N-CSRS 1 hfnd-ncsrs_022823.htm CERTIFIED SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT hfnd-ncsrs_022823
 

 

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 (811-23377)

 

Tidal ETF Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

234 West Florida Street, Suite 203
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Eric W. Falkeis

Tidal ETF Trust

234 West Florida Street, Suite 203

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
(Name and address of agent for service)

 

(844)-986-7700

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

Date of fiscal year end: August 31, 2023

 

Date of reporting period: February 28, 2023

 

 
   
 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a) 

  

   
 

 

 

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF
Ticker: HFND

Semi-Annual Report

February 28, 2023

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Fund unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.

1

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS at February 28, 2023 (Unaudited)

Sector

% of Total Investments

Long Exchange Traded Funds

96.3

%

Cash Equivalents(1) 

3.7

 

Total

100.0

%

ALLOCATION OF SECURITIES SOLD SHORT at February 28, 2023 (Unaudited)

Sector

% of Total Securities
Sold Short

Exchange Traded Funds

100.0

%

Total

100.0

%

(1)Represents short-term investments.

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

2

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

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at February 28, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares

 

Value

Exchange Traded Funds - 101.1%

Energy Select Sector
SPDR Fund 

8,309

$695,380

Invesco CurrencyShares British Pound Sterling Trust 

14,177

1,641,130

Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust(1) 

22,509

1,615,471

Invesco DB Agriculture Fund(1) 

155,959

3,148,812

Invesco DB Base Metals Fund 

114,535

2,318,189

Invesco Senior Loan ETF(1) 

96,318

2,017,862

iShares Convertible
Bond ETF
(1) 

52,921

3,858,470

iShares Gold Trust(2) 

45,134

1,562,539

iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF(1) 

37,306

1,316,529

iShares MSCI Australia ETF(1) 

98,944

2,263,839

iShares MSCI Japan ETF 

21,047

1,177,369

iShares 1-3 Year Treasury
Bond ETF 

8,534

691,168

Real Estate Select Sector
SPDR Fund
(1) 

76,904

2,938,502

SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF(1) 

43,356

3,962,305

SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF(1) 

58,426

1,439,617

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF(1) 

148,088

5,837,629

Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF 

36,951

2,205,975

Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF(1) 

41,830

8,954,966

Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF(1) 

127,837

5,851,099

Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF(1) 

60,413

4,547,891

Vanguard Short-Term
Treasury ETF 

17,725

1,022,555

Vanguard Total World
Stock ETF
(1) 

84,642

7,603,391

Vanguard Value ETF(1) 

9,912

1,383,814

 

68,054,502

Total Exchange Traded Funds

(Cost $67,969,567)

68,054,502

 

Short-Term Investments - 3.9%

Money Market Funds - 3.9%

First American Government Obligations Fund,
Class X, 4.370%
(3) 

2,596,073

2,596,073

Total Short-Term Investments

(Cost $2,596,073)

2,596,073

 

 

Shares

 

Value

Total Investments in Securities - 105.0%

(Cost $70,565,640)

$70,650,575

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (5.0)%

(3,355,934

)

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

$67,294,641

(1)All or a portion of the assets have been committed as collateral for open securities sold short.

(2)Non-income producing security.

(3)The rate shown is the annualized seven-day effective yield as of February 28, 2023.


Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

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

3

SCHEDULE OF SECURITIES SOLD SHORT at February 28, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares

 

Value

Exchange Traded Funds - 21.3%

Health Care Select Sector
SPDR Fund 

18,249

$2,320,725

Invesco CurrencyShares Euro Currency Trust 

16,559

1,616,821

Invesco CurrencyShares Japanese Yen Trust(1) 

23,533

1,611,069

Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust(1) 

16,981

1,607,313

iShares TIPS Bond ETF 

13,214

1,416,276

Technology Select Sector
SPDR Fund 

24,005

3,277,163

Utilities Select Sector
SPDR Fund 

15,101

981,565

Vanguard Growth ETF 

3,292

763,382

Vanguard Long-Term
Treasury ETF 

12,097

758,966

Total Exchange Traded Funds

(Proceeds $14,414,769)

$14,353,280

(1)Non-income producing securities.

