 10.80%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.50%.

 

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

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced operations on December 28, 2017, with the first day of trading on the exchange of December 29, 2017.
*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

Indxx Disruptive Technologies Net Total Return Index (Ticker: IDTEC) is based around companies that enter traditional markets with new digital forms of production and distribution, are likely to disrupt an existing market and value network, displace established market leading firms, products and alliances and increasingly gain market share. Total Return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. Net Total Return (NTR) is obtained by reinvesting the net dividend, which is equal to the ordinary gross dividend minus the amount of withholding tax.

 

The Morningstar® Global Markets Net Return Index, measures the performance of the stocks located in the developed and emerging countries across the world. Stocks in the index are weighted by their float capital, which removes corporate cross ownership, government holdings and other locked-in shares.

 

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

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF.  

5 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Tesla, Inc. 1.62%
Silicon Laboratories, Inc. 1.45%
Datadog, Inc. 1.35%
Azenta, Inc 1.33%
Nemetschek SE 1.32%
Zscaler, Inc. 1.32%
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. 1.27%
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. 1.25%
Intuit, Inc. 1.22%
Kaspi.KZ JSC 1.21%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 13.34%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Thematic Allocation* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

 

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

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

 

 

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

6 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF (the "Fund" or "JRNY") seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network Global Travel Index (ticker symbol TRAVEL) (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index uses a rules-based methodology developed by S-Network Global Indexes Inc. (the "Index Provider"), which is designed to identify exchange-traded stocks of companies that are materially engaged in the global travel industry, including four segments: Airlines & Airport Services; Hotels, Casinos, Cruise Lines; Booking & Rental Agencies; and Ancillary Beneficiaries. The Underlying Index is compiled by the Index Provider and may be comprised of U.S. and non-U.S. companies, including foreign and emerging markets companies. In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index's Index Universe, a company's stock must be traded on one or more major global securities exchanges and is principally engaged in or derives significant revenue from on of the segments. In addition, a company's stock must have a minimum market capitalization of at least $100 million, a three-month minimum average daily trading volume of $1 million, and a minimum free float factor of 18%. All equity securities meeting the above criteria are selected for inclusion in the Index Universe. From the Index Universe, the Underlying Index methodology selects and weights twenty stocks in each segment, subject to a minimum of one constituent per geographic region (U.S. & Canada, Europe, Pacific (ex-Canada), and Emerging) and a 65% maximum weight per geographic region. The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted quarterly on the third Friday of the last month in each calendar quarter.

 

Performance Overview

The ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF since inception on September 8th, 2021 through the period ended November 30, 2021, generated a total return of -5.34%, in-line with the Fund’s Underlying Index, net of fees, which returned -5.28%. The Fund underperformed the Morningstar Global Markets Index, which returned -2.29% for the same period.

 

The S&P 500 Total Return Index returned 27.92% for the trailing twelve-month (TTM) period ended November 30, 2021, finishing near its all-time high. Unmoved by persistent talks of inflation and policy changes, markets surged without significant drawdowns until September. October proved resilient, as the drawdown was met by a swift bounce back to all-time-highs for most of the averages. Main macroeconomic talking points throughout 2021 centered on inflation and the question surrounding how transitory price increases would turn out to be. Inflation fears continued to be justified with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) surging 6.2% in October, along with core inflation readings increasing 4.6% for the same month; both indicators notching their largest increases since December 1990, and August 1991, respectively. Federal Reserve Chairman Powell was quick to reassure markets of the non-persistent inflation narrative throughout 2021 and announced a taper and reduction of balance sheet purchases starting in November of ‘21. Although the Fed plans to complete tapering before any rate hikes in 2022, projections of the magnitude for rate increases vary, as global supply chain woes and the newly discovered Omicron variant do not ensure a future without added policy support. Despite a murky outlook for 2021 and heading into the New Year, global GDP surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2021, aided by policy support and strong consumer spending. Record profit margins for U.S. corporations led the way for record valuations through most of the year, but was matched by an earnings season in Q3 where many companies cut forward-looking expectations amid a slowing global growth outlook.

 

In terms of global travel, travel companies and beneficiaries are poised to benefit from the continued global re-opening. As of Thanksgiving, airline bookings were up 78% year-over-year and slightly higher than even 2019 numbers. Additionally, both searches and prices for car rentals have jumped significantly from 2019 (up 230%), and 2020 (up 243%). Travel beneficiaries have so far been able to pass the majority of increased costs related to inflation and supply chain disruptions on to consumers, retaining current profit margins. Unfortunately, recent news and spread of the COVID Omicron variant heading into 2022 has weighed global travel beneficiaries, who are sensitive to infection rates. Limited research suggests that Omicron may be more transmissible but less deadly than other variants, giving hope to a continued re-opening trade and minimal travel restrictions over the foreseeable future.

 

The best-performing stocks in the Fund since inception this year were AVIS Budget Group, Inc. (CAR), which increased 204.12%, and CIE Financiere Richemont SA (CFR SW), which saw a gain of 41.20%. The top-performing JRNY segment was Ancillary Beneficiaries, returning -1.49%. The largest individual detractors were HyreCar, Inc. (HYRE), which decreased 53.47%, Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (LTRPA), which fell 40.50%, and Penn National Gaming, Inc. (PENN), which lost 37.97%.

 

Looking forward, the Fund’s strategy of identifying companies that are materially engaged in global travel industries including airlines, hotels, casinos and cruise lines, and companies that support and stand to benefit from those industries, is designed to provide a holistic and more diversified exposure to the secular tailwinds in global travel. 

7 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Fund Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  Since Inception^
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF - NAV -5.34%
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF - Market Price* -5.22%
S-Network Global Travel Net Total Return Index -5.28%
Morningstar® Global Markets Net Return Index -2.29%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.65%.

 

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

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced operations on September 8, 2021, with the first day of trading on the exchange of September 9, 2021.
*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The Fund is new with limited operating history.

 

The S-Network Global Travel Net Total Return Index (Ticker: TRAVEL) is an Index of stocks listed on global recognized stock exchanges that are materially engaged in segments of the global travel industry, including Airlines & Airport Services; Hotels, Casinos, and Cruise Lines; Booking & Rental Agencies; and ancillary beneficiaries of global travel. Total Return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. Net Total Return (NTR) is obtained by reinvesting the net dividend, which is equal to the ordinary gross dividend minus the amount of withholding tax.

 

The Morningstar® Global Markets Net Return Index, measures the performance of the stocks located in the developed and emerging countries across the world. Stocks in the index are weighted by their float capital, which removes corporate cross ownership, government holdings and other locked-in shares.

 

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

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF.  

8 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Marriott International, Inc. 5.12%
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. 4.95%
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE 4.75%
The Estee Lauder Company, Inc., Class A 4.69%
American Express Co. 4.55%
L'Oreal SA 4.52%
Booking Holdings, Inc. 4.30%
Cintas Corp. 4.10%
Airbnb, Inc. 3.99%
Walt Disney Co. 3.71%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 44.68%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Sector Allocation* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

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

 

 

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

9 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (the “Fund” or “SBIO”) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the performance of the S-Network® Medical Breakthroughs Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities that comprise the Underlying Index (or depository receipts based on such securities).

 

The Fund employs a “passive management” – or indexing – investment approach designed to track the performance of the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is comprised of small- and mid-cap stocks of biotechnology companies that have one or more drugs in either Phase II or Phase III of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") clinical trials. In a Phase II trial, the drug is administered to a group of 100-300 people to see if it is effective and to evaluate its safety. In a Phase III trial, the drug is given to a larger group, between 500-3,000 people, to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely. Stocks selected for inclusion in the Underlying Index must be listed on a U.S. stock exchange. Underlying Index constituents must have a market capitalization of no less than $200 million and no more than $5 billion. Stocks included in the Underlying Index must also sustain an average daily trading volume in excess of $1 million for the 90-day period preceding an Underlying Index reconstitution. Constituents must be able to sustain the monthly rates at which they use shareholder capital ("cash burn rates") for at least 24 months. The Underlying Index is reconstituted semi-annually on the third Fridays of June and December.

 

Performance Overview

For the twelve-month period ended November 30, 2021, the Fund generated a total return of -12.37%, in-line with the Fund’s Underlying Index, net of fees, which returned -12.11%. The Fund underperformed the broad market, as represented by the S&P 500®, which returned 27.92% for the period, and also underperformed the NASDAQ Biotechnology Total Return Index’s (XNBI Index) return of 5.90% as the small and mid-cap (SMID) biotech companies have seen a less than stellar year in performance compared to 2020.

 

The S&P 500® returned 27.92% for the trailing twelve-month (TTM) period ended November 30, 2021, finishing near its all-time high. Main macroeconomic talking points throughout 2021 centered on inflation and the question surrounding how transitory price increases would turn out to be. Inflation fears continued to be justified with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) surging 6.2% in October, along with core inflation readings increasing 4.6% for the same month; both indicators notching their largest increases since December 1990, and August 1991, respectively. Despite a murky outlook for 2021 and heading into the New Year, global GDP surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2021, aided by policy support and strong consumer spending. Record profit margins for U.S. corporations led the way for record valuations through most of the year, but was matched by an earnings season in Q3 where many companies cut forward-looking expectations amid a slowing global growth outlook.

 

Specifically for the biotech industry, regulatory concerns have weighed on the companies in 2021. Congress has made it clear they will aim to reduce drug pricing, with the most recent effort in the $1.7 trillion social spending bill. Although an argument can be made that lower drug prices will ultimately benefit the consumer, these efforts could potentially slow the pace of innovation for many drug companies. Despite headwinds, the biotech industry’s continued pace of acquisitions and positive treatment results paint an exciting future for drug therapies, and continued innovation. Through the halfway mark of 2021, 49 biotech IPOs had been completed, with the final year–end investment and IPO numbers expected to display the industry heating-up in the back half of the year.

 

The Fund’s volatility during the year was relatively higher than the S&P 500®, but not unusual for the biotech industry as the space typically caries a higher beta relative to the broad market. The best performing stocks in the Fund for the period were Prothena Corp. PLC (PRTA), Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. (KZR), and Kadmon Holdings Inc. (KDMN), which returned 284.00%, 154.31%, and 138.10%, respectively. In contrast, the worst-performing stocks for the period were Forte Biosciences, Inc. (FBRX), Immunovant, Inc. (IMVT), and Frequency Therapeutics, Inc. (FREQ), which declined 93.18%, 84.59%, and 82.23%, respectively.

 

Due to the high failure rate of companies within the space, the non-traditional metrics used to evaluate biotech companies, and the technical knowledge required to succeed in the space, biotechnology is a difficult industry for stock pickers. This environment makes a passive strategy attractive, as it provides a diversified, rules- based access vehicle for those looking to gain exposure to the biotechnology space, while mitigating single stock risk. The Fund and its Underlying Index focus on innovation, seeking to capture research and development opportunities in the biotechnology industry. Looking forward, the Fund’s strategy of providing exposure to small and mid-cap biotechnology companies that have one or more drugs in either Phase II or Phase III FDA clinical trials can provide potential alpha and pure-play exposure to the biotech space. 

10 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Fund Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF - NAV -12.37% 13.22% 9.08%
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF - Market Price* -12.54% 13.20% 9.06%
S-Network Medical Breakthroughs Total Return Index -12.11% 13.51% 9.42%
NASDAQ Biotechnology Total Return Index 5.90% 11.45% 6.61%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.50%

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.844.234.5852.

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced investment operations on December 31, 2014.
*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

NASDAQ Biotechnology Total Return Index (Ticker: NBI) is a modified market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the performance of all the NASDAQ stocks in the biotechnology sector. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

S-Network Medical Breakthroughs Total Return Index (Ticker: PMBI) is designed to capture research and development opportunities in the biotechnology industry. PMBI consists of small-cap and mid-cap biotechnology stocks listed on U.S. stock exchanges that have one or more drugs in either Phase II or Phase III U.S. FDA clinical trials. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

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

 

Companies in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industry may be subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. Legislation introduced or considered by certain governments on such industries or on the healthcare sector cannot be predicted.

 

Companies in the pharmaceuticals industry are subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. The profitability of some companies in the pharmaceuticals industry may be dependent on a relatively limited number of products. In addition, their products can become obsolete due to industry innovation, changes in technologies or other market developments. Many new products in the pharmaceuticals industry are subject to government approvals, regulation and reimbursement rates. The process of obtaining government approvals may be long and costly. Many companies in the pharmaceuticals industry are heavily dependent on patents and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

 

The development of new drugs generally has a high failure rate, and such failures may negatively impact the stock price of the company developing the failed drug. Biotechnology companies may have persistent losses during a new product’s transition from development to production. In order to fund operations, biotechnology companies may require financing from the capital markets, which may not always be available on satisfactory terms or at all.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. is not affiliated with S-Network Global Indexes, Inc.  

11 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top Ten Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Legend Biotech Corp. 4.75%
Vir Biotechnology, Inc. 3.94%
Kodiak Sciences, Inc. 3.01%
Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. 2.88%
Karuna Therapeutics, Inc. 2.41%
Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2.33%
Alkermes PLC 2.26%
SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. 2.25%
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2.12%
Cytokinetics, Inc. 2.09%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 28.04%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Sector Allocation* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

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

 

 

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

12 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Disclosure of Fund Expenses November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the (six month) period and held through November 30, 2021.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  Beginning Account Value 6/1/21 Ending Account Value 11/30/21 Expense Ratio(a) Expenses Paid During Period 6/1/21 - 11/30/21(b)
ALPS Clean Energy ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,073.50 0.55% $2.86
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.31 0.55% $2.79
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,043.90 0.50% $2.56
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.56 0.50% $2.54
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF        
Actual(c) $1,000.00 $946.60 0.65% $1.46
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.81 0.65% $3.29
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $920.30 0.50% $2.41
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.56 0.50% $2.54

 

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.
(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (183), divided by 365.
(c)The ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF commenced operations on September 8, 2021. Actual expenses on this Fund are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value of the period, multiplied by the number of days since the Fund launched (84) divided by 365.

13 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of ALPS ETF Trust and the shareholders of ALPS Clean Energy ETF, ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF, ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF, and ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of ALPS Clean Energy ETF, ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF, ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF, and ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (the "Funds"), four of the funds constituting the ALPS ETF Trust as of November 30, 2021, the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the periods indicated in the table below, and the related notes.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of November 30, 2021, and the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets, and the financial highlights for the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Individual Fund Comprising the ALPS ETF Trust Statement of Operations Statements of Changes in Net Assets Financial Highlights
ALPS Clean Energy ETF For the year ended November 30, 2021 For the years ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 For the years ended November 30, 2021, 2020, 2019 and for the period from June 28, 2018 (commencement of operations) to November 30, 2018
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF For the year ended November 30, 2021 For the years ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 For the year ended November 30, 2021, 2020, 2019 and for the period from December 28, 2017 (commencement of operations) to November 30, 2018
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF For the period from September 8, 2021 (commencement of operations) through November 30, 2021
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF For the year ended November 30, 2021 For the years ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 For the five years ended November 30, 2021

 

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Denver, Colorado

January 26, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by ALPS Advisors, Inc. since 2007. 

14 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (89.36%)          
Consumer Discretionary (8.96%)          
Arcimoto, Inc.(a)(b)   273,128   $2,794,099 
Tesla, Inc.(a)   67,248    76,982,819 
Workhorse Group, Inc.(a)(b)   1,063,112    6,208,575 
XL Fleet Corp.(a)(b)   1,093,404    4,964,054 
Total Consumer Discretionary        90,949,547 
           
Energy (4.61%)          
Aemetis, Inc.(a)   259,454    4,867,357 
Green Plains, Inc.(a)   498,570    19,269,731 
Renewable Energy Group, Inc.(a)   474,568    22,674,859 
Total Energy        46,811,947 
           
Financials (4.17%)          
Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc.(b)   743,166    42,271,283 
           
Industrials (34.78%)          
Ameresco, Inc., Class A(a)   285,551    25,793,822 
American Superconductor Corp.(a)   245,675    3,144,640 
Array Technologies, Inc.(a)   1,218,987    21,960,051 
Ballard Power Systems, Inc.(a)(b)   2,290,939    34,730,635 
Beam Global(a)   77,867    2,066,590 
Blink Charging Co.(a)(b)   350,728    13,478,477 
ChargePoint Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)   1,646,176    42,010,412 
Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc.(a)(b)   372,267    3,704,057 
Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives, Inc.(a)(b)   385,809    3,649,753 
Lightning eMotors, Inc.(a)(b)   368,699    2,680,442 
Lion Electric Co.(a)(b)   1,069,070    11,652,863 
Plug Power, Inc.(a)(b)   1,869,349    74,493,558 
Romeo Power, Inc.(a)(b)   882,966    3,496,545 
Shoals Technologies Group, Inc., Class A(a)   1,001,754    28,149,287 
Stem, Inc.(a)   1,222,745    25,946,649 
Sunrun, Inc.(a)   1,083,647    49,891,108 
TPI Composites, Inc.(a)   347,067    6,188,205 
Total Industrials        353,037,094 
           
Information Technology (17.27%)          
Enphase Energy, Inc.(a)   283,701    70,925,249 
First Solar, Inc.(a)   524,670    54,355,812 
Itron, Inc.(a)   434,140    26,877,607 
SunPower Corp.(a)(b)   807,142    23,124,618 
Total Information Technology        175,283,286 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Utilities (19.57%)          
Boralex, Inc., Class A(b)   982,221   $27,880,022 
Clearway Energy, Inc., Class C   785,065    29,298,626 
Innergex Renewable Energy, Inc.(b)   1,419,330    21,065,793 
Northland Power, Inc.(b)   1,452,642    43,484,308 
Ormat Technologies, Inc.(b)   434,920    32,836,460 
Sunnova Energy International, Inc.(a)   784,178    28,991,061 
TransAlta Renewables, Inc.(b)   1,030,297    14,952,997 
Total Utilities        198,509,267 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $793,754,282)        906,862,424 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (10.51%)          
Energy (1.16%)          
Enviva Partners LP   167,564    11,734,507 
           
Utilities (9.35%)          
Brookfield Renewable Partners LP   1,185,879    43,083,208 
NextEra Energy Partners LP   609,327    51,823,262 
Total Utilities        94,906,470 
           
TOTAL MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS          
(Cost $87,162,754)        106,640,977 

15 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (5.26%)               
Money Market Fund (0.10%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund               
(Cost $977,776)   0.01%   977,776   $977,776 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (5.17%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 0.03%               
(Cost $52,491,002)        52,491,002    52,491,002 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $53,468,778)             53,468,778 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (105.14%)               
(Cost $934,385,814)            $1,066,972,179 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-5.14%)             (52,205,220)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $1,014,766,959 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.
(b)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $132,255,922.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

16 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (98.98%)        
Communication Services (1.14%)          
Netflix, Inc.(a)   4,236   $2,719,088 
           
Consumer Discretionary (3.41%)          
Garmin, Ltd.   14,554    1,943,541 
iRobot Corp.(a)   30,285    2,298,934 
Tesla, Inc.(a)   3,355    3,840,670 
Total Consumer Discretionary        8,083,145 
           
Financials (4.39%)          
American Express Co.   15,907    2,422,636 
Kaspi.KZ JSC, GDR   22,340    2,881,860 
Moody's Corp.   6,589    2,573,927 
S&P Global, Inc.   5,607    2,555,278 
Total Financials        10,433,701 
           
Health Care (9.25%)          
ABIOMED, Inc.(a)   6,912    2,175,759 
Align Technology, Inc.(a)   3,472    2,123,232 
Boston Scientific Corp.(a)   55,504    2,113,037 
Cutera, Inc.(a)(b)   48,955    1,706,571 
Dexcom, Inc.(a)   4,581    2,577,226 
DiaSorin SpA   10,368    2,219,379 
Insulet Corp.(a)   8,387    2,419,147 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)   7,097    2,301,841 
ResMed, Inc.   8,571    2,184,320 
Smith & Nephew PLC, Sponsored ADR   67,454    2,168,646 
Total Health Care        21,989,158 
           
Industrials (16.11%)          
ABB, Ltd., Sponsored ADR(b)   69,060    2,386,023 
ADT, Inc.(b)   300,095    2,493,789 
AeroVironment, Inc.(a)   27,394    2,212,339 
Experian PLC   55,982    2,516,513 
FANUC Corp.   10,664    2,098,648 
Proto Labs, Inc.(a)   34,032    1,705,684 
RELX PLC, Sponsored ADR(b)   83,083    2,576,404 
Schneider Electric SE   14,064    2,491,696 
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC(a)   44,983    2,505,553 
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA(a)   92,022    2,455,632 
Thomson Reuters Corp.(b)   21,260    2,543,811 
TransUnion   20,295    2,256,601 
Verisk Analytics, Inc.   12,306    2,767,250 
Vestas Wind Systems A/S   62,836    2,108,012 
Wolters Kluwer NV   22,049    2,482,063 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Industrials (continued)          
Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Class H   1,199,600   $2,645,950 
Total Industrials        38,245,968 
           
Information Technology (62.66%)          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   3,823    2,560,837 
Adyen NV(a)(c)(d)   798    2,215,007 
Afterpay, Ltd.(a)   27,002    2,095,185 
Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.(a)   31,281    2,495,911 
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.(a)   82,271    2,569,323 
ams AG(a)   133,609    2,382,419 
ANSYS, Inc.(a)   6,823    2,671,068 
Autodesk, Inc.(a)   8,806    2,238,397 
Avast PLC(a)(c)(d)   309,637    2,494,688 
Azenta Inc   27,876    3,152,776 
Black Knight, Inc.(a)   33,504    2,394,532 
Cerence, Inc.(a)(b)   23,910    1,797,554 
Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.(a)   20,603    2,293,320 
Cognex Corp.   28,909    2,233,220 
Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   9,547    2,073,036 
Dassault Systemes SE   43,433    2,619,989 
Datadog, Inc., Class A(a)   17,989    3,207,259 
Dynatrace, Inc.(a)   35,678    2,242,362 
FARO Technologies, Inc.(a)   37,960    2,636,702 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.   19,836    2,072,862 
First Solar, Inc.(a)   25,584    2,650,502 
Fiserv, Inc.(a)   21,912    2,114,946 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.(a)   9,523    1,972,499 
Fortinet, Inc.(a)   8,111    2,693,744 
Global Payments, Inc.   14,644    1,743,222 
GMO Payment Gateway, Inc.   18,100    2,438,740 
Intuit, Inc.   4,459    2,908,606 
Itron, Inc.(a)   31,735    1,964,714 
Keyence Corp.   3,833    2,384,880 
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   7,216    2,272,462 
Materialise NV, ADR(a)   103,306    2,515,501 
McAfee Corp.   108,096    2,794,281 
Nemetschek SE   24,813    3,146,087 
NortonLifeLock, Inc.   92,066    2,287,840 
Okta, Inc.(a)   9,527    2,050,496 
Omron Corp.   24,400    2,366,931 
Pagseguro Digital, Ltd., Class A(a)(b)   44,703    1,142,609 
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(a)   5,419    2,963,868 
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)   8,781    1,623,519 
PTC, Inc.(a)   19,786    2,168,150 

17 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Information Technology (continued)          
Qorvo, Inc.(a)   14,080   $2,058,918 
Renishaw PLC   33,935    2,048,981 
salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   9,710    2,766,962 
SAP SE, Sponsored ADR   17,302    2,222,269 
ServiceNow, Inc.(a)   3,900    2,526,030 
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.(a)   17,537    3,441,988 
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.   14,201    2,153,724 
Snowflake, Inc.(a)   7,920    2,693,988 
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.(a)   9,182    3,009,492 
Splunk, Inc.(a)   16,235    1,964,435 
Square, Inc., Class A(a)(b)   10,067    2,097,258 
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.   34,409    2,626,439 
StoneCo, Ltd., Class A(a)   57,404    895,502 
Stratasys, Ltd.(a)   106,276    2,868,389 
Temenos AG   16,677    2,140,825 
Trend Micro, Inc.   44,343    2,569,528 
Visa, Inc., Class A   11,075    2,146,003 
VMware, Inc., Class A   17,316    2,021,470 
Workday, Inc., Class A(a)   9,338    2,560,760 
Xero, Ltd.(a)   23,322    2,407,977 
Xinyi Solar Holdings, Ltd.(b)   1,114,000    2,042,857 
Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A(a)   8,559    1,809,457 
Zscaler, Inc.(a)   9,039    3,136,262 
Total Information Technology        148,859,558 
           
Real Estate (1.02%)          
Equinix, Inc.   2,970    2,412,234 
           
Utilities (1.00%)          
China Longyuan Power Group Corp., Ltd., Class H   1,157,000    2,373,942 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $190,407,940)        235,116,794 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (0.96%)        
Utilities (0.96%)          
Brookfield Renewable Partners LP   62,605    2,274,451 
           
TOTAL MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS          
(Cost $1,790,702)        2,274,451 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.45%)            
Money Market Fund (0.05%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund               
(Cost $125,461)   0.01%   125,461   $125,461 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (1.39%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 0.03%               
(Cost $3,307,091)        3,307,091    3,307,091 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $3,432,552)             3,432,552 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (101.38%)               
(Cost $195,631,194)            $240,823,797 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-1.38%)             (3,278,196)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $237,545,601 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.
(b)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $9,525,848.
(c)Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $4,709,695, representing 1.98% of net assets.
(d)Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of November 30, 2021, the market value of those securities was $4,709,695 representing 1.98% of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

18 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.88%)          
Communication Services (4.06%)          
Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.(a)   5,463   $11,800 
TripAdvisor, Inc.(a)   585    15,128 
Walt Disney Co.(a)   1,963    284,439 
Total Communication Services        311,367 
           
Consumer Discretionary (49.04%)          
Airbnb, Inc.(a)   1,773    305,913 
Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)   157    329,991 
Boyd Gaming Corp.(a)   751    44,016 
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.(a)   1,575    141,860 
Carnival Corp.(a)(b)   3,055    53,829 
Choice Hotels International, Inc.   397    56,989 
Cie Financiere Richemont SA   1,646    245,093 
Expedia Group, Inc.(a)   798    128,550 
Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd.(a)   24,000    131,264 
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.(a)   2,808    379,277 
Huazhu Group, Ltd., ADR(a)   2,050    81,016 
HyreCar, Inc.(a)   1,638    8,681 
Intercontinental Hotels Group(a)   562    33,253 
Las Vegas Sands Corp.(a)   2,556    91,045 
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE   468    364,418 
Marriott International, Inc., Class A(a)   2,662    392,804 
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.   349    53,275 
MGM Resorts International   2,600    102,908 
Moncler SpA   727    52,833 
Oriental Land Co., Ltd.   1,500    236,741 
Penn National Gaming, Inc.(a)   1,354    69,365 
Thule Group AB   361    20,542 
Tongcheng-Elong Holdings Ltd(a)   9,200    19,065 
Trainline PLC(a)(c)(d)   3,968    14,386 
Trip.com Group, Ltd., ADR(a)   4,350    119,625 
TUI AG(a)   7,173    18,954 
Vail Resorts, Inc.   360    119,416 
WH Smith PLC(a)   965    17,018 
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   1,045    83,057 
Wynn Resorts, Ltd.(a)   531    43,016 
Total Consumer Discretionary        3,758,200 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Consumer Staples (12.40%)          
Beyond Meat, Inc.(a)   178   $12,506 
L'Oreal SA   769    346,667 
Premium Brands Holdings Corp.   192    18,683 
Shiseido Co., Ltd.   3,700    212,864 
The Estee Lauder Company, Inc., Class A, Class A   1,083    359,632 
Total Consumer Staples        950,352 
           
Financials (4.55%)          
American Express Co.   2,289    348,615 
           
Industrials (26.44%)          
Aena SME SA(a)(c)(d)   350    51,403 
Airports of Thailand PCL(a)   34,600    61,350 
Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a)   983    47,744 
American Airlines Group, Inc.(a)   3,536    62,552 
ANA Holdings, Inc.(a)   4,300    85,194 
Auckland International Airport, Ltd.(a)   10,799    58,226 
Avis Budget Group, Inc.(a)   221    60,684 
CAE, Inc.(a)   3,188    76,615 
China South Airlines(a)   32,000    17,687 
Cintas Corp.   745    314,533 
Dassault Aviation SA   182    17,255 
Delta Air Lines, Inc.(a)   4,381    158,592 
Elis SA(a)   1,056    16,587 
Flight Centre Ltd.(a)(b)   1,537    19,448 
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV, ADR   276    31,878 
Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV, ADR   117    21,382 
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA(a)   9,639    16,340 
Japan Airlines Co Ltd(a)   4,000    72,756 
JetBlue Airways Corp.(a)   1,316    17,661 
Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd.(a)   1,745    38,928 
Localiza Rent a Car SA   5,700    51,820 
Lyft, Inc., Class A(a)   400    16,244 
Qantas Airways, Ltd.(a)   17,794    64,183 
Ryanair Holdings PLC(a)   1,081    17,452 
Sixt SE(a)   151    24,574 
Southwest Airlines Co.(a)   4,685    208,013 
Textron, Inc.   2,324    164,539 
Uber Technologies, Inc.(a)   3,438    130,644 
United Airlines Holdings, Inc.(a)   2,054    86,802 
Wizz Air Holdings PLC(a)   297    15,586 
Total Industrials        2,026,672 

19 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Information Technology (2.30%)          
Agilysys, Inc.(a)   377   $16,418 
Amadeus IT Holding SA, Class A(a)   2,002    128,236 
Sabre Corp.(a)(b)   1,810    13,629 
TravelSky Technology, Ltd.   11,000    18,197 
Total Information Technology        176,480 
           
Real Estate (1.07%)          
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.(a)   5,244    82,331 
           
Utilities (0.02%)          
Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.   507    1,835 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $8,031,042)        7,655,852 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.33%)            
Money Market Fund (0.13%)            
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund               
(Cost $10,228)   0.01%   10,228    10,228 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (0.20%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 0.03%               
(Cost $15,322)        15,322    15,322 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $25,550)             25,550 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.21%)               
(Cost $8,056,592)            $7,681,402 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.21%)             (16,392)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $7,665,010 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.
(b)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $65,144.
(c)Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $65,789, representing 0.86% of net assets.
(d)Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of November 30, 2021, the market value of those securities was $65,789 representing 0.86% of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

20 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.95%)        
Biotechnology (99.95%)          
89bio, Inc.(a)(b)   24,098   $318,335 
AC Immune SA(a)(b)   87,386    448,290 
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   193,264    3,710,669 
Adaptimmune Therapeutics PLC, ADR(a)(b)   187,028    776,166 
ADC Therapeutics SA(a)   92,217    2,052,750 
Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc.(a)(b)   116,276    202,320 
Affimed NV(a)   143,976    981,916 
Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   70,856    2,523,891 
Akero Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   41,913    891,070 
Albireo Pharma, Inc.(a)(b)   23,111    554,433 
Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   69,563    533,548 
Alector, Inc.(a)   97,239    2,007,985 
Alkermes PLC(a)   194,531    4,264,120 
Allovir, Inc.(a)(b)   78,259    1,366,402 
Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc.(a)(b)   28,734    311,189 
Altimmune, Inc.(a)(b)   47,735    500,740 
ALX Oncology Holdings, Inc.(a)   48,508    1,560,017 
Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   320,674    3,434,419 
AnaptysBio, Inc.(a)   33,007    1,067,776 
Annexon, Inc.(a)   46,023    749,715 
Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   104,594    4,401,316 
Applied Molecular Transport, Inc.(a)   46,231    785,927 
Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.(a)   31,587    1,255,583 
Arcus Biosciences, Inc.(a)   85,801    3,758,084 
Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.(a)   60,436    1,001,425 
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   73,471    4,003,435 
Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc.(a)   101,931    1,823,546 
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   154,167    2,904,506 
AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   40,726    256,167 
BioAtla, Inc.(a)   40,660    1,026,665 
Bioxcel Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   33,640    771,365 
Bluebird Bio, Inc.(a)   81,283    821,771 
Cardiff Oncology, Inc.(a)(b)   46,865    263,381 
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   123,831    866,817 
Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)   174,377    5,438,819 
ChemoCentryx, Inc.(a)   84,036    3,048,826 
Chimerix, Inc.(a)   103,703    652,292 
Chinook Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   74,583    862,667 
Clene, Inc.(a)(b)   73,971    420,895 
Coherus Biosciences, Inc.(a)(b)   91,922    1,706,992 
Cortexyme, Inc.(a)(b)   35,678    464,171 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Biotechnology (continued)          
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   46,368   $1,266,774 
Cytokinetics, Inc.(a)   100,460    3,952,096 
CytomX Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   78,306    517,603 
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   93,518    3,554,619 
Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   40,833    251,123 
Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.(a)   64,537    2,847,372 
Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   24,251    2,140,878 
Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   34,003    296,846 
FibroGen, Inc.(a)   111,353    1,393,026 
Forma Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)   60,016    869,632 
Forte Biosciences, Inc.(a)   16,473    43,818 
Fortress Biotech, Inc.(a)(b)   121,588    346,526 
Frequency Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   40,778    207,968 
G1 Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   50,876    656,300 
Gamida Cell, Ltd.(a)(b)   70,236    179,804 
Gemini Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   51,079    140,978 
Geron Corp.(a)(b)   385,713    570,855 
Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   75,059    2,121,167 
Gossamer Bio, Inc.(a)(b)   91,344    990,169 
Immunic, Inc.(a)   31,101    265,292 
Immunocore Holdings PLC, ADR(a)(b)   52,585    1,892,534 
ImmunoGen, Inc.(a)   249,992    1,542,451 
Immunovant, Inc.(a)   138,276    1,064,725 
Immutep, Ltd., ADR(a)(b)   97,991    336,109 
Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   105,135    228,143 
Inmune Bio, Inc.(a)(b)   21,281    273,461 
Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   253,076    1,832,270 
Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   39,939    687,350 
Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.(a)   186,515    3,491,561 
IVERIC bio, Inc.(a)   125,048    1,828,202 
Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   35,619    4,555,670 
Keros Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   28,051    1,564,965 
Kezar Life Sciences, Inc.(a)   57,912    802,660 
Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Class A(a)(b)   82,399    957,476 
Kodiak Sciences, Inc.(a)   61,971    5,691,417 
Krystal Biotech, Inc.(a)   26,709    2,151,410 
Legend Biotech Corp., ADR(a)   174,194    8,972,733 
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   20,058    3,247,791 
MacroGenics, Inc.(a)   73,513    1,293,829 
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   19,964    1,651,222 
Magenta Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   70,399    396,346 