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

4

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

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at February 28, 2023 (Unaudited)

Assets:

Investments in securities, at value (Cost $70,565,640) (Note 2)

$70,650,575

Cash

216,424

Collateral at broker for securities sold short

10,051,520

Receivables: 

Investment securities sold

1,039,676

Dividends and interest

12,073

Total assets

81,970,268

 

Liabilities:

Securities sold short (Proceeds $14,414,769) (Note 2)

14,353,280

Payables:

Broker interest

53,422

Investment securities purchased

219,111

Management fees (Note 4)

49,814

Total liabilities

14,675,627

Net Assets

$67,294,641

 

Components of Net Assets:

Paid-in capital

$67,523,787

Total distributable (accumulated) earnings (losses)

(229,146

)

Net assets

$67,294,641

 

Net Asset Value (unlimited shares authorized):

Net assets

$67,294,641

Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding

3,275,000

Net asset value

$20.55

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

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

5

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the Period Ended February, 2023(1) (Unaudited)

Investment Income:

Dividend income

$462,713

Interest income

106,054

Total investment income

568,767

 

Expenses:

Management fees (Note 4)

155,180

Broker interest expense

135,596

Dividend expense

31,896

Total expenses

322,672

Net investment income (loss)

246,095

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

(151,565

)

Securities sold short

(249,157

)

Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:

Investments

84,935

Securities sold short

61,489

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

(254,298

)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

$(8,203

)

(1)The Fund commenced operations on October 10, 2022. The information presented is from October 10, 2022 to February 28, 2023.

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

6

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

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

Period Ended
February 28, 2023
(Unaudited)
(1) 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From:

 

Operations:

Net investment income (loss)

$246,095

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and securities sold short

(400,722

)

Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and securities sold short

146,424

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

(8,203

)

 

Distributions to Shareholders:

Net distributions to shareholders

(220,943

)

 

Capital Share Transactions:

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from net changes in outstanding shares(2)

67,523,787

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

67,294,641

 

Net Assets:

Beginning of period

End of period

$67,294,641

(1) The Fund commenced operations on October 10, 2022. The information presented is from October 10, 2022 to February 28, 2023.

(2) Summary of share transactions is as follows:

 

Period Ended
February 28, 2023
(Unaudited)
(1) 

 

Shares

Value

Shares sold

3,325,000

$68,552,852

Shares redeemed

(50,000

)

(1,029,065

)

Net increase (decrease)

3,275,000

$67,523,787

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

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

7

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a capital share outstanding throughout the period

 

 

Period Ended
February 28, 2023
(1)
(Unaudited)

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

$20.00

 

Income from Investment Operations:

Net investment income (loss)(2)

0.12

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

0.52

Total from investment operations

0.64

 

Less Distributions:

From net investment income

(0.09

)

Total distributions

(0.09

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

$20.55

Total return(3)(4)

3.18

%

 

Ratios / Supplemental Data:

Net assets, end of period (millions)

$67.3

Portfolio turnover rate(3)(5)

60

%

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(6)(7)

1.98

%

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets(6)(8)

1.51

%

(1)The Fund commenced operations on October 10, 2022. The information presented is from October 10, 2022 to February 28, 2023.

(2)Calculated using average shares outstanding method.

(3)Not annualized.

(4)The total return is based on the Fund’s net asset value.

(5)Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

(6)Annualized.

(7)The ratio of expenses to average net assets includes dividends and interest on securities sold short. The expense ratio excluding dividends and interest on securities sold short is 0.95% for the period ended February 28, 2023.

(8)The net investment income (loss) ratio includes dividends and interest on securities sold short.

8

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 28, 2023 (Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION

The Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF (the “Fund”) is a non-diversified series of shares of beneficial interest of Tidal ETF Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on June 4, 2018 and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company and the offering of the Fund’s shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Trust is governed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Toroso Investments, LLC (“Toroso” or the “Adviser”), a Tidal Financial Group company, serves as investment adviser to the Fund and Unlimited Funds, Inc. (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as investment sub-adviser to the Fund. The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services—Investment Companies.” The Fund commenced operations on October 10, 2022.

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek capital appreciation.

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

A.Security Valuation. Equity securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (except for securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC (“NASDAQ”)), including securities traded over the counter, are valued at the last quoted sale price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are traded on the valuation date (or at approximately 3:00 p.m. EST if a security’s primary exchange is normally open at that time), or, if there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, at the most recent quoted bid price or mean between the most recent quoted bid and ask prices for long and short positions. For a security that trades on multiple exchanges, the primary exchange will generally be considered the exchange on which the security is generally most actively traded. For securities traded on NASDAQ, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will be used. Prices of securities traded on the securities exchange will be obtained from recognized independent pricing agents (“Independent Pricing Agents”) each day that the Fund is open for business.

Effective September 8, 2022, for securities for which quotations are not readily available, under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, a fair value will be determined by the Valuation Designee (as defined in Rule 2a-5) in accordance with the Pricing and Valuation Policy and Fair Value Procedures, as applicable, of the Adviser, subject to oversight by the Board. When a security is “fair valued,” consideration is given to the facts and circumstances relevant to the particular situation, including a review of various factors set forth in the Adviser’s Pricing and Valuation Policy and Fair Value Procedures, as applicable. Fair value pricing is an inherently subjective process, and no single standard exists for determining fair value. Different funds could reasonably arrive at different values for the same security. The use of fair value pricing by a fund may cause the net asset value (“NAV”) of its shares to differ significantly from the net asset value that would be calculated without regard to such considerations. As described above, the Fund utilizes various methods to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of inputs are:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.