21 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Biotechnology (continued)          
Marker Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   98,455   $116,177 
MEI Pharma, Inc.(a)   135,519    456,699 
MeiraGTx Holdings PLC(a)   53,306    942,450 
Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   36,659    521,658 
Molecular Templates, Inc.(a)(b)   67,529    270,791 
MorphoSys AG, ADR(a)   162,495    1,642,824 
Orchard Therapeutics PLC, ADR(a)   142,988    193,034 
Organogenesis Holdings, Inc.(a)   154,678    1,556,061 
Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc.(a)   53,723    919,201 
Prothena Corp. PLC(a)   54,174    2,716,826 
PTC Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   84,861    3,153,435 
Puma Biotechnology, Inc.(a)   48,316    149,780 
Radius Health, Inc.(a)   56,810    935,093 
RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   35,439    1,157,083 
REGENXBIO, Inc.(a)(b)   51,182    1,637,824 
Replimune Group, Inc.(a)(b)   56,221    1,601,736 
Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   76,484    1,868,504 
Sage Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   70,686    2,750,392 
Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   174,825    1,449,299 
Savara, Inc.(a)(b)   138,772    149,874 
Scholar Rock Holding Corp.(a)   41,429    1,099,940 
Selecta Biosciences, Inc.(a)   138,372    415,116 
Sensei Biotherapeutics, Inc.(a)   36,742    252,785 
Seres Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   110,284    1,186,656 
SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   59,118    4,247,628 
Spruce Biosciences, Inc.(a)(b)   27,696    71,456 
Stoke Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   44,140    1,099,086 
Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   58,417    932,919 
Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)   74,486    294,965 
TG Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   171,759    2,610,737 
Travere Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   73,043    2,085,378 
Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   66,933    1,084,315 
Verastem, Inc.(a)   217,399    580,455 
Vericel Corp.(a)(b)   56,056    2,085,844 
Viking Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   94,057    499,443 
Vir Biotechnology, Inc.(a)   157,079    7,448,686 
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   232,097    447,947 
XBiotech, Inc.   36,494    460,554 
Xencor, Inc.(a)   70,114    2,539,529 
Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   49,445    1,320,182 
Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)   52,337    893,916 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Biotechnology (continued)          
Zymeworks, Inc.(a)(b)   55,765   $1,121,434 
Total Biotechnology        188,833,284 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $215,529,696)        188,833,284 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (3.62%)            
Money Market Fund (0.09%)            
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund               
(Cost $173,428)   0.01%   173,428    173,428 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral               
from Securities Loaned (3.53%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 0.03%               
(Cost $6,666,410)        6,666,410    6,666,410 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $6,839,838)             6,839,838 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (103.57%)               
(Cost $222,369,534)            $195,673,122 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-3.57%)             (6,743,807)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $188,929,315 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.
(b)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $16,199,748.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

22 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Statements of Assets and Liabilities November 30, 2021

 

   ALPS Clean Energy ETF   ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 
ASSETS:                    
Investments, at value  $1,066,972,179   $240,823,797   $7,681,402   $195,673,122 
Foreign Currency, at value (Cost $52,743, $–, $– and $–)   52,743             
Dividends receivable   972,541    131,840    3,409    6,673 
Receivable for investments sold   26,465,996             
Total Assets   1,094,463,459    240,955,637    7,684,811    195,679,795 
                     
LIABILITIES:                    
Payable to adviser   491,022    102,945    4,465    84,070 
Payable for investments purchased   22,930,211             
Payable for capital shares redeemed   3,784,265             
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned   52,491,002    3,307,091    15,322    6,666,410 
Other payables           14     
Total Liabilities   79,696,500    3,410,036    19,801    6,750,480 
NET ASSETS  $1,014,766,959   $237,545,601   $7,665,010   $188,929,315 
                     
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Paid-in capital  $931,412,922   $196,610,272   $8,047,426   $294,227,122 
Total distributable earnings   83,354,037    40,935,329    (382,416)   (105,297,807)
NET ASSETS  $1,014,766,959   $237,545,601   $7,665,010   $188,929,315 
                     
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $934,385,814   $195,631,194   $8,056,591   $222,369,534 
                     
PRICING OF SHARES                    
Net Assets  $1,014,766,959   $237,545,601   $7,665,010   $188,929,315 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   13,725,002    4,925,002    325,002    4,400,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $73.94   $48.23   $23.58   $42.94 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

23 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Statements of Operations For the Year or Period Ended November 30, 2021

 

   ALPS Clean Energy ETF   ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF(a)   ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 
INVESTMENT INCOME:                    
Dividends*  $5,433,351   $1,662,790   $22,409   $83,457 
Securities Lending Income   2,367,667    100,942    9    257,389 
Total Investment Income   7,801,018    1,763,732    22,418    340,846 
                     
EXPENSES:                    
Investment adviser fees   5,308,533    1,087,310    9,936    1,193,016 
Total Expenses   5,308,533    1,087,310    9,936    1,193,016 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME/(LOSS)   2,492,485    676,422    12,482    (852,170)
                     
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS                    
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments(b)   85,375,057    14,581,057    (19,426)   46,250,415 
Net realized gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions   28,395    (15,248)   (287)    
Total net realized gain/(loss)   85,403,452    14,565,809    (19,713)   46,250,415 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on                    
investments   (103,055,187)   5,498,212    (375,189)   (77,077,650)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies   (3,123)   (627)   4     
Total net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (103,058,310)   5,497,585    (375,185)   (77,077,650)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS ON INVESTMENTS   (17,654,858)   20,063,394    (394,898)   (30,827,235)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(15,162,373)  $20,739,816   $(382,416)  $(31,679,405)
*Net of foreign tax withholding.  $472,545   $65,131   $757   $14,300 

 

(a)The ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF commenced operations on September 8, 2021.
(b)Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

24 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF
Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment income  $2,492,485   $1,394,194 
Net realized gain   85,403,452    25,462,409 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (103,058,310)   221,185,662 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (15,162,373)   248,042,265 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (2,023,844)   (671,822)
From tax return of capital   (3,160,255)   (1,796,052)
Total distributions   (5,184,099)   (2,467,874)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   667,197,824    307,508,147 
Cost of shares redeemed   (241,541,495)   (49,984,572)
Net increase from capital share transactions   425,656,329    257,523,575 
Net increase in net assets   405,309,857    503,097,966 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of year   609,457,102    106,359,136 
End of year  $1,014,766,959   $609,457,102 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   8,700,002    3,300,002 
Shares sold   8,400,000    6,400,000 
Shares redeemed   (3,375,000)   (1,000,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   13,725,002    8,700,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

25 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF
Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment income  $676,422   $680,608 
Net realized gain/(loss)   14,565,809    (27,973)
Net change in unrealized appreciation   5,497,585    30,918,437 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   20,739,816    31,571,072 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (633,863)   (330,120)
Total distributions   (633,863)   (330,120)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   100,271,458    50,822,701 
Cost of shares redeemed   (33,290,851)   (6,514,699)
Net increase from capital share transactions   66,980,607    44,308,002 
Net increase in net assets   87,086,560    75,548,954 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of year   150,459,041    74,910,087 
End of year  $237,545,601   $150,459,041 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   3,500,002    2,350,002 
Shares sold   2,125,000    1,350,000 
Shares redeemed   (700,000)   (200,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   4,925,002    3,500,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

26 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF
Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Period September 8, 2021 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2021 
OPERATIONS:     
Net investment income  $12,482 
Net realized loss   (19,713)
Net change in unrealized depreciation   (375,185)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   (382,416)
      
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:     
Proceeds from sale of shares   8,047,426 
Net increase from capital share transactions   8,047,426 
Net increase in net assets   7,665,010 
      
NET ASSETS:     
Beginning of period    
End of period  $7,665,010 
      
OTHER INFORMATION:     
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:     
Beginning shares    
Shares sold   325,002 
Shares outstanding, end of period   325,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

27 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment loss  $(852,170)  $(647,914)
Net realized gain   46,250,415    8,402,482 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (77,077,650)   25,696,634 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (31,679,405)   33,451,202 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings       (84,005)
Total distributions       (84,005)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   97,970,744    67,423,531 
Cost of shares redeemed   (119,904,054)   (55,818,424)
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions   (21,933,310)   11,605,107 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (53,612,715)   44,972,304 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of year   242,542,030    197,569,726 
End of year  $188,929,315   $242,542,030 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   4,950,000    5,000,000 
Shares sold   1,800,000    1,550,000 
Shares redeemed   (2,350,000)   (1,600,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   4,400,000    4,950,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

28 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF  
Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Period June 28, 2018 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2018 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $70.05   $32.23   $25.03   $24.95 
                     
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                    
Net investment income (a)   0.20    0.25    0.32    0.09 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   4.11    38.08    7.42    (0.01)
Total from investment operations   4.31    38.33    7.74    0.08 
                     
DISTRIBUTIONS:                    
From net investment income   (0.17)   (0.18)   (0.23)    
Tax return of capital   (0.25)   (0.33)   (0.31)    
Total distributions   (0.42)   (0.51)   (0.54)    
                     
Net increase in net asset value   3.89    37.82    7.20    0.08 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $73.94   $70.05   $32.23   $25.03 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   6.16%   120.45%   31.28%   0.32%
                     
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                    
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $1,014,767   $609,457   $106,359   $16,271 
                     
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.56%(c)   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.26%   0.57%   1.10%   0.89%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   39%   34%   15%   9%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(c)Effective January 1, 2021, the Fund's Advisory Fee changed from 0.65% to 0.55%.
(d)Annualized.
(e)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

29 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF  
Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Period December 28, 2017 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2018 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $42.99   $31.88   $26.21   $25.08 
                     
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                    
Net investment income (a)   0.15    0.25    0.14    0.13 
Net realized and unrealized gain   5.26    11.00    5.61    1.00(b)
Total from investment operations   5.41    11.25    5.75    1.13 
                     
DISTRIBUTIONS:                    
From net investment income   (0.17)   (0.14)   (0.08)    
Total distributions   (0.17)   (0.14)   (0.08)    
                     
Net increase in net asset value   5.24    11.11    5.67    1.13 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $48.23   $42.99   $31.88   $26.21 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   12.60%   35.42%   22.04%   4.47%
                     
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                    
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $237,546   $150,459   $74,910   $48,483 
                     
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.31%   0.72%   0.48%   0.53%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   26%   38%   42%   33%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)Net realized and unrealized loss on investments per share does not correlate to aggregate of the net realized and unrealized gain in the Statements of Operations for the period ended November 30, 2018, primarily due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of the Fund's shares in relation to the fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.
(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(d)Annualized.
(e)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

30 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF  
Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Period September 8, 2021 (Commencement of Operations) to November 30, 2021 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $24.91 
      
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:     
Net investment income (a)   0.05 
Net realized and unrealized loss   (1.38)
Total from investment operations   (1.33)
      
Net (decrease) in net asset value   (1.33)
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $23.58 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   (5.34)%
      
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:     
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $7,665 
      
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.65%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.82%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   19%

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

31 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF  
Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $49.00   $39.51   $33.59   $31.70   $24.16 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income/(loss) (a)   (0.18)   (0.13)   0.03    (0.10)   0.18 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (5.88)   9.64    6.67    2.57(b)   7.36 
Total from investment operations   (6.06)   9.51    6.70    2.47    7.54 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income       (0.02)   (0.78)   (0.58)    
Total distributions       (0.02)   (0.78)   (0.58)    
                          
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   (6.06)   9.49    5.92    1.89    7.54 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $42.94   $49.00   $39.51   $33.59   $31.70 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   (12.37)%   24.07%   20.99%   7.81%   31.21%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $188,929   $242,542   $197,570   $221,694   $128,402 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets   (0.36)%   (0.33)%   0.09%   (0.27)%   0.66%
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   81%   68%   88%   48%   43%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)Net realized and unrealized loss on investments per share does not correlate to aggregate of the net realized and unrealized gain in the Statements of Operations for the year ended November 30, 2018, primarily due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of the Fund's shares in relation to the fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.
(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.  

32 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of November 30, 2021, the Trust consisted of eighteen separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains to the ALPS Clean Energy ETF, ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF, ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF and the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). ALPS Clean Energy ETF is considered non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund. ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF, ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF and ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF have elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

The investment objective of the ALPS Clean Energy ETF is to seek investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Total Return Index. The investment objective of the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF is to seek investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the Indxx Disruptive Technologies Total Return Index. The investment objective of the ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF is to seek investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the S-Network Global Travel Index. The investment objective of the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF is to seek investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the S-Network Medical Breakthroughs Total Return Index.

 

The shares of the ALPS Clean Energy ETF, ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF, the ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF and the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). Each Fund issues and redeems Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. On October 1, 2021, ALPS Clean Energy ETF, ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF and ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF each reduced its Creation Unit size from 50,000 to 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

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

 

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

 

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

33 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021  

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;

Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. 

34 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of November 30, 2021:

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $906,862,424   $    –   $    –   $906,862,424 
Master Limited Partnerships*   106,640,977            106,640,977 
Short Term Investments   53,468,778            53,468,778 
Total  $1,066,972,179   $   $   $1,066,972,179 

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $235,116,794   $    –   $    –   $235,116,794 
Master Limited Partnerships*   2,274,451            2,274,451 
Short Term Investments   3,432,552            3,432,552 
Total  $240,823,797   $   $   $240,823,797 

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $7,655,852   $    –   $    –   $7,655,852 
Short Term Investments   25,550            25,550 
Total  $7,681,402   $   $   $7,681,402 

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $188,833,284   $    –   $    –   $188,833,284 
Short Term Investments   6,839,838            6,839,838 
Total  $195,673,122   $   $   $195,673,122 

 

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

 

The Funds did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the year ended November 30, 2021.

 

C. Foreign Investment Risk

The Funds may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investments in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, less liquidity generally, greater market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the value of the Fund’s investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the investment to U.S. investors. The Fund will not enter into transactions to hedge against declines in the value of the Fund’s assets that are denominated in foreign currency.

 

Countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments and may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets. The economies of emerging markets countries also may be based on only a few industries, making them more vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions and more sensitive to debt burdens, inflation rates or adverse news and events. 

35 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which investors may purchase the shares of the Fund, the value of the Funds’ securities may change on the days when investors are not able to purchase the shares of the Fund. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Any use of a different rate from the rates used by the Index may adversely affect a Fund's ability to track its Index.

 

D. Foreign Currency Translation

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment valuations and other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. The portion of realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed and is included in realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, when applicable.

 

E. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

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

 

F. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

Dividends from net investment income for the ALPS Disruptive Technology ETF, the ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF and the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF, if any, are declared and paid annually or as the Board may determine from time to time. Dividends from net investment income for ALPS Clean Energy ETF, if any, are declared and paid quarterly or as the Board may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Funds, if any, are distributed at least annually.

 

G. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Funds’ capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the following reclassifications, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets, were recorded to reflect permanent tax differences resulting primarily from in-kind transactions:

 

Fund  Paid-in Capital   Total Distributable Earnings 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $129,568,999   $(129,568,999)
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   15,095,424    (15,095,424)
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF        
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   46,828,239    (46,828,239)

 

For ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF, included in the amounts reclassified was a net operating loss offset to Paid-in Capital in the amount of $617,193.

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 was as follows:

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2021               
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $2,023,844   $     –   $3,160,255 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   633,863         
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF            
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF            

36 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2020               
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $671,822   $    –   $1,796,052 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   330,120         
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF            
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   84,005         

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2021, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $47,831,913   $ 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   2,798,682    1,737,476 
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   15,333     
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   44,254,973    32,473,807 

 

The ALPS Medical Breakthrough ETF elects to defer to the year ending November 30, 2022, late year ordinary losses in the amount of $774,798.

 

As of November 30, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for each Fund were as follows:

 

   Accumulated net investment income   Accumulated net realized loss on investments   Other accumulated losses   Net unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on investments   Total 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF      $(47,831,913)  $(485,549)  $131,671,499   $83,354,037 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   524,750    (4,536,158)       44,946,737    40,935,329 
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   12,195    (15,333)       (379,278)   (382,416)
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF       (77,503,578)       (27,794,229)   (105,297,807)

 

As of November 30, 2021 the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   ALPS Clean Energy ETF   ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $239,027,862   $60,155,254   $233,763   $29,975,314 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (107,353,141)   (15,208,350)   (613,045)   (57,769,543)
Net depreciation of foreign currency   (3,222)   (167)   4     
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  $131,671,499   $44,946,737   $(379,278)  $(27,794,229)
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $935,297,458   $195,876,893   $8,060,684   $223,467,351 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales and investments in partnerships. 

37 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

H. Income Taxes

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Each Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the year ended November 30, 2021, each Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. Each Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. Each Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

I. Lending of Portfolio Securities

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of each Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of November 30, 2021:

 

Fund  Market Value of Securities on Loan   Cash Collateral Received   Non-Cash Collateral Received   Total Collateral Received 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $132,255,922   $52,491,002   $86,635,349   $139,126,351 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   9,525,848    3,307,091    6,700,526    10,007,617 
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   65,144    15,322    54,442    69,764 
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   16,199,748    6,666,410    9,752,538    16,418,948 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, each Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Funds could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received. 

38 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

The following tables reflect a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of November 30, 2021:

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF  Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements 
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 days   30-90 days   Greater than 90 days   Total 
Common Stocks  $52,491,002   $    –   $    –   $    –   $52,491,002 
Total Borrowings                       52,491,002 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)                  $52,491,002 

 

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF  Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements 
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 days   30-90 days   Greater than 90 days   Total 
Common Stocks  $3,307,091   $     –   $    –   $    –   $3,307,091 
Total Borrowings                       3,307,091 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)                  $3,307,091 

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF  Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements 
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 days   30-90 days   Greater than 90 days   Total 
Common Stocks  $15,322   $     –   $     –   $    –   $15,322 
Total Borrowings                       15,322 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)                  $15,322 

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF  Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements 
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 days   30-90 days   Greater than 90 days   Total 
Common Stocks  $6,666,410   $     –   $     –   $    –   $6,666,410 
Total Borrowings                       6,666,410 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)                  $6,666,410 

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”) serves as the Funds’ investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis as a percentage of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee.

 

Fund Advisory Fee
ALPS Clean Energy ETF 0.55%*
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 0.50%
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF 0.65%
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 0.50%

 

*Effective January 1, 2021, the ALPS Clean Energy ETF changed its management fee from 0.65% to 0.55%.

 

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

 

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

39 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

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

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $350,791,662   $359,206,543 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   56,520,255    57,474,084 
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   1,288,184    1,115,516 
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   191,520,834    190,963,851 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $667,197,294   $232,264,873 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   99,710,592    31,781,571 
ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF   7,877,784     
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   97,973,652    121,373,055 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the in-kind net realized gains/(losses) were as follows:

 

Fund  Net Realized Gain/(Loss) 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $131,910,055 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF   15,146,791 
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF   48,194,108 

 

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

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Funds. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of each Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The ALPS Clean Energy ETF and ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF engaged in cross trades between other funds in the Trust during the year ended November 30, 2021 pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds of the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7. These transactions related to cross trades during the period complied with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Trust’s procedures. 

40 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

Transactions related to cross trades during the year ended November 30, 2021, were as follows:

 

   Purchase cost paid   Sale proceeds received   Realized gain/(loss) on sales 
ALPS Clean Energy ETF  $287,713   $   $ 
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF       287,713    (859)

 

7. MARKET DISRUPTIONS RISK

 

 

The Funds are subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause each Fund to lose value.

 

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

 

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

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events, if any, after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements. 

41 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

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

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

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

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The Funds designate the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2020:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction
ALPS Clean Energy ETF 100.00% 16.87%
ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF 69.64% 27.07%
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF 0.00% 0.00%

 

In early 2021, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year 2020 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2022 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2021.

 

LICENSING AGREEMENT

 

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF

CIBC NTC is the designer of the construction and methodology for the Underlying Index. “CIBC NTC” and “CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Index” are service marks or trademarks of the Index Provider. CIBC NTC acts as brand licensor for the Underlying Index and is not responsible for the descriptions of the Fund that appear herein.

 

The Fund is not sponsored by CIBC NTC or any of its affiliates. CIBC NTC makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities or commodities generally or in the Fund particularly. CIBC NTC does not guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of the Underlying Index or any Underlying Index data included herein or derived therefrom and assumes no liability in connection with their use. The Underlying Index is determined and composed without regard to the Adviser or the Fund. CIBC NTC has no obligation to take the needs of the Adviser, the Fund or the shareholders of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Underlying Index. CIBC NTC is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. CIBC NTC has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund and is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of pricing or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Shares of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the NAV of the Fund.

 

CIBC NTC has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund. CIBC NTC makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Adviser, the Fund, Fund shareholders or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. CIBC NTC makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall CIBC NTC have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

All intellectual property rights in the Underlying Index vests in CIBC NTC. 

42 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Underlying Index is the property of CIBC NTC, which has contracted with S&P Opco, LLC (a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC) to calculate and maintain the Underlying Index. The Underlying Index is not sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices or its affiliates or its third party licensors (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices will not be liable for any errors or omissions in calculating the Underlying Index. “Calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices” and the related stylized mark(s) are service marks of S&P Dow Jones Indices and have been licensed for use by CIBC NTC. S&P® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“SPFS”), and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”).

 

The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices. S&P Dow Jones Indices does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Underlying Index to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to CIBC NTC with respect to the Underlying Index is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices, and the provision of the calculation services related to the Underlying Index. S&P Dow Jones Indices is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund may be converted into cash or other redemption mechanics. S&P Dow Jones Indices has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is not an investment advisor. Inclusion of a security within the Underlying Index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it investment advice.

 

S&P DOW JONES INDICES DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION WITH RESPECT THERETO, INCLUDING, ORAL, WRITTEN, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS. S&P DOW JONES INDICES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY CIBC NTC, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME, OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.

 

The Index Provider is not affiliated with the Trust, the Adviser or ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (the “Distributor”). The Index Provider has entered into a license agreement with the Adviser (the “License Agreement”). The use of the Underlying Index by the Adviser and the Fund is subject to the terms of the License Agreement, which impose certain limitations and conditions on the Fund’s ability to use the Underlying Index.

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

ALPS Disruptive Technology ETF

“Indxx” is a service mark of Indxx, LLC (“Indxx” or the “Index Provider”) and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”).

 

The ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Indxx. Indxx makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF particularly. Indxx has no obligation to take the needs of ALPS Advisors, Inc. or the shareholders of ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF into consideration in determining, composing, or calculating the Underlying Index. Indxx is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing, amount or pricing of the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF shares to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF is to be converted into cash. Indxx has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF.

 

INDXX MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX(ES), TRADING BASED ON THE INDEX(ES), OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCTS, OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. INDXX EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EXPRESS, STATUTORY, OR IMPLIED, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, INDXX HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, TITLE, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX(ES) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. INDXX DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF ANY DATA SUPPLIED BY IT OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. INDXX MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE FUNDS, ITS SHAREHOLDERS OR AFFILIATES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE DATA SUPPLIED BY INDXX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. INDXX MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE DATA SUPPLIED BY INDXX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL INDXX HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. 

43 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF

S-Network and S-Network Global Travel Index are service marks of S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. ("S-Network") and have been licensed for use by the ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“ALPS”). The Fund is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S-Network or its affiliates. S-Network makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the purchasers or owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Index to track general market performance. S-Network's only relationship to the Fund is the licensing of the service marks and the Index, which is determined, composed and calculated by S-Network without regard to ALPS or the Fund. S-Network is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund issued by ALPS. S-Network has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

 

S-NETWORK DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S-NETWORK GLOBAL TRAVEL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND S-NETWORK SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. S-NETWORK MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S-NETWORK GLOBAL TRAVEL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S-NETWORK MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE S-NETWORK GLOBAL TRAVEL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, UNLESS ARISING AS A RESULT OF S-NETWORK'S (i) GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, (ii) BREACH OF ITS CONFIDENTIALITY OBLIGATIONS: OR (iii) INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS, S-NETWORK SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF

The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. (“Licensor”). Licensor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Underlying Index to track the performance of the physical commodities market. Licensor’s only relationship to the Licensee is the licensing of certain service marks and trade names of Licensor and of the Underlying Index that is determined, composed and calculated by Licensor without regard to the Licensee or the Fund. Licensor has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Underlying Index. Licensor is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. Licensor has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

 

LICENSOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND LICENSOR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL LICENSOR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

44 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Standard & Poor’s Custom Indexes serves as calculation agent for the Index. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”) or its third party licensors. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Underlying Index to track general stock market performance. S&P’s and its third party licensor’s only relationship to S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of S&P and/or its third party licensors and for the providing of calculation and maintenance services related to the Underlying Index. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors is responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

 

NEITHER S&P, ITS AFFILIATES NOR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P, ITS AFFILIATES AND THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO ITS TRADEMARKS, THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P, ITS AFFILIATES OR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.

 

Standard & Poor’s®, and S&P® are registered trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; “Calculated by S&P Custom Indices” and its related stylized mark are service marks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. These marks have been licensed for use by S-Network Global Indexes, Inc.

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect, or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

45 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

ALPS Clean Energy ETF, ALPS Disruptive Technology ETF, ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF

At a meeting held on June 7, 2021 via electronic means (video-conference), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), evaluated a proposal to approve the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “AAI”) with respect to the ALPS Clean Energy ETF (“ACES”), the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF (“DTEC”) and the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (“SBIO”) (each “a Fund” and collectively the “Funds”). The Independent Trustees also met separately to consider each Investment Advisory Agreement.

 

With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI under the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered and reviewed information concerning the services provided under the Investment Advisory Agreements, the investment parameters of the index of each Fund, financial information regarding AAI and its parent company, information describing AAI’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds.

 

The Board reviewed information on the performance of each Fund and its applicable benchmark. The Board also evaluated the correlation and tracking error between each underlying index and its corresponding Fund’s performance. Based on this review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees. found that the nature and extent of services provided to each Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreements was appropriate and that the quality was satisfactory.

 

The Board noted that the advisory fees for each Fund were unitary fees pursuant to which AAI assumes all expenses of the Funds (including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services) other than the payments under the Advisory Agreement, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses.

 

With respect to advisory fee rates, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, noted the following:

 

The gross management fee rate for ACES is higher than the median of its FUSE expense group. DTEC is equal to the median of its FUSE expense group. ACES’ net expense ratio, however, is lower than the median of its FUSE expense group. DTEC’s net expense ratio is at the median of its FUSE expense group. The gross management fee rate for SBIO is lower than the median of its FUSE expense group. SBIO’s net expense ratio is also below the median of its FUSE expense group.

 

Based on the foregoing, and the other information available to them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the advisory fee rate for each of the Funds was reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of the services provided.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees considered other benefits available to AAI because of its relationship with the Funds and concluded that the advisory fees were reasonable taking into account any such benefits.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees also considered with respect to each Fund the information provided by AAI about the costs and profitability of AAI with respect to each of the Funds, including the asset levels and other factors that influence the profitability and financial viability of the Funds. The Board, including the Independent Trustees reviewed and noted the relatively small sizes of DTEC and SBIO and concluded that AAI was not realizing any economies of scale. With respect to ACES, the Independent Trustees noted that the Fund’s asset levels have increased sharply over the prior year and that current profitability levels were not unreasonable. The Independent Trustees determined that AAI should continue to keep the Board informed on an ongoing basis of any significant developments (e.g., material increases in asset levels) so as to facilitate the Independent Trustees’ evaluation of whether further economies of scale have been achieved.

 

In voting to renew each Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the terms of each Investment Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, the fees paid by certain other funds, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the members of the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Board, including the Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together.

 

ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF

At a meeting held on June 7, 2021 via electronic means (video-conference), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), evaluated a proposal to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “New Fund Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “AAI”) with respect to the ALPS Global Travel Beneficiaries ETF (“JRNY” or the “New Fund”). The Independent Trustees also met separately to consider the New Fund Advisory Agreement. 

46 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

In evaluating the New Fund Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services expected to be provided by the Adviser to the New Fund under the New Fund Advisory Agreement; (ii) the advisory fees and other expenses proposed to be paid by the New Fund compared to those of similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the expected costs of the services to be provided to the New Fund and the projected profitability to be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from the Adviser’s relationship with the New Fund; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if and as the New Fund’s assets increase and whether the fee level in the New Fund Advisory Agreement reflects these economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders; and (v) any additional benefits and other considerations.

 

With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Adviser under the New Fund Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered and reviewed information concerning the services proposed to be provided under the New Fund Advisory Agreement, the proposed investment strategy, financial information regarding the Adviser and its parent company, information describing the Adviser’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons who would be responsible for the day-to-day management of the New Fund, the anticipated financial support of the New Fund, and the nature and quality of services provided to other ETFs, open-end and closed-end funds sponsored by the Adviser. Based upon their review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the Adviser was qualified to oversee the services to be provided by other service providers and that the services to be provided by the Adviser to the New Fund are expected to be satisfactory.

 

With respect to the costs of services to be provided and profits to be realized by the Adviser, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered the resources involved in managing the New Fund as well as the fact that the Adviser agreed to pay all of the New Fund’s expenses (except for interest expenses, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the New Fund’s business) out of the unitary advisory fee. Based on their review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the expected profitability of the New Fund to the Adviser was not unreasonable.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees, also reviewed comparative fee and expense data provided by FUSE regarding the New Fund. The Trustees noted the proposed advisory fee for services to be provided to the New Fund by the Adviser was 0.65% of the New Fund’s average daily net assets. The Trustees also considered that the advisory fee with respect to the New Fund was a unitary one and that, as set forth above, the Adviser had agreed to pay all of the New Fund’s expenses (except for interest expenses, marketing fees, distribution fees or expenses, brokerage expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the New Fund’s business) out of the unitary fee. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered that, taking into account the impact of the New Fund’s unitary advisory fee, the New Fund’s expense ratio was above the median of its FUSE gross advisory fees peer group and at median of its FUSE total net expenses peer group. Based on the foregoing and the other information available to them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the advisory fees for the New Fund were reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of services to be provided.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees, also considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the New Fund and concluded that the advisory fees were reasonable taking into account such benefits.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the New Fund grows and whether fee levels reflect a reasonable sharing of such economies of scale for the benefit of the New Fund investors. Because the New Fund is newly organized, the Trustees reviewed the New Fund’s proposed unitary advisory fee and anticipated expenses and determined to review economies of scale in the future when the New Fund had attracted assets.

 

In voting to approve the New Fund Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the terms of the New Fund Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, the fees paid by certain other funds, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together. 

47 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser for the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trust currently has four Trustees. Three Trustees have no affiliation or business connection with the Adviser or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by the Adviser. These are the “non-interested” or “independent” Trustees (“Independent Trustees”). The other Trustee (the “Interested Trustee”) is affiliated with the Adviser.

 

The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Independent Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are shown below.

 

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

 

Name, Address & Year of Birth* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees
Mary K. Anstine, 1940 Trustee Since March 2008 Ms. Anstine is Trustee/Director of AV Hunter Trust and Colorado Uplift Board. 36 Ms. Anstine is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds).

Jeremy W. Deems,

1976

Trustee Since March 2008 Mr. Deems is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Green Alpha Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor, and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Shelton Green Alpha Fund. 36 Mr. Deems is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); and Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Clough Funds Trust (1 fund).

Rick A. Pederson,

1952

Trustee Since March 2008 Mr. Pederson is Partner, Bow River Capital Partners (private equity management), 2003 - present; Board Member, Prosci Inc. (private business services) 2013-2016; Advisory Board Member, Citywide Banks (Colorado community bank) 2014-2017; Board Member, Strong-Bridge Consulting, 2015-2019; Board Member, IRI/ODMS Holdings LLC, 2017-2019; Director, National Western Stock Show (not for profit) 2010 - present; Director, History Colorado (not for profit) 2015-present; Director, Citywide Bank Advisory Board 2017-present; Trustee, Boettcher Foundation, 2018 -present. 19 Mr. Pederson is Trustee of Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds) and Principal Real Estate Income Fund (1 fund).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

48 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Trustee who is an “interested person” of the Trust, his term of office and length of time served, his principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by the Interested Trustee and the other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee, are shown below.

 

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

 

Name, Address and Year of Birth of Interested Trustee* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees

Edmund J. Burke,

1961

Trustee Since December 2017. Mr. Burke joined ALPS in 1991 and served as the President and Director of ALPS Holdings, Inc., and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“AAI”), and Director of ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“ADI”), ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“AFS”), and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (“APSD”). Mr. Burke retired from ALPS in June 2019. 31 Mr. Burke is a Trustee of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Equity Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Opportunities Fund (1 fund); Clough Funds Trust (1 fund); Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (1 fund); Director of the Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc. (1 fund) and Financial Investors Trust (32 funds).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Effective December 1, 2021, Mr. Burke is an Independent Trustee of the Trust.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

49 | November 30, 2021

 

ALPS ETF Trust  
Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

OFFICERS      
Name, Address and Year of Birth of Officer* Position(s) Held with Trust Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Laton Spahr,
1975
President Since June 2021 Mr. Spahr joined ALPS in 2019 and currently serves as President and Portfolio Manager of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Spahr was a Senior Vice President and Strategy Leader of the Value & Income Team for Oppenheimer Funds from 2013 to 2019.
Matthew Sutula,
1985
Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) Since December 2019 Mr. Sutula joined ALPS in 2012 and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Sutula served as interim Compliance Officer of the Trust (September 2019 to December 2019). Compliance Manager and Senior Compliance Analyst for AAI, as well as Compliance Analyst for AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, he spent seven years at Morningstar, Inc. in various analyst roles supporting the registered investment company databases. Mr. Sutula is also Chief Compliance Officer of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, ALPS Variable Investment Trust, RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc., Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc.
Kathryn Burns,
1976
Treasurer Since September 2018 Ms. Burns serves as Vice President, Director of Fund Operations of AAI since 2018. From 2013 to 2018, she served as Vice President and Fund Controller at AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, she worked at Old Mutual Capital where she served as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2010 – 2012) and Regulatory Reporting Manager and Assistant Treasurer to the Old Mutual Funds Trusts (2006 – 2012). She also served as a CPA for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Ms. Burns also serves as President of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Principal Real Estate Income Fund and RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. From June 2018 to November 2021 she also served as Treasurer of Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Brendan Hamill,
1986
Secretary Since September 2021 Mr. Hamill joined ALPS in August 2021, and is currently Vice President and Principal Legal Counsel. Prior to joining ALPS, Mr. Hamill was an attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP (law firm) (December 2018-August 2021) and Vedder Price, P.C. (law firm) (August 2015-December 2018). Mr. Hamill also serves as Secretary of Financial Investors Trust, Secretary of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Secretary of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, and Assistant Secretary of James Advantage Funds.

 

*The business address of each Officer is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Each Officer is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act.
**This is the period for which the Officer began serving the Trust. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his/her successor is elected.

 

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

50 | November 30, 2021

 

 

Intentionally Left Blank  

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 13
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 14
Financial Statements  
Schedule of Investments 15
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 20
Statements of Operations 21
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 22
Financial Highlights 26
Notes to Financial Statements 30
Additional Information 38
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements 40
Trustees and Officers 41

 

alpsfunds.com

   

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (the “Fund” or “SDOG”) seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® Sector Dividend Dogs Index (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index is a rules based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the highest dividend paying stocks (i.e. “Dividend Dogs”) in the S&P 500® Total Return Index (“SPX”) on a sector-by-sector basis. “Dividend Dogs” refers to the five stocks in each of the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) sectors, excluding the real estate sector, that make up the S&P 500® Total Return Index which offer the highest dividend yields.

 

Performance Overview

The ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, for the twelve-month period ended November 30, 2021, generated a total return of 19.77%, in-line with the Fund’s Underlying Index, net of fees, which returned 20.33%. The Fund underperformed the S&P 500® Total Return Index (“S&P 500®”), which returned 27.92% for the same period.