Level 2 –Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.

Level 3 –Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available; representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability and would be based on the best information available.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

9

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 28, 2023:

Investments in Securities

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Exchange Traded Funds

$

68,054,502

$

—​

$

—​

$

68,054,502​

Short-Term Investments

 

2,596,073

 

 

 

2,596,073

Total Investments in Securities

$

70,650,575​

$

—​

$

—​

$

70,650,575

Securities Sold Short

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Exchange Traded Funds

$

14,353,280

$

—​

$

—​

$

14,353,280

Total Securities Sold Short

$

14,353,280​

$

—​

$

—​

$

14,353,280

B.Federal Income Taxes. The Fund has elected to be taxed as a “regulated investment company” and intends to distribute substantially all taxable income to its shareholders and otherwise comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes or excise taxes has been made.

In order to avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund intends to declare as dividends in each calendar year at least 98.0% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and at least 98.2% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the period ended January 31) plus undistributed amounts, if any, from prior years.

As of February 28, 2023, the Fund did not have any tax positions that did not meet the threshold of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Generally, tax authorities can examine all the tax returns filed for the last three years. The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdiction as U.S. Federal and the Commonwealth of Delaware; however, 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. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations.

C.Foreign Currency. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions.

The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.

The Fund reports net realized foreign exchange gains or losses that arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

D.Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Discounts/premiums on debt securities purchased are accreted/amortized over the life of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends received from REITs generally are comprised of ordinary income, capital gains, and may include return of capital. Debt income is recorded on an accrual basis. Other non-cash dividends are recognized as investment income at the fair value of the property received. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Trust’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

E.Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders from net investment income, if any, for the Fund are declared and paid annually. Distributions to shareholders from net realized gains on securities, if any, for the Fund normally are declared and paid on an annual basis. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 28, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

10

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

F.Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

G.Share Valuation. The NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash or other assets, minus all liabilities by the total number of shares outstanding for the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Fund’s shares will not be priced on the days on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is closed for trading.

H.Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

I.Illiquid Securities. Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has adopted a Board-approved Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Program”) that requires, among other things, that the Fund limit its illiquid investments that are assets to no more than 15% of the value of the Fund’s net assets. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. If the Fund should be in a position where the value of illiquid investments held by the Fund exceeds 15% of the Fund’s net assets, the Fund will take such steps as set forth in the Program.

J.Derivatives Transactions. Pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, the SEC imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation and cover framework arising from prior SEC guidance for covering derivatives and certain financial instruments currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act and treats derivatives as senior securities. Under Rule 18f-4, a fund’s derivatives exposure is limited through a value-at-risk test. Funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount are required to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program, subject to oversight by a fund’s board of trustees, and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Fund implemented a Rule 18f-4 Derivatives Risk Management Program that complies with Rule 18f-4.

K.Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements.

In June 2022, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Fund is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of these amendments on the financial statements.

NOTE 3 – PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS

A.Commodity Risk. The Fund invests in broad-based exchange-traded funds (“Underlying ETFs”) that invest in the commodities markets may subject to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Commodity prices may be influenced by unfavorable weather, animal and plant disease, geologic and environmental factors as well as changes in government regulation such as tariffs, embargoes or burdensome production rules and restrictions.

B.Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs.

C.Data Lag Risk. The Sub-Adviser’s approach has limitations because the Models are derived using past returns Data, and therefore the investment strategy is structurally time lagged. The delays between when particular hedge funds’ returns occur and when they are reported creates additional lag. The Sub-Adviser expects that these structural lags will create divergence between each Style Portfolio’s returns and the corresponding hedge fund style’s returns. In turn, the Fund’s performance may diverge from that of the total hedge fund industry portfolio.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 28, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

11

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

D.Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s or an Underlying ETF’s derivative investments have risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets or index; the loss of principal, including the potential loss of amounts greater than the initial amount invested in the derivative instrument; the possible default of the other party to the transaction; and illiquidity of the derivative investments. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund or an Underlying ETF, as applicable, may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. Derivative instruments may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Certain derivative investments could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.

E.Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest in Underlying ETFs that invest in securities issued by companies domiciled or headquartered in emerging market nations. Investments in securities traded in developing or emerging markets, or that provide exposure to such securities or markets, can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, currency, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in U.S. securities and investments in more developed international markets. Such conditions may impact the ability of the Fund to buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities, adversely affect the trading market and price for Fund Shares and cause the Fund to decline in value.

F.Equity Market Risk. The equity securities held by the Underlying ETFs in which the Fund invests may experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value. This may occur because of factors that affect securities markets generally or factors affecting specific issuers, industries, or sectors in which an Underlying ETF invests. Common stocks are generally exposed to greater risk than other types of securities, such as preferred stock and debt obligations, because common stockholders generally have inferior rights to receive payment from issuers. Securities in an Underlying ETF’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in the general securities markets, a particular financial market, or other asset classes, due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters or events, pandemic diseases, terrorism, regulatory events, or government controls.

G.ETF Risks. The Fund is an ETF, and, as a result of an ETF’s structure, it is exposed to the following risks:

Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem shares directly from the Fund (“APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services, or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.

Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., derivative instruments that cannot be broken up beyond certain minimum sizes needed for transfer and settlement). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may have less cash efficiency and pay out higher annual capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the in-kind redemption process was used. In addition, cash redemption costs could include brokerage costs or taxable gains or losses, which might not have otherwise been incurred if the redemption was fully in-kind.

Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Due to the costs of buying or selling shares, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of shares or during periods of market volatility. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility, periods of steep market declines, and periods when there is limited trading activity for shares in the secondary market, in which case such premiums or discounts may be significant.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 28, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

12

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

Trading. Although Shares are listed for trading on a national securities exchange, NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”) and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares.

H.Factor Risk. The market may reward certain factors (such as value, momentum) for a period of time and not others. The average level of volatility for a specific risk factor may vary significantly relative to other risk factors and may increase or decrease significantly during different phases of an economic cycle.

I.Fixed Income Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in Underlying ETFs that invest in fixed income securities. The prices of fixed income securities may be affected by changes in interest rates, the creditworthiness and financial strength of the issuer and other factors. An increase in prevailing interest rates typically causes the value of existing fixed income securities to fall and often has a greater impact on longer-duration and/or higher quality fixed income securities. Falling interest rates will cause an Underlying ETF to reinvest the proceeds of fixed income securities that have been repaid by the issuer at lower interest rates and may also reduce such Underlying ETF’s distributable income because interest payments on floating rate fixed income instruments held by the Underlying ETF will decline. The Fund could lose money on indirect investments in fixed income securities if the issuer or borrower fails to meet its obligations to make interest payments and/or to repay principal in a timely manner.

J.Foreign Securities Risk. Foreign securities held by Underlying ETFs in which the Fund invests involve certain risks not involved in domestic investments and may experience more rapid and extreme changes in value than investments in securities of U.S. companies. Financial markets in foreign countries often are not as developed, efficient or liquid as financial markets in the United States, and therefore, the prices of non-U.S. securities can be more volatile. In addition, the Fund will be subject to risks associated with adverse political and economic developments in foreign countries, which may include the imposition of economic sanctions. Generally, there is less readily available and reliable information about non-U.S. issuers due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards and regulatory practices.

K.Futures Contracts Risk. The Fund or Underlying ETFs may invest in futures contracts. Risks of futures contracts include: (i) an imperfect correlation between the value of the futures contract and the underlying asset; (ii) possible lack of a liquid secondary market; (iii) the inability to close a futures contract when desired; (iv) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which may be unlimited; (v) an obligation for the Fund or an Underlying ETF, as applicable, to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin, particularly at times when the Fund or Underlying ETF may have insufficient cash; and (vi) unfavorable execution prices from rapid selling. Unlike equity securities, which typically entitle the holder to a continuing stake in a corporation, futures contracts normally specify a certain date for settlement in cash based on the reference asset. As the futures contracts approach expiration, they may be replaced by similar contracts that have a later expiration. This process is referred to as “rolling.” If the market for these contracts is in “contango,” meaning that the prices of futures contracts in the nearer months are lower than the price of contracts in the distant months, the sale of the near-term month contract would be at a lower price than the longer-term contract, resulting in a cost to “roll” the futures contract. The actual realization of a potential roll cost will be dependent upon the difference in price of the near and distant contract.

L.General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in the general financial markets, a particular financial market, or other asset classes, due to a number of factors, including inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters or events, pandemic diseases, terrorism, regulatory events, and government controls.

M.High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Index has historically had a high portfolio turnover rate. As a result, the Fund is likewise expected to frequently trade all or a significant portion of the securities in its portfolio. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Fund due to an increase in short-term capital gains.

N.Machine Learning, Model, and Data Risk. The Fund relies heavily on proprietary “machine learning” selection processes. In addition, the composition of the Fund’s portfolio is heavily dependent on proprietary quantitative models as well as information and data supplied by third parties (“Models and Data”). To the extent the machine learning process does not perform as designed or as intended, the Fund’s strategy may not be successfully implemented, and the Fund may lose value. Similarly, when Models and Data prove to be incorrect or incomplete, any decisions made in reliance thereon may lead to portfolio management decisions for the Fund that would not have been made had the Models and Data been correct and complete.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 28, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

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Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

O.Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the Sub-Adviser’s success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund. In addition, the Fund’s principal investment strategies are dependent upon the Sub-Adviser’s use of a machine learning security selection process and, as a result, the Sub-Adviser’s skill in understanding and utilizing such process.