 

The trailing twelve-month yield for the Fund’s underlying constituents as of November 30, 2021 was 3.46% vs. 1.28% for the S&P 500®.

 

The S&P 500® returned 27.92% for the trailing twelve-month (TTM) period ended November 30, 2021, finishing near its all-time high. Unmoved by persistent talks of inflation and policy changes, markets surged without significant drawdowns until September. October proved resilient, as the drawdown was met by a swift bounce back to all-time-highs for most of the averages. Main macroeconomic talking points throughout 2021 centered on inflation and the question surrounding how transitory price increases would turn out to be. Inflation fears continued to be justified with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) surging 6.2% in October, along with core inflation readings increasing 4.6% for the same month; both indicators notching their largest increases since December 1990, and August 1991, respectively. Federal Reserve Chairman Powell was quick to reassure markets of the non-persistent inflation narrative throughout 2021 and announced a taper and reduction of balance sheet purchases starting in November of ‘21. Although the Fed plans to complete tapering before any rate hikes in 2022, projections of the magnitude for rate increases vary, as global supply chain woes and the newly discovered Omicron variant do not ensure a future without added policy support. Despite a murky outlook for 2021 and heading into the New Year, global GDP surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2021, aided by policy support and strong consumer spending. Record profit margins for U.S. corporations led the way for record valuations through most of the year, but was matched by an earnings season in Q3 where many companies cut forward looking expectations amid a slowing global growth outlook.

 

Compared to the S&P 500®, the Fund saw a negative impact (-2.35%) from sector allocation effect for the period. The underperformance was largely driven by relative under-weighting in Information Technology (average weight for the period of 9.95% vs. 27.47% in SPX), however the positive allocation effect was mainly attributed to the relative over-weight in Energy (average weight for the period of 10.19% vs. 2.68% in SPX); a result of the equal sector weight strategy. The Fund also saw a negative impact (-7.48%) from selection effect, with Information Technology lagging all other sectors and detracting 3.32%. The Fund’s Consumer Staples names exhibited the strongest positive contribution to overall selection effect for the period.

 

The best performing stocks in the Fund for the period were Oneok Inc. (OKE), which increased 79.63%, and Seagate Technology Holdings (STX), which saw a gain of 76.01%. Other top performers included Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM), which rose 66.66%, and CF Industries Holdings Inc. (CF), which climbed 64.73%. The largest detractors were Western Union Co. (WU), which decreased 28.41%, Sylvamo Corp. (SLVM), which fell 21.21%, and Kyndryl Holdings Inc. (KD), which lost 21.04%.

 

Looking forward, the Fund’s strategy of annually selecting the five highest yielding securities in each of the ten sectors (excluding Real Estate) in the S&P 500® is intended to provide meaningfully higher yield relative to the S&P 500®, potential for market participation in all economic cycles through equal sector weighting, and a deep value portfolio of securities as identified through high yield relative to sector peers.

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – NAV 19.77% 7.52% 11.73%
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – Market Price* 19.67% 7.50% 11.72%
S-Network® Sector Dividend Dogs Total Return Index 20.33% 7.98% 12.24%
S&P 500® Total Return Index 27.92% 17.90% 15.98%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) 0.40%.

1 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

 

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

 

^The Fund Commencement Date was June 29, 2012.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The S-Network® Sector Dividend Dogs Total Return Index is designed to serve as a fair, impartial and transparent measure of the performance of US large cap equities with above average dividend yields. The Underlying Index is a portfolio of fifty stocks derived from the S&P 500® Index. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is an index of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping among other factors. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

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

2 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

CF Industries Holdings, Inc. 2.73%
Seagate Technology Holdings PLC 2.51%
Pfizer, Inc. 2.41%
ONEOK, Inc. 2.33%
Comerica, Inc. 2.33%
Edison International 2.30%
Juniper Networks, Inc. 2.30%
Exxon Mobil Corp. 2.27%
Williams Cos., Inc. 2.26%
AbbVie, Inc. 2.22%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 23.66%

 

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

Sector Allocation* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Energy 11.00%
Health Care 10.49%
Financials 10.35%
Information Technology 10.23%
Materials 10.09%
Utilities 10.05%
Communication Services 9.54%
Consumer Discretionary 9.54%
Industrials 9.43%
Consumer Staples 9.17%
Money Market Fund 0.11%
Total 100.00%

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

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

3 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (the “Fund” or “IDOG”) seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® International Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index is a rules-based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the highest dividend paying stocks (i.e. “Dividend Dogs”) in the S-Network® Developed Markets (ex NA) Index, a universe of mainly large capitalization stocks in international developed markets not located in the Americas (the “S-Net Developed Markets”) on a sector-by-sector basis. “Dividend Dogs” refers to the five stocks in each of the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) sectors, excluding the real estate sector, that make up the S-Net Developed Markets which offer the highest dividend yields.

 

Performance Overview

The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, for the trailing twelve-month period ended November 30, 2021, generated a total return of 10.93%, relatively in-line with the Fund’s Underlying Index, net of fees, which returned 11.42%. The Fund slightly underperformed the Morningstar Developed Markets ex-North America Index (MSDINUS), which returned 10.87% for the same period.

 

The trailing twelve-month yield for the Fund’s constituents as of 11/30/2021 was 3.99%.

 

Developed Markets (ex-U.S.), as represented by the Morningstar Developed Markets ex-North America Index, returned 10.87% for the trailing twelve-month period ended November 30, 2021. In what is normally a headwind for international equities, the U.S. Dollar strengthened relative to the Euro, however ex-U.S. markets did not see the historical drop in performance from the move.

 

Similar to the U.S., Eurozone markets saw a strong earnings season and ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic. Value outperformed growth equities internationally for the majority of the year, with the gap in performance closing in recent months. Future growth prospects remain optimistic, predicated on lessening travel restrictions and temporary higher inflation. Annual inflation in the Eurozone was estimated at 3.4% in September, up from 2.2% in July. The ECB echoed the Fed’s dovish tone in European markets, stating it would tolerate any moderate overshoot of its 2.0% inflation target. Monetary policy decisions will be at the forefront of macro discussions, as many central banks have begun to raise rates or entertain the idea of tightening monetary policy. However, significant growth prospects remain, as continued post-pandemic fiscal policy will support global economic expansion heading into 2022.

 

Compared to the Morningstar Developed Markets ex-North America Index, the Fund saw a slightly negative impact of -0.61% from sector allocation where a relative overweight in Energy (average weight for the period of 10.02% vs. 2.93% in MSDINUS) contributed to positive performance, a result of the equal sector weighting strategy. The Fund’s relative overweight to the Utilities sector (average weight for the period of 10.04% vs. 3.40% in MSDINUS) detracted from positive performance. The Fund also saw relative underperformance of -1.73% attributed to selection effect.

 

From a geographical perspective, the highest contribution to return was attributed to holdings based in Japan. The Fund’s performance was adversely impacted by holdings based in France. Overall, the currency effect detracted roughly -0.15% to the overall performance of the Fund.

 

The best-performing stocks for the trailing twelve-month period were Hitachi Ltd. (6501 JP), which increased 57.90%, BP Plc. (BP/ LN), which returned 37.07%, and Telestra Corp Ltd. (TLS AU), which gained 31.08%. The worst performing stocks were Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd. (4502 JP), which lost 22.14%, Edenred (EDEN FP), which fell 22.02%; and Continental AG (CON GR), which decreased 18.25%.

 

Looking forward, the Fund’s strategy of annually selecting the five highest yielding securities in each of the ten sectors in the S-Network Developed Markets (Ex N.A.) Index is intended to provide high yield relative to the Morningstar Developed Markets ex-North America Index, potential for market participation in all economic cycles through equal sector weighting, and a deep value portfolio of securities as identified through high yield relative to their sector peers.

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – NAV 10.93% 7.33% 4.76%
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – Market Price* 11.18% 7.27% 4.72%
S-Network® International Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index 11.42% 7.78% 5.18%
Morningstar® Developed Markets ex-North America Net Total Return Index 10.87% 9.33% 6.65%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) 0.50%.

4 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

 

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

 

^The Fund Commencement Date was June 28, 2013.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The S-Network® International Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index is designed to serve as a fair, impartial and transparent measure of the performance of international large cap equities with above average dividend yields. The Underlying Index is a portfolio of fifty stocks derived from the S-Network International Developed Markets (ex-Americas) Index. Total Return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. Net Total Return (NTR) is obtained by reinvesting the net dividend, which is equal to the ordinary gross dividend minus the amount of withholding tax.

 

Morningstar® Developed Markets ex-North America Net Total Return Index measures the performance of companies in developed markets ex-North America. It covers approximately 97% of the full market capitalization in the Developed Markets ex-North America.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

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

5 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Woodside Petroleum, Ltd. 2.28%
Naturgy Energy Group SA 2.27%
Royal Dutch Shell PLC 2.26%
TotalEnergies SE 2.25%
Swiss Re AG 2.25%
BP PLC 2.24%
GlaxoSmithKline PLC 2.19%
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG 2.18%
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV 2.16%
Telstra Corp., Ltd. 2.16%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 22.24%

  

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

Sector Allocation* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Industrials 11.26%
Energy 11.15%
Utilities 10.29%
Consumer Discretionary 10.27%
Financials 10.24%
Consumer Staples 10.14%
Health Care 9.87%
Communication Services 9.86%
Materials 9.41%
Information Technology 7.36%
Money Market Fund 0.15%
Total 100.00%

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

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

6 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (the “Fund” or “EDOG”) seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index is a rules-based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the highest dividend paying stocks (i.e. “Dividend Dogs”) in the S-Network® Emerging Markets Index, a universe of mainly large capitalization stocks domiciled in emerging markets (the “S-Network Emerging Markets”) on a sector-by-sector basis. “Dividend Dogs” refers to the five stocks in each of the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) sectors, excluding the real estate sector, that make up the S-Network® Emerging Markets which offer the highest dividend yields. Emerging market countries are countries that major international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, generally consider to be less economically mature than developed nations.

 

Performance Overview

The ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, for the trailing twelve-month period ended November 30, 2021, generated a total return of 16.81%, relatively in-line with the Fund’s Underlying Index, net of fees, which returned 17.87%. The Fund vastly outperformed the Morningstar Emerging Markets Index (MEMMN), which returned 4.72% for the same period.

 

The trailing twelve-month yield for the Fund’s constituents as of November 30, 2021 was 3.89% vs. 2.54% for the Morningstar Emerging Markets Index.

 

Through the first half of the year, emerging markets benefitted from the continued recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic, as countries saw growth in export volumes and consumption. Trailing twelve-months (TTM) performance, tracked by the MEMMN Index, outpaced U.S. Indices through February, at which time worries around inflation and rising prices began to take hold. Surging producer price inflation recorded its largest year-over-year jump in May at 9%, adding to concern. Despite these bumps in the road and slower rates of mass vaccination, emerging markets exhibited strong support from increased activity. The second half of the year saw EM equities underperform broad U.S. indexes, with supply chain bottlenecks and drastically higher commodity prices beginning to appear as longer-term disruptions. EM equities declined from June on, accelerated by the Chinese market’s sharp sell-off and government crackdown of technology and education names. Additional pressure came from the real estate sector, where concerns of a systematic impact from the company Evergrande arose. China continues to pose significant headwinds for emerging market performance as U.S. regulators threaten to potentially delist a number of Chinese equities on U.S. exchanges. Although it has not been a picture perfect year for emerging market equities, they are poised to perform well if significant stimulus continues and the U.S. dollar weakens.

 

Compared to the Morningstar Emerging Markets Index, the Fund outperformed by over 1300bps, largely driven by the relative underweight to Consumer Discretionary (average weight for the period of 10.00% vs. 16.21% in MEMMN) and a relative overweight to Energy over the one year period (average weight for the period of 10.23% vs. 4.89% in MEMMN), a result of the equal sector weighting strategy. The Fund also saw a positive impact (16.36%) due to selection effect. From a geographical perspective, the highest contribution to return was attributed to holdings based in India. The Fund’s performance was adversely impacted by holdings based in Chile. Overall, the currency effect lowered the overall performance of the Fund by roughly 2.25%.

 

The best-performing stocks for the period were Vedanta Ltd. (VEDL US), which increased 115.24%, Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. (1171 HK), which returned 104.84%, and Globe Telecom, Inc. (GLO PM), which gained 68.74%. The worst performing stocks were Top Glove Corp. (TOPG MK), which lost 54.44%, BB Seguridade Participacoes (BBSE3 BZ), which fell 33.62%; and Enel Chile SA-ADR (ENIC US), which decreased 32.49%.

 

Looking forward, the Fund’s strategy of annually selecting the five highest-yielding securities in each of the ten sectors in the S-Net Emerging Markets Index is intended to provide high yield relative to the Morningstar Emerging Markets Index, potential for market participation in all economic cycles through equal sector weighting, and a deep value portfolio of securities as identified through high yield relative to their sector peers.

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – NAV 16.81% 6.38% 3.15%
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF – Market Price* 16.67% 6.25% 3.13%
S-Network® Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index 17.87% 7.17% 3.99%
Morningstar® Emerging Markets Net Total Return Index 4.72% 9.91% 5.91%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) 0.60%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.675.2639.

7 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

^The Fund Commencement Date was March 28, 2014.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The S-Network® Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs Net Total Return Index is a portfolio of stocks derived from a universe of mainly large capitalization stocks domiciled in emerging markets (the “S-Network Emerging Markets Index” “SNEMX”). The index methodology selects the five stocks in each of the GICS sectors, excluding the real estate sector, that make up the universe which offer the highest dividend yields as of the last trading day of November. The fifty stocks that are selected for inclusion in the portfolio are equally weighted. The universe includes stocks whose domicile and primary exchange listings are in countries identified by the World Bank as Upper Middle Income (certain lower middle income countries are also included, as well as stocks traded on the Taiwan Stock Exchange despite non-recognition by the World Bank). The selection criteria for the universe, in addition to the aforementioned country qualifications, also include requirements for sector inclusion, primary exchange listing, minimum market capitalization, share price, average daily trading volume and other factors. Total Return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. Net Total Return (NTR) is obtained by reinvesting the net dividend, which is equal to the ordinary gross dividend minus the amount of withholding tax.

 

Morningstar® Emerging Markets Net Total Return Index measures the performance of emerging markets targeting the top 97% of stocks by market capitalization.

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

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

8 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Adaro Energy Tbk PT 2.73%
PLDT, Inc. 2.51%
Globe Telecom, Inc. 2.48%
Credicorp, Ltd. 2.46%
Telefonica Brasil SA 2.43%
Kalbe Farma Tbk PT 2.36%
MultiChoice Group 2.35%
Bumrungrad Hospital Pcl 2.35%
Magnit PJSC 2.32%
Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. 2.31%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 24.30%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned). Future holdings are subject to change.

Sector Allocation* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Communication Services 11.67%
Health Care 10.62%
Financials 10.60%
Industrials 10.59%
Consumer Staples 10.34%
Energy 10.06%
Utilities 10.01%
Consumer Discretionary 9.30%
Information Technology 8.90%
Materials 7.79%
Money Market Fund 0.12%
Total 100.00%

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

 

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

9 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (the “Fund” or "RDOG") seeks investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® REIT Dividend Dogs Total Return Index (the “Underlying Index”).

 

The Underlying Index is a rules-based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the highest dividend paying real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) (i.e. “Dividend Dogs”) in the S-Network® Composite US REIT Index, a universe of mainly REITs listed in the United States (the “S-Net U.S. REIT” or "SNREIT"), on a segment-by-segment basis. “Dividend Dogs” refers to the five REITs in each of the nine segments that make up the S-Net U.S. REIT which offer the highest dividend yields.

 

Performance Overview

The ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF, for the twelve-month period ended November 30, 2021, generated a total return of 29.00%, in-line with the Fund’s Underlying Index, net of fees, which returned 29.20%. The Fund underperformed the broader U.S. REIT market, as represented by the S-Network Composite US REIT Index (SNREIT), which returned 31.78% for the same period.

 

The trailing twelve-month (TTM) yield for the fund as of 11/30/2021 was 3.93% while the SNREIT TTM yield was 3.06% as of November 30, 2021.

 

The S-Network Composite US REIT Index returned 31.78% on a trailing twelve-month period ended November 30, 2021, and the S&P 500 Total Return Index returned 27.92% for the trailing twelve-month period, finishing near its all-time high. Unmoved by persistent talks of inflation and policy changes, markets surged without significant drawdowns until September. October proved resilient, as the drawdown was met by a swift bounce back to all-time-highs for most of the averages. Main macroeconomic talking points throughout 2021 centered on inflation and the question of how transitory price increases would turn out to be. Inflation fears continued to be justified with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) surging 6.2% in October, along with core inflation readings increasing 4.6% for the same month; both indicators notching their largest increases since December 1990, and August 1991, respectively. Federal Reserve Chairman Powell was quick to reassure markets of the non-persistent inflation narrative throughout 2021 and announced a taper and reduction of balance sheet purchases starting in November of ‘21. Although the Fed plans to complete tapering before any rate hikes in 2022, projections of the magnitude for said rate increases vary, as global supply chain woes and the newly discovered COVID-19 Omicron variant do not ensure a future without added policy support. Despite a murky economic landscape for 2021 and heading into the New Year, global GDP surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2021, aided by policy support and strong consumer spending. Record profit margins for U.S. corporations led the way for record valuations through most of the year, but were matched by an earnings season in Q3 where many companies cut forward looking expectations amid a slowing global growth outlook.

 

Travel-sensitive REITs, such as Hotel & Resorts REITs, lagged the broader REIT market the most due to surges of new COVID variants and pauses in global travel. In contrast, Industrial REITs performed the best during the period, as strong market fundamentals and tenant demand drove commercial property gains.

 

The best-performing stocks in the Fund for the period were Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc. (PLYM), which increased 104.71%, and City Office REIT, Inc. (CIO), which saw a gain of 99.97%. The largest detractors were Washington Prime Group, Inc. (WPGGQ), which decreased 29.08%, Service Properties Trust (SVC), which fell 27.99%, and Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. (SBRA), which lost 15.64%.

 

Looking forward, the Fund’s strategy of annually selecting the five highest-yielding securities in each of the nine segments in the S-Network Composite US REIT Index is intended to provide meaningfully higher yield relative to the S-Network Composite US REIT Index, potential for market participation in all economic cycles through equal segment weighting, and a value portfolio of securities as identified through high yield relative to their segment peers.

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception^
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF – NAV 29.00%* 8.04% 8.34% 4.03%
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF – Market Price** 29.13% 8.08% 8.18% 4.04%
S-Network® REIT Dividend Dogs Total Return Index 29.20%
S-Network® Composite US REIT Index 31.78%
S-Network REIT Dividend Dogs Index/S&P United States REIT Index*** 29.20% 8.26% 10.07% 7.16%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.35%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. On January 2, 2020, the Fund changed its Underlying Index and principal investment strategies. Consequently, the Fund's total returns shown above for the periods prior to January 2, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the performance of the Fund, as it is currently managed. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.866.759.5679.

10 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

^The Fund Inception Date was May 7, 2008.

 

*Excludes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as such, the net asset value and total return for shareholder transactions reported to the market may differ from the net asset value for financial reporting purposes.

 

**Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

***The performance shown reflects a combination of the Fund's Underlying Index, and for periods prior to January 2, 2020, the S&P United States REIT Index.

 

The S-Network® REIT Dividend Dogs Total Return Index, like the S-Net U.S. REIT from which components of the Underlying Index are selected, divides into nine segments, eight of which are based on Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) Sub-Industries (excluding Technology REITs involved in cell towers and/or data centers) and a separate Technology REIT segment based on the research of the Underlying Index provider, S-Network® Global Indexes, Inc. (the “Index Provider”). The Underlying Index generally consists of 45 REITs on each annual reconstitution date. The Underlying Index’s REITs must be constituents of the S-Net U.S. REIT universe, which includes a universe of mainly REITs listed in the United States. The selection criteria for the universe also includes requirements for segment inclusion, primary exchange listing, minimum market capitalization, share price, average daily trading volume and other factors. The Underlying Index is rebalanced quarterly. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index commenced operations on October 29, 2019.

 

The S-Network® Composite US REIT Index (the “S-Net U.S. REIT” or “SNREIT”) is a benchmark index for the Real Estate Investment Trust component of the US stock market. The SNREIT provides the universe of stocks for RDOGX. The selection criteria for SNREIT include requirements for sector inclusion, primary exchange listing, minimum market capitalization, minimum average daily trading volume, and other factors. All constituents of RDOGX must be constituents of SNREIT. The index commenced operations on February 12, 2016.

 

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

 

The indexes are not actively managed and do not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

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

11 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Performance Overview   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc. 3.13%
Franklin Street Properties Corp. 3.12%
CyrusOne, Inc. 2.79%
CoreSite Realty Corp. 2.79%
Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp. 2.72%
Saul Centers, Inc. 2.72%
The Macerich Co. 2.70%
Lexington Realty Trust 2.67%
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 2.61%
One Liberty Properties, Inc. 2.57%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 27.82%

 

*% of Total Investments

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

REIT Sector Allocation* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Specialized REITs 16.86%
Industrial REITs 13.09%
Office REITs 12.59%
Residential REITs 12.34%
Retail REITs 12.26%
Diversified REITs 11.89%
Health Care REITs 11.14%
Technology REITs 7.73%
Hotel & Resort REITs 1.94%
Money Market Fund 0.16%
Total 100.00%

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Indexes

 

  

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

12 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the (six month) period and held through November 30, 2021.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

   Beginning Account Value 6/1/21   Ending Account Value 11/30/21   Expense Ratio(a)   Expenses Paid During Period 6/1/21 - 11/30/21(b) 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $941.80    0.40%  $1.95 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,023.06    0.40%  $2.03 
                     
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $937.60    0.50%  $2.43 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,022.56    0.50%  $2.54 
                     
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $979.00    0.60%  $2.98 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,022.06    0.60%  $3.04 
                     
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,079.90    0.35%  $1.82 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,023.31    0.35%  $1.78 

 

(a)Annualized based on the Fund's most recent half-year expenses.

 

(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (183), divided by 365.
13 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of ALPS ETF Trust and the shareholders of ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, and ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments of ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, and ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (the "Funds"), four of the funds constituting the ALPS ETF Trust, as of November 30, 2021, the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, and the related notes.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of November 30, 2021, and the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Denver, Colorado

January 26, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by ALPS Advisors, Inc. since 2007.

14 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Schedule of Investments   November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.46%)
Communication Services (9.50%)
AT&T, Inc.   853,354   $19,482,072 
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.   640,997    21,274,690 
Lumen Technologies, Inc.   1,937,101    23,903,826 
Omnicom Group, Inc.   322,564    21,711,783 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   426,384    21,434,324 
Total Communication Services        107,806,695 
           
Consumer Discretionary (9.50%)
Genuine Parts Co.   195,311    24,949,027 
Hanesbrands, Inc.   1,238,316    19,998,803 
Hasbro, Inc.   235,862    22,857,386 
Leggett & Platt, Inc.   495,337    20,006,662 
Newell Brands, Inc.   928,967    19,944,922 
Total Consumer Discretionary        107,756,800 
           
Consumer Staples (9.13%)
Altria Group, Inc.   456,966    19,485,030 
Kellogg Co.   369,961    22,634,214 
Kraft Heinz Co.   636,430    21,390,412 
Philip Morris International, Inc.   223,174    19,179,574 
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.   467,537    20,945,658 
Total Consumer Staples        103,634,888 
           
Energy (10.96%)          
Exxon Mobil Corp.   428,340    25,631,866 
Kinder Morgan, Inc.   1,447,826    22,383,390 
ONEOK, Inc.   440,465    26,357,426 
Valero Energy Corp.   365,927    24,495,153 
Williams Cos., Inc.   952,321    25,512,679 
Total Energy        124,380,514 
           
Financials (10.31%)          
Comerica, Inc.   318,625    26,296,121 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.   1,506,616    22,358,182 
People's United Financial, Inc.   1,451,068    24,726,199 
Prudential Financial, Inc.   223,716    22,877,198 
Unum Group   896,503    20,709,219 
Total Financials        116,966,919 
           
Health Care (10.45%)          
AbbVie, Inc.   217,111    25,028,556 
Cardinal Health, Inc.   437,686    20,234,224 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.   325,677    22,448,915 
Merck & Co., Inc.   314,745    23,577,548 
Pfizer, Inc.   507,152    27,249,277 
Total Health Care        118,538,520 
           
Industrials (9.38%)          
3M Co.   125,837    21,397,324 
Emerson Electric Co.   230,974    20,288,756 
General Dynamics Corp.   114,651    21,665,599 
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.   117,162    20,797,427 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Industrials (continued)
Lockheed Martin Corp.   67,062   $22,353,106 
Total Industrials        106,502,212 
           
Information Technology (10.18%)
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.   1,615,775    23,186,371 
International Business Machines Corp.   176,512    20,669,555 
Juniper Networks, Inc.   833,799    25,956,163 
Seagate Technology Holdings PLC   276,459    28,384,046 
Western Union Co.   1,096,318    17,343,751 
Total Information Technology        115,539,886 
           
Materials (10.05%)          
Amcor PLC   1,887,411    21,365,492 
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.   508,223    30,793,232 
International Paper Co.   418,558    19,052,760 
LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A   248,978    21,693,453 
The Dow Chemical Co.   384,235    21,106,029 
Total Materials        114,010,966 
           
Utilities (10.00%)          
Dominion Resources, Inc.   300,396    21,388,195 
Edison International   397,778    25,966,948 
FirstEnergy Corp.   613,472    23,103,355 
PPL Corp.   780,878    21,731,835 
Southern Co.   349,232    21,338,075 
Total Utilities        113,528,408 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $1,050,480,090)        1,128,665,808 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.10%)      
Money Market Fund               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund   0.01%   1,189,260    1,189,260 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS       
(Cost $1,189,260)             1,189,260 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.57%)      
(Cost $1,051,669,350)            $1,129,855,068 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.43%)    4,888,328 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%  $1,134,743,396 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

15 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Schedule of Investments   November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.21%)
Australia (12.42%)          
BHP Group, Ltd.(a)   109,199   $3,064,659 
Coles Group, Ltd.   260,597    3,347,513 
Fortescue Metals Group, Ltd.   247,347    2,999,225 
Telstra Corp., Ltd.   1,164,410    3,378,301 
Wesfarmers, Ltd.   78,922    3,198,917 
Woodside Petroleum, Ltd.   233,840    3,572,227 
Total Australia        19,560,842 
           
Finland (1.96%)          
Fortum Oyj   107,287    3,091,729 
           
France (9.45%)          
Bouygues SA   78,027    2,650,277 
Danone SA   47,055    2,774,439 
Edenred   59,842    2,682,086 
Sanofi   34,170    3,249,746 
TotalEnergies SE   76,445    3,520,722 
Total France        14,877,270 
           
Germany (13.71%)          
Allianz SE   14,490    3,162,375 
BASF SE   43,333    2,844,441 
Bayer AG   61,157    3,087,812 
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG   35,370    3,408,799 
Continental AG(b)   29,204    3,136,476 
Evonik Industries AG   100,566    3,034,909 
SAP SE   22,751    2,920,248 
Total Germany        21,595,060 
           
Hong Kong (1.49%)          
CITIC, Ltd.   2,589,000    2,337,338 
           
Italy (2.06%)          
Snam SpA   575,410    3,245,882 
           
Japan (19.32%)          
Canon, Inc.   133,563    2,954,019 
Hitachi, Ltd.   56,200    3,325,214 
Japan Tobacco, Inc.   165,900    3,336,786 
Kyocera Corp.   49,900    2,971,442 
Mitsubishi Corp.   102,200    3,065,955 
Sekisui House, Ltd.   152,800    2,987,464 
SoftBank Corp.   226,200    3,126,797 
Sumitomo Corp.   224,400    3,069,159 
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.   91,000    2,981,139 
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.   97,200    2,606,389 
Total Japan        30,424,364 
           
Netherlands (6.42%)          
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV   100,530    3,380,415 
NN Group NV   64,174    3,197,928 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Netherlands (continued)          
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A   167,555   $3,530,634 
Total Netherlands        10,108,977 
           
Norway (1.81%)          
Telenor ASA   192,534    2,849,304 
           
Spain (8.29%)          
Endesa SA   139,122    3,129,519 
Naturgy Energy Group SA   128,998    3,554,994 
Repsol SA   296,622    3,293,670 
Telefonica SA   680,375    3,083,740 
Total Spain        13,061,923 
           
Sweden (1.91%)          
Telia Co. AB   775,684    3,003,619 
           
Switzerland (8.33%)          
Novartis AG   38,610    3,088,632 
Swatch Group AG   11,328    3,348,858 
Swiss Re AG   37,388    3,520,308 
Zurich Insurance Group AG   7,668    3,166,427 
Total Switzerland        13,124,225 
           
United Kingdom (12.04%)
BAE Systems PLC   431,882    3,148,751 
BP PLC   809,939    3,505,667 
British American Tobacco PLC   90,126    3,032,528 
GlaxoSmithKline PLC   168,674    3,420,992 
Rio Tinto PLC   45,425    2,786,239 
SSE PLC   148,487    3,064,886 
Total United Kingdom        18,959,063 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $161,665,816)        156,239,596 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.15%)               
Money Market Fund               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund   0.01%   229,548    229,548 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $229,548)             229,548 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.35%)               
(Cost $161,895,364)            $156,469,144 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.65%)             1,019,477 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $157,488,621 

 

(a)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $2,295,585.
(b)Non-income producing security.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

16 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Schedule of Investments   November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.72%)
Brazil (10.13%)          
Banco Santander Brasil SA, ADR   80,268   $467,160 
BB Seguridade Participacoes SA   149,000    553,398 
Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA   78,023    452,856 
Telefonica Brasil SA   67,213    601,251 
Vibra Energia SA   111,600    431,960 
Total Brazil        2,506,625 
           
Chile (5.99%)          
Enel Americas SA, ADR(a)   85,830    532,146 
Enel Chile SA, ADR(a)   225,628    496,381 
Falabella SA   146,976    454,762 
Total Chile        1,483,289 
           
China (8.96%)          
China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd.   1,248,000    480,123 
China Railway Signal & Communication Corp., Ltd.(a)(b)(c)   1,389,000    488,056 
Huadian Power International Corp., Ltd., Class H(a)   1,408,000    438,759 
Legend Holdings Corp.(b)(c)   246,400    388,653 
Yanzhou Coal Mining Co., Ltd., Class H   269,000    422,231 
Total China        2,217,822 
           
Czech Republic (2.24%)          
CEZ AS   16,934    553,357 
           
Hungary (2.00%)          
Richter Gedeon Nyrt   18,609    495,254 
           
India (6.17%)          
Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Ltd., ADR   8,167    509,948 
Infosys, Ltd., Sponsored ADR   23,456    529,636 
Wipro, Ltd., ADR   56,956    486,404 
Total India        1,525,988 
           
Indonesia (7.26%)          
Adaro Energy Tbk PT   5,674,200    673,495 
Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PT   1,230,500    541,257 
Kalbe Farma Tbk PT   5,211,000    582,133 
Total Indonesia        1,796,885 
           
Malaysia (9.74%)          
Genting Bhd   437,450    457,029 
Genting Malaysia Bhd   722,000    474,876 
MISC Bhd   322,400    509,073 
Sime Darby Bhd   991,600    515,637 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Malaysia (continued)          
Top Glove Corp. Bhd   650,500   $452,562 
Total Malaysia        2,409,177 
           
Mexico (9.78%)          
Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV, ADR   9,513    467,278 
Grupo Mexico SAB de CV, Series B   122,305    511,750 
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV, Class A   315,600    495,570 
Orbia Advance Corp. SAB de CV   191,255    445,437 
Promotora y Operadora de Infraestructura SAB de CV   72,513    498,638 
Total Mexico        2,418,673 
           
Peru (2.45%)          
Credicorp, Ltd.   5,145    607,110 
           
Philippines (7.29%)          
Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.   585,400    570,470 
Globe Telecom, Inc.   9,405    612,627 
PLDT, Inc.   18,620    620,851 
Total Philippines        1,803,948 
           
Poland (1.81%)          
Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo SA   332,016    447,517 
           
Russia (10.48%)          
Gazprom PJSC, ADR   60,620    540,731 
Magnit PJSC, GDR(c)   37,074    572,793 
MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC, ADR   16,099    462,524 
Sberbank of Russia PJSC, ADR   30,292    512,238 
Severstal PAO, GDR(c)   24,083    505,743 
Total Russia        2,594,029 
           
South Africa (3.97%)          
Exxaro Resources, Ltd.   41,957    400,471 
MultiChoice Group   75,176    581,415 
Total South Africa        981,886 
           
Thailand (9.51%)          
BTS Group Holdings PCL   1,919,000    523,920 
Bumrungrad Hospital Pcl   135,800    580,316 
Delta Electronics Thailand PCL   23,200    307,061 
Intouch Holdings PCL   214,000    462,008 
Osotspa PCL(c)   504,400    478,991 
Total Thailand        2,352,296 
           
Turkey (1.94%)          
Ford Otomotiv Sanayi AS   26,654    479,015 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $24,184,219)        24,672,871 

17 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Schedule of Investments   November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
RIGHTS(0.00%)          
Thailand (0.00%)          
BTS Group Holdings PCL (Expiring       $ 
11/20/2026), Strike Price THB 14.90   333,640      
           
TOTAL RIGHTS          
(Cost $–)         

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (3.47%)               
Money Market Fund (0.12%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund               
(Cost $28,835)   0.01%   28,835    28,835 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (3.35%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 0.03%               
(Cost $829,814)        829,814    829,814 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $858,649)             858,649 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (103.19%)               
(Cost $25,042,868)            $25,531,520 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-3.19%)             (790,014)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $24,741,506 

 

(a)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $1,425,220.
(b)Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $876,709, representing 3.54% of net assets.
(c)Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of November 30, 2021, the market value of those securities was $2,434,236 representing 9.84% of net assets.