P.Market Capitalization Risk.

Large-Capitalization Investing. The securities of large-capitalization companies may be relatively mature compared to smaller companies and therefore subject to slower growth during times of economic expansion. Large-capitalization companies may also be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes.

Mid-Capitalization Investing. The securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of large-capitalization companies. The securities of mid-capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than large capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole.

Small-Capitalization Investing. The securities of small-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of large- or mid-capitalization companies. The securities of small-capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than large- or mid-capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole. There is typically less publicly available information concerning smaller-capitalization companies than for larger, more established companies.

Q.New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

R.New Sub-Adviser Risk. Unlimited is a newly registered investment adviser and has not previously served as an adviser or sub adviser to an investment company. As a result, there is no long-term track record against which an investor may judge Unlimited, and it is possible Unlimited may not achieve the Fund’s intended investment objective. In addition, Unlimited currently has limited personnel and resources, which may prevent it from being able to continue to provide sub-advisory services if one of the principals becomes incapacitated. Over time, Unlimited will augment its resources as market conditions permit. In addition, Unlimited regularly evaluates its business continuity plan with the Adviser to ensure continuity of operations and portfolio management should a disruption to operations occur.

S.Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.

T.Sector Risk. To the extent an Underlying ETF invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors.

U.Short Selling Risk. The Fund may make short sales of securities of Underlying ETFs, which involves selling a security it does not own in anticipation that the price of the security will decline. Short sales may involve substantial risk and leverage. Short sales expose the Fund to the risk that it will be required to buy (“cover”) the security sold short when the security has appreciated in value or is unavailable, thus resulting in a loss to the Fund. Short sales also involve the risk that losses may exceed the amount invested and may be unlimited.

V.Swap Agreement Risk. The Fund or an Underlying ETF may invest in swap agreements. Swap agreements are entered into primarily with major global financial institutions for a specified period, which may range from one day to more than six months. The swap agreements in which the Fund or an Underlying ETF, as applicable, invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the return (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined reference assets or underlying securities or instruments. The gross return to be exchanged or swapped between the parties is calculated based on a notional amount or the return on or change in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a basket of securities representing a particular sector or index.

W.Underlying ETFs Risk. The Fund will incur higher and duplicative expenses because it invests in Underlying ETFs. There is also the risk that the Fund may suffer losses due to the investment practices of the Underlying ETFs. The Fund will be subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with the direct ownership of securities held by the Underlying ETFs. Additionally, Underlying ETFs are also subject to the “ETF Risks” described above.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 28, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

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Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 28, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

NOTE 4 – COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Adviser serves as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”), and, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, provides investment advice to the Fund and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Fund, subject to oversight of the Board. The Adviser is also responsible for trading portfolio securities for the Fund, including selecting broker-dealers to execute purchase and sale transactions, subject to the supervision of the Board. The Adviser provides oversight of the Sub-Adviser, and review of the Sub-Adviser’s performance.

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser a unitary management fee (the “Management Fee”) based on the average daily net assets of the Fund at the annualized rate of 0.95%. Out of the Management Fee, the Adviser is obligated to pay or arrange for the payment of substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, and all other related services necessary for the Fund to operate. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund except for interest charges on any borrowings, dividends and other expenses on securities sold short, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses, distribution fees, and expenses paid by the Fund under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Excluded Expenses”), and the Management Fee payable to the Adviser. The Management Fees incurred are paid monthly to the Adviser. Management Fees for the period ended February 28, 2023 are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

Unlimited Funds, Inc. serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds portfolio, including determining the securities purchased and sold by the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Board. The Sub-Adviser is paid a fee by the Adviser, which is calculated and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.02% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Sub-Advisory Fee”).

Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser has agreed to assume the Adviser’s obligation to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund except for the Sub-Advisory Fee payable to the Sub-Adviser and Excluded Expenses. Such expenses incurred by the Fund and paid by the Sub-Adviser include fees charged by Tidal (defined below), which is the Fund’s administrator and an affiliate of the Adviser. For assuming the payment obligations for the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to pay the Sub-Adviser the profits, if any, generated by the Fund’s unitary fee.

Tidal ETF Services LLC (“Tidal”), a Tidal Financial Group company and an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the Fund’s administrator and, in that capacity, performs various administrative and management services for the Fund. Tidal coordinates the payment of Fund-related expenses and manages the Trust’s relationships with its various service providers.

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as the Fund’s sub-administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent. In those capacities, Fund Services performs various administrative and accounting services for the Fund. Fund Services prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Fund, including regulatory compliance monitoring and financial reporting; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to the Board; and monitors the activities of the Fund’s custodian. U.S. Bank N.A. (the “Custodian”), an affiliate of Fund Services, serves as the Fund’s custodian. The Custodian acts as the securities lending agent (the “Securities Lending Agent”) for the Fund.

Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the Fund’s principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Fund’s shares.

Certain officers and a trustee of the Trust are affiliated with the Adviser and Fund Services. Neither the affiliated trustee nor the Trust’s officers receive compensation from the Fund.

NOTE 5 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

For the period ended February 28, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from the sales or maturities of securities, excluding short-term investments, U.S. government securities, and in-kind transactions were $86,433,930 and $25,435,968 respectively.

For the period ended February 28, 2023, there were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government securities.

For the period ended February 28, 2023, the in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions for the Fund were $7,163,340 and $0, respectively.

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Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 28, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

NOTE 6 – INCOME TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

The Fund is subject to examination by U.S. taxing authorities for the tax period since the commencement of operations. The amount and character of tax basis distributions and composition of net assets, including undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss), are finalized at the fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined for the period ended February 28, 2023. Differences between the tax cost of investments and the cost noted in the Schedule of Investments will be determined at fiscal year-end. The tax character of distributions paid during the period ended February 28, 2023 (estimated), was as follows:

Distribution paid from:

February 28, 2023

Ordinary income

$220,943

NOTE 7 – SHARE TRANSACTIONS

Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Exchange. Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV generally in large blocks of shares, called (“Creation Units”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Creation Units may only be purchased or redeemed by Authorized Participants. An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem the shares directly from the Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

The Fund currently offers one class of shares, which has no front-end sales load, no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. The standard fixed transaction fee for the Fund is $300, payable to the Custodian. The fixed transaction fee may be waived on certain orders if the Fund’s Custodian has determined to waive some or all of the costs associated with the order or another party, such as the Adviser, has agreed to pay such fee. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Unit of up to a maximum of 2% and for Redemption Units of up to a maximum of 2% of the value of the Creation Units and Redemption Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees received by the Fund, if any, are disclosed in the capital shares transactions section of the Statement of Changes in Net Assets. The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with no par value. All shares of the Fund have equal rights and privileges.

NOTE 8 – RECENT MARKET EVENTS

U.S. and international markets have experienced and may continue to experience significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including rising inflation, uncertainty regarding central banks’ interest rate increases, the possibility of a national or global recession, trade tensions, political events, the war between Russia and Ukraine and the impact of the corona virus (COVID-19) global pandemic. The global recovery from COVID-19 may last for an extended period of time. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so. These developments, as well as other events, could result in further market volatility and negatively affect financial asset prices, the liquidity of certain securities and the normal operations of securities exchanges and other markets, despite government efforts to address market disruptions. Continuing market volatility as a result of recent market conditions or other events may have adverse effects on your account.

NOTE 9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In preparing these financial statements, the Fund has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. The Fund has determined that there are no subsequent events that would need to be disclosed in the Fund’s financial statements.

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Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

EXPENSE EXAMPLE For the Period Ended February 28, 2023 (Unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of the Fund’s shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees of the Fund. The example is 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 actual example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, which is from October 10, 2022 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2023. The hypothetical example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for an entire period indicated, which is from September 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023.

Actual Expenses

The first line of the following table provides information about actual account values based on actual returns and actual expenses. The example includes, but is not limited to, unitary fees. However, the example does not include portfolio trading commissions and related expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then, multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period’’ to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical example that appears in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of the Fund’s shares. Therefore, the second line of the following table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. If these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

Beginning
Account Value
October 1
0, 2022

Ending
Account Value
February 28, 2023

Expenses Paid
During the Period
October 1
0, 2022 –
February 28, 2023
(1) 

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,031.80

$7.77

(1)The actual expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent period of 1.98%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 141/365 (to reflect the period from October 10, 2022 to February 28, 2023, the commencement of operations date to the end of the period).

Beginning
Account Value
September
1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
February 28, 2023

Expenses Paid
During the Period
September
1, 2022 –
February 28, 2023
(2) 

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,014.98

$9.89

(2)The hypothetical expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six-month period of 1.98%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the most recent six-month period).

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Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

The Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) of Tidal ETF Trust (the “Trust”) met at a meeting held on August 5, 2022 to consider the initial approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust, on behalf of the Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF (the “Fund”), a proposed series of the Trust, and Toroso Investments, LLC, the Fund’s proposed investment adviser (the “Adviser”). Prior to this meeting, the Board requested and received materials to assist them in considering the approval of the Advisory Agreement. The materials provided contained information with respect to the factors enumerated below, including a copy of the Advisory Agreement, a memorandum prepared by outside legal counsel to the Trust and the Independent Trustees discussing in detail the Trustees’ fiduciary obligations and the factors they should assess in considering the approval of the Advisory Agreement, due diligence materials relating to the Adviser (including the due diligence response completed by the Adviser with respect to a specific request letter from outside legal counsel to the Trust and the Independent Trustees, the Adviser’s Form ADV, select ownership, organizational, financial and insurance information for the Adviser, biographical information of the Adviser’s key management and compliance personnel, detailed comparative information regarding the proposed unitary advisory fee for the Fund, and information regarding the Adviser’s compliance program) and other pertinent information. Based on their evaluation of the information provided, the Trustees, by a unanimous vote (including a separate vote of the Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”)), approved the Advisory Agreement for an initial two-year term.