 

Currency Abbreviations:

THB - Thai Bhat

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

18 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Schedule of Investments   November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.79%)
Diversified REITs (11.88%)
Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.   22,260   $601,688 
One Liberty Properties, Inc.   22,672    737,520 
STORE Capital Corp.   20,319    669,308 
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust   27,729    698,771 
WP Carey, Inc.   9,186    701,351 
Total Diversified REITs        3,408,638 
           
Health Care REITs (11.13%)
LTC Properties, Inc.   20,461    649,842 
Medical Properties Trust, Inc.   32,892    700,271 
National Health Investors, Inc.   11,855    619,305 
Physicians Realty Trust   37,934    676,363 
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.   42,342    547,482 
Total Health Care REITs        3,193,263 
           
Hotel & Resort REITs (1.94%)
Service Properties Trust   65,354    556,163 
           
Industrial REITs (13.09%)
Industrial Logistics Properties Trust   26,453    586,198 
Lexington Realty Trust   50,823    764,886 
Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp.   37,601    780,973 
Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc.   30,190    898,153 
STAG Industrial, Inc.   16,637    725,040 
Total Industrial REITs        3,755,250 
           
Office REITs (12.58%)          
Brandywine Realty Trust   52,282    671,823 
City Office REIT, Inc.   40,817    680,827 
Franklin Street Properties Corp.   155,326    894,678 
Office Properties Income Trust   27,264    646,975 
SL Green Realty Corp.   10,304    715,407 
Total Office REITs        3,609,710 
           
Residential REITs (12.34%)
American Campus Communities, Inc.   13,881    718,203 
BRT Apartments Corp.   35,309    664,515 
Centerspace   6,840    698,979 
Clipper Realty, Inc.   83,759    732,054 
Equity Residential   8,502    725,306 
Total Residential REITs        3,539,057 
           
Retail REITs (12.25%)          
American Finance Trust, Inc.   83,461    662,680 
National Retail Properties, Inc.   15,303    674,862 
Saul Centers, Inc.   15,856    780,591 
Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.   14,005    624,063 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Retail REITs (continued)          
The Macerich Co.   41,009   $773,430 
Total Retail REITs        3,515,626 
           
Specialized REITs (16.86%)
American Tower Corp.   2,347    616,041 
CoreSite Realty Corp.   4,678    800,172 
CubeSmart   12,972    699,450 
Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.   25,974    701,817 
Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.   14,421    650,676 
National Storage Affiliates Trust   11,979    735,271 
VICI Properties, Inc.   23,297    633,678 
Total Specialized REITs        4,837,105 
           
Technology REITs (7.72%)
Crown Castle International Corp.   3,672    667,019 
CyrusOne, Inc.   8,993    800,557 
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.   4,458    747,785 
Total Technology REITs        2,215,361 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $25,057,691)        28,630,173 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.16%)               
Money Market Fund               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund   0.01%   46,175    46,175 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $46,175)             46,175 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.95%)               
(Cost $25,103,866)            $28,676,348 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.05%)             13,074 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $28,689,422 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

19 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities   November 30, 2021

 

   ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF 
ASSETS:                    
Investments, at value  $1,129,855,068   $156,469,144   $25,531,520   $28,676,348 
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $–, $67,769, $6,639 and $–)       67,769    6,519     
Foreign tax reclaims       420,608    3,527    3,368 
Dividends receivable   5,279,761    604,030    42,451    18,579 
Receivable for investments sold       62,422         
Total Assets   1,135,134,829    157,623,973    25,584,017    28,698,295 
                     
LIABILITIES:                    
Payable for investments purchased       62,636         
Payable to adviser   391,433    72,716    12,697    8,873 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned           829,814     
Total Liabilities   391,433    135,352    842,511    8,873 
NET ASSETS  $1,134,743,396   $157,488,621   $24,741,506   $28,689,422 
                     
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Paid-in capital  $1,334,982,881   $216,300,017   $32,905,986   $34,566,895 
Total Distributable earnings   (200,239,485)   (58,811,396)   (8,164,480)   (5,877,473)
NET ASSETS  $1,134,743,396   $157,488,621   $24,741,506   $28,689,422 
                     
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $1,051,669,350   $161,895,364   $25,042,868   $25,103,866 
                     
PRICING OF SHARES:                    
Net Assets  $1,134,743,396   $157,488,621   $24,741,506   $28,689,422 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   22,484,141    5,950,000    1,050,000    575,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $50.47   $26.47   $23.56   $49.89 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

20 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Statements of Operations   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021  

 

   ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF 
INVESTMENT INCOME:                    
Dividends*  $44,296,752   $7,826,498   $1,187,243   $521,652 
Non-cash dividends(a)               351,488 
Securities Lending Income       2,566    21,646    1,113 
Total Investment Income   44,296,752    7,829,064    1,208,889    874,253 
                     
EXPENSES:                    
Investment adviser fees   4,627,840    885,043    147,282    103,593 
Total Expenses   4,627,840    885,043    147,282    103,593 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   39,668,912    6,944,021    1,061,607    770,660 
                     
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS)                    
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments(b)   20,856,818    (2,959,622)   1,008,273    (1,540,165)
Net realized gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions       (41,486)   (9,736)   168 
Total net realized gain/(loss)   20,856,818    (3,001,108)   998,537    (1,539,997)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   133,811,971    12,490,979    1,420,837    8,191,442 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies       (31,038)   (931)   (339)
Total net change in unrealized appreciation   133,811,971    12,459,941    1,419,906    8,191,103 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS   154,668,789    9,458,833    2,418,443    6,651,106 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $194,337,701   $16,402,854   $3,480,050   $7,421,766 
*Net of foreign tax withholding:  $   $919,046   $138,805   $2,043 

 

(a)Represents non-cash distributions in connection with capital changes for certain investments held by the Fund recorded on ex-date and based on fair value.
(b)Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

21 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment income  $39,668,912   $50,587,999 
Net realized gain/(loss)   20,856,818    (88,409,933)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   133,811,971    (103,423,993)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   194,337,701    (141,245,927)
           
Net Equalization Credits/(Debits)   (376,556)   3,589,268 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (41,129,463)   (51,189,402)
Total distributions   (41,129,463)   (51,189,402)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   42,671,156    152,957,639 
Cost of shares redeemed   (68,650,049)   (699,792,739)
Net income equalization (Note 2)   376,556    (3,589,268)
Net decrease from share transactions   (25,602,337)   (550,424,368)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   127,229,345    (739,270,429)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   1,007,514,051    1,746,784,480 
End of period  $1,134,743,396   $1,007,514,051 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   23,059,141    38,159,141 
Shares sold   800,000    3,350,000 
Shares redeemed   (1,375,000)   (18,450,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   22,484,141    23,059,141 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

22 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment income  $6,944,021   $5,343,294 
Net realized loss   (3,001,108)   (5,677,330)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   12,459,941    (16,870,424)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   16,402,854    (17,204,460)
           
Net Equalization Credits/(Debits)   (1,568,545)   21,476 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (7,018,603)   (8,323,715)
From tax return of capital   (36,242)   (309,701)
Total distributions   (7,054,845)   (8,633,416)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   22,093,394    15,489,973 
Cost of shares redeemed   (20,383,668)   (64,962,269)
Net income equalization (Note 2)   1,568,545    (21,476)
Net increase/(decrease) from share transactions   3,278,271    (49,493,772)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   11,057,735    (75,310,172)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   146,430,886    221,741,058 
End of period  $157,488,621   $146,430,886 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   5,900,000    8,250,000 
Shares sold   800,000    650,000 
Shares redeemed   (750,000)   (3,000,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   5,950,000    5,900,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

23 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment income  $1,061,607   $673,942 
Net realized gain/(loss)   998,537    (2,081,382)
Net change in unrealized appreciation   1,419,906    552,602 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   3,480,050    (854,838)
           
Net Equalization Credits   19,079    26,895 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (971,386)   (831,362)
Total distributions   (971,386)   (831,362)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   1,275,304    3,165,851 
Cost of shares redeemed       (9,462,865)
Net income equalization (Note 2)   (19,079)   (26,895)
Net increase/(decrease) from share transactions   1,256,225    (6,323,909)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   3,783,968    (7,983,214)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   20,957,538    28,940,752 
End of period  $24,741,506   $20,957,538 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   1,000,000    1,400,000 
Shares sold   50,000    150,000 
Shares redeemed       (550,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   1,050,000    1,000,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

24 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020(a) 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment income  $770,660   $1,103,770 
Net realized gain/(loss)   (1,539,997)   5,165,077 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   8,191,103    (14,485,522)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   7,421,766    (8,216,675)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (874,838)   (1,494,087)
From tax return of capital   (444,426)   (336,997)
Total distributions   (1,319,264)   (1,831,084)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares       19,287,844 
Cost of shares redeemed   (3,733,564)   (36,184,766)
Net decrease from share transactions   (3,733,564)   (16,896,922)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   2,368,938    (26,944,681)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   26,320,484    53,265,165 
End of period  $28,689,422   $26,320,484 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   650,000    1,100,000 
Shares sold       400,000 
Shares redeemed   (75,000)   (850,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   575,000    650,000 

 

(a)Prior to January 2, 2020, the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF was known as the Cohen & Steers Global Realty Majors ETF.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

25 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Financial Highlights   For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $43.69   $45.78   $44.26   $45.61   $42.29 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income (a)   1.75    1.70    1.71    1.54    1.40 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   6.84    (2.14)   1.34    (1.31)   3.39 
Total from investment operations   8.59    (0.44)   3.05    0.23    4.79 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (1.81)   (1.65)   (1.53)   (1.58)   (1.42)
Tax return of capital                   (0.05)
Total distributions   (1.81)   (1.65)   (1.53)   (1.58)   (1.47)
                          
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   6.78    (2.09)   1.52    (1.35)   3.32 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $50.47   $43.69   $45.78   $44.26   $45.61 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   19.77%   (0.27)%   7.26%   0.51%   11.59%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $1,134,743   $1,007,514   $1,746,784   $2,166,709   $2,322,205 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   3.43%   4.27%   3.97%   3.40%   3.24%
Portfolio turnover rate(c)   54%   77%   55%   61%   48%
Undistributed net investment income included in price of units issued and redeemed(a)(d)  $(0.02)  $0.12   $0.06   $0.04   $0.03 

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

26 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Financial Highlights   For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $24.82   $26.88   $25.14   $28.27   $22.84 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(a)   1.09    0.75    1.20    1.15    0.94 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   1.65    (1.66)   1.69    (3.19)   5.41 
Total from investment operations   2.74    (0.91)   2.89    (2.04)   6.35 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (1.08)   (1.11)   (1.15)   (1.09)   (0.92)
Tax return of capital   (0.01)   (0.04)            
Total distributions   (1.09)   (1.15)   (1.15)   (1.09)   (0.92)
                          
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   1.65    (2.06)   1.74    (3.13)   5.43 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $26.47   $24.82   $26.88   $25.14   $28.27 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   10.93%   (3.08)%   11.79%   (7.47)%   28.21%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $157,489   $146,431   $221,741   $285,327   $349,184 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   3.92%   3.22%   4.65%   4.16%   3.55%
Portfolio turnover rate(c)   61%   79%   58%   72%   37%
Undistributed net investment income included in price of units issued and redeemed(a)(d)  $(0.25)  $0.00(e)  $0.04   $0.05   $0.12 

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(c)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year is not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.
(d)The per share amount of equalization is presented to show the impact of equalization on distributable earnings per share.
(e)Less than $0.005.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

27 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Financial Highlights   For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $20.96   $20.67   $21.33   $24.29   $21.17 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(a)   1.04    0.56    0.89    0.91    0.80 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   2.50    0.42    (0.33)   (3.02)   3.06 
Total from investment operations   3.54    0.98    0.56    (2.11)   3.86 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (0.94)   (0.69)   (1.22)   (0.85)   (0.74)
Total distributions   (0.94)   (0.69)   (1.22)   (0.85)   (0.74)
                          
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   2.60    0.29    (0.66)   (2.96)   3.12 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $23.56   $20.96   $20.67   $21.33   $24.29 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   16.81%   5.20%   2.67%   (8.76)%   18.37%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $24,742   $20,958   $28,941   $35,201   $47,356 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   4.32%   2.92%   4.16%   3.88%   3.33%
Portfolio turnover rate(c)   84%   93%   83%   85%   42%
Undistributed net investment income included in price of units issued and redeemed(a)(d)  $0.02   $0.02   $0.01   $0.10   $0.05 

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

28 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Financial Highlights   For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 (a)   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $40.49   $48.42   $44.18   $45.37   $41.31 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income (b)   1.21    1.29    1.19    1.17    0.75 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   10.25    (7.26)   4.45    (0.53)   4.45 
Total from investment operations   11.46    (5.97)   5.64    0.64    5.20 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (1.36)   (1.57)   (1.40)   (1.83)   (1.14)
Tax return of capital   (0.70)   (0.39)            
Total distributions   (2.06)   (1.96)   (1.40)   (1.83)   (1.14)
                          
Net increase/(decrease) in net asset value   9.40    (7.93)   4.24    (1.19)   4.06 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $49.89   $40.49   $48.42   $44.18   $45.37 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   29.03%   (11.77)%   13.00%   1.47%   12.77%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $28,689   $26,320   $53,265   $55,222   $68,050 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.35%   0.38%(d)   0.55%   0.55%   0.55%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.60%   3.26%   2.56%   2.67%   1.71%
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   78%   148%   10%   14%   10%

 

(a)Prior to January 2, 2020, the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF was known as the Cohen & Steers Global Realty Majors ETF. (b) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(d)Effective January 2, 2020 the Fund's Advisory Fee changed from 0.55% to 0.35%.
(e)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year is not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

29 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of November 30, 2021, the Trust consisted of eighteen separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains to the ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, and the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). Each Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

The investment objective of the ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF is to seek investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® Sector Dividend Dogs Index. The investment objective of the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF is to seek investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® International Sector Dividend Dogs Index. The investment objective of the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF is to seek investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs Index. The investment objective of the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF is to seek investment results that replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S-Network® REIT Dividend Dogs Index.

 

The shares of the ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, and the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). Each Fund issues and redeems Shares, at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares (prior to October 1, 2021 in blocks of 50,000 Shares), each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

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

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

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

 

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

 

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

30 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of November 30, 2021:

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $1,128,665,808   $   $   $1,128,665,808 
Short Term Investments   1,189,260            1,189,260 
Total  $1,129,855,068   $   $   $1,129,855,068 

 

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $156,239,596   $   $   $156,239,596 
Short Term Investments   229,548            229,548 
Total  $156,469,144   $   $   $156,469,144 

31 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $24,672,871   $   $   $24,672,871 
Rights and Warrants*                
Short Term Investments   858,649            858,649 
Total  $25,531,520   $   $   $25,531,520 

 

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $28,630,173   $   $   $28,630,173 
Short Term Investments   46,175            46,175 
Total  $28,676,348   $   $   $28,676,348 

 

*For a detailed sector/country breakdown, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments.

 

The Funds did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the year ended November 30, 2021.

 

C. Foreign Securities

The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, and the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investments in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, less liquidity generally, greater market volatility than U.S. securities and less complete financial information than for U.S. issuers. In addition, adverse political, economic or social developments could undermine the value of the Fund’s investments or prevent the Fund from realizing the full value of its investments. Financial reporting standards for companies based in foreign markets differ from those in the United States. Finally, the value of the currency of the country in which the Fund has invested could decline relative to the value of the U.S. dollar, which may affect the value of the investment to U.S. investors.

 

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which investors may purchase the shares of each Fund, the value of each Fund's securities may change on the days when investors are not able to purchase the shares of the Funds. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or NASDAQ. Any use of a different rate from the rates used by the Index may adversely affect a Fund's ability to track its Index.

 

D. Foreign Currency Translation

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment valuations and other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. The portion of realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed and is included in realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, when applicable.

 

E. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

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

 

F. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

G. Equalization

The ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, and the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF utilize the accounting practice known as “Equalization” by which a portion of the proceeds from sales and costs of reacquiring the Funds’ shares, equivalent on a per share basis to the amount of distributable net investment income on the date of the transaction, is credited or charged to undistributed net investment income. As a result, undistributed net investment income per share is unaffected by sales or reacquisitions of the Funds’ shares. Amounts related to Equalization can be found on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

32 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

H. Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

I. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Funds’ capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the following reclassifications, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets, were recorded to reflect permanent tax differences resulting primarily from in-kind transactions:

 

Fund  Paid-in Capital   Total Distributable Earnings 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $11,026,744   $(11,026,744)
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   1,939,974    (1,939,974)
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF        
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   756,180    (756,180)

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 was as follows:

 

Fund  Ordinary Income   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2021          
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $41,129,463   $ 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   7,018,603    36,242 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   971,386     
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   874,838    444,426 

33 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

Fund  Ordinary Income   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2020          
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $51,189,402   $ 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   8,323,715    309,701 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   831,362     
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   1,494,087    336,997 

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2021, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $   $278,703,992 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   4,432,773    48,112,299 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   439,844    8,114,494 
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   6,887,991    2,417,872 

 

The ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF and ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF used capital loss carryovers during the year ended November 30, 2021 in the amount of $10,221,052 and $575,819, respectively.

 

As of November 30, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for each Fund were as follows:

 

   Undistributed net investment income   Accumulated net realized loss on investments   Net unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on investments   Total 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $4,375,810   $(278,703,992)  $74,088,697   $(200,239,485)
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF       (52,545,072)   (6,266,324)   (58,811,396)
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   110,349    (8,554,338)   279,509    (8,164,480)
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF       (9,305,863)   3,428,390    (5,877,473)

 

As of November 30, 2021, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   Gross Appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)   Gross Depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   Net Appreciation/ (Depreciation) of Foreign Currency   Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)   Cost of Investments for Income Tax Purposes 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $138,952,825   $(64,864,128)  $   $74,088,697   $1,055,766,371 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   10,083,942    (16,341,765)   (8,501)   (6,266,324)   162,726,967 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   2,790,485    (2,510,295)   (681)   279,509    25,251,330 
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   5,256,035    (1,827,806)   161    3,428,390    25,248,119 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales and investments in passive foreign investment companies.

 

J. Income Taxes

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

34 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

As of and during the year ended November 30, 2021, each Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. Each Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. Each Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Each Fund’s tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

K. Lending of Portfolio Securities

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of November 30, 2021:

 

Fund  Market Value of Securities on Loan   Cash Collateral Received   Non-Cash Collateral Received   Total Collateral Received 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $2,295,585   $   $2,427,433   $2,427,433 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   1,425,220    829,814    724,369    1,554,183 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the Funds benefit from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Funds could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received.

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of November 30, 2021:

 

ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements

 

Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 days   30-90 days   Greater than 90 days   Total 
Common Stocks  $829,814   $   $   $   $829,814 
Total Borrowings                       829,814 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)   $829,814 

35 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”) serves as the Funds’ investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis as a percentage of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee.

 

Fund Advisory Fee
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 0.40%
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 0.50%
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 0.60%
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF 0.35%

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $619,122,019   $615,360,325 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   105,069,241    105,340,522 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   20,585,933    20,246,070 
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   23,308,934    22,732,820 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $42,658,789   $68,640,518 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   22,106,996    20,131,895 
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   1,016,011     
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF       3,732,520 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the in-kind net realized gains/(losses) were as follows:

 

Fund  Net Realized Gain/(Loss) 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $11,671,302 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF   2,137,869 
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF   863,443 

 

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

36 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Notes to Financial Statements   November 30, 2021

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 shares (prior to October 1, 2021, the Creation Unit size was 50,000 Shares). Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Funds. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of each Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The ALPS Sector Dvidend Dogs ETF engaged in cross trades between other funds in the Trust during the year ended November 30, 2021 pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds of the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7. These transactions related to cross trades during the period complied with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Trust’s procedures.

 

Transactions related to cross trades during the year ended November 30, 2021, were as follows:

 

   Purchase cost paid   Sale proceeds received   Realized gain/(loss) on sales 
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $2,625,190   $1,007,571   $154,451 

 

7. MARKET DISRUPTIONS RISK

 

 

The Funds are subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause each Fund to lose value.

 

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

 

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

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events, if any, after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

37 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

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

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

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

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The Funds designate the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2020:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction 199A
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 100.00% 99.08% 0.00%
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 98.94% 0.00% 0.00%
ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF 75.62% 0.00% 0.00%
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF 0.81% 0.00% 40.55%

 

In early 2021, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year 2020 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2022 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2021.

 

Pursuant to Section 853(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, the following Funds designated the following for the calendar year ended December 31, 2021:

 

   Foreign Taxes Paid   Foreign Source Income 
Alps Emerging Sector Dividend Dog ETF  $118,762   $1,289,676 
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF  $825,084   $8,600,862 

 

LICENSING AGREEMENTS

 

 

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF, and ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF

The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S-Network Global Indexes, Inc.SM (“Licensor”). Licensor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Funds or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds particularly or the ability of the (i) in the case of SDOG, S-Network Sector Dividend DogsSM, (ii) in the case of IDOG, S-Network International Sector Dividend DogsSM, (iii) in the case of EDOG, S-Network Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs IndexSM, and (iv) in the case of RDOG, S-Network REIT Dividend Dogs IndexSM (each an “Underlying Index”) to track the performance of a market or sector. Licensor’s only relationship to the Licensee is the licensing of certain service marks and trade names of Licensor and of the Underlying Index that is determined, composed and calculated by Licensor without regard to the Licensee or the Fund. Licensor has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Underlying Index. Licensor is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. Licensor has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

 

LICENSOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND LICENSOR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL LICENSOR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

38 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Additional Information   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”) or its third party licensors. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of each Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in each Fund particularly or the ability of each Underlying Index to track general stock market performance. S&P’s and its third party licensor’s only relationship to the Index Provider is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of S&P and/or its third party licensors and for the providing of calculation and maintenance services related to the Underlying Index. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors is responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of each Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of each Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which each Fund is to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of each Fund.

 

NEITHER S&P, ITS AFFILIATES NOR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF EACH UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P, ITS AFFILIATES AND THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO ITS TRADEMARKS, EACH UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P, ITS AFFILIATES OR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.

 

Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; “Calculated by S&P Custom Indices” and its related stylized mark are service marks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. These marks have been licensed for use by the Index Provider.

 

The S&P 500® is the property of Standard and Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and has been licensed by S&P for use by S-Network® Global Indexes, Inc. in connection with the S-Network® Sector Dividend Dogs Index (Ticker: SDOGX), the S-Network® International Sector Dividend Dogs Index (Ticker: IDOGX), the S-Network® Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs Index (Ticker: EDOGX), and the S-Network® REIT Dividend Dogs Index (Ticker: RDOGX).

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of each Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by each Fund, owners of the Shares of each Fund or any other person or entity from the use of each Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to each Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of each Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

39 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on June 7, 2021 via electronic means (video-conference), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), evaluated a proposal to approve the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “AAI”) with respect to the ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (“SDOG”), the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (“IDOG”), the ALPS Emerging Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (“EDOG”), and the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (“RDOG”) (each “a Fund” and collectively the “Funds”). The Independent Trustees also met separately to consider each Investment Advisory Agreement.

 

In evaluating the Investment Advisory Agreements with respect to each Fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees considered various factors, including (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI with respect to the applicable Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreements; (ii) the advisory fees and other expenses paid by the Fund compared to those of similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the costs of the services provided to the Fund by AAI and the profits realized by AAI and its affiliates from its relationship to the Fund; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale have been or would be realized if and as the assets of the Fund grow and whether fees reflect the economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders; and (v) any additional benefits and other considerations.

 

With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI under the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered and reviewed information concerning the services provided under the Investment Advisory Agreements, the investment parameters of the index of each Fund, financial information regarding AAI and its parent company, information describing AAI’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds.

 

The Board reviewed information on the performance of each Fund and its applicable benchmark. The Board also evaluated the correlation and tracking error between each underlying index and its corresponding Fund’s performance. Based on this review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees. found that the nature and extent of services provided to each Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreements was appropriate and that the quality was satisfactory.

 

The Board noted that the advisory fees for each Fund were unitary fees pursuant to which AAI assumes all expenses of the Funds (including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services) other than the payments under the Advisory Agreement, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses.

 

With respect to advisory fee rates, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, noted the following:

 

The gross management fee rate for SDOG, IDOG and EDOG is higher than the median of its FUSE expense group. These Funds’ respective net expense ratios, however, are slightly above the median of their respective FUSE expense group.

 

The gross management fee rate for RDOG is lower than the median of its FUSE expense group. RDOG’s net expense ratio is also below the median of its FUSE expense group.

 

Based on the foregoing, and the other information available to them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the advisory fee rate for each of the Funds were reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of the services provided.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees considered other benefits available to AAI because of its relationship with the Funds and concluded that the advisory fees were reasonable taking into account any such benefits.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees also considered with respect to each Fund the information provided by AAI about the costs and profitability of AAI with respect to each of the Funds, including the asset levels and other factors that influence the profitability and financial viability of the Funds. The Board, including the Independent Trustees reviewed and noted the relatively small sizes of the Funds (other than SDOG) and concluded that AAI was not realizing any economies of scale. With respect to SDOG, the Independent Trustees noted that the Fund’s asset levels have recovered to its respective historic highs. The Independent Trustees determined that AAI should continue to keep the Board informed on an ongoing basis of any significant developments (e.g., material increases in asset levels) so as to facilitate the Independent Trustees’ evaluation of whether further economies of scale have been achieved.

 

In voting to renew each Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the terms of each Investment Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, the fees paid by certain other funds, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the members of the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Board, including the Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together.

40 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Trustees and Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser for the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trust currently has four Trustees. Three Trustees have no affiliation or business connection with the Adviser or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by the Adviser. These are the “non-interested” or “independent” Trustees (“Independent Trustees”). The other Trustee (the “Interested Trustee”) is affiliated with the Adviser.

 

The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Independent Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are shown below.

 

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Name, Address & Year of Birth* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees

Mary K.

Anstine,

1940

Trustee Since March 2008 Ms. Anstine is Trustee/Director of AV Hunter Trust and Colorado Uplift Board. 36 Ms. Anstine is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds).

Jeremy W.

Deems,

1976

Trustee Since March 2008 Mr. Deems is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Green Alpha Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor, and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Shelton Green Alpha Fund. 36 Mr. Deems is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); and Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Clough Funds Trust (1 fund).

Rick A.

Pederson,

1952

Trustee Since March 2008 Mr. Pederson is Partner, Bow River Capital Partners (private equity management), 2003 -  present; Board Member, Prosci Inc. (private business services) 2013-2016; Advisory Board Member, Citywide Banks (Colorado community bank) 2014-2017; Board Member, Strong-Bridge Consulting, 2015-2019; Board Member, IRI/ODMS Holdings LLC, 2017-2019; Director, National Western Stock Show (not for profit) 2010 -  present; Director, History Colorado (not for profit) 2015-present; Director, Citywide Bank Advisory Board 2017-present; Trustee, Boettcher Foundation, 2018 -present. 19 Mr. Pederson is Trustee of Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds) and Principal Real Estate Income Fund (1 fund).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

41 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Trustees and Officers   November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Trustee who is an “interested person” of the Trust, his term of office and length of time served, his principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by the Interested Trustee and the other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee, are shown below.

 

INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Name, Address and Year of Birth of Interested Trustee* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Number of Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees

Edmund J.

Burke,

1961

Trustee Since December 2017. Mr. Burke joined ALPS in 1991 and served as the President and Director of ALPS Holdings, Inc., and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“AAI”), and Director of ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“ADI”), ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“AFS”), and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (“APSD”). Mr. Burke retired from ALPS in June 2019. 31 Mr. Burke is a Trustee of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Equity Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Opportunities Fund (1 fund); Clough Funds Trust (1 fund); Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (1 fund); Director of the Liberty All- Star Growth Fund, Inc. (1 fund) and Financial Investors Trust (32 funds).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Effective December 1, 2021, Mr. Burke is an Independent Trustee of the Trust.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.
42 | November 30, 2021 

 

ALPS ETF Trust

 

Trustees and Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

OFFICERS
Name, Address and Year of Birth of Officer* Position(s) Held with Trust Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Laton Spahr, 1975 President Since June 2021 Mr. Spahr joined ALPS in 2019 and currently serves as President and Portfolio Manager of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Spahr was a Senior Vice President and Strategy Leader of the Value & Income Team for Oppenheimer Funds from 2013 to 2019.
Matthew Sutula, 1985 Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) Since December 2019 Mr. Sutula joined ALPS in 2012 and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Sutula served as interim Compliance Officer of the Trust (September 2019 to December 2019). Compliance Manager and Senior Compliance Analyst for AAI, as well as Compliance Analyst for AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, he spent seven years at Morningstar, Inc. in various analyst roles supporting the registered investment company databases. Mr. Sutula is also Chief Compliance Officer of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, ALPS Variable Investment Trust, RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc., Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc.
Kathryn Burns, 1976 Treasurer Since September 2018 Ms. Burns serves as Vice President, Director of Fund Operations of AAI since 2018. From 2013 to 2018, she served as Vice President and Fund Controller at AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, she worked at Old Mutual Capital where she served as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2010 – 2012) and Regulatory Reporting Manager and Assistant Treasurer to the Old Mutual Funds Trusts (2006 – 2012). She also served as a CPA for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Ms. Burns also serves as President of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Principal Real Estate Income Fund and RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. From June 2018 to November 2021 she also served as Treasurer of Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Brendan Hamill, 1986 Secretary Since September 2021 Mr. Hamill joined ALPS in August 2021, and is currently Vice President and Principal Legal Counsel. Prior to joining ALPS, Mr. Hamill was an attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP (law firm) (December 2018-August 2021) and Vedder Price, P.C. (law firm) (August 2015-December 2018). Mr. Hamill also serves as Secretary of Financial Investors Trust, Secretary of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Secretary of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, and Assistant Secretary of James Advantage Funds.

 

*The business address of each Officer is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Each Officer is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act.
**This is the period for which the Officer began serving the Trust. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his/her successor is elected.

 

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

43 | November 30, 2021 

 

   

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Performance Overview 1
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 6
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 7
Schedule of Investments 8
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 13
Statement of Operations 14
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 15
Financial Highlights 16
Notes to Financial Statements 17
Additional Information 23
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement 25
Trustees & Officers 26
 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

 

The Barron’s 400SM ETF (the “Fund” or “BFOR”) seeks investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the Barron’s 400 IndexSM (the “Underlying Index”). The Underlying Index is a rules-based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of high performing equity securities of U.S. companies. The Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the equity securities which comprise the Underlying Index.

 

The Underlying Index generally consists of 400 stocks. The Underlying Index’s stocks are constituents of the MarketGrader U.S. Coverage Universe. In compiling the Underlying Index, MarketGrader Capital, LLC (the “Index Provider”) selects the 400 stocks from the MarketGrader U.S. Coverage Universe by using a methodology that selects components based on the strength of their fundamentals in growth, value, profitability and cash flow and then screens such potential Underlying Index components for certain criteria regarding concentration, market capitalization, and liquidity. The eligible stocks that are selected for inclusion in the Underlying Index’s portfolio are equally weighted. The Underlying Index is rebalanced by the Index Provider semiannually, on the third Friday of March and September each year.

 

Performance Overview

 

The Barron’s 400 ETF (BFOR) closed its 2021 fiscal year on November 30th, with its best-ever annual performance since the Fund's inception returning 33.2% for the year. Over the year, the BFOR closely tracked the performance its benchmark, the Barron’s 400 Index (B400T), which gained 34.1% on a total return basis. Figure 1 presents the fiscal year returns for both BFOR and the B400 since the Fund’s inception on June 3, 2013.

 

Figure 1. Fiscal Year Returns for the Barron’s 400 ETF (BFOR) and Its Benchmark, the Barron’s 400 Index (B400T) Since Inception on June 3, 2013.

 

Fiscal Year Barron’s 400 ETF (BFOR) Barron’s 400 Index (B400T)
2013* 17.2% 18.4%
2014 8.1% 9.0%
2015 1.0% 1.8%
2016 9.1% 9.9%
2017 21.9% 22.6%
2018 -2.1% -1.5%
2019 5.0% 5.6%
2020 13.3% 14.1%
2021 33.2% 34.1%

 

*The fiscal year 2013 is measured from the Fund’s inception on June 3, 2013, through November 30, 2013. BFOR returns are based on the Fund’s last market price at each fiscal year’s end date. B400T figures reflect total returns. Source: Bloomberg.

 

Barron’s 400 Index Outperforms the Broad U.S. Stock Market

 

A year ago, the Advisor wrote about the remarkable bounce the Barron’s 400 Index (B400T) had from its March 23, 2020 low following the brief swoon in U.S. equities at the outset of the global pandemic, with the index gaining 78.3% on a total return basis from the market bottom through the end of fiscal year 2020 (see annual letter to shareholders in the 2020 annual report)1. This helped it record a strong 13.6% return for the year, although it failed to beat the broad U.S. market as measured by the Dow Jones US Total Stock Market Index (DJUSTSM), which rose 20% during the same period. In fiscal year 2021, however, the B400 handily beat the broad market benchmark gaining 34.1% to the DJUSTSM’s 26.5%. Furthermore, the B400 also outperformed the market’s large cap benchmarks, represented by the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and the Russell 1000 Index (R1K), which gained 27.9%, and 26.7%, respectively. Interestingly, the B400 outperformed the market’s small cap and midcap benchmarks too, as measured by the Russell 2000 Index (R2K), and the S&P MidCap 400 Index, which gained 22% and 26.5%, respectively. A summary of BFOR’s and B400’s performance in fiscal year 2021 may be seen in Figure 2.

 

1Source: Bloomberg
1 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Figure 2. Fiscal Year 2021 Performance for the Barron’s 400 ETF (BFOR) and the Barron’s 400 Index (B400T) Versus Select Broad and Size U.S. Equity Benchmarks

 

  Fiscal Year Return 11/30/2020 – 11/30/2021
Barron’s 400 ETF (BFOR) 33.2%
Barron’s 400 Index 34.1%
Dow Jones US Total Stock Market Index 26.5%
S&P 500 Index 27.9%
Russell 1000 Index 26.7%
Russell 2000 Index 22.0%
S&P MidCap 400 Index 26.5%
S&P Small Cap 600 Index 31.4%

 

Source: Bloomberg

 

Barron’s 400 vs. Factor Benchmark Returns

 

A common theme throughout 2021 was the widely held belief that the value factor seemed poised to finally make a comeback after years of underperforming the growth factor. In fiscal year 2020 alone, the Russell 3000 Value Index (R3KV) underperformed the Russell 3000 Growth Index (R3KG) by almost 40 percentage points (2.2% vs. 37.3%, respectively). The trend was not entirely reversed in fiscal year 2021, although value did have much better relative performance than in 2020, with R3KV returning 22.9%, yet still lower than R3KG’s return of 29.4%. However, when combined with the size factor, value’s performance was indeed quite strong, based on the Russell 2000 Value Index’s (small cap value) return of 33% compared to the Russell 1000 Growth Index’s (large cap growth) return of 30.7%. The Barron’s 400 Index, BFOR’s benchmark, was designed to straddle the factor divide by selecting companies according to MarketGrader’s GARP (growth at a reasonable price) methodology. This allowed the index to outperform, in 2021, the four combinations of size and style (large, small, value, and growth) tracked by the Russell size and style benchmarks. Furthermore, the B400 also did better in fiscal year 2021 than the midcap growth benchmark, based on the S&P MidCap 400 Index’s return of 21.5%. Though the B400 is an all-cap index, it is often compared to midcap growth exposures since it is equally weighted, and thus its median market cap falls squarely within the midcap range2. Figure 3 shows how BFOR and the B400 performed relative to the size and style benchmarks.

 

Figure 3. Fiscal Year 2021 Performance for the Barron’s 400 ETF (BFOR), the Barron’s 400 Index (B400T) Versus Size & Style Equity Benchmarks

 

  Fiscal Year Return 11/30/2020 – 11/30/2021
Barron’s 400 ETF (BFOR) 33.2%
Barron’s 400 Index 34.1%
S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index 21.5%
Russell 3000 Value Index 22.9%
Russell 3000 Growth Index 29.4%
Russell 1000 Value Index (Large Cap Value) 22.2%
Russell 1000 Growth Index (Large Cap Growth) 30.7%
Russell 2000 Value Index (Small Cap Value) 33.0%
Russell 2000 Growth Index (Small Cap Growth) 12.0%
MSCI USA Quality Factor Index 26.8%

 

Source: Bloomberg

 

Breaking Down the Companies

 

The B400 Index reconstitutes and rebalances in March and September of each calendar year3. But the BFOR’s fiscal year runs from November 30th close of one year to the November 30th close of the following year. Therefore, over its fiscal year, BFOR holds three different portfolios. The first portfolio of 400 companies is the one that it starts the fiscal year with (which was reconstituted in September of the previous fiscal year), and this is held through the March rebalance. When the B400 Index reconstitutes in March, this essentially determines the second portfolio of 400 companies that BFOR holds. Finally, when the B400 reconstitutes in September, the third portfolio of B400 companies that BFOR holds is determined.

 

2As of this writing on December 10, 2021, the average market cap of all B400 constituents was $54.9 billion, while the median market cap was $10.7 billion. Source: MarketGrader Research.
3B400 is reconstituted and rebalanced semi-annually on the third Friday of March and September.

2 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

For the 2021 fiscal year, the three portfolios that were held by BFOR comprised a total of 711 different companies, including the 400 companies selected by the B400 in September 2020, March 2021, and September 2021 for the index. Of these, 73% (or 518 companies) had a positive return during their time as members of B400 in the last fiscal year, with only 27% having posted a negative return. It’s worth noting that 137 companies that were members of the B400 at the start of the 2021 fiscal year (selected at the September 2020 rebalance) are still part of the index (34% of current constituents). Figure 4 summarizes the number of companies that were members of the B400 across different time periods during the 2021 fiscal year. Figure 5 presents the top 30 performers (regardless of the period each stock was held).

 

Figure 4. Barron’s 400 Unique Constituents by Selection Period In the 2021 Fiscal Year

 

Period # of Companies
Sept. 2020 to March 2021 131
Sept. 2020 to Sept. 2021 96
Sept. 2020 to March 2022 137
Sept. 2020 to March 2021 & Sept. 2021 to March 2022* 36
March 2021 to Sept. 2021 84
March 2021 to March 2022 84
Sept. 2021 to March 2022 143

 

*These are companies that started the 2021 fiscal year as members of B400, were removed at the March 2022 reconstitution, and were then re-selected in September 2021 reconstitution. Source: MarketGrader Research.

 

Figure 5. Top 30 Performing Stocks in the Barron’s 400 Index During the 2021 Fiscal Year*

 

Symbol Company Name Market Cap** (in USD Millions) Sector Start Date End Date Return (%)
DISCA Discovery, Inc. Class A 11,144 Consumer Discretionary 9/21/20 3/19/21 187.14
CROX Crocs, Inc. 2,522 Consumer Discretionary 9/21/20 3/18/22 178.52
VIAC ViacomCBS Inc. Class B 16,972 Consumer Discretionary 9/21/20 3/19/21 175.94
ATKR Atkore International Group 1,243 Industrials 9/21/20 3/18/22 173.22
FTNT Fortinet, Inc. 15,874 Technology 9/21/20 3/18/22 169.5
NVDA NVIDIA Corporation 298,217 Technology 9/21/20 3/18/22 143.81
TBBK Bancorp Inc 497 Financials 9/21/20 3/18/22 139.58
WAL Western Alliance Bancorp 3,485 Financials 9/21/20 3/18/22 114.12
SFBS ServisFirst Bancshares Inc 1,821 Financials 9/21/20 3/18/22 112.78
SBNY Signature Bank 5,576 Financials 9/21/20 3/19/21 112.44
IT Gartner, Inc. 11,333 Industrials 9/21/20 3/18/22 105.43
CLFD Clearfield, Inc. 338 Technology 3/22/21 3/18/22 104.49
WIRE Encore Wire Corporation 1,359 Industrials 3/22/21 3/18/22 102.74
SIVB SVB Financial Group 13,374 Financials 9/21/20 3/18/22 100.76
GNRC Generac Holdings Inc. 11,015 Industrials 9/21/20 3/18/22 95.38
CPRX Catalyst Pharmaceuticals 297 Health Care 9/21/20 3/18/22 91.26
XPEL XPEL, Inc. 352 Consumer Discretionary 9/21/20 3/18/22 89.78
MCB Metropolitan Bank Holding 373 Financials 3/22/21 3/18/22 88.92
EPAM EPAM Systems, Inc. 17,023 Technology 9/21/20 3/18/22 88.80
CPF Central Pacific Financial 429 Financials 9/21/20 3/18/22 88.46
HIBB Hibbett Sports, Inc. 534 Consumer Discretionary 9/21/20 9/17/21 88.36
PFBC Preferred Bank 506 Financials 9/21/20 3/18/22 85.34
INTU Intuit Inc. 84,085 Technology 9/21/20 3/18/22 85.30
ANET Arista Networks, Inc. 11,469 Technology 9/21/20 3/18/22 83.30
ENPH Enphase Energy, Inc. 7,692 Technology 9/21/20 3/18/22 83.06
EWBC East West Bancorp, Inc. 5,296 Financials 9/21/20 3/19/21 82.87
XLNX Xilinx, Inc. 27,441 Technology 3/22/21 3/18/22 82.25
CASH Meta Financial Group, Inc. 611 Financials 9/21/20 3/18/22 80.57
AMAT Applied Materials, Inc. 55,440 Industrials 9/21/20 3/18/22 78.46
WSM Williams-Sonoma, Inc. 6,497 Consumer Discretionary 9/21/20 3/18/22 77.98

 

*Regardless of holding period.
**Market cap is from the date each company was first selected to B400 during fiscal year 2021. Sources: MarketGrader Research and FactSet.
3 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
Barron’s 400SM ETF – NAV 33.18% 13.58% 12.13%
Barron’s 400SM ETF – Market Price* 33.17% 13.58% 12.13%
Barron’s 400 IndexSM 34.06% 14.31% 12.87%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.70%

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Total return figures assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.alpsfunds.com or call 1.855.724.0450.

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced Investment Operations on June 4, 2013.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

The Barron’s 400 IndexSM, calculated by NYSE Arca or its affiliates, measures the performance of a diversified group of U.S. companies selected in part based on fundamentals-related rules-based criteria. The index includes companies that have scored highest according to fundamentals-related rankings calculated by MarketGrader Capital, LLC. Additional rules-based screening provides for sector and market cap diversification. The Underlying Index has been licensed by MarketGrader for use with the Barron’s 400SM ETF.

 

The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect Fund performance.

 

Funds that emphasize investments in small/mid cap companies will generally experience greater price volatility.

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Barron’s 400SM ETF on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

The Barron’s 400SM ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the Fund.

4 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Encore Wire Corp. 0.40%
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. 0.38%
Enphase Energy, Inc. 0.38%
Triumph Bancorp, Inc. 0.37%
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. 0.36%
NVIDIA Corp. 0.35%
Xilinx, Inc. 0.35%
Clearfield, Inc. 0.35%
Trade Desk, Inc. 0.35%
Calix, Inc. 0.35%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 3.64%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned).

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

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

 

 

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

5 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Disclosure of Fund Expenses November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the (six month) period and held through November 30, 2021.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  Beginning Account Value 6/1/21 Ending Account Value 11/30/21 Expense Ratio(a) Expenses Paid During Period 6/1/21 - 11/30/21(b)
Barron's 400 ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,054.30 0.65% $3.35
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.81 0.65% $3.29

 

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.
(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (183), divided by 365.
6 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of ALPS ETF Trust and the shareholders of Barron’s 400SM ETF:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments of Barron’s 400SM ETF (the "Fund"), one of the funds constituting the ALPS ETF Trust, as of November 30, 2021, the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, and the related notes.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of November 30, 2021, and the result of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Denver, Colorado

January 26, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by ALPS Advisors, Inc. since 2007.

7 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (98.94%)          
Communication Services (3.31%)          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   129   $366,096 
Cable One, Inc.   194    343,780 
Cargurus, Inc.(a)   11,906    446,475 
DISH Network Corp., Class A(a)   8,830    275,937 
Fox Corp., Class A   10,507    375,205 
IDT Corp., Class B(a)   8,230    446,724 
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.   10,018    332,497 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a)   985    319,593 
Netflix, Inc.(a)   641    411,458 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A   2,586    386,607 
Omnicom Group, Inc.   5,118    344,493 
TEGNA, Inc.   21,489    424,408 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   6,816    342,640 
ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc.(a)   5,534    341,448 
Total Communication Services        5,157,361 
           
Consumer Discretionary (19.45%)          
Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.(a)   8,186    365,259 
Acushnet Holdings Corp.(b)   7,407    402,793 
America's Car-Mart, Inc.(a)   3,095    303,743 
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.(a)   2,161    353,626 
AutoNation, Inc.(a)   3,479    430,874 
Best Buy Co., Inc.   3,367    359,798 
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.(b)   14,860    352,628 
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.(a)   4,354    532,668 
BorgWarner, Inc.   8,585    371,559 
Boyd Gaming Corp.(a)   6,330    371,001 
Brunswick Corp.   3,822    358,924 
Buckle, Inc.   9,441    444,105 
Camping World Holdings, Inc., Class A(b)   9,618    421,846 
Carter's, Inc.   3,730    376,842 
Century Communities, Inc.   5,673    403,180 
Columbia Sportswear Co.   3,581    349,255 
Container Store Group, Inc.(a)   34,696    403,515 
Crocs, Inc.(a)   2,483    407,262 
Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)   848    343,779 
Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc.(b)   2,840    333,870 
Dillard's, Inc., Class A   1,846    505,619 
DR Horton, Inc.   4,220    412,294 
Five Below, Inc.(a)   2,006    408,101 
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   2,906    374,613 
General Motors Co.(a)   7,324    423,840 
Gentherm, Inc.(a)   4,624    390,497 
Genuine Parts Co.   3,091    394,844 
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.   2,259    439,940 
Hasbro, Inc.   3,804    368,646 
Haverty Furniture Cos., Inc.   10,986    328,591 
La-Z-Boy, Inc.   11,182    373,367 
LCI Industries   2,835    431,686 
Leggett & Platt, Inc.   7,975    322,110 
Lennar Corp., Class B   4,576    392,529 
LGI Homes, Inc.(a)   2,455    352,685 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Consumer Discretionary (continued)          
Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A   1,162   $338,526 
LKQ Corp.   7,257    405,666 
Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.(a)   19,856    304,591 
M/I Homes, Inc.(a)   6,112    341,600 
Malibu Boats, Inc., Class A(a)   5,470    380,001 
MarineMax, Inc.(a)   7,837    417,477 
MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.(a)   14,992    410,181 
Meritage Homes Corp.(a)   3,615    407,989 
Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a)   1,989    333,893 
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.(a)   5,883    396,338 
Movado Group, Inc.   11,612    521,030 
NIKE, Inc., Class B   2,335    395,175 
NVR, Inc.(a)   75    391,901 
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)   627    400,126 
Patrick Industries, Inc.   4,688    373,962 
Pool Corp.   781    432,768 
PulteGroup, Inc.   7,862    393,336 
Rent-A-Center, Inc., Class A   6,223    274,870 
Revolve Group, Inc.(a)   5,800    441,786 
RH(a)   536    312,585 
Service Corp. International   6,015    397,952 
Shoe Carnival, Inc.   10,871    425,056 
Shutterstock, Inc.   3,313    377,715 
Signet Jewelers, Ltd.   4,805    466,758 
Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Class A(a)   8,032    360,797 
Skyline Champion Corp.(a)   5,877    459,875 
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.   17,953    408,431 
Sonos, Inc.(a)(b)   10,245    324,254 
Standard Motor Products, Inc.   9,021    451,411 
Stride, Inc.(a)   10,977    374,645 
Sturm Ruger & Co., Inc.   5,105    365,978 
Target Corp.   1,530    373,075 
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.   7,824    335,180 
TopBuild Corp.(a)   1,695    457,294 
TRI Pointe Group, Inc.(a)   16,928    422,692 
Ulta Beauty, Inc.(a)   992    380,878 
Vista Outdoor, Inc.(a)   8,991    392,637 
Whirlpool Corp.   1,714    373,206 
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.   2,079    405,072 
Winnebago Industries, Inc.   5,362    387,244 
XPEL, Inc.(a)(c)   4,571    328,609 
YETI Holdings, Inc.(a)   3,724    343,204 
Zumiez, Inc.(a)   9,875    451,880 
Total Consumer Discretionary        30,343,533 
           
Consumer Staples (4.64%)          
Altria Group, Inc.   7,668    326,963 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.   6,142    382,094 
Bunge, Ltd.   4,817    417,008 
Central Garden & Pet Co.(a)   8,367    403,122 
Coca-Cola Co.   6,660    349,317 
Darling Ingredients, Inc.(a)   5,010    338,275 
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., Class A   1,120    371,918 
Hershey Co.   2,124    376,989 

8 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Consumer Staples (continued)          
Ingles Markets, Inc., Class A   5,714   $438,721 
Inter Parfums, Inc.   5,343    469,276 
Medifast, Inc.   1,692    348,112 
MGP Ingredients, Inc.(b)   5,888    459,146 
Monster Beverage Corp.(a)   3,905    327,161 
PepsiCo, Inc.   2,390    381,874 
Procter & Gamble Co.   2,551    368,824 
Sanderson Farms, Inc.   1,978    371,429 
Turning Point Brands, Inc.(b)   7,795    296,210 
Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A   4,916    388,167 
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.(a)   4,205    419,323 
Total Consumer Staples        7,233,929 
           
Energy (1.91%)          
California Resources Corp.   8,962    350,145 
EOG Resources, Inc.   5,334    464,058 
Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp.   23,341    442,779 
Oasis Petroleum, Inc.   3,969    475,883 
ONEOK, Inc.   6,991    418,341 
Texas Pacific Land Corp.   305    368,675 
Whiting Petroleum Corp.(a)   7,029    454,706 
Total Energy        2,974,587 
           
Financials (19.88%)          
1st Source Corp.   8,216    379,990 
Allegiance Bancshares, Inc.   10,728    433,733 
Ameris Bancorp   7,944    386,635 
Apollo Global Management, Inc.   6,078    430,201 
Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A   7,332    327,960 
Athene Holding, Ltd., Class A(a)   5,418    443,843 
Atlantic Capital Bancshares, Inc.(a)   16,105    449,974 
Atlanticus Holdings Corp.(a)   7,236    430,035 
Bancorp, Inc.(a)   16,338    461,875 
Bank OZK   9,064    405,251 
Banner Corp.   7,192    411,958 
BOK Financial Corp.   4,443    458,562 
Byline Bancorp, Inc.   16,176    420,091 
Cadence Bank   13,069    381,876 
Capital One Financial Corp.   2,402    337,553 
Cathay General Bancorp   9,330    391,020 
Central Pacific Financial Corp.   15,776    422,324 
Cohen & Steers, Inc.   4,354    390,859 
Credit Acceptance Corp.(a)   610    381,189 
Enterprise Financial Services Corp.   8,605    399,014 
Evercore, Inc., Class A   2,680    371,716 
FactSet Research Systems, Inc.   967    453,107 
FB Financial Corp.   9,106    390,647 
Fidelity National Financial, Inc., Class A   7,998    391,182 
First BanCorp/Puerto Rico   30,453    404,720 
First Bancorp/Southern Pines NC   9,534    423,691 
First Busey Corp.   16,354    420,298 
First Foundation, Inc.   15,095    383,715 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Financials (continued)          
First Horizon Corp.   24,450   $394,379 
First Merchants Corp.   9,574    381,907 
Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.   7,469    347,607 
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.   7,427    403,286 
Heartland Financial USA, Inc.   8,009    380,428 
Houlihan Lokey, Inc.   4,163    451,852 
Independent Bank Corp.   18,628    420,061 
Independent Bank Group, Inc.   5,677    394,154 
Investors Bancorp, Inc.   26,742    398,188 
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.   10,119    380,272 
KeyCorp   18,005    404,032 
Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.   22,685    405,835 
Lazard, Ltd., Class A   7,944    338,573 
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.   6,730    599,643 
Merchants Bancorp   10,277    468,734 
Meta Financial Group, Inc.   7,368    440,385 
Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.(a)   4,883    463,543 
Moelis & Co., Class A   6,014    368,718 
National Bank Holdings Corp., Class A   10,609    452,156 
NBT Bancorp, Inc.   10,999    397,174 
Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.(a)   5,208    371,382 
OFG Bancorp   16,456    396,590 
Old National Bancorp   23,550    415,893 
Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.   9,929    384,749 
Peoples Bancorp, Inc.   12,294    379,147 
Piper Sandler Cos.   2,761    457,636 
Popular, Inc.   5,137    399,761 
Preferred Bank   6,118    416,942 
Premier Financial Corp.   12,789    375,997 
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.   5,658    403,302 
Provident Financial Services, Inc.   16,790    395,237 
QCR Holdings, Inc.   7,413    399,857 
Regional Management Corp.   6,110    345,582 
ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.   5,223    419,877 
SVB Financial Group(a)   633    438,245 
Synovus Financial Corp.   9,413    426,315 
T Rowe Price Group, Inc.   1,741    348,113 
Tompkins Financial Corp.   4,907    383,531 
Triumph Bancorp, Inc.(a)   4,547    579,060 
UMB Financial Corp.   4,206    423,039 
United Community Banks, Inc.   13,106    449,143 
Univest Financial Corp.   14,260    393,148 
Upstart Holdings, Inc.(a)   1,379    282,543 
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc., Class A   10,921    382,890 
WesBanco, Inc.   11,972    389,689 
Western Alliance Bancorp   3,790    416,066 
Wintrust Financial Corp.   5,070    443,777 
Zions Bancorp NA   6,522    411,408 
Total Financials        31,002,865 
           
Health Care (12.45%)          
Abbott Laboratories   2,918    366,997 
AbbVie, Inc.   3,483    401,520 
Agilent Technologies, Inc.   2,152    324,737 

9 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Health Care (continued)          
Align Technology, Inc.(a)   524   $320,442 
Antares Pharma, Inc.(a)   102,178    330,035 
Avantor, Inc.(a)   8,828    348,529 
Becton Dickinson and Co.   1,423    337,450 
BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc.(a)   85,462    237,584 
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.(a)   4,870    420,232 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.,          
Class A(a)   462    347,978 
Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)   3,707    356,613 
Bruker Corp.   4,318    349,715 
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   75,695    529,865 
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(a)   851    311,355 
Co.-Diagnostics, Inc.(a)   38,277    368,990 
Cooper Cos, Inc.   839    315,858 
Danaher Corp.   1,143    367,635 
DaVita, Inc.(a)   3,031    286,430 
Dexcom, Inc.(a)   684    384,812 
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)   3,067    329,120 
Eli Lilly & Co.   1,591    394,632 
Fulgent Genetics, Inc.(a)(b)   4,288    401,014 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.   5,265    362,916 
Globus Medical, Inc., Class A(a)   4,621    289,367 
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   8,959    294,572 
HCA Healthcare, Inc.   1,457    328,685 
Henry Schein, Inc.(a)   4,727    335,901 
Hologic, Inc.(a)   4,753    355,192 
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)   561    341,127 
Innoviva, Inc.(a)   24,595    411,228 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)   1,069    346,719 
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   31,115    345,065 
Johnson & Johnson   2,251    350,998 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)   1,250    356,663 
LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.   6,469    302,685 
Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc.(a)   7,939    364,718 
Medpace Holdings, Inc.(a)   2,047    424,568 
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)   237    358,849 
Moderna, Inc.(a)   867    305,557 
Organogenesis Holdings, Inc.(a)   25,457    256,097 
PerkinElmer, Inc.   2,022    368,328 
Pfizer, Inc.   8,295    445,690 
Premier, Inc., Class A   9,344    346,382 
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.   2,395    356,089 
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   575    366,005 
Repligen Corp.(a)   1,260    360,990 
Seagen, Inc.(a)   2,465    394,400 
Stryker Corp.   1,346    318,504 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   660    417,668 
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B   2,525    299,793 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Health Care (continued)          
Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A(a)   1,239   $350,117 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   1,969    368,085 
Waters Corp.(a)   905    296,903 
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.   820    362,981 
Zoetis, Inc.   1,821    404,335 
Total Health Care        19,418,720 
           
Industrials (15.28%)          
3M Co.   2,032    345,521 
AGCO Corp.   2,901    319,719 
AMERCO   563    396,667 
AO Smith Corp.   5,427    429,004 
Atkore, Inc.(a)   4,263    454,009 
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.(a)   4,922    431,216 
BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.(a)   7,250    511,415 
Boise Cascade Co.   6,879    445,966 
Builders FirstSource, Inc.(a)   7,090    492,330 
Carrier Global Corp.   6,745    365,039 
Caterpillar, Inc.   1,832    354,217 
Copart, Inc.(a)   2,565    372,335 
CSW Industrials, Inc.   2,957    355,431 
CSX Corp.   12,161    421,500 
Cummins, Inc.   1,599    335,390 
Deere & Co.   1,041    359,707 
Dover Corp.   2,220    363,747 
Emerson Electric Co.   3,798    333,616 
Encore Wire Corp.   4,439    623,502 
Equifax, Inc.   1,355    377,571 
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.   2,891    351,603 
Exponent, Inc.   3,252    378,858 
Fastenal Co.   6,993    413,776 
FedEx Corp.   1,454    334,958 
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.   3,856    387,644 
Generac Holdings, Inc.(a)   856    360,581 
Graco, Inc.   4,875    355,339 
Helios Technologies, Inc.   4,371    438,542 
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.   1,708    396,512 
Insteel Industries, Inc.   10,615    447,528 
JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.   2,205    421,508 
Kadant, Inc.   1,763    413,353 
L3Harris Technologies, Inc.   1,633    341,428 
Landstar System, Inc.   2,326    392,047 
Lennox International, Inc.   1,184    365,880 
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.   2,822    380,857 
Matson, Inc.   4,432    361,341 
MillerKnoll, Inc.   9,158    347,455 
Mueller Industries, Inc.   8,811    487,513 
Norfolk Southern Corp.   1,514    401,619 
Northrop Grumman Corp.   1,055    367,984 
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.   1,285    456,393 
Owens Corning   3,965    336,391 
Parker-Hannifin Corp.   1,298    392,074 
Robert Half International, Inc.   3,642    404,881 
10 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Industrials (continued)          
Rockwell Automation, Inc.   1,184   $398,061 
Saia, Inc.(a)   1,540    510,017 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.   3,450    397,992 
Snap-on, Inc.   1,716    353,342 
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.   2,032    355,112 
Textainer Group Holdings, Ltd.   11,612    379,364 
Textron, Inc.   5,310    375,948 
Toro Co.   3,542    356,184 
TransUnion   3,116    346,468 
Trex Co., Inc.(a)   3,450    458,057 
UFP Industries, Inc.   5,357    446,131 
Union Pacific Corp.   1,823    429,572 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   1,940    384,838 
Watsco, Inc.   1,336    391,061 
WW Grainger, Inc.   904    435,195 
Total Industrials        23,841,309 
           
Information Technology (16.37%)          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   575    385,164 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   3,507    555,404 
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)   3,313    373,375 
Amkor Technology, Inc.   12,879    277,671 
Amphenol Corp., Class A   4,897    394,600 
Analog Devices, Inc.   2,136    385,014 
Apple, Inc.   2,503    413,746 
Applied Materials, Inc.   2,645    389,317 
Arista Networks, Inc.(a)   4,140    513,608 
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.   1,857    428,763 
Broadcom, Inc.   738    408,616 
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.   2,186    368,494 
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)   2,247    398,753 
Calix, Inc.(a)   8,044    538,626 
CDW Corp.   1,916    362,814 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   6,409    351,470 
Clearfield, Inc.(a)   8,393    543,363 
Cognex Corp.   4,212    325,377 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A   4,900    382,102 
Corning, Inc.   9,694    359,550 
Diodes, Inc.(a)   3,844    408,809 
EMCORE Corp.(a)   52,093    383,925 
Enphase Energy, Inc.(a)   2,347    586,750 
Entegris, Inc.   2,896    423,048 
EPAM Systems, Inc.(a)   595    362,087 
EVERTEC, Inc.   8,112    340,623 
ExlService Holdings, Inc.(a)   2,992    388,571 
Fair Isaac Corp.(a)   843    297,689 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.(a)   1,451    300,546 
Fortinet, Inc.(a)   1,233    409,492 
Gartner, Inc.(a)   1,194    372,826 
Intuit, Inc.   653    425,952 
Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a)   2,082    404,907 
KLA Corp.   1,039    424,047 
Lam Research Corp.   614    417,428 
Security Description  Shares   Value 
Information Technology (continued)          
Littelfuse, Inc.   1,408   $420,260 
Manhattan Associates, Inc.(a)   2,283    356,513 
Microsoft Corp.   1,236    408,609 
Monolithic Power Systems,          
Inc.   747    413,435 
Motorola Solutions, Inc.   1,539    389,644 
NetApp, Inc.   4,022    357,475 
NVIDIA Corp.   1,668    545,036 
ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)   7,752    476,205 
Onto Innovation, Inc.(a)   4,663    439,068 
Oracle Corp.   4,293    389,547 
Paychex, Inc.   3,382    403,134 
Paycom Software, Inc.(a)   792    346,484 
Power Integrations, Inc.   3,422    342,303 
Qorvo, Inc.(a)   2,035    297,578 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   2,627    474,331 
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.   2,082    315,756 
SS&C Technologies Holdings,          
Inc.   5,199    396,840 
Teradyne, Inc.   3,031    463,349 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   1,900    365,503 
Trade Desk, Inc., Class A(a)   5,235    541,404 
Trimble, Inc.(a)   4,062    348,804 
TTEC Holdings, Inc.   3,799    320,598 
Turtle Beach Corp.(a)   12,236    327,925 
Ubiquiti, Inc.   1,198    358,549 
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.   17,822    363,034 
VMware, Inc., Class A   2,651    309,478 
Xilinx, Inc.   2,384    544,625 
Xperi Corp.   18,722    335,498 
Zebra Technologies Corp.,          
Class A(a)   642    377,997 
Total Information Technology        25,531,509 
           
Materials (5.46%)          
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.   1,379    396,380 
Avery Dennison Corp.   1,672    342,877 
Ball Corp.   4,003    374,080 
Celanese Corp.   2,477    374,919 
Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc.(a)   16,805    341,982 
Crown Holdings, Inc.   3,512    371,570 
Dow Chemical Co.   6,217    341,500 
Eagle Materials, Inc.   2,583    398,350 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.   10,662    395,347 
Ingevity Corp.(a)   5,020    360,988 
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.   6,144    401,510 
Mosaic Co.   11,576    396,131 
NewMarket Corp.   1,144    379,007 
Newmont Corp.   6,484    356,101 
Nucor Corp.   3,492    371,060 
Packaging Corp. of America   2,501    326,606 
PPG Industries, Inc.   2,467    380,337 
Royal Gold, Inc.   3,394    339,502 
Sherwin-Williams Co.   1,240    410,738 
Southern Copper Corp.   6,103    357,025 
Steel Dynamics, Inc.   5,985    357,903 
Tronox Holdings PLC   15,505    340,955 

11 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Materials (continued)          
Valvoline, Inc.   11,590   $394,871 
Total Materials        8,509,739 
           
Utilities (0.19%)          
NRG Energy, Inc.   8,451    304,405 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $123,887,806)        154,317,957 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (0.78%)          
Energy (0.51%)          
KKR & Co., LP   5,852    435,681 
Magellan Midstream Partners LP   7,784    361,022 
Total Energy        796,703 
           
Financials (0.27%)          
Carlyle Group, Inc.   7,552    413,019 
           
TOTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS          
(Cost $1,146,784)        1,209,722 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.69%)               
Money Market Fund (0.19%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund               
(Cost $295,893)   0.01%   295,893    295,893 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (0.50%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 0.03%               
(Cost $784,121)        784,121    784,121 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $1,080,014)             1,080,014 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.41%)           
(Cost $126,114,604)        $156,607,693 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.41%)         (639,424)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%    $155,968,269 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.
(b)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $1,514,525.
(c)Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of November 30, 2021, the market value of those securities was $328,609 representing 0.21% of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

12 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Statement of Assets and Liabilities November 30, 2021

 

ASSETS:    
Investments, at value  $156,607,693 
Dividends receivable   231,549 
Total Assets   156,839,242 
      
LIABILITIES:     
Payable to adviser   86,852 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned   784,121 
Total Liabilities   870,973 
NET ASSETS  $155,968,269 
      
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:     
Paid-in capital  $179,908,086 
Total distributable earnings   (23,939,817)
NET ASSETS  $155,968,269 
      
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $126,114,604 
      
PRICING OF SHARES     
Net Assets  $155,968,269 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   2,500,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $62.39 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

13 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Statement of Operations For the Year Ended November 30, 2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:    
Dividends(a)  $2,164,072 
Securities Lending Income   14,858 
Total Investment Income   2,178,930 
      
EXPENSES:     
Investment adviser fees   914,299 
Net Expenses   914,299 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   1,264,631 
      
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN:     
Net realized gain on investments(b)   35,081,287 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments   2,133,972 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS   37,215,259 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $38,479,890 

 

(a)Net of foreign tax withholding of $925.
(b)Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

14 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:          
Net investment income  $1,264,631   $1,259,107 
Net realized gain/(loss)   35,081,287    (6,883,800)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation   2,133,972    14,975,635 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   38,479,890    9,350,942 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (1,258,708)   (1,017,716)
Total distributions   (1,258,708)   (1,017,716)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   94,843,165     
Cost of shares redeemed   (94,389,197)   (37,189,939)
Net increase/(decrease) from capital share transactions   453,968    (37,189,939)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   37,675,150    (28,856,713)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of year   118,293,119    147,149,832 
End of year  $155,968,269   $118,293,119 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   2,500,000    3,500,000 
Shares sold   1,650,000     
Shares redeemed   (1,650,000)   (1,000,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   2,500,000    2,500,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

15 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Financial Highlights For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $47.32   $42.04   $40.42   $41.54   $34.35 
                          
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(a)   0.52    0.43    0.44    0.40    0.29 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   15.05    5.14    1.51    (1.27)   7.17 
Total from investment operations   15.57    5.57    1.95    (0.87)   7.46 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (0.50)   (0.29)   (0.33)   (0.25)   (0.27)
Total distributions   (0.50)   (0.29)   (0.33)   (0.25)   (0.27)
                          
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   15.07    5.28    1.62    (1.12)   7.19 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $62.39   $47.32   $42.04   $40.42   $41.54 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   33.18%   13.33%   5.00%   (2.12)%   21.87%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $155,968   $118,293   $147,150   $163,708   $205,601 
                          
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.90%   1.08%   1.10%   0.93%   0.78%
Portfolio turnover rate(c)   91%   83%   109%   88%   84%

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

16 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of November 30, 2021, the Trust consisted of eighteen separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the Barron’s 400SM ETF (the “Fund”). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the Barron’s 400 IndexSM (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”). The Fund issues and redeems Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares, each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in the Underlying Index. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. On October 1, 2021, the Fund reduced its Creation Unit size from 50,000 to 25,000 shares.

 

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

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

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

 

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

 

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

17 | November 30, 2021 

 


Barron’s 400SM ETF
 
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of November 30, 2021:

 

Barron's 400 ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $154,317,957   $      –   $      –   $154,317,957 
Limited Partnerships*   1,209,722            1,209,722 
Short Term Investments   1,080,014            1,080,014 
Total  $156,607,693   $   $   $156,607,693 

 

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

 

The Fund did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the year ended November 30, 2021.

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

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

18 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Fund’s capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the following reclassifications, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets, were recorded to reflect permanent tax differences resulting primarily from in-kind transactions:

 

Fund  Paid-in Capital   Total Distributable Earnings 
Barron’s 400SM ETF  $34,844,026   $(34,844,026)

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 was as follows:

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2021               
Barron’s 400SM ETF  $1,258,708   $   $ 

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2020               
Barron’s 400SM ETF  $1,017,716   $   $ 

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2021, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
Barron’s 400SM ETF  $37,589,993   $17,906,661 

 

The Barron’s 400SM ETF used capital loss carryovers during the year ended November 30, 2021 in the amount of $538,562

 

As of November 30, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for each Fund were as follows:

 

   Barron’s 400SM ETF 
Undistributed net investment income  $1,041,653 
Accumulated net realized loss on investments   (55,496,654)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments   30,515,184 
Total  $(23,939,817)

 

As of November 30, 2021, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   Barron’s 400SM ETF 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $34,425,103 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (3,909,919)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  $30,515,184 
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $126,092,509 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales and investments in partnerships.

19 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

F. Income Taxes

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as the Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. The Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the year ended November 30, 2021, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

G. Lending of Portfolio Securities

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of November 30, 2021:

 

   Market Value of Securities on Loan   Cash Collateral Received   Non-Cash Collateral Received   Total Collateral Received 
Barron's 400 ETF  $1,514,525   $784,121   $805,066   $1,589,187 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Fund could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received.

20 | November 30, 2021 

 


Barron’s 400SM ETF
 
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of November 30, 2021:

 

Barron's 400 ETF  Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements 
                     
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 days   30-90 days   Greater than 90 days   Total 
Common Stocks  $784,121   $   $   $   $784,121 
Total Borrowings                       784,121 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)   $784,121 

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4.  PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
Barron's 400 ETF  $125,928,090   $126,114,656 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
Barron's 400 ETF  $94,375,667   $93,840,126 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the Barron's 400 ETF had in-kind net realized gains of $34,889,482.

 

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

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by the Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Fund. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of the Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances. 

21 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF    
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021  

 

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The Fund engaged in cross trades between other funds in the Trust during the year ended November 30, 2021 pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser. The Board previously adopted procedures that apply to transactions between the Funds of the Trust pursuant to Rule 17a-7. These transactions related to cross trades during the period complied with the requirements set forth by Rule 17a-7 and the Trust’s procedures.

 

Transactions related to cross trades during the year ended November 30, 2021, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchase cost paid   Sale proceeds received   Realized gain/(loss) on sales 
Barron's 400 ETF  $1,473,056   $1,093,715   $(54,485)

 

7. MARKET DISRUPTIONS RISK

 

 

The Fund is subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause the Fund to lose value.

 

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

 

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

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events, if any, after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

22 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

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

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

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

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The Barron’s 400 ETF designates the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2020:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction
Barron's 400 ETF 100.00% 100.00%

 

In early 2021, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Fund during the calendar year 2020 via Form 1099. The Fund will notify shareholders in early 2022 of amounts paid to them by the Fund, if any, during the calendar year 2021.