Discussion of Factors Considered

In considering the approval of the Advisory Agreement and reaching their conclusions, the Trustees reviewed and analyzed various factors that they determined were relevant, including the factors enumerated below.

1.Nature, Extent and Quality of Services to be Provided. The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the Adviser’s overall services to be provided to the Fund as well as its specific responsibilities in all aspects of day-to-day investment management of the Fund, including trade execution and recommendations with respect to the hiring, termination or replacement of sub-advisers to the Fund. The Board considered the qualifications, experience and responsibilities of the Adviser’s investment management team, including Michael Venuto and Charles Ragauss, who will each serve as a portfolio manager to the Fund, as well as the responsibilities of other key personnel of the Adviser to be involved in the day-to-day activities of the Fund. The Board reviewed due diligence information provided by the Adviser, including information regarding the Adviser’s compliance program, its compliance personnel and compliance record, as well as the Adviser’s cybersecurity program and business continuity plan. The Board noted that the Adviser does not manage any other accounts that utilize a strategy similar to that to be employed by the Fund.

The Board also considered other services to be provided to the Fund by the Adviser, such as monitoring adherence to the Fund’s investment strategy and restrictions, oversight of Unlimited Funds, Inc. (“Unlimited” or the “Sub-Adviser”) the Fund’s sub-adviser, and other service providers to the Fund, monitoring compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations, and monitoring the extent to which the Fund achieves its investment objective as an actively-managed ETF. The Board noted that the Adviser would be responsible for trade execution and the Sub-Adviser would be responsible for portfolio investment decisions for the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Adviser.

The Board concluded that the Adviser had sufficient quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment methods and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties under the Advisory Agreement and managing the Fund and that the nature, overall quality and extent of the management services to be provided to the Fund, as well as the Adviser’s compliance program, were satisfactory.

2.Investment Performance of the Fund and the Adviser. The Board noted that the Fund had not yet commenced operations and, therefore, concluded that performance of the Fund was not a relevant factor for consideration. The Board also considered that because the portfolio investment decision-making for the Fund would be performed by the Sub- Adviser, the Fund’s performance would not be the direct result of investment decisions made by the Adviser. Consequently, with respect to the Fund’s performance, the Board in the future would focus on the Adviser’s services, including the extent to which the Fund’s performance was achieving its investment objective, as well as the Adviser’s oversight of the Sub-Adviser’s services.

3.Cost of Services to be Provided and Profits to be Realized by the Adviser. The Board considered the cost of services and the structure of the Adviser’s proposed advisory fee, including a review of comparative expenses, expense components and peer group selection. The Board took into consideration that the advisory fee for the Fund was a “unitary fee,” meaning that the Fund would pay no expenses other than the advisory fee and certain other costs such as interest, brokerage, and extraordinary expenses

BASIS FOR TRUSTEES’ APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS

18

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

and, to the extent it is implemented, fees pursuant to the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 Plan. The Board noted that the Adviser agreed to pay all other expenses incurred by the Fund. The Board considered comparative information prepared by Fund Services utilizing data provided by Morningstar Direct relating to the cost structure of the Fund relative to a peer group. The Board noted that the Fund was compared to a peer group of ETFs in the U.S. multi-strategy category. The Board also considered that the Fund was compared to a peer group of ETFs prepared by the Adviser that the Adviser considered to be a representative sample of peer group competitors for the Fund.

The Board concluded that the Fund’s proposed expense ratio and the advisory fee to be paid to the Adviser were fair and reasonable in light of the comparative expense information and the investment management services to be provided to the Fund by the Adviser given the nature of the Fund’s strategy. The Board also evaluated, based on information provided by the Adviser, the compensation and benefits expected to be received by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Fund, taking into account an analysis of the Adviser’s expected profitability with respect to the Fund. The Board further concluded that the Adviser had adequate financial resources to support its services to the Fund from the revenues of its overall investment advisory business.

4.Extent of Economies of Scale as the Fund Grows. The Board considered the potential economies of scale that the Fund might realize under the structure of the proposed advisory fee. The Board noted the advisory fee did not contain any breakpoint reductions as the Fund’s assets grow in size, but that the Adviser would evaluate future circumstances that may warrant breakpoints in the fee structure.