 

LICENSING AGREEMENT

 

 

MarketGrader Capital, LLC (the “Index Provider”) has entered into a license agreement with Dow Jones & Company to use the “Barron’s” name and certain related intellectual property in connection with the Underlying Index. The Index Provider also has entered into a license and services agreement with its parent company, MarketGrader.com, to use the methodology for constructing the Underlying Index. The Index Provider in turn has entered into the Sublicense Agreement with ALPS Advisers, Inc. to use the Underlying Index. The following disclosure relates to such licensing agreements:

 

The Barron’s 400 ETF (the “Fund”) is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Index Provider. The Index Provider makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Fund to track the performance of the physical commodities market. The Index Provider’s only relationship to the ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser”) or the Fund is the licensing of certain service marks and trade names of the Index Provider and of the Underlying Index that is determined, composed and calculated by the Index Provider without regard to the Adviser or the Fund. The Index Provider has no obligation to take the needs of the Adviser or the Fund or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Underlying Index. The Index Provider is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash. The Index Provider has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund

 

THE INDEX PROVIDER DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND THE INDEX PROVIDER SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. THE INDEX PROVIDER MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ADVISER, THE FUND, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE INDEX PROVIDER MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE INDEX PROVIDER HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

“The Barron’s 400 IndexSM” is calculated and published by MarketGrader Capital, LLC (“MarketGrader”). “Barron’s,” “Barron’s 400” and “Barron’s 400 Index” are trademarks or service marks of DJC & Company, Inc. or its affiliates and have been licensed to MarketGrader and sublicensed for certain purposes by Barron’s 400 Exchange Traded Fund, a sub-fund of that certain ALPS ETF Trust, a Delaware Statutory Trust (“Sub-Licensee”). The Barron’s 400 ETF (the “Product”) is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by DJC or its affiliates. DJC and its affiliates make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of trading in the Fund particularly. DJC and its affiliates’ only relationship to the Licensee is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of DJC. DJC has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the Fund into consideration in connection with its licensing of the Barron’s 400 Index to MarketGrader or the sublicense to Licensee. DJC and its affiliates are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be sold or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Product are to be converted into cash. DJC and its affiliates have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Barron’s 400 Index or the Product.

23 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

DOW JONES DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE BARRON’S 400 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND DOW JONES AND ITS AFFILIATES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. DOW JONESAND ITS AFFILIATES MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE BARRON’S 400 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. DOW JONES AND ITS AFFILIATES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES. AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE BARRON’S 400 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL DOW JONES AND ITS AFFILIATES HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN DJC AND THE LICENSEE, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF MARKETGRADER.

 

The Adviser does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein, and the Adviser shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. The Adviser makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the Shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. The Adviser makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Underlying Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

24 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on June 7, 2021 via electronic means (video-conference), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), evaluated a proposal to approve the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “AAI”) with respect to the Barron’s 400 ETF (“BFOR” or the “Fund”). The Independent Trustees also met separately to consider the Investment Advisory Agreement.

 

In evaluating the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund, the Board considered various factors, including (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI with respect to the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement; (ii) the advisory fees and other expenses paid by the Fund compared to those of similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the costs of the services provided to the Fund by AAI and the profits realized by AAI and its affiliates from its relationship to the Fund; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale have been or would be realized if and as the assets of the Fund grow and whether fees reflect the economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders; and (v) any additional benefits and other considerations.

 

With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered and reviewed information concerning the services provided under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the investment parameters of the index of the Fund, financial information regarding AAI and its parent company, information describing AAI’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Board reviewed information on the performance of the Fund and its benchmark. The Board also evaluated the correlation and tracking error between the underlying index and the Fund’s performance. Based on this review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, found that the nature and extent of services provided to the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement was appropriate and that the quality was satisfactory.

 

The Board noted that the advisory fee for the Fund was a unitary fee pursuant to which AAI assumes all expenses of the Fund (including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services) other than the payments under the Advisory Agreement, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses.

 

With respect to advisory fee rates, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, noted the following:

 

The gross management fee rate for the Fund is higher than the median of its FUSE expense group. The Fund’s net expense ratio, however, is slightly above the median of its respective FUSE expense group. With respect to the Fund, the Board took into account, among other things, the unique features and performance of the Fund’s underlying index and the costs and benefits of linkage to the Barron’s name.

 

Based on the foregoing, and the other information available to them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the advisory fee rate for the Fund was reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of the services provided.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees considered other benefits available to AAI because of its relationship with the Fund and concluded that the advisory fees were reasonable taking into account any such benefits.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees also considered with respect to the Fund the information provided by AAI about the costs and profitability of AAI with respect to the Fund, including the asset levels and other factors that influence the profitability and financial viability of the Fund. The Board, including the Independent Trustees reviewed and noted the relatively small size of the Fund and concluded that AAI was not realizing any economies of scale. The Independent Trustees determined that AAI should continue to keep the Board informed on an ongoing basis of any significant developments (e.g., material increases in asset levels) so as to facilitate the Independent Trustees’ evaluation of whether further economies of scale have been achieved.

 

In voting to renew the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, the fees paid by certain other funds, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the members of the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Board, including the Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together.

25 | November 30, 2021 

 


Barron’s 400SM ETF
 
Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser for the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trust currently has four Trustees. Three Trustees have no affiliation or business connection with the Adviser or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by the Adviser. These are the “non-interested” or “independent” Trustees (“Independent Trustees”). The other Trustee (the “Interested Trustee”) is affiliated with the Adviser.

 

The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Independent Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are shown below.

 

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Name, Address & Year of Birth* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees
Mary K. Anstine,
1940
Trustee Since March 2008 Ms. Anstine is Trustee/Director of AV Hunter Trust and Colorado Uplift Board. 36 Ms. Anstine is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds).

Jeremy W. Deems,

1976

Trustee Since March 2008 Mr. Deems is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Green Alpha Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor, and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Shelton Green Alpha Fund. 36 Mr. Deems is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); and Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Clough Funds Trust (1 fund).

Rick A. Pederson,

1952

Trustee Since March 2008 Mr. Pederson is Partner, Bow River Capital Partners (private equity management), 2003 -  present; Board Member, Prosci Inc. (private business services) 2013-2016; Advisory Board Member, Citywide Banks (Colorado community bank) 2014-2017; Board Member, Strong-Bridge Consulting, 2015-2019; Board Member, IRI/ODMS Holdings LLC, 2017-2019; Director, National Western Stock Show (not for profit) 2010 -  present; Director, History Colorado (not for profit) 2015-present; Director, Citywide Bank Advisory Board 2017-present; Trustee, Boettcher Foundation, 2018 -present. 19 Mr. Pederson is Trustee of Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds) and Principal Real Estate Income Fund (1 fund).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.
26 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Trustee who is an “interested person” of the Trust, his term of office and length of time served, his principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by the Interested Trustee and the other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee, are shown below.

 

INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Name, Address and Year of Birth of Interested Trustee* Position(s) Held with Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees*** Other Directorships Held by Trustees

Edmund J. Burke,

1961

Trustee Since December 2017. Mr. Burke joined ALPS in 1991 and served as the President and Director of ALPS Holdings, Inc., and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“AAI”), and Director of ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“ADI”), ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“AFS”), and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (“APSD”). Mr. Burke retired from ALPS in June 2019. 31 Mr. Burke is a Trustee of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Equity Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Opportunities Fund (1 fund); Clough Funds Trust (1 fund); Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (1 fund); Director of the Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc. (1 fund) and Financial Investors Trust (32 funds).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Effective December 1, 2021, Mr. Burke is an Independent Trustee of the Trust.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.
27 | November 30, 2021 

 

Barron’s 400SM ETF  
Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

OFFICERS
Name, Address and Year of Birth of Officer* Position(s) Held with Trust Length of Time Served** Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

Laton

Spahr,

1975

President Since June 2021 Mr. Spahr joined ALPS in 2019 and currently serves as President and Portfolio Manager of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Spahr was a Senior Vice President and Strategy Leader of the Value & Income Team for Oppenheimer Funds from 2013 to 2019.

Matthew

Sutula,

1985

Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) Since December 2019 Mr. Sutula joined ALPS in 2012 and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Sutula served as interim Compliance Officer of the Trust (September 2019 to December 2019). Compliance Manager and Senior Compliance Analyst for AAI, as well as Compliance Analyst for AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, he spent seven years at Morningstar, Inc. in various analyst roles supporting the registered investment company databases. Mr. Sutula is also Chief Compliance Officer of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, ALPS Variable Investment Trust, RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc., Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc.

Kathryn

Burns,

1976

Treasurer Since September 2018 Ms. Burns serves as Vice President, Director of Fund Operations of AAI since 2018. From 2013 to 2018, she served as Vice President and Fund Controller at AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, she worked at Old Mutual Capital where she served as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2010 – 2012) and Regulatory Reporting Manager and Assistant Treasurer to the Old Mutual Funds Trusts (2006 – 2012). She also served as a CPA for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Ms. Burns also serves as President of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Principal Real Estate Income Fund and RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. From June 2018 to November 2021 she also served as Treasurer of Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

Brendan

Hamill,

1986

Secretary Since September 2021 Mr. Hamill joined ALPS in August 2021, and is currently Vice President and Principal Legal Counsel. Prior to joining ALPS, Mr. Hamill was an attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP (law firm) (December 2018-August 2021) and Vedder Price, P.C. (law firm) (August 2015-December 2018). Mr. Hamill also serves as Secretary of Financial Investors Trust, Secretary of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Secretary of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, and Assistant Secretary of James Advantage Funds.

 

*The business address of each Officer is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Each Officer is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act.

**This is the period for which the Officer began serving the Trust. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his/her successor is elected.

 

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

28 | November 30, 2021 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Table of Contents

 

Performance Overview  
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 1
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 4
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 7
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 10
Disclosure of Fund Expenses 13
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 14
Financial Statements  
Schedule of Investments  
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 15
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 19
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 21
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 23
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 26
Statement of Operations 27
Statements of Changes in Net Assets  
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 28
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 29
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 30
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 31
Financial Highlights 32
Notes to Financial Statements 36
Additional Information 44
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements 45
Trustees & Officers 47

 

alpsfunds.com

 
 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF (the “Fund” or "RFCI") seeks total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a global portfolio of fixed income securities of various maturities, ratings and currency denominations.

 

Market Recap

The fiscal year ended November 30, 2021 was a year of recovery for the global equity markets. Early into the fiscal year, the release of COVID-19 vaccines caused a global equity rally, led by value stocks. Both developed international equities and emerging international equities outperformed US equities during this rally but began to lose their momentum halfway through February 2021. Emerging markets, specifically, saw a large draw down from mid-February through March; this drawdown was caused in large part due to concerns surrounding China’s growth prospects. These concerns, amplified by political questions surrounding China, would continue to affect performance in the fiscal year, with emerging markets posting negative performance from June through the end of October.

 

In the developed world, the United States was able to outperform developed international markets. Despite lagging value stocks in the first quarter of the fiscal year, US growth stocks out-performed value for the fiscal year, leading the way within the broad US large cap asset class. For developed international stocks, the value rotation slowed, but never stopped, with growth stock pacing the broad market throughout the fiscal year.

 

Looking in the rear-view mirror, fixed income markets were volatile in 2021. After beginning the calendar year with the 10-year Treasury bonds yielding just .93%, yields quickly rose as the economy accelerated after Fed stimulus through quantitative easing and government transfer payments. Yields peaked at 1.74% at the end of March, and then traded within a 60-basis point range. With Treasury bond yields low, the funds used a combination of investment grade and high yield credit to generate income, while maintaining a short duration strategy versus the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund’s duration was kept shorter due to the anticipation reducing bond purchases through its quantitative easing program in addition to inflation expectations increasing.

 

2021 Performance Attribution

Broadly, RFCI underperformed its benchmark for the 12-month period ending November 30, 2021. The underperformance was primarily due to the Fund’s selection within investment grade bonds.

 

Negative Contributors:

Selection within Treasuries: The Fund’s Treasury bond holdings had longer maturities than those in the benchmark and underperformed as interest rates rose throughout the period.
Allocation to Mortgage-backed Securities (MBS): The Fund had no exposure to MBS during this period and MBS outperformed Treasuries.

 

Positive Contributors:

Allocation to credit: The Fund’s overweight to corporate bonds relative to Treasuries, agencies, and mortgages was additive during the period, as credit spreads tightened.
Allocation to Treasuries: The Fund’s underweight to Treasuries had a positive effect on performance, as interest rates moved higher over the period.

 

2022 Outlook

While Riverfront understands and partially shares the worries surrounding rising debt and inflation that contributed to a flat to negative global stock market in the third quarter, RiverFront believes that stocks and commodities will remain the highest performing asset classes. These assets provide more potential for capital appreciation to offset inflation and higher taxes than ‘stable assets’ like cash, CDs, and bonds. In the US, RiverFront prefers to play the equity markets using a barbell approach to growth and value. RiverFront favors growth, mega-cap stocks, specifically those that lean towards software and services, while also selectively investing in more cyclical, value stocks. This approach allows RiverFront’s portfolios to have proper exposures to both sides of the growth versus value trade, while not overexposing the Fund to low-quality, value names or telecommunication stocks, which RiverFront believes at the aggregate are over-valued.

 

Internationally, RiverFront believes that the potential for a reacceleration in global growth lends itself to value investing. However, RiverFront believes that this excludes developed international energy stocks; it is RiverFront’s view that these stocks are worse positioned to take advantage of high oil prices than their US or emerging counterparts. From a country standpoint, RiverFront prefers the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan, with a partially hedged position in yen and euro denominated assets. In emerging markets, RiverFront’s highest conviction is an underweight to China. RiverFront believes that the Chinese Communist Party's recent actions have signaled an aversion to free market economics that RiverFront believes are required to be a viable investment. As such, Riverfront has allocated capital away from Chinese equites toward South Korea and Saudi Arabian energy equities.

 

Heading into 2022, RiverFront believes the Fed will accelerate its tapering of bond purchases to help slow inflation. RiverFront expects inflation to peak in the first half of the year, thus limiting the upside pressure on yields. RiverFront’s base case for the 10-year Treasury bond is for it to reach 2% by the end of the calendar year. Given the low level of yields going into the new year RiverFront believes that there will be little price appreciation in bonds, with most of the total return coming from income. Therefore, the Fund will look to out yield the benchmark by owning short and intermediate corporate bonds, high yield, and bank loans in combination with long duration Treasuries to act as a shock absorber in case of risk off events.

1 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF – NAV -1.51% 3.12% 2.51%
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF – Market Price* -1.43% 3.08% 2.50%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index -1.15% 3.65% 2.96%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.54%.

 

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

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced operations on June 14, 2016.
*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS (agency and non-agency). The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF.

2 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings*^ (as of November 30, 2021)

 

United States Treasury Bond 02/15/2028 2.75% 6.49%
United States Treasury Bond 02/15/2041 1.88% 5.40%
United States Treasury Bond 02/15/2051 1.88% 3.98%
United States Treasury Note 10/31/2025 3.00% 3.22%
Broadcom, Inc. 11/15/2035 3.14% 2.02%
Marathon Oil Corp. 07/15/2027 4.40% 2.01%
Ford Motor Co. 04/22/2030 9.63% 1.98%
Iron Mountain, Inc. 09/15/2027 4.88% 1.97%
United States Treasury Note 10/31/2031 2.88% 1.86%
United States Treasury Bond 08/15/2051 2.00% 1.79%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 30.72%

 

*% of Total Investments.
^Excludes Money Market Fund

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

  

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark

 

 

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

3 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (the “Fund” or "RFDA") seeks to provide capital appreciation and dividend income. Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 65% of its net assets in a portfolio of equity securities of publicly traded U.S. companies with the potential for dividend income. Equity securities include common stocks and common or preferred shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

 

Market Recap

The fiscal year ended November 30, 2021 was a year of recovery for the global equity markets. Early into the fiscal year, the release of COVID-19 vaccines caused a global equity rally, led by value stocks. Both developed international equities and emerging international equities outperformed US equities during this rally but began to lose their momentum halfway through February 2021. Emerging markets, specifically, saw a large draw down from mid-February through March; this drawdown was caused in large part due to concerns surrounding China’s growth prospects. These concerns, amplified by political questions surrounding China, would continue to affect performance in the fiscal year, with emerging markets posting negative performance from June through the end of October.

 

In the developed world, the United States was able to outperform developed international. Despite lagging value stocks in the first quarter of the fiscal year, US growth stocks out-performed value for the fiscal year, leading the way within the broad US large cap asset class. For developed international stocks, the value rotation slowed, but never stopped, with growth stock pacing the broad market throughout the fiscal year.

 

Looking in the rear-view mirror, fixed income markets were volatile in 2021. After beginning the calendar year with the 10-year Treasury bonds yielding just .93%, yields quickly rose as the economy accelerated after Fed stimulus through quantitative easing and government transfer payments. Yields peaked at 1.74% at the end of March, and then traded within a 60-basis point range. With Treasury bond yields low, the Fund used a combination of investment grade and high yield credit to generate income, while maintaining a short duration strategy versus the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund’s duration was kept shorter due to the anticipation reducing bond purchases through its quantitative easing program in addition to inflation expectations increasing.

 

2021 Performance Attribution

Broadly, RFDA underperformed its benchmark for the 12-month period ending November 30, 2021. The underperformance was primarily due to the Fund’s selection decisions.

 

1.Sector Allocation: The sector allocations in RFDA are determined through a bottoms-up process that ranks stocks on three fundamental cornerstones: value, quality and momentum/sentiment. If a sector produces more highly ranked stocks relative to another sector, that sector’s allocation is allowed to exceed its benchmark by a tolerable level, and vice versa. Sector allocation was a slightly negative contributor for RFDA in FY 2021.

 

a.Positive contributors: The underweights to utilities and healthcare were positive contributors.

 

b.Negative contributors: The portfolio’s underweights to consumer cyclicals and its over-weights to consumer non-cyclicals dampened relative performance.

 

2.Security Selection: The investment selection process behind RFDA is built on making a number of security selection choices. This means that there are rarely just one or two things contributing to the returns in the fund. In FY 2021, Riverfront's equity selection posted negative results in aggregate. A few of the top themes that contributed most to performance in the year were:

 

a.Positive contributors: Security selection in healthcare and consumer services were additive.

 

b.Negative contributors: Security selection in business services, non-energy materials and consumer cyclicals detracted from performance.

 

2022 Outlook

While Riverfront understands and partially shares the worries surrounding rising debt and inflation that contributed to a flat to negative global stock market in the third quarter, Riverfront believes that stocks and commodities will remain the highest performing asset classes. These assets provide more potential for capital appreciation to offset inflation and higher taxes than ‘stable assets’ like cash, CDs, and bonds. In the US, RiverFront prefers to play the equity markets using a barbell approach to growth and value. Riverfront favors growth, mega-cap stocks, specifically those that lean towards software and services, while also selectively investing in more cyclical, value stocks. This approach allows Riverfront’s portfolios to have proper exposures to both sides of the growth versus value trade, while not overexposing us to low-quality, value names or telecommunication stocks, which RiverFront believes at the aggregate are over-valued.

 

Internationally, RiverFront believes that the potential for a reacceleration in global growth lends itself to value investing. However, Riverfront believes that this excludes developed international energy stocks; it is Riverfront’s view that these stocks are less positioned to take advantage of high oil prices than their US or emerging counterparts. From a country standpoint, RiverFront prefers the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan, with a partially hedged position in yen and euro denominated assets. In emerging markets, RiverFront’s highest conviction is an underweight to China. Riverfront believes that the Chinese Communist Party's recent actions have signaled an aversion to free market economics that we believe are required to be a viable investment. As such, Riverfront has allocated capital away from Chinese equites toward South Korea and Saudi Arabian energy equities.

4 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Heading into 2022, RiverFront believes the Fed will accelerate its tapering of bond purchases to help slow inflation. RiverFront expects inflation to peak in the first half of the year, thus limiting the upside pressure on yields. RiverFront’s base case for the 10-year Treasury bond is for it to reach 2% by the end of the calendar year. Given the low level of yields going into the new year RiverFront believes that there will be little price appreciation in bonds, with most of the total return coming from income.

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF – NAV 23.13% 13.19% 13.28%
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF – Market Price* 23.19% 13.18% 13.29%
S&P 500® Total Return Index 27.92% 17.90% 17.31%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.52%.

 

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

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced operations on June 7, 2016.

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor’s composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF.

5 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Microsoft Corp. 8.54%
Apple, Inc. 5.54%
Amazon.com, Inc. 4.12%
Broadcom, Inc. 2.60%
Bank of America Corp. 2.58%
Oracle Corp. 2.34%
Eli Lilly & Co. 2.31%
Pfizer, Inc. 2.14%
Cadence Design Systems, Inc. 1.99%
Visa, Inc. 1.96%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 34.12%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

 

Future holdings are subject to change. 

 

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark

 

 

 

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

6 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF (the “Fund” or "RFFC") seeks to provide capital appreciation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 65% of its net assets in a portfolio of equity securities of publicly traded U.S. companies. Equity securities include common stocks and common or preferred shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

 

Market Recap

The fiscal year ended November 30, 2021 was a year of recovery for the global equity markets. Early into the fiscal year, the release of COVID-19 vaccines caused a global equity rally, led by value stocks. Both developed international equities and emerging international equities outperformed US equities during this rally but began to lose their momentum halfway through February 2021. Emerging markets, specifically, saw a large draw down from mid-February through March; this drawdown was caused in large part due to concerns surrounding China’s growth prospects. These concerns, amplified by political questions surrounding China, would continue to affect performance in the fiscal year, with emerging markets posting negative performance from June through the end of October.

 

In the developed world, the United States was able to outperform developed international. Despite lagging value stocks in the first quarter of the fiscal year, US growth stocks out-performed value for the fiscal year, leading the way within the broad US large cap asset class. For developed international stocks, the value rotation slowed, but never stopped, with growth stock pacing the broad market throughout the fiscal year.

 

Looking in the rear-view mirror, fixed income markets were volatile in 2021. After beginning the calendar year with the 10-year Treasury bonds yielding just .93%, yields quickly rose as the economy accelerated after Fed stimulus through quantitative easing and government transfer payments. Yields peaked at 1.74% at the end of March, and then traded within a 60-basis point range. With Treasury bond yields low, the Fund used a combination of investment grade and high yield credit to generate income, while maintaining a short duration strategy versus the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund’s duration was kept shorter due to the anticipation reducing bond purchases through its quantitative easing program in addition to inflation expectations increasing.

 

2021 Performance Attribution

 

Broadly, RFFC underperformed its benchmark for the 12-month period ending November 30, 2021. The underperformance was primarily due to the Fund’s allocation and selection decisions.

 

1.Sector Allocation: The sector allocations in RFFC are determined through a bottoms-up process that ranks stocks on three fundamental cornerstones: value, quality and momentum/sentiment. If a sector produces more highly ranked stocks relative to another sector, that sector’s allocation is allowed to exceed its benchmark by a tolerable level, and vice versa. Sector allocation was a slightly negative contributor for RFFC in FY 2021.

 

a.Positive contributors: The underweights to utilities and consumer services were positive contributors.

 

b.Negative contributors: The portfolio’s underweight to energy and over-weight to consumer non-cyclicals negatively impacted portfolio returns.

 

2.Security Selection: The investment selection process behind RFFC is built on making a number of security selection choices. This means that there are rarely just one or two things contributing to the returns in the fund. In FY 2021, RiverFront’s equity selection posted negative results in aggregate. A few of the top themes that contributed most to performance in the year were:

 

a.Positive contributors: Security selection in healthcare, technology, and industrials were net positives.

 

b.Negative contributors: Security selection in non-energy materials, consumer non-cyclicals and financials were detractors.

 

2022 Outlook

While Riverfront understands and partially shares the worries surrounding rising debt and inflation that contributed to a flat to negative global stock market in the third quarter, RiverFront believes that stocks and commodities will remain the highest performing asset classes. These assets provide more potential for capital appreciation to offset inflation and higher taxes than ‘stable assets’ like cash, CDs, and bonds. In the US, RiverFront prefers to play the equity markets using a barbell approach to growth and value. RiverFront favors growth, mega-cap stocks, specifically those that lean towards software and services, while also selectively investing in more cyclical, value stocks. This approach allows our portfolios to have proper exposures to both sides of the growth versus value trade, while not overexposing us to low-quality, value names or telecommunication stocks, which RiverFront believes at the aggregate are over-valued.

 

Internationally, RiverFront believes that the potential for a reacceleration in global growth lends itself to value investing. However, RiverFront believes that this excludes developed international energy stocks; it is RiverFront’s view that these stocks are less positioned to take advantage of high oil prices than their US or emerging counterparts. From a country standpoint, RiverFront prefers the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan, with a partially hedged position in yen and euro denominated assets. In emerging markets, RiverFront’s highest conviction is an underweight to China. RiverFront believes that the Chinese Communist Party's recent actions have signaled an aversion to free market economics that RiverFront believes are required to be a viable investment. As such, Riverfront has allocated capital away from Chinese equites toward South Korea and Saudi Arabian energy equities.

7 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Heading into 2022, RiverFront believes the Fed will accelerate its tapering of bond purchases to help slow inflation. RiverFront expects inflation to peak in the first half of the year, thus limiting the upside pressure on yields. RiverFront’s base case for the 10-year Treasury bond is for it to reach 2% by the end of the calendar year. Given the low level of yields going into the new year RiverFront believes that there will be little price appreciation in bonds, with most of the total return coming from income.

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF – NAV 23.65% 12.71% 13.00%
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF – Market Price* 23.56% 12.69% 12.99%
S&P Composite 1500® Total Return Index 27.95% 17.38% 16.93%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.52%.

 

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

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced operations on June 7, 2016.

 

*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

S&P Composite 1500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor’s broad-based unmanaged capitalization-weighted index comprising 1,500 stocks of Large-cap, Mid-cap, and Small-cap U.S. companies. The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

The Fund’s shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the Fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or “authorized participants” may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the Distributor for the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF.

8 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings* (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Microsoft Corp. 6.47%
Apple, Inc. 6.05%
Amazon.com, Inc. 3.29%
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. 1.73%
Enphase Energy, Inc. 1.64%
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. 1.47%
Eli Lilly & Co. 1.45%
Adobe, Inc. 1.44%
Prologis, Inc. 1.39%
Oracle Corp. 1.35%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 26.28%

 

*% of Total Investments (excluding investments purchased with collateral from securities loaned)

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark

 

 

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

9 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Objective

The RiverFront Strategic Income Fund (the “Fund” or "RIGS") seeks total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a global portfolio of fixed income securities of various maturities, ratings and currency denominations. The Fund utilizes various investment strategies in a broad array of fixed income sectors.

 

Market Recap

The fiscal year ended November 30, 2021 was a year of recovery for the global equity markets. Early into the fiscal year, the release of COVID-19 vaccines caused a global equity rally, led by value stocks. Both developed international equities and emerging international equities outperformed US equities, during this rally but began to lose their momentum halfway through February 2021. Emerging markets, specifically, saw a large draw down from mid-February through March; this drawdown was caused in large part due to concerns surrounding China’s growth prospects. These concerns, amplified by political questions surrounding China, would continue to affect performance in the fiscal year, with emerging markets posting negative performance from June through the end of October.

 

In the developed world, the United States was able to outperform developed international. Despite lagging value stocks in the first quarter of the fiscal year, US growth stocks out-performed value for the fiscal year, leading the way within the broad US large cap asset class. For developed international stocks, the value rotation slowed, but never stopped, with growth stock pacing the broad market throughout the fiscal year.

 

Looking in the rear-view mirror, fixed income markets were volatile in 2021. After beginning the calendar year with the 10-year Treasury bonds yielding just .93%, yields quickly rose as the economy accelerated after Fed stimulus through quantitative easing and government transfer payments. Yields peaked at 1.74% at the end of March, and then traded within a 60-basis point range. With Treasury bond yields low, the Fund used a combination of investment grade and high yield credit to generate income, while maintaining a short duration strategy versus the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund’s duration was kept shorter due to the anticipation reducing bond purchases through its quantitative easing program in addition to inflation expectations increasing.

 

2021 Performance Attribution

Broadly, RIGS outperformed its benchmark for the 12-month period ending November 30, 2021. The outperformance was primarily due to its shorter duration and exposure to high yield corporate bonds.

 

Negative Contributors:

Cash allocation: The Fund’s allocation to cash throughout the period negatively impacted performance.

 

Allocation to Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS): The Fund had no exposure to MBS during this period and MBS outperformed Treasuries.

 

Positive Contributors:

Selection within US Credit: The Fund held mainly short-maturity, high yield bonds during the period. High yield bonds were one of the highest performing sectors of the fixed income market, as credit spreads tightened sharply.
Allocation to Treasuries: The Fund was underweight Treasuries, which underperformed both Corporate bonds and MBS, as interest rates rose.

 

2022 Outlook

While Riverfront understands and partially shares the worries surrounding rising debt and inflation that contributed to a flat to negative global stock market in the third quarter, RiverFront believes that stocks and commodities will remain the highest performing asset classes. These assets provide more potential for capital appreciation to offset inflation and higher taxes than ‘stable assets’ like cash, CDs, and bonds. In the US, RiverFront prefers to play the equity markets using a barbell approach to growth and value. RiverFront favors growth, mega-cap stocks, specifically those that lean towards software and services, while also selectively investing in more cyclical, value stocks. This approach allows RiverFront’s portfolios to have proper exposures to both sides of the growth versus value trade, while not overexposing the Fund to low-quality, value names or telecommunication stocks, which RiverFront believes at the aggregate are over-valued.

 

Internationally, RiverFront believes that the potential for a reacceleration in global growth lends itself to value investing. However, RiverFront believes that this excludes developed international energy stocks; it is RiverFront’s view that these stocks are less positioned to take advantage of high oil prices than their US or emerging counterparts. From a country standpoint, RiverFront prefers the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan, with a partially hedged position in yen and euro denominated assets. In markets, RiverFront’s highest conviction is an underweight to China. RiverFront believes that Chinese Communist Party's recent actions have signaled an aversion to free market economics that RiverFront believes are required to be a viable investment. As such, Riverfront has allocated capital away from Chinese equites toward South Korea and Saudi Arabian energy equities.

 

Heading into 2022, RiverFront believes the Fed will accelerate its tapering of bond purchases to help slow inflation. RiverFront expects inflation to peak in the first half of the year, thus limiting the upside pressure on yields. RiverFront’s base case for the 10-year Treasury bond is for it to reach 2% by the end of the calendar year. Given the low level of yields going into the new year RiverFront believes that there will be little price appreciation in bonds, with most of the total return coming from income. Therefore, the Fund will look to out yield the benchmark by owning short and intermediate corporate bonds, high yield, and bank loans in combination with long duration Treasuries to act as a shock absorber in case of risk off events.

10 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance (as of November 30, 2021)

 

  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception^
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund – NAV 1.52% 3.44% 3.84%
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund – Market Price* 1.60% 3.43% 3.83%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index -1.15% 3.65% 3.32%

 

Total Expense Ratio (per the current prospectus) is 0.48%. The Fund’s management fees consist of a fee of 0.11% paid to the Fund’s investment adviser and a fee of 0.35% paid to the Fund’s sub-adviser.

 

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

 

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

 

^The Fund commenced Investment Operations on October 8, 2013.
*Market Price means the official closing price of a share or, if it more accurately reflects the market value of a share at the time as of which the Fund calculates current net asset value per share, the price that is the midpoint of the bid-ask spread as of that time. It does not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

 

Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income investment to a change in interest rates. Duration is expressed as a number of years. The duration number is a calculation involving present value, yield, coupon, final maturity and call features. The bigger the duration number, the greater the interest-rate risk or reward for bond prices. Rising interest rates mean falling bond prices, while declining interest rates mean rising bond prices.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Total Return Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS (agency and non-agency). The index is reported on a total return basis, which assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions realized during a given time period. The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not reflect fund performance.

 

The RiverFront Strategic Income Fund is not suitable for all investors. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

 

The Fund's shares are not individually redeemable. Investors buy and sell shares of the fund on a secondary market. Only market makers or "authorized participants" may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 25,000 shares.

 

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a FINRA member, is the distributor for the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund.

11 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund  
Performance Overview November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Top 10 Holdings*^ (as of November 30, 2021)

 

United States Treasury Bond 02/15/2031 1.13% 3.74%
United States Treasury Bond 02/15/2050 2.00% 1.78%
CIT Group, Inc. 08/15/2022 5.00% 1.54%
T-Mobile USA, Inc. 04/15/2026 2.63% 1.38%
JPMorgan Chase & Co. 10/01/2027 4.25% 1.30%
PulteGroup, Inc. 03/01/2026 5.50% 1.30%
Citigroup, Inc. 09/29/2027 4.45% 1.30%
Bank of America Corp. 10/22/2026 4.25% 1.29%
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 10/21/2025 4.25% 1.27%
Vistra Operations Co. LLC 07/15/2024 3.55% 1.26%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings 16.16%

 

*% of Total Investments.
^Excludes Money Market Fund

 

Future holdings are subject to change.

 

 

Growth of $10,000 (as of November 30, 2021)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in the Fund and the Fund’s benchmark

 

 

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

12 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Disclosure of Fund Expenses November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Shareholder Expense Example: As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur certain ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the (six month) period and held through November 30, 2021.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  Beginning Account Value 6/1/21 Ending Account Value 11/30/21 Expense Ratio(a) Expenses Paid During Period 6/1/21 - 11/30/21(b)
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,007.10 0.51% $2.57
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.51 0.51% $2.59
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,059.40 0.52% $2.68
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.46 0.52% $2.64
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,063.30 0.52% $2.69
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.46 0.52% $2.64
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,002.70 0.46% $2.31
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.76 0.46% $2.33

 

(a)Annualized, based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half year expenses.
(b)Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (183), divided by 365.

13 | November 30, 2021

 


RiverFront ETFs
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of ALPS ETF Trust and the shareholders of RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF, RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF, RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF, and RiverFront Strategic Income Fund:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF, RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF, RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF, and RiverFront Strategic Income Fund (the "Funds"), four of the funds constituting the ALPS ETF Trust as of November 30, 2021, the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, and the related notes.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of November 30, 2021, and the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Denver, Colorado

January 26, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by ALPS Advisors, Inc. since 2007.

14 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
CORPORATE BONDS (60.90%)          
Communications (7.96%)          
AT&T, Inc.          
2.55%, 12/01/2033  $2,066,000   $1,999,530 
Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital          
4.91%, 07/23/2025   1,143,000    1,262,176 
Comcast Corp.          
3.60%, 03/01/2024   74,000    78,495 
3.55%, 05/01/2028   197,000    216,827 
4.15%, 10/15/2028   1,104,000    1,251,695 
Discovery Communications LLC          
3.95%, 03/20/2028   136,000    148,502 
Sirius XM Radio, Inc.          
3.13%, 09/01/2026(a)   1,265,000    1,248,214 
T-Mobile USA, Inc.          
4.00%, 04/15/2022   197,000    198,698 
Verizon Communications, Inc.          
4.33%, 09/21/2028   197,000    224,660 
4.02%, 12/03/2029   111,000    124,613 
2.36%, 03/15/2032(a)   932,000    924,951 
ViacomCBS, Inc.          
3.50%, 01/15/2025   368,000    390,321 
3.70%, 06/01/2028   50,000    54,679 
Walt Disney Co.          
2.00%, 09/01/2029   1,265,000    1,264,073 
Total Communications        9,387,434 
           
Consumer Discretionary (6.73%)          
ADT Security Corp.          
4.13%, 06/15/2023   93,000    96,160 
Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.          
3.60%, 11/28/2024   273,000    289,559 
3.40%, 12/06/2027   197,000    210,129 
Amazon.com, Inc.          
3.15%, 08/22/2027   412,000    444,056 
CoreCivic, Inc.          
4.63%, 05/01/2023   197,000    197,427 
eBay, Inc.          
3.45%, 08/01/2024   136,000    143,397 
Ford Motor Co.          
9.63%, 04/22/2030   1,600,000    2,326,160 
General Motors Financial Co., Inc.          
3.70%, 05/09/2023   350,000    362,303 
3.60%, 06/21/2030   1,091,000    1,157,730 
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.          
4.88%, 03/15/2027   1,143,000    1,187,886 
Lowe's Cos., Inc.          
3.10%, 05/03/2027   136,000    145,059 
Marriott International, Inc.          
4.00%, 04/15/2028(b)   185,000    201,650 
McDonald's Corp.          
3.50%, 03/01/2027   68,000    73,854 

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Consumer Discretionary (continued)        
Nordstrom, Inc.          
4.25%, 08/01/2031  $1,143,000  $1,095,400 
Total Consumer Discretionary        7,930,770 
           
Consumer Staples (1.28%)          
Anheuser-Busch InBev          
Worldwide, Inc.          
4.00%, 04/13/2028   1,279,000    1,433,044 
Constellation Brands, Inc.          
4.75%, 12/01/2025   68,000    76,342 
Total Consumer Staples        1,509,386 
           
Energy (7.46%)          
Chevron Corp.          
2.90%, 03/03/2024   350,000    364,884 
ConocoPhillips Co.          
4.95%, 03/15/2026   136,000    153,851 
Continental Resources, Inc.          
4.50%, 04/15/2023   197,000    203,970 
3.80%, 06/01/2024   197,000    205,852 
Enterprise Products Operating LLC          
3.35%, 03/15/2023   350,000    359,621 
Exxon Mobil Corp.          
3.04%, 03/01/2026   495,000    525,653 
Hess Midstream Operations LP          
4.25%, 02/15/2030(a)   1,143,000    1,107,716 
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP          
4.25%, 09/01/2024   197,000    210,837 
Marathon Oil Corp.          
4.40%, 07/15/2027   2,150,000    2,355,261 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.          
3.80%, 04/01/2028   136,000    146,316 
ONEOK Partners LP          
3.38%, 10/01/2022   350,000    355,245 
Ovintiv Exploration, Inc.          
5.63%, 07/01/2024   197,000    215,142 
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC          
5.63%, 04/15/2023   273,000    287,131 
5.75%, 05/15/2024   136,000    148,665 
Schlumberger Investment SA          
3.65%, 12/01/2023   568,000    594,939 
Shell International Finance BV          
2.75%, 04/06/2030   1,143,000    1,196,331 
Williams Cos., Inc.          
4.55%, 06/24/2024   136,000    146,255 
3.90%, 01/15/2025   206,000    220,439 
Total Energy        8,798,108 
           
Financials (18.81%)          
Aflac, Inc.          
3.63%, 11/15/2024   273,000    292,977 
Ally Financial, Inc.          
4.13%, 02/13/2022   513,000    516,585 
Bank of America Corp.          
4.25%, 10/22/2026   1,714,000    1,891,629 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

15 | November 30, 2021

 


RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF
 
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Financials (continued)          
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.          
3.13%, 03/15/2026  $350,000   $374,798 
Chubb INA Holdings, Inc.          
3.35%, 05/03/2026   339,000    365,521 
Citigroup, Inc.          
3M US L + 1.43%,          
09/01/2023(c)   350,000    353,124 
4.45%, 09/29/2027   197,000    219,305 
6.63%, 06/15/2032   706,000    947,499 
Cooperatieve Rabobank UA          
4.63%, 12/01/2023   350,000    374,844 
Credit Suisse Group AG          
4.55%, 04/17/2026   322,000    356,312 
Discover Bank          
4.65%, 09/13/2028   185,000    211,698 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.          
3M US L + 0.75%,          
02/23/2023(c)   568,000    570,631 
3M US L + 1.60%,          
11/29/2023(c)   350,000    358,852 
3.50%, 11/16/2026   35,000    37,359 
5.95%, 01/15/2027   978,000    1,156,182 
Host Hotels & Resorts LP          
4.00%, 06/15/2025   136,000    144,409 
HSBC Holdings PLC          
4.30%, 03/08/2026   185,000    203,133 
3.90%, 05/25/2026   273,000    295,501 
4.38%, 11/23/2026   136,000    148,811 
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.          
3.75%, 09/21/2028   197,000    218,272 
Iron Mountain, Inc.          
4.88%, 09/15/2027(a)   2,268,000    2,309,686 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.          
3.38%, 05/01/2023   273,000    282,951 
3M US L + 1.23%,          
10/24/2023(c)   809,000    816,463 
4.25%, 10/01/2027   1,342,000    1,500,899 
Lincoln National Corp.          
3.35%, 03/09/2025   273,000    290,449 
M&T Bank Corp.          
3M US L + 0.68%,          
07/26/2023(c)   350,000    353,051 
MetLife, Inc.          
3.60%, 04/10/2024   341,000    361,576 
6.50%, 12/15/2032   50,000    70,273 
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.          
3.85%, 03/01/2026   273,000    297,444 
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.          
3M US L + 1.00%,          
09/11/2024(c)   700,000    708,598 
3.17%, 09/11/2027   68,000    72,173 

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Financials (continued)        
Morgan Stanley          
3M US L + 1.40%,          
10/24/2023(c)  $700,000   $707,873 
5.00%, 11/24/2025   427,000    477,868 
3.63%, 01/20/2027   538,000    583,041 
NatWest Group PLC          
3M US L + 1.48%,          
05/15/2023(c)   273,000    276,304 
3M US L + 1.47%,          
05/15/2023(c)   350,000    351,674 
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.          
3.15%, 05/19/2027   273,000    294,685 
3.45%, 04/23/2029   1,091,000    1,191,957 
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.          
5.00%, 12/15/2021   92,000    92,096 
Truist Bank          
3.30%, 05/15/2026   273,000    292,623 
UBS Group AG          
4.13%, 09/24/2025   113,000    123,181 
4.13%, 04/15/2026   68,000    74,647 
Wells Fargo & Co.          
3.00%, 04/22/2026   1,528,000    1,604,868 
Total Financials        22,171,822 
           
Health Care (6.05%)          
AbbVie, Inc.          
3.20%, 11/21/2029   1,143,000    1,218,154 
Aetna, Inc.          
3.50%, 11/15/2024   197,000    208,930 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.          
3.25%, 02/27/2027   768,000    833,454 
Cigna Corp.          
3.00%, 07/15/2023   340,000    350,862 
CVS Health Corp.          
4.30%, 03/25/2028   392,000    441,825 
DaVita, Inc.          
4.63%, 06/01/2030(a)   1,143,000    1,127,998 
HCA, Inc.          
5.38%, 09/01/2026   1,143,000    1,280,149 
Johnson & Johnson          
2.45%, 03/01/2026   350,000    364,965 
Merck & Co., Inc.          
2.80%, 05/18/2023   685,000    707,389 
Pfizer, Inc.          
3.20%, 09/15/2023   284,000    296,667 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.          
3.75%, 07/15/2025   273,000    296,432 
Total Health Care        7,126,825 
           
Industrials (4.13%)          
3M Co.          
3.25%, 02/14/2024   568,000    596,738 
Boeing Co.          
3.45%, 11/01/2028   197,000    206,510 
5.15%, 05/01/2030   1,143,000    1,327,597 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

16 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Industrials (continued)        
CNH Industrial NV          
4.50%, 08/15/2023  $273,000   $288,301 
FedEx Corp.          
3.40%, 02/15/2028   197,000    215,947 
General Dynamics Corp.          
3.50%, 05/15/2025   266,000    285,112 
General Electric Co.          
3.45%, 05/01/2027   1,143,000    1,246,205 
John Deere Capital Corp.          
2.65%, 06/24/2024   273,000    285,238 
Lockheed Martin Corp.          
3.55%, 01/15/2026   197,000    213,430 
Textron, Inc.          
3.65%, 03/15/2027   185,000    200,113 
Total Industrials        4,865,191 
           
Materials (1.92%)          
Ball Corp.          
4.00%, 11/15/2023   197,000    206,333 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.          
4.73%, 11/15/2028   1,143,000    1,333,070 
Glencore Funding LLC          
3.00%, 10/27/2022(a)   350,000    356,571 
LyondellBasell Industries NV          
5.75%, 04/15/2024   197,000    215,444 
Sherwin-Williams Co.          
3.45%, 06/01/2027   136,000    146,631 
Total Materials        2,258,049 
           
Technology (5.63%)          
Apple, Inc.          
3.20%, 05/11/2027   1,143,000    1,231,089 
Broadcom, Inc.          
4.11%, 09/15/2028   159,000    174,854 
3.14%, 11/15/2035(a)   2,396,000    2,365,606 
Flex, Ltd.          
5.00%, 02/15/2023   273,000    286,179 
Microsoft Corp.          
3.30%, 02/06/2027   952,000    1,033,606 
3.45%, 08/08/2036   86,000    98,987 
2.92%, 03/17/2052   93,000    99,115 
Oracle Corp.          
3.25%, 11/15/2027   1,067,000    1,129,783 
S&P Global, Inc.          
4.00%, 06/15/2025   197,000    214,546 
Total Technology        6,633,765 
           
Utilities (0.93%)          
CMS Energy Corp.          
3.60%, 11/15/2025   113,000    120,819 
Consumers Energy Co.          
3.13%, 08/31/2024   136,000    142,528 
Dominion Energy, Inc.          
4.25%, 06/01/2028   185,000    207,132 

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Utilities (continued)          
Exelon Corp.          
3.40%, 04/15/2026  $112,000   $119,503 
Southern Co.          
2.95%, 07/01/2023   350,000    359,520 
Southwestern Electric Power Co.          
4.10%, 09/15/2028   136,000    151,214 
Total Utilities        1,100,716 
           
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS          
(Cost $71,663,214)        71,782,066 
           
GOVERNMENT BONDS (27.24%)          
United States Treasury Bond          
2.75%, 02/15/2028   6,992,000    7,605,712 
1.25%, 08/15/2031   2,000,000    1,968,281 
3.88%, 08/15/2040   974,300    1,302,860 
1.88%, 02/15/2041   6,303,000    6,327,377 
2.75%, 11/15/2047   1,324,000    1,580,939 
1.88%, 02/15/2051   4,583,000    4,665,528 
2.00%, 08/15/2051   2,000,000    2,097,187 
United States Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds          
2.13%, 02/15/2040(d)   393,142    608,983 
United States Treasury Note          
2.88%, 10/31/2023   2,087,000    2,181,323 
3.00%, 10/31/2025   3,502,000    3,768,481 
TOTAL GOVERNMENT BONDS          
(Cost $30,331,775)        32,106,671 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (11.29%)            
Money Market Fund               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money
Market Fund
   0.01%   13,308,403    13,308,403 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $13,308,403)             13,308,403 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.43%)               
(Cost $115,303,392)            $117,197,140 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.57%)             675,731 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $117,872,871 

 

Investment Abbreviations:

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate

 

Reference Rates:

3M US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of November 30, 2021 was 0.17%

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

17 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

(a)Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $9,440,742, representing 8.01% of net assets.
(b)Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of November 30, 2021, the market value of those securities was $201,650 representing 0.17% of net assets.
(c)Floating or variable rate security. The reference rate is described above. The rate in effect as of November 30, 2021 is based on the reference rate plus the displayed spread as of the security's last reset date.
(d)Principal amount of security is adjusted for inflation.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

18 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.55%)        
Communication Services (4.90%)          
AT&T, Inc.   55,279   $1,262,020 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a)   3,798    1,232,299 
News Corp., Class B   75,471    1,626,400 
Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.(b)   156,053    951,923 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   28,308    1,423,043 
Total Communication Services        6,495,685 
           
Consumer Discretionary (11.18%)          
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   1,557    5,460,508 
Best Buy Co., Inc.   9,565    1,022,116 
Dollar General Corp.   3,263    722,102 
Domino's Pizza, Inc.   2,599    1,362,240 
Lowe's Cos., Inc.   7,044    1,722,892 
NIKE, Inc., Class B   4,531    766,826 
PulteGroup, Inc.   12,809    640,834 
Starbucks Corp.   11,691    1,281,801 
Target Corp.   7,526    1,835,140 
Total Consumer Discretionary        14,814,459 
           
Consumer Staples (6.77%)          
Coca-Cola Co.   44,096    2,312,835 
Colgate-Palmolive Co.   22,475    1,686,075 
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A   32,430    1,911,424 
Philip Morris International, Inc.   5,677    487,881 
Vector Group, Ltd.   76,269    1,185,220 
Walmart, Inc.   9,909    1,393,503 
Total Consumer Staples        8,976,938 
           
Energy (1.13%)          
Kinder Morgan, Inc.   96,692    1,494,858 
           
Financials (9.28%)          
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.   6,314    1,828,534 
Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A   17,909    801,070 
Bank of America Corp.   76,855    3,417,742 
First Republic Bank   624    130,828 
FNB Corp.   66,868    779,681 
Fulton Financial Corp.   63,761    1,006,786 
Mercury General Corp.   12,604    643,056 
Navient Corp.   43,805    864,273 
Progressive Corp.   12,332    1,146,136 
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.   34,580    863,117 
Trustmark Corp.   26,499    811,134 
Total Financials        12,292,357 
           
Health Care (10.40%)          
AbbVie, Inc.   10,198    1,175,626 
Boston Scientific Corp.(a)   46,132    1,756,245 
Eli Lilly & Co.   12,325    3,057,093 
Humana, Inc.   3,285    1,378,747 
Merck & Co., Inc.   22,423    1,679,707 
Pfizer, Inc.   52,797    2,836,783 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Health Care (continued)          
Zoetis, Inc.   8,534   $1,894,889 
Total Health Care        13,779,090 
           
Industrials (8.24%)          
3M Co.   10,992    1,869,080 
A O Smith Corp.   8,148    644,099 
Fastenal Co.   36,156    2,139,351 
Lockheed Martin Corp.   4,402    1,467,275 
Northrop Grumman Corp.   3,498    1,220,102 
Rollins, Inc.   50,043    1,665,431 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   9,668    1,917,841 
Total Industrials        10,923,179 
           
Information Technology (34.74%)          
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   12,677    2,007,656 
Apple, Inc.   44,408    7,340,642 
Broadcom, Inc.   6,217    3,442,229 
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)   14,828    2,631,377 
Cisco Systems, Inc./Delaware   15,553    852,927 
CommVault Systems, Inc.(a)   18,622    1,170,951 
Intel Corp.   44,065    2,167,998 
Microsoft Corp.   34,189    11,302,542 
Motorola Solutions, Inc.   6,002    1,519,586 
National Instruments Corp.   15,803    656,141 
Oracle Corp.   34,157    3,099,406 
Paychex, Inc.   14,196    1,692,163 
Power Integrations, Inc.   14,970    1,497,449 
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   2,801    798,173 
Square, Inc., Class A(a)(b)   9,077    1,891,011 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   7,142    1,373,907 
Visa, Inc.   13,390    2,594,580 
Total Information Technology        46,038,738 
           
Materials (1.45%)          
Newmont Mining Corp.   26,522    1,456,588 
Westrock Co.   10,745    466,226 
Total Materials        1,922,814 
           
Real Estate (9.83%)          
American Assets Trust, Inc.   25,052    861,789 
American Tower Corp.   7,121    1,869,120 
Brandywine Realty Trust   53,127    682,682 
Douglas Emmett, Inc.   15,320    502,036 
Equity Residential   19,293    1,645,886 
Iron Mountain, Inc.   33,996    1,544,778 
Kimco Realty Corp.   1,583    35,491 
Lexington Realty Trust   43,019    647,436 
National Health Investors, Inc.   9,211    481,183 
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.   16,969    474,114 
Paramount Group, Inc.   80,881    643,813 
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., Class A   71,344     1,239,959 
Prologis, Inc.   8,324    1,254,843 
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.   37,088    479,548 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

19 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Real Estate (continued)          
SITE Centers Corp.   43,742   $658,754 
Total Real Estate        13,021,432 
           
Utilities (1.63%)          
Alliant Energy Corp.   8,291    454,264 
Entergy Corp.   7,937    796,399 
PPL Corp.   32,879    915,022 
Total Utilities        2,165,685 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $93,087,500)        131,925,235 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.44%)           
Money Market Fund (0.35%)               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund               
(Cost $467,176)   0.01%   467,176    467,176 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (0.09%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 0.03%               
(Cost $117,429)        117,429    117,429 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS               
(Cost $584,605)             584,605 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.99%)               
(Cost $93,672,105)            $132,509,840 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.01%)             14,353 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $132,524,193 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.
(b)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $1,504,347.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

20 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
COMMON STOCKS (99.56%)        
Communication Services (5.78%)          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   157   $445,558 
Alphabet, Inc., Class C(a)   145    413,111 
Comcast Corp., Class A   8,748    437,225 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a)   1,936    628,154 
New York Times Co., Class A   6,193    294,167 
Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.(b)   47,616    290,458 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   9,610    483,095 
Total Communication Services        2,991,768 
           
Consumer Discretionary (10.28%)          
Adtalem Global Education, Inc.(a)   5,972    177,189 
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   485    1,700,929 
Chegg, Inc.(a)   3,534    98,422 
Domino's Pizza, Inc.   853    447,091 
Hanesbrands, Inc.   13,191    213,035 
Lowe's Cos., Inc.   2,693    658,681 
PulteGroup, Inc.   6,390    319,692 
Sonic Automotive, Inc., Class A   6,279    281,990 
Target Corp.   2,726    664,708 
Wendy's Co.   10,005    205,903 
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.   2,830    551,397 
Total Consumer Discretionary        5,319,037 
           
Consumer Staples (6.66%)          
Brown-Forman Corp.   4,590    301,425 
Coca-Cola Co.   10,517    551,617 
Colgate-Palmolive Co.   5,018    376,450 
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A   7,091    417,943 
Procter & Gamble Co.   4,772    689,936 
Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.(a)   8,037    212,659 
Vector Group, Ltd.   23,864    370,847 
Walmart, Inc.   3,733    524,972 
Total Consumer Staples        3,445,849 
           
Energy (1.23%)          
Coterra Energy, Inc.   11,893    238,811 
EOG Resources, Inc.   4,570    397,590 
Total Energy        636,401 
           
Financials (9.54%)          
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.   2,055    595,128 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(a)   687    190,086 
BlackRock, Inc.   683    617,849 
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.   23,599    354,693 
Hope Bancorp, Inc.   20,018    287,258 
Kearny Financial Corp.   24,054    305,726 
Mercury General Corp.   5,839    297,906 
OceanFirst Financial Corp.   9,812    202,225 
Progressive Corp.   6,604    613,776 
Provident Financial Services, Inc.   14,448    340,106 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Financials (continued)        
S&P Global, Inc.   1,099   $500,847 
Trupanion, Inc.(a)(b)   3,047    375,756 
Trustmark Corp.   8,250    252,533 
Total Financials        4,933,889 
           
Health Care (12.44%)          
AbbVie, Inc.   4,842    558,186 
Anthem, Inc.   1,319    535,817 
Boston Scientific Corp.(a)   9,635    366,805 
Eli Lilly & Co.   3,019    748,833 
Exelixis, Inc.(a)   13,186    221,393 
Johnson & Johnson   1,066    166,221 
Merck & Co., Inc.   6,373    477,401 
NeoGenomics, Inc.(a)   5,824    199,530 
Pacific Biosciences of          
California, Inc.(a)   16,196    375,909 
Perrigo Co. PLC   5,062    185,826 
Quidel Corp.(a)   1,416    208,945 
RadNet, Inc.(a)   12,240    329,990 
STAAR Surgical Co.(a)   2,996    285,189 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   2,017    895,992 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   1,424    266,203 
Zoetis, Inc.   2,750    610,610 
Total Health Care        6,432,850 
           
Industrials (9.90%)          
3M Co.   2,488    423,060 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   5,535    191,456 
CACI International, Inc., Class A(a)   815    211,435 
Cintas Corp.   1,010    426,412 
CoreCivic, Inc.(a)   34,422    370,725 
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.   2,521    306,604 
Fastenal Co.   5,179    306,441 
General Electric Co.   2,199    208,883 
Graco, Inc.   5,332    388,650 
Hubbell, Inc.   1,349    263,999 
Lockheed Martin Corp.   1,020    339,986 
Northrop Grumman Corp.   1,068    372,518 
Rollins, Inc.   8,248    274,493 
Steelcase, Inc., Class A   13,677    153,046 
United Parcel Service, Inc.,          
Class B   2,794    554,246 
Vicor Corp.(a)   2,300    329,958 
Total Industrials        5,121,912 
           
Information Technology (34.58%)          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   1,113    745,543 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   4,793    759,067 
Apple, Inc.   18,918    3,127,145 
Broadcom, Inc.   1,039    575,274 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A   3,303    257,568 
Enphase Energy, Inc.(a)   3,400    850,000 
Entegris, Inc.   3,721    543,564 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

21 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
Information Technology (continued)        
EPAM Systems, Inc.(a)   956   $581,774 
Gogo, Inc.(a)(b)   23,949    307,026 
Intel Corp.   10,979    540,167 
Knowles Corp.(a)   17,268    375,061 
Mastercard, Inc., Class A   1,940    610,945 
Microsoft Corp.   10,113    3,343,257 
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.   1,222    676,328 
NCR Corp.(a)   7,041    273,895 
Oracle Corp.   7,669    695,885 
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)   2,854    527,676 
Power Integrations, Inc.   4,594    459,538 
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   2,268    646,289 
Square, Inc., Class A(a)(b)   1,951    406,452 
Visa, Inc.   3,516    681,295 
VMware, Inc., Class A   2,120    247,489 
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)   1,117    657,667 
Total Information Technology        17,888,905 
           
Materials (3.66%)          
Axalta Coating Systems, Ltd.(a)   8,251    250,170 
Eastman Chemical Co.   2,346    244,664 
FMC Corp.   2,883    288,848 
NewMarket Corp.   440    145,772 
O-I, Inc.(a)   22,824    252,662 
Packaging Corp. of America   1,540    201,109 
Vulcan Materials Co.   1,652    316,589 
Westrock Co.   4,495    195,038 
Total Materials        1,894,852 
           
Real Estate (4.86%)          
Apartment Income REIT Corp.   5,301    269,079 
Apartment Investment and Management Co., Class A(a)   5,301    39,280 
CubeSmart   6,601    355,926 
Douglas Emmett, Inc.   6,986    228,931 
Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.   13,436    291,427 
Kimco Realty Corp.   14,501    325,113 
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., Class A   16,542    287,500 
Prologis, Inc.   4,771    719,228 
Total Real Estate        2,516,484 
           
Utilities (0.63%)          
Entergy Corp.   3,267    327,811 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $35,992,455)        51,509,758 

 

Security Description  Shares   Value 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (0.17%)        
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF   191   $87,408 
           
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $84,839)        87,408 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.77%)       
Money Market Fund (0.21%)            
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus
Money Market Fund
               
(Cost $109,022)   0.01%   109,022    109,022 
                
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Loaned (0.56%)               
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 0.03%               
(Cost $287,699)        287,699    287,699 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $396,721)             396,721 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.50%)               
(Cost $36,474,015)            $51,993,887 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-0.50%)        (259,219)
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $51,734,668 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.
(b)Security, or a portion of the security position is currently on loan. The total market value of securities on loan is $855,062.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

22 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
CORPORATE BONDS (81.86%)        
Communications (5.53%)          
AMC Networks, Inc.          
5.00%, 04/01/2024  $420,000   $422,978 
4.75%, 08/01/2025   500,000    508,867 
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings          
Capital Corp.          
5.50%, 05/01/2026(a)   580,000    599,505 
CSC Holdings LLC          
5.50%, 04/15/2027(a)   1,075,000    1,105,530 
Level 3 Financing, Inc.          
3.75%, 07/15/2029(a)   1,268,000    1,179,684 
Netflix, Inc.          
4.38%, 11/15/2026   1,000,000    1,103,665 
Sirius XM Radio, Inc.          
3.13%, 09/01/2026(a)   1,045,000    1,031,133 
T-Mobile USA, Inc.          
2.63%, 04/15/2026   1,953,000    1,956,662 
Total Communications        7,908,024 
           
Consumer Discretionary (14.69%)          
Air Canada          
3.88%, 08/15/2026(a)   1,098,000    1,096,227 
Aramark Services, Inc.          
6.38%, 05/01/2025(a)   1,098,000    1,146,422 
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.          
6.25%, 07/01/2025(a)   1,300,000    1,353,157 
DR Horton, Inc.          
4.38%, 09/15/2022   1,738,000    1,770,951 
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.          
5.00%, 05/31/2026   1,334,000    1,365,922 
Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.          
3.75%, 05/01/2029(a)   1,209,000    1,199,588 
International Game Technology PLC          
6.50%, 02/15/2025(a)   1,148,000    1,247,044 
Las Vegas Sands Corp.          
3.20%, 08/08/2024   972,000    991,986 
Lennar Corp.          
4.75%, 11/29/2027   1,209,000    1,375,558 
MGM Resorts International          
6.00%, 03/15/2023   1,300,000    1,355,172 
Newell Brands, Inc.          
4.35%, 04/01/2023   400,000    414,824 
4.70%, 04/01/2026   1,000,000    1,072,188 
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.          
3.52%, 09/17/2025(a)   1,209,000    1,268,813 
PulteGroup, Inc.          
5.50%, 03/01/2026   1,610,000    1,837,775 
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.          
10.88%, 06/01/2023(a)   1,357,000    1,477,678 
Six Flags Entertainment Corp.          
4.88%, 07/31/2024(a)   729,000    735,379 

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Consumer Discretionary (continued)        
Yum! Brands, Inc.          
7.75%, 04/01/2025(a)  $1,209,000   $1,276,819 
Total Consumer Discretionary        20,985,503 
           
Consumer Staples (2.63%)          
Anheuser-Busch InBev          
Worldwide, Inc.          
4.75%, 01/23/2029   1,098,000    1,281,517 
JBS USA Food Co.          
7.00%, 01/15/2026   1,278,000    1,331,720 
Spectrum Brands, Inc.          
5.75%, 07/15/2025   30,000    30,590 
US Foods, Inc.          
6.25%, 04/15/2025(a)   1,075,000    1,120,935 
Total Consumer Staples        3,764,762 
           
Energy (5.36%)          
Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC          
7.00%, 06/30/2024   1,271,000    1,414,294 
DCP Midstream Operating LP          
5.38%, 07/15/2025   1,045,000    1,119,435 
EQM Midstream Partners LP          
4.75%, 07/15/2023   408,000    421,025 
Occidental Petroleum Corp.          
2.90%, 08/15/2024   1,120,000    1,124,010 
Petroleos Mexicanos          
4.88%, 01/18/2024   1,075,000    1,095,576 
Schlumberger Holdings Corp.          
3.90%, 05/17/2028(a)   1,098,000    1,200,256 
Valero Energy Corp.          
3.40%, 09/15/2026   1,209,000    1,283,507 
Total Energy        7,658,103 
           
Financials (25.25%)          
Air Lease Corp.          
4.25%, 02/01/2024   1,008,000    1,067,908 
Ares Capital Corp.          
3.50%, 02/10/2023   1,212,000    1,243,367 
Avolon Holdings Funding, Ltd.          
2.53%, 11/18/2027(a)   1,142,000    1,115,128 
Bancolombia SA          
5.13%, 09/11/2022   996,000    1,018,231 
Bank of America Corp.          
4.25%, 10/22/2026   1,649,000    1,819,893 
Blackstone Secured Lending Fund          
3.63%, 01/15/2026   1,196,000    1,249,378 
Capital One Financial Corp.          
4.20%, 10/29/2025   1,098,000    1,196,526 
CIT Group, Inc.          
5.00%, 08/15/2022   2,121,000    2,179,656 
Citigroup, Inc.          
4.45%, 09/29/2027   1,649,000    1,835,704 
EPR Properties          
4.75%, 12/15/2026   1,045,000    1,130,596 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

23 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund    
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021  

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Financials (continued)        
FS KKR Capital Corp.          
3.40%, 01/15/2026  $1,209,000   $1,234,300 
GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II, Inc.          
3.35%, 09/01/2024   972,000    1,011,716 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.          
4.25%, 10/21/2025   1,649,000    1,795,412 
HAT Holdings I LLC / HAT Holdings II LLC          
3.38%, 06/15/2026(a)   1,131,000    1,114,917 
Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp.          
4.75%, 09/15/2024   1,301,000    1,325,654 
Iron Mountain, Inc.          
4.88%, 09/15/2027(a)   1,161,000    1,182,339 
iStar, Inc.          
4.75%, 10/01/2024   1,365,000    1,413,219 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.          
4.25%, 10/01/2027   1,649,000    1,844,249 
MPT Operating Partnership LP /          
MPT Finance Corp.          
5.25%, 08/01/2026   972,000    999,823 
Newmark Group, Inc.          
6.13%, 11/15/2023   1,281,000    1,379,355 
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.          
4.38%, 08/01/2023   330,000    345,940 
5.25%, 01/15/2026   669,000    748,166 
OneMain Finance Corp.          
6.13%, 03/15/2024   1,300,000    1,366,619 
Park Aerospace Holdings, Ltd.          
5.25%, 08/15/2022(a)   26,000    26,677 
Santander Holdings USA, Inc.          
3.50%, 06/07/2024   496,000    519,554 
SBA Communications Corp.          
3.88%, 02/15/2027   1,550,000    1,588,265 
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.          
5.00%, 12/15/2021   765,000    765,796 
4.75%, 03/15/2025   1,000,000    1,039,063 
Synchrony Financial          
2.85%, 07/25/2022   1,030,000    1,043,886 
VICI Properties LP / VICI Note Co., Inc.          
4.25%, 12/01/2026(a)   1,430,000    1,476,496 
Total Financials        36,077,833 
           
Health Care (2.03%)          
DaVita, Inc.          
4.63%, 06/01/2030(a)   1,161,000    1,145,762 
HCA, Inc.          
5.88%, 05/01/2023   1,133,000    1,201,376 
5.38%, 02/01/2025   500,000    546,000 
Total Health Care        2,893,138 
           
Industrials (5.13%)          
Boeing Co.          
4.88%, 05/01/2025   1,209,000    1,326,344 

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Industrials (continued)        
MasTec, Inc.          
4.50%, 08/15/2028(a)  $1,118,000$   1,150,500 
Sensata Technologies BV          
5.00%, 10/01/2025(a)   1,000,000    1,084,285 
Stericycle, Inc.          
5.38%, 07/15/2024(a)   1,046,000    1,072,098 
TransDigm, Inc.          
6.25%, 03/15/2026(a)   1,075,000    1,116,860 
WESCO Distribution, Inc.          
7.13%, 06/15/2025(a)   1,500,000    1,586,303 
Total Industrials        7,336,390 
           
Materials (13.71%)          
Alcoa Nederland Holding BV          
4.13%, 03/31/2029(a)   1,357,000    1,386,081 
ArcelorMittal SA          
3.60%, 07/16/2024   1,133,000    1,188,767 
Arconic Corp.          
6.00%, 05/15/2025(a)   1,098,000    1,146,603 
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC /          
Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc.          
5.25%, 04/30/2025(a)   1,322,000    1,362,870 
Ball Corp.          
5.25%, 07/01/2025   834,000    916,228 
4.88%, 03/15/2026   500,000    544,688 
Berry Global, Inc.          
4.88%, 07/15/2026(a)   1,160,000    1,205,037 
Braskem Finance, Ltd.          
6.45%, 02/03/2024   1,335,000    1,447,754 
CF Industries, Inc.          
3.45%, 06/01/2023   879,000    911,505 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.          
3.88%, 03/15/2023   1,133,000    1,167,194 
5.00%, 09/01/2027   550,000    572,643 
Graphic Packaging International LLC          
4.88%, 11/15/2022   1,481,000    1,515,374 
Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co.          
5.50%, 04/15/2024(a)   434,000    435,050 
Methanex Corp.          
5.13%, 10/15/2027   1,075,000    1,125,611 
NOVA Chemicals Corp.          
4.88%, 06/01/2024(a)   1,300,000    1,349,848 
Novelis Corp.          
3.25%, 11/15/2026(a)   1,045,000    1,045,679 
Sasol Financing International, Ltd.          
4.50%, 11/14/2022   582,000    590,348 
Sasol Financing USA LLC          
4.38%, 09/18/2026   669,000    660,310 
Standard Industries, Inc.          
3.38%, 01/15/2031(a)   1,098,000    1,013,278 
Total Materials        19,584,868 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

24 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund  
Schedule of Investments November 30, 2021

 

Security Description  Principal Amount   Value 
Technology (3.30%)        
Flex, Ltd.          
5.00%, 02/15/2023  $1,333,000$   1,397,353 
Microchip Technology, Inc.          
4.25%, 09/01/2025   1,118,000    1,158,553 
NortonLifeLock, Inc.          
3.95%, 06/15/2022   146,000    146,311 
5.00%, 04/15/2025(a)   859,000    869,660 
Seagate HDD Cayman          
4.75%, 06/01/2023   1,098,000    1,149,601 
Total Technology        4,721,478 
           
Utilities (4.23%)          
AmeriGas Partners LP / AmeriGas          
Finance Corp.          
5.88%, 08/20/2026   1,131,000    1,236,500 
Calpine Corp.          
5.25%, 06/01/2026(a)   1,081,000    1,107,686 
NextEra Energy Operating Partners LP          
4.25%, 07/15/2024(a)   1,496,000    1,532,196 
NRG Energy, Inc.          
6.63%, 01/15/2027   374,000    387,120 
Vistra Operations Co. LLC          
3.55%, 07/15/2024(a)   1,721,000    1,785,931 
Total Utilities        6,049,433 
           
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS          
(Cost $117,462,395)        116,979,532 
           
GOVERNMENT BONDS (6.30%)          
United States Treasury Bond          
1.13%, 02/15/2031   5,420,000    5,292,546 
1.13%, 08/15/2040   1,357,000    1,200,627 
2.00%, 02/15/2050   2,403,000    2,513,856 
TOTAL GOVERNMENT BONDS          
(Cost $8,545,528)        9,007,029 

 

   7 Day Yield   Shares   Value 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (10.90%)       
Money Market Fund               
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund   0.01%   15,569,861    15,569,861 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $15,569,861)             15,569,861 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.06%)               
(Cost $141,577,784)            $141,556,422 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.94%)        1,336,764 
NET ASSETS - 100.00%            $142,893,186 

 

(a)Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $43,349,454, representing 30.34% of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

25 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Statement of Assets and Liabilities November 30, 2021

 

   RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF   RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   RiverFront Dynamic US Flex- Cap ETF   RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 
ASSETS:                    
Investments, at value  $117,197,140   $132,509,840   $51,993,887   $141,556,422 
Dividend receivable       190,258    51,333     
Interest receivable   725,018            1,424,310 
Total Assets   117,922,158    132,700,098    52,045,220    142,980,732 
                     
LIABILITIES:                    
Payable to adviser   49,287    58,476    22,853    54,196 
Payable for investments purchased               33,350 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned       117,429    287,699     
Total Liabilities   49,287    175,905    310,552    87,546 
NET ASSETS  $117,872,871   $132,524,193   $51,734,668   $142,893,186 
                     
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Paid-in capital  $114,258,887   $110,873,706   $60,381,219   $152,981,346 
Total distributable earnings   3,613,984    21,650,487    (8,646,551)   (10,088,160)
NET ASSETS  $117,872,871   $132,524,193   $51,734,668   $142,893,186 
                     
INVESTMENTS, AT COST  $115,303,392   $93,672,105   $36,474,015   $141,577,784 
                     
PRICING OF SHARES                    
Net Assets  $117,872,871   $132,524,193   $51,734,668   $142,893,186 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)   4,650,000    2,950,002    1,125,002    5,825,000 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share  $25.35   $44.92   $45.99   $24.53 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

26 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Statement of Operations For the Year Ended November 30, 2021

 

   RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF   RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   RiverFront Dynamic US Flex- Cap ETF   RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 
INVESTMENT INCOME:                
Interest  $2,543,754   $   $   $3,367,279 
Dividends(a)   1,480    2,574,570    712,667    2,163 
Non-Cash Dividends(b)           208,615     
Securities Lending Income       2,421    5,591     
Total Investment Income   2,545,234    2,576,991    926,873    3,369,442 
                     
EXPENSES:                    
Investment adviser and sub-adviser fees (Note 3)   555,036    674,222    322,665    575,624 
Total Expenses   555,036    674,222    322,665    575,624 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   1,990,198    1,902,769    604,208    2,793,818 
                     
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS)                    
Net realized gain on investments(c)   2,564,824    8,733,483    10,365,533    491,816 
NET REALIZED GAIN   2,564,824    8,733,483    10,365,533    491,816 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   (6,289,006)   15,974,138    2,789,216    (1,547,122)
NET CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION/(DEPRECIATION)   (6,289,006)   15,974,138    2,789,216    (1,547,122)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS   (3,724,182)   24,707,621    13,154,749    (1,055,306)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(1,733,984)  $26,610,390   $13,758,957   $1,738,512 

 

(a)Net of foreign tax withholding in the amounts of $–, $–, $– and $158, respectively.
(b)Represents non-cash distributions in connection with capital changes for certain investments held by the Fund recorded on ex-date and based on fair value.
(c)Includes realized gain or loss as a result of in-kind transactions (See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

27 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $1,990,198   $2,438,367 
Net realized gain   2,564,824    3,629,089 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   (6,289,006)   1,439,069 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (1,733,984)   7,506,525 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (1,962,506)   (2,449,436)
Total distributions   (1,962,506)   (2,449,436)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   17,914,173    11,640,417 
Shares redeemed   (9,068,318)   (38,925,424)
Net increase/(decrease) from share transactions   8,845,855    (27,285,007)
           
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   5,149,365    (22,227,918)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   112,723,506    134,951,424 
End of period  $117,872,871   $112,723,506 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   4,300,000    5,350,000 
Shares sold   700,000    450,000 
Shares redeemed   (350,000)   (1,500,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   4,650,000    4,300,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

28 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $1,902,769   $2,090,176 
Net realized gain/(loss)   8,733,483    (3,382,886)
Net change in unrealized appreciation   15,974,138    17,047,755 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   26,610,390    15,755,045 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (1,936,954)   (2,186,237)
Total distributions   (1,936,954)   (2,186,237)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   4,577,634    26,065,088 
Shares redeemed   (30,021,042)   (37,167,998)
Net decrease from share transactions   (25,443,408)   (11,102,910)
           
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   (769,972)   2,465,898 
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   133,294,165    130,828,267 
End of period  $132,524,193   $133,294,165 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   3,600,002    3,850,002 
Shares sold   100,000    850,000 
Shares redeemed   (750,000)   (1,100,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   2,950,002    3,600,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

29 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $604,208   $1,184,324 
Net realized gain/(loss)   10,365,533    (7,294,795)
Net change in unrealized appreciation   2,789,216    6,053,248 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   13,758,957    (57,223)
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (679,274)   (1,188,592)
Total distributions   (679,274)   (1,188,592)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares       1,823,640 
Shares redeemed   (32,744,774)   (55,840,068)
Net decrease from share transactions   (32,744,774)   (54,016,428)
           
Net decrease in net assets   (19,665,091)   (55,262,243)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   71,399,759    126,662,002 
End of period  $51,734,668   $71,399,759 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   1,900,002    3,650,002 
Shares sold       50,000 
Shares redeemed   (775,000)   (1,800,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   1,125,002    1,900,002 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

30 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income  $2,793,818   $4,733,460 
Net realized gain/(loss)   491,816    (800,489)
Net change in unrealized depreciation   (1,547,122)   (812,935)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   1,738,512    3,120,036 
           
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:          
From distributable earnings   (3,171,669)   (4,943,458)
Total distributions   (3,171,669)   (4,943,458)
           
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Proceeds from sale of shares   43,888,656    17,274,109 
Shares redeemed   (18,545,978)   (64,356,361)
Net increase/(decrease) from share transactions   25,342,678    (47,082,252)
           
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets   23,909,521    (48,905,674)
           
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period   118,983,665    167,889,339 
End of period  $142,893,186   $118,983,665 
           
OTHER INFORMATION:          
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:          
Beginning shares   4,800,000    6,800,000 
Shares sold   1,775,000    700,000 
Shares redeemed   (750,000)   (2,700,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   5,825,000    4,800,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

31 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  
Financial Highlights For a share outstanding throughout the periods presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $26.21   $25.22   $23.52   $24.60   $24.32 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(a)   0.47    0.50    0.68    0.68    0.53 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (0.87)   0.99    1.70    (1.10)   0.23 
Total from investment operations   (0.40)   1.49    2.38    (0.42)   0.76 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (0.46)   (0.50)   (0.68)   (0.66)   (0.48)
Total distributions   (0.46)   (0.50)   (0.68)   (0.66)   (0.48)
                          
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (0.86)   0.99    1.70    (1.08)   0.28 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $25.35   $26.21   $25.22   $23.52   $24.60 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   (1.51)%   5.97%   10.22%   (1.74)%   3.15%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $117,873   $112,724   $134,951   $150,527   $47,962 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.51%   0.51%   0.51%   0.51%   0.51%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.83%   1.94%   2.74%   2.83%   2.15%
Portfolio turnover rate(c)   45%   11%   6%   15%   18%

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

32 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF  
Financial Highlights For a share outstanding throughout the periods presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $37.03   $33.98   $31.19   $31.39   $26.59 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(a)   0.62    0.56    0.65    0.73    0.63 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   7.90    3.08    2.81    (0.26)   4.76 
Total from investment operations   8.52    3.64    3.46    0.47    5.39 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (0.63)   (0.59)   (0.67)   (0.67)   (0.59)
Total distributions   (0.63)   (0.59)   (0.67)   (0.67)   (0.59)
                          
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   7.89    3.05    2.79    (0.20)   4.80 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $44.92   $37.03   $33.98   $31.19   $31.39 
TOTAL RETURN(b)   23.13%   10.92%   11.29%   1.45%   20.49%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $132,524   $133,294   $130,828   $151,293   $59,644 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.52%   0.52%   0.52%   0.52%   0.52%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.47%   1.68%   2.05%   2.27%   2.19%
Portfolio turnover rate(c)   0%   75%   64%   96%   54%

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

33 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF  
Financial Highlights For a share outstanding throughout the periods presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $37.58   $34.70   $32.79   $32.46   $26.84 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(a)   0.42    0.45    0.48    0.44    0.31 
Net realized and unrealized gain   8.43    2.87(b)   1.93    0.27(b)   5.59 
Total from investment operations   8.85    3.32    2.41    0.71    5.90 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (0.44)   (0.44)   (0.50)   (0.38)   (0.28)
Total distributions   (0.44)   (0.44)   (0.50)   (0.38)   (0.28)
                          
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSET VALUE   8.41    2.88    1.91    0.33    5.62 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $45.99   $37.58   $34.70   $32.79   $32.46 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   23.65%   9.75%   7.49%   2.16%   22.08%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $51,735   $71,400   $126,662   $152,464   $40,576 
                          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.52%   0.52%   0.52%   0.52%   0.52%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.97%   1.34%   1.46%   1.30%   1.05%
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   5%   99%   98%   152%   86%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)Net realized and unrealized gain on investments per share does not correlate to the aggregate of the net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) in the Statements of Operations for the period(s) presented, primarily due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of the Fund's shares in relation to the fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.
(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and the redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(d)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

34 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund  
Financial Highlights For a share outstanding throughout the periods presented

 

   For the Year Ended November 30, 2021   For the Year Ended November 30, 2020   For the Year Ended November 30, 2019   For the Year Ended November 30, 2018   For the Year Ended November 30, 2017 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD  $24.79   $24.69   $24.27   $25.21   $25.02 
                          
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:                         
Net investment income(a)   0.55    0.81    0.94    1.06    1.11 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (0.18)   0.13(b)   0.48    (0.92)   0.19 
Total from investment operations   0.37    0.94    1.42    0.14    1.30 
                          
DISTRIBUTIONS:                         
From net investment income   (0.63)   (0.84)   (1.00)   (1.08)   (1.11)
Total distributions   (0.63)   (0.84)   (1.00)   (1.08)   (1.11)
                          
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE   (0.26)   0.10    0.42    (0.94)   0.19 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD  $24.53   $24.79   $24.69   $24.27   $25.21 
TOTAL RETURN(c)   1.52%   3.95%   5.96%   0.57%   5.29%
                          
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                         
Net assets, end of period (000s)  $142,893   $118,984   $167,889   $152,880   $337,769 
                          
Ratio of expenses excluding waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   0.46%   0.46%   0.46%   0.46%   0.46%
Ratio of expenses including waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   0.46%   0.46%   0.46%   0.17%(d)    0.16%(e) 
Ratio of net investment income including expenses waiver/reimbursement to average net assets   2.23%   3.32%   3.83%   4.31%   4.41%
Portfolio turnover rate(f)   50%   54%   44%   35%   32%

 

(a)Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)Net realized and unrealized gain on investments per share does not correlate to the aggregate of the net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) in the Statements of Operations for the period(s) presented, primarily due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of the Fund's shares in relation to the fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.
(c)Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period and the redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period and assuming all distributions are reinvested at the actual reinvestment prices. Total return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(d)Effective November 1, 2018, the Fund’s management fee consists of a fee of 0.11% paid to the Fund’s investment adviser and a fee of 0.35% paid to the Fund’s sub-adviser. The Fund’s sub-adviser ceased its voluntary waiver effective November 1, 2018.
(e)Effective July 1, 2016, the Fund’s management fee consists of a fee of 0.16% paid to the Fund’s investment adviser and a fee of 0.30% paid to the Fund’s sub-adviser. The Fund’s sub-adviser voluntarily waived all of its 0.30% annual sub-advisory fee payable by the Fund until November 1, 2018.
(f)Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions in-kind.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

35 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As of November 30, 2021, the Trust consists of eighteen separate portfolios. Each portfolio represents a separate series of the Trust. This report pertains solely to the RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF, the RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF, the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF, and the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).

 

The investment objective of the RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF Fund is to seek total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. The Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

The investment objective of the RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF Fund is to seek to provide capital appreciation and dividend income. The Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

The investment objective of the RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF Fund is to seek to provide capital appreciation. The Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

The investment objective of the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund is to seek total return, with an emphasis on income as the source of that total return. The Fund has elected to qualify as a diversified series of the Trust under the 1940 Act.

 

Each Fund’s Shares (“Shares”) are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. Each Fund issues and redeems Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) in blocks of 25,000 Shares (prior to October 1, 2021 in blocks of 50,000 Shares), each of which is called a “Creation Unit”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities and/or cash. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of a Fund.

 

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

 

2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

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

 

A. Portfolio Valuation

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

 

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

 

Corporate bonds and United States government bonds are typically valued at the mean between the evaluated bid and ask prices formulated by an independent pricing service.

 

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

36 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

B. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

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

 

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

 

Debt securities, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated prices received from third party pricing vendors or from brokers who make markets in such securities. For corporate bonds, pricing vendors utilize matrix pricing which considers yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type as well as broker-supplied prices. When independent prices are unavailable or unreliable, debt securities may be valued utilizing pricing methodologies which consider similar factors that would be used by third party pricing vendors. Debt securities are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy but may be Level 3 depending on the circumstances. The RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF, the RiverFront Dynamic Unconstrained Income ETF, and the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund may invest a significant portion of their assets in below investment grade securities. The value of these securities can be more volatile due to changes in the credit quality of the issuer and is sensitive to changes in economic, market and regulatory conditions.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

37 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of November 30, 2021:

 

RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Corporate Bonds*  $   $71,782,066   $     –   $71,782,066 
Government Bonds*       32,106,671        32,106,671 
Short Term Investments   13,308,403            13,308,403 
Total  $13,308,403   $103,888,737   $   $117,197,140 

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $131,925,235   $   $     –   $131,925,235 
Short Term Investments   584,605            584,605 
Total  $132,509,840   $   $   $132,509,840 

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Common Stocks*  $51,509,758   $   $     –   $51,509,758 
Exchange Traded Funds   87,408            87,408 
Short Term Investments   396,721            396,721 
Total  $51,993,887   $   $   $51,993,887 

 

RiverFront Strategic Income Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value  Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices   Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs   Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs   Total 
Corporate Bonds*  $   $116,979,532   $    –   $116,979,532 
Government Bonds*       9,007,029        9,007,029 
Short Term Investments   15,569,861            15,569,861 
Total  $15,569,861   $125,986,561   $   $141,556,422 

 

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

 

The Funds did not have any securities that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining fair value and there were no transfers into or out of Level 3 during the year ended November 30, 2021.

 

C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income

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

 

D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

E. Federal Tax and Tax Basis Information

The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Reclassifications are made to the Funds’ capital accounts for permanent tax differences to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.

38 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the following reclassifications, which had no impact on results of operations or net assets, were recorded to reflect permanent tax differences resulting primarily from in-kind transactions:

 

Fund  Paid-in Capital   Total Distributable Earnings 
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $697,983   $(697,983)
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   8,589,950    (8,589,950)
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   9,437,462    (9,437,462)
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   275,390    (275,390)

 

The tax character of the distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 was as follows:

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2021            
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $1,962,506   $   $ 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   1,936,954         
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   679,274         
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   3,171,669         

 

   Ordinary Income   Long-Term Capital Gain   Return of Capital 
November 30, 2020            
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $2,449,436   $   $ 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   2,186,237         
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   1,188,592         
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   4,943,458         

 

The character of distributions made during the year may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

 

The RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF, RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF and RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF used capital loss carryovers during the year ended November 30, 2021 in the amounts of $163,328, $78,238 and $818,235, respectively.

 

Under current law, capital losses maintain their character as short-term or long-term and are carried forward to the next tax year without expiration. As of November 30, 2021, the following amounts are available as carry forwards to the next tax year:

 

Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF  $5,611,019   $11,582,063 
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   12,308,600    11,857,380 
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   7,097,858    2,743,833 

 

As of November 30, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for each Fund were as follows:

 

   RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF   RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 
Accumulated net investment income  $59,074   $13,342   $1,082   $62,614 
Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) on investments   1,710,559    (17,193,082)   (24,165,980)   (9,841,691)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   1,844,351    38,830,227    15,518,347    (309,083)
Total  $3,613,984   $21,650,487   $(8,646,551)  $(10,088,160)

39 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

As of November 30, 2021, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

   RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF   RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)  $3,035,527   $41,175,813   $17,061,968   $756,357 
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)   (1,191,176)   (2,345,586)   (1,543,621)   (1,065,440)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)   1,844,351    38,830,227    15,518,347    (309,083)
Cost of investments for income tax purposes  $115,352,789   $93,679,613   $36,475,540   $141,865,505 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis are primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales and difference between premium amortization due to Accounting Standards Update 2017-08.

 

F. Income Taxes

No provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements, as each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders all taxable investment income and realized gains and otherwise comply with Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Each Fund evaluates tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.

 

As of and during the year ended November 30, 2021, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. Each Fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. Each Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return, but may extend to four years in certain jurisdictions. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.

 

G. Lending of Portfolio Securities

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

 

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

40 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

The following is a summary of the Fund's securities lending agreement and related cash and non-cash collateral received as of November 30, 2021:

 

Fund  Market Value of Securities on Loan   Cash Collateral Received   Non-Cash Collateral Received   Total Collateral Received 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF  $1,504,347   $117,429   $1,454,190   $1,571,619 
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   855,062    287,699    609,254    896,953 

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the Funds benefit from a borrower default indemnity provided by SSB. SSB’s indemnity allows for full replacement of securities lent wherein SSB will purchase the unreturned loaned securities on the open market by applying the proceeds of the collateral, or to the extent such proceeds are insufficient or the collateral is unavailable, SSB will purchase the unreturned loan securities at SSB’s expense. However, the Funds could suffer a loss if the value of the investments purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the cash collateral received.

 

The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged or securities loaned, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of November 30, 2021:

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF      Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements 
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 days   30-90 days   Greater than 90 days   Total 
Common Stocks  $117,429   $   $   $   $117,429 
Total Borrowings                       117,429 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)   $117,429 

 

RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF      Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements 
Securities Lending Transactions  Overnight & Continuous   Up to 30 days   30-90 days   Greater than 90 days   Total 
Common Stocks  $287,699   $   $   $   $287,699 
Total Borrowings                       287,699 
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending (collateral received)   $287,699 

 

3.  INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

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

 

Fund Advisory Fee
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 0.51%(a)
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 0.52%(b)
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 0.52%(b)
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 0.11%

 

(a)The unitary advisory fee as a percentage of net assets is subject to the following breakpoints: (i) 0.51% for average net assets up to $600 million, (ii) 0.48% for average net assets equal to or greater than $600 million.

(b)The unitary advisory fee as a percentage of net assets is subject to the following breakpoints: (i) 0.52% for average net assets up to $600 million, (ii) 0.49% for average net assets equal to or greater than $600 million.

 

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

41 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront Investment Group, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as each Fund’s sub-adviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with the Trust (the ‘‘Sub-Advisory Agreement’’). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a sub-advisory fee out of the Adviser’s advisory fee for the services it provides besides RiverFront Strategic Income Fund, in which the Fund directly pays the Sub-Adviser. The fee is payable on a monthly basis at the annual rate of the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets as set out below:

 

Fund Sub-Advisory Fee
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 0.35%
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 0.35%
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 0.35%
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 0.35%

 

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

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

 

4.  PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $31,201,592   $33,775,060 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   164,268    168,632 
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   2,965,157    2,781,085 
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   52,732,008    53,972,485 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the cost of U.S. Government security purchases and proceeds from U.S. Government security sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $13,019,823   $10,632,821 
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   7,440,234    816,036 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $17,448,026   $8,713,481 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   4,574,357    30,030,919 
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF       32,772,007 
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   38,117,717    15,627,708 

 

For the year ended November 30, 2021, the in-kind net realized gains/(losses) were as follows:

 

Fund  Net Realized Gain/(Loss) 
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF  $699,194 
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF   8,545,751 
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF   9,415,865 
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund   296,853 

 

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

42 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Notes to Financial Statements November 30, 2021

 

5.  CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 Shares. Only broker-dealers or large institutional investors with creation and redemption agreements called Authorized Participants (“AP”) are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from each Fund. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per unit of each Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the AP or as a result of other market circumstances.

 

6.  MARKET DISRUPTIONS RISK

 

 

The Funds are subject to investment and operational risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including the recent spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19), which can negatively impact the securities markets and cause each Fund to lose value.

 

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

 

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

 

7.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events, if any, after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

43 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Additional Information November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

PROXY VOTING RECORDS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

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

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

 

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

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

 

The Funds designate the following as a percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions, or up to the maximum amount allowable, for the calendar year ended December 31, 2020:

 

  Qualified Dividend Income Dividend Received Deduction
RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF 0.00% 0.00%
RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF 100.00% 100.00%
RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF 98.21% 97.00%
RiverFront Strategic Income Fund 0.00% 0.00%

 

In early 2021, if applicable, shareholders of record received this information for the distributions paid to them by the Funds during the calendar year 2020 via Form 1099. The Funds will notify shareholders in early 2022 of amounts paid to them by the Funds, if any, during the calendar year 2021.

44 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements  November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on June 7, 2021 via electronic means (video-conference), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or the “Trustees”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), evaluated a proposal to approve the continuance of (i) the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Trust and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “AAI”) with respect to the RiverFront Strategic Income Fund (“RIGS”), RiverFront Dynamic Core Income ETF (“RFCI”), RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (“RFDA”) and RiverFront Dynamic US Flex-Cap ETF (“RFFC”) (each “a Fund” and collectively the “Funds”) and (ii) the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements between the Trust or AAI and RiverFront Investment Group, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser” or “RiverFront”) with respect to the Funds (the “RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreement”). The Independent Trustees also met separately to consider each Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

In evaluating the Investment Advisory Agreements with respect to each Fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI with respect to the applicable Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreements; (ii) the advisory fees and other expenses paid by the Fund compared to those of similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the costs of the services provided to the Fund by AAI and the profits realized by AAI and its affiliates from its relationship to the Fund; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale have been or would be realized if and as the assets of the Fund grow and whether fees reflect the economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders; and (v) any additional benefits and other considerations.

 

With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by AAI under the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered and reviewed information concerning the services provided under the Investment Advisory Agreements, financial information regarding AAI and its parent company, information describing AAI’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds.

 

The Board reviewed information on the performance of each Fund and its applicable benchmark, and with respect to each Fund, the FUSE performance group. Based on this review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, found that the nature and extent of services provided to each Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreements was appropriate and that the quality was satisfactory.

 

The Board noted that the advisory fees for each Fund were unitary fees pursuant to which AAI assumes all expenses of the Funds (including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services) other than the payments under the Advisory Agreement, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses.

 

With respect to advisory fee rates, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, noted the following:

 

The gross management fee rate for RFCI is higher than the median of its FUSE expense group. RFCI’s net expense ratio, however, is slightly above the median of their respective FUSE expense group.

 

The gross management fee rate RIGS, RFFC and RFDA is lower than the median of its FUSE expense group. These Funds’ respective net expense ratios are also below the median of its FUSE expense group.

 

Based on the foregoing, and the other information available to them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the advisory fee rate for each of the Funds were reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of the services provided.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees considered other benefits available to AAI because of its relationship with the Funds and concluded that the advisory fees were reasonable taking into account any such benefits.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees also considered with respect to each Fund the information provided by AAI about the costs and profitability of AAI with respect to each of the Funds, including the asset levels and other factors that influence the profitability and financial viability of the Funds. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed and noted the relatively small sizes of the Funds and concluded that AAI was not realizing any economies of scale. The Independent Trustees determined that AAI should continue to keep the Board informed on an ongoing basis of any significant developments (e.g., material increases in asset levels) so as to facilitate the Independent Trustees’ evaluation of whether further economies of scale have been achieved.

 

In voting to renew each Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the terms of each Investment Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, the fees paid by certain other funds, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the members of the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together.

45 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Board Considerations Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements

The Board, including the Independent Trustees discussed the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements.

 

In evaluating the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees considered various factors, including (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by RiverFront with respect to the Funds under the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements; (ii) the advisory fees and other expenses paid by the Funds compared to those of similar funds managed by other investment advisers; (iii) the profitability to RiverFront of its sub-advisory relationship with the Funds and the reasonableness of compensation to RiverFront; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if, and as, the Funds assets increase, and whether the fee level in the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements reflects these economies of scale; and (v) any additional benefits and other considerations.

 

With respect to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by RiverFront under the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees considered and reviewed information concerning the services provided under the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Funds’ respective performance, financial information regarding RiverFront, information describing RiverFront’s current organization and the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds. Based upon their review, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that RiverFront was qualified to oversee the portfolio management of the Funds and that the services provided by RiverFront to the Funds are satisfactory. The Board, including the Independent Trustees considered that the contractual sub-advisory fee to be paid to RiverFront from RIGS was 0.35% of RIGS’ average daily net assets out of a total management fee of 0.46% of RIGS’ average daily net assets. The Board, including the Independent Trustees considered that the contractual sub-advisory fee to be paid to RiverFront with respect to each of RFCI, RFDA and RFFC was 0.35% of each Fund’s average daily net assets out of a total management fee of 0.51% with respect to RFCI’s average daily net assets, respectively, and 0.52% with respect to each of RFDA’s and RFFC’s average daily net assets, respectively. Based on the consideration of all factors deemed relevant by them, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the sub-advisory fees received by RiverFront under the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements were reasonable under the circumstances and in light of the quality of services provided.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and profits realized by RiverFront, the Board, including the Independent Trustees considered the resources involved in managing the Funds. Based on their review of the profitability of each of the Funds to RiverFront, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the profitability of each Fund to RiverFront was not unreasonable.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees also considered other benefits that have been and may be realized by RiverFront from its relationships with each Fund and concluded that the sub-advisory fees with respect to each Fund were reasonable taking into account such benefits.

 

The Board, including the Independent Trustees noted that RIGS had declined in assets over the prior year. The Board, including the Independent Trustees considered the extent to which economies of scale may be realized if RIGS’ assets increase to its previous levels and continue to grow in size and whether fee levels reflect a reasonable sharing of such economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund’s investors. They also noted that RIGS has experienced fluctuations in assets, which makes it difficult to quantify the potential variability in net assets and thus determine the sustainability of any potential economies of scale which may exist. The Board, including the Independent Trustees also noted that RFCI, RFDA and RFFC were all launched during June 2016 and are only beginning to reach scale in terms of assets. The Independent Trustees determined that AAI should continue to keep the Board informed on an ongoing basis of any significant developments (e.g., material increases in asset levels) so as to facilitate the Independent Trustees’ evaluation of whether further economies of scale have been achieved with respect to each Fund.

 

In voting to approve each of the RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees concluded that the terms of each RiverFront Sub-Advisory Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the Board, including the Independent Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. The Board, including the Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all important or controlling and considered all factors together. The general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser for the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trust currently has four Trustees. Three Trustees have no affiliation or business connection with the Adviser or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by the Adviser. These are the “non-interested” or “independent” Trustees (“Independent Trustees”). The other Trustee (the “Interested Trustee”) is affiliated with the Adviser.

 

The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Independent Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are shown below.

46 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser for the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trust currently has four Trustees. Three Trustees have no affiliation or business connection with the Adviser or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by the Adviser. These are the “non-interested” or “independent” Trustees (“Independent Trustees”). The other Trustee (the “Interested Trustee”) is affiliated with the Adviser.

 

The Independent Trustees of the Trust, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Independent Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are shown below.

 

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES    
Name, Address & Year of Birth*   Position(s) Held with Trust   Term of Office and Length of Time Served**   Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years  

Number of

Portfolios in

Fund Complex

Overseen by

Trustees***

  Other Directorships Held by Trustees
Mary K. Anstine,
1940
  Trustee   Since March 2008   Ms. Anstine is Trustee/Director of AV Hunter Trust and Colorado Uplift Board.   36   Ms. Anstine is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds).
Jeremy W. Deems,
1976
  Trustee   Since March 2008   Mr. Deems is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Green Alpha Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor, and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Shelton Green Alpha Fund.   36   Mr. Deems is a Trustee of ALPS Variable Investment Trust (7 funds); Financial Investors Trust (32 funds); and Reaves Utility Income Fund; and Clough Funds Trust (1 fund).
Rick A. Pederson,
1952
  Trustee   Since March 2008   Mr. Pederson is Partner, Bow River Capital Partners (private equity management), 2003 - present; Board Member, Prosci Inc. (private business services) 2013-2016; Advisory Board Member, Citywide Banks (Colorado community bank) 2014-2017; Board Member, Strong-Bridge Consulting, 2015-2019; Board Member, IRI/ODMS Holdings LLC, 2017-2019; Director, National Western Stock Show (not for profit) 2010 - present; Director, History Colorado (not for profit) 2015-present; Director, Citywide Bank Advisory Board 2017-present; Trustee, Boettcher Foundation, 2018 -present.   19   Mr. Pederson is Trustee of Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust (14 funds) and Principal Real Estate Income Fund (1 fund).

 

*

The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

47 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Trustee who is an “interested person” of the Trust, his term of office and length of time served, his principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by the Interested Trustee and the other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee, are shown below.

 

INTERESTED TRUSTEE    
Name, Address and Year of Birth of Interested Trustee*   Position(s) Held with Trust   Term of Office and Length of Time Served**   Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years   Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees***   Other Directorships Held by Trustees
Edmund J. Burke, 1961   Trustee   Since December 2017.   Mr. Burke joined ALPS in 1991 and served as the President and Director of ALPS Holdings, Inc., and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“AAI”), and Director of ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“ADI”), ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“AFS”), and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (“APSD”). Mr. Burke retired from ALPS in June 2019.   31   Mr. Burke is a Trustee of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Equity Fund (1 fund); Clough Global Opportunities Fund (1 fund); Clough Funds Trust (1 fund); Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (1 fund); Director of the Liberty All- Star Growth Fund, Inc. (1 fund) and Financial Investors Trust (32 funds).

 

*The business address of the Trustee is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Effective December 1, 2021, Mr. Burke is an Independent Trustee of the Trust.
**This is the period for which the Trustee began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his successor is elected.
***The Fund Complex includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which ALPS Advisors, Inc. provides investment advisory services.

48 | November 30, 2021

 

RiverFront ETFs  
Trustees & Officers November 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

OFFICERS            
Name, Address and Year of Birth of Officer*   Position(s) Held with Trust   Length of Time Served**   Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Laton Spahr, 1975   President   Since June 2021   Mr. Spahr joined ALPS in 2019 and currently serves as President and Portfolio Manager of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Spahr was a Senior Vice President and Strategy Leader of the Value & Income Team for Oppenheimer Funds from 2013 to 2019.
Matthew Sutula, 1985   Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)   Since December 2019   Mr. Sutula joined ALPS in 2012 and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer of AAI. Prior to his current role, Mr. Sutula served as interim Compliance Officer of the Trust (September 2019 to December 2019). Compliance Manager and Senior Compliance Analyst for AAI, as well as Compliance Analyst for AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, he spent seven years at Morningstar, Inc. in various analyst roles supporting the registered investment company databases. Mr. Sutula is also Chief Compliance Officer of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, ALPS Variable Investment Trust, RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc., Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc.
Kathryn Burns, 1976   Treasurer   Since September 2018   Ms. Burns serves as Vice President, Director of Fund Operations of AAI since 2018. From 2013 to 2018, she served as Vice President and Fund Controller at AFS. Prior to joining ALPS, she worked at Old Mutual Capital where she served as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (2010 – 2012) and Regulatory Reporting Manager and Assistant Treasurer to the Old Mutual Funds Trusts (2006 – 2012). She also served as a CPA for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Ms. Burns also serves as President of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Principal Real Estate Income Fund and RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. From June 2018 to November 2021 she also served as Treasurer of Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Brendan Hamill, 1986   Secretary   Since September 2021   Mr. Hamill joined ALPS in August 2021, and is currently Vice President and Principal Legal Counsel. Prior to joining ALPS, Mr. Hamill was an attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP (law firm) (December 2018-August 2021) and Vedder Price, P.C. (law firm) (August 2015-December 2018). Mr. Hamill also serves as Secretary of Financial Investors Trust, Secretary of ALPS Variable Investment Trust, Secretary of Principal Real Estate Income Fund, and Assistant Secretary of James Advantage Funds.

 

*The business address of each Officer is c/o ALPS Advisors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Each Officer is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act.
**This is the period for which the Officer began serving the Trust. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his/her successor is elected.

 

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request by calling (toll-free) 1-866-759-5679.

49 | November 30, 2021

 

 
 

(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 2.Code of Ethics.

 

(a)The Registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or any persons performing similar functions on behalf of the Registrant.

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

(c)During the period covered by this report, no amendments to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above were made.

 

(d)During the period covered by this report, no implicit or explicit waivers to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above were granted.

 

(e)Not applicable.

 

(f)The Registrant's Code of Ethics is attached as an Exhibit hereto.

 

Item 3.Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The Board of Trustees of the Registrant has determined that the Registrant has at least one Audit Committee Financial Expert serving on its audit committee. The Board of Trustees of the Registrant has designated Jeremy W. Deems as the Registrant’s “Audit Committee Financial Expert”. Mr. Deems is “independent” as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR.

 

Item 4.Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a)Audit Fees: For the Registrant’s fiscal years ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020, the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements were $353,415 and $321,865, respectively.

 

(b)Audit-Related Fees: For the Registrant’s fiscal years ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020, the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were $0 and $0, respectively.

 

(c)Tax Fees: For the Registrant’s fiscal years ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020, the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $121,080 and $91,730, respectively. The fiscal year 2021 and 2020 tax fees were for services pertaining to federal and state income tax return review, review of year end dividend distributions and excise tax preparation.

 

(d)All Other Fees: For the Registrant’s fiscal years ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020, aggregate fees billed to the Registrant by the principal accountant for services provided by the principal accountant other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item 4 were $0 and $0, respectively.

 

(e)

 

(1)Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures: All services to be performed by the Registrant's principal accountant must be pre-approved by the Registrant's audit committee.

 

 

 

(2)No services described in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item were approved by the Registrant’s audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

(f)Not applicable.

 

(g)The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the Registrant’s accountant for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 of the Registrant were $121,080 and $91,730, respectively. These fees consisted of non-audit fees billed to the Registrant of $121,080 and $91,370, respectively as described in response to paragraph (c) above.

 

(h)The Registrant’s audit committee has considered whether the provision of non- audit services that were rendered to the Registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence. The Registrant’s audit committee determined that the provision of such non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5.Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable to the Registrant.

 

Item 6.Investments.

 

(a)Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Report to Stockholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 7.Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to Registrant.

 

Item 8.Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to Registrant.

 

Item 9.Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable to Registrant.

 

Item 10.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

No material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees have been implemented after the Registrant’s last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

 

 

 

Item 11.Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)The Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.

 

(b)There was no change in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) during 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.Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 13.Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)Registrant’s Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, which is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2 of Form N-CSR, was filed as Exhibit 12(a)(1) to the Registrant’s Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, File No. 811-22175, on February 6, 2015.

 

(a)(2)The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.Cert.

 

(a)(3)Not applicable.

 

(a)(4)Not applicable.

 

(b)The certifications by the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906Cert.

 

 

 

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.

 

ALPS ETF TRUST  
     
By: /s/ Laton Spahr  
  Laton Spahr (Principal Executive Officer)  
  President  
     
Date: February 8, 2022  

 

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: /s/ Laton Spahr  
  Laton Spahr (Principal Executive Officer)  
  President  
     
Date: February 8, 2022  
     
By: /s/ Kathryn Burns  
  Kathryn Burns (Principal Financial Officer)  
  Treasurer  
     
Date: February 8, 2022