5.Benefits to be Derived from the Relationship with the Fund. The Board considered the direct and indirect benefits that could be received by the Adviser and its affiliates from association with the Fund. The Board concluded that the benefits the Adviser may receive, such as greater name recognition or the ability to attract additional investor assets, appear to be reasonable and in many cases may benefit the Fund.

Conclusion. Based on the Board’s deliberations and its evaluation of the information described above, with no single factor determinative of a conclusion, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously concluded that: (a) the terms of the Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable; (b) the advisory fee is reasonable in light of the services that the Adviser will provide to the Fund; and (c) the approval of the Advisory Agreement for an initial term of two years was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

At the meeting held on August 5, 2022, the Board also considered the initial approval of the sub-advisory agreement (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”) for the Fund, proposed to be entered into between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser. Prior to this meeting, the Board requested and received materials to assist them in considering the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The materials provided contained information with respect to the factors enumerated below, including a copy of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, a memorandum prepared by outside legal counsel to the Trust and the Independent Trustees discussing in detail the Trustees’ fiduciary obligations and the factors they should assess in considering the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, due diligence materials prepared by the Sub-Adviser (including the due diligence response completed by the Sub-Adviser with respect to a specific request letter from outside legal counsel to the Trust and the Independent Trustees, the Sub-Adviser’s Form ADV, select ownership, organizational, financial and insurance information for the Sub-Adviser, biographical information of key management and compliance personnel, and the Sub-Adviser’s compliance manual and code of ethics) and other pertinent information. Based on their evaluation of the information provided, the Trustees, by a unanimous vote (including a separate vote of the Independent Trustees), approved the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an initial two-year term.

Discussion of Factors Considered

In considering the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement and reaching their conclusions, the Trustees reviewed and analyzed various factors that they determined were relevant, including the factors enumerated below.

1.Nature, Extent and Quality of Services to be Provided. The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of Unlimited’s overall services to be provided to the Fund as well as its specific responsibilities in all aspects of day-to-day investment management of the Fund. The Board considered the qualifications, experience and responsibilities of Bob Elliott and Bruce McNevin, who will each serve as a portfolio manager for the Fund, as well as the responsibilities of other key personnel affiliated with Unlimited who will be involved in the day-to-day activities of the Fund. The Board reviewed the due diligence information provided by Unlimited, including information regarding Unlimited’s compliance program, its compliance personnel and compliance record, as well as Unlimited’s cybersecurity program and business continuity plan. The Board noted that Unlimited does not manage

BASIS FOR TRUSTEES’ APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Continued)

19

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

other separately-managed accounts that utilize a strategy similar to the strategy that is to be employed by the Fund. The Board also considered other services to be provided to the Fund, such as monitoring adherence to the Fund’s investment strategies and restrictions, monitoring compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations, monitoring the extent to which the Fund meets its investment objective as an actively-managed ETF and quarterly reporting to the Board. The Board noted that Unlimited would be responsible for the Fund’s portfolio investment decisions, subject to the supervision of the Adviser.

The Board concluded that Unlimited had sufficient quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment methods and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement and managing the Fund and that the nature, overall quality and extent of the management services to be provided to the Fund, as well as Unlimited’s compliance program, were satisfactory.

2.Investment Performance of the Fund and the Sub-Adviser. The Board noted that the Fund had not yet commenced operations and, therefore, concluded that performance of the Fund was not a relevant factor for consideration.

3.Cost of Services to be Provided and Profits to be Realized by the Sub-Adviser. The Board considered the structure of the proposed sub-advisory fees to be paid by the Adviser to Unlimited under the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board noted that the Adviser represented to the Board that the sub-advisory fees payable under the Sub-Advisory Agreement were reasonable in light of the services to be performed by Unlimited. Since the sub-advisory fees are to be paid by the Adviser, the overall advisory fees paid by the Fund are not directly affected by the sub-advisory fees paid to Unlimited. Consequently, the Board did not consider the cost of services provided by Unlimited or the potential profitability of its relationship with the Fund to be material factors for consideration given that Unlimited is not affiliated with the Adviser and, therefore, the sub-advisory fees to be paid to Unlimited were negotiated on an arm’s-length basis. Based on all of these factors, the Board concluded that the sub-advisory fees to be paid to Unlimited by the Adviser reflected an appropriate allocation of the advisory fees and was reasonable in light of the services to be provided by Unlimited.

4.Extent of Economies of Scale as the Fund Grows. Since the sub-advisory fees payable to Unlimited are not paid by the Fund, the Board did not consider whether the sub-advisory fees should reflect any potential economies of scale that might be realized as the Fund’s assets increase.

5.Benefits to be Derived from the Relationship with the Fund. The Board considered the direct and indirect benefits that could be received by Unlimited from its association with the Fund. The Board concluded that the benefits Unlimited may receive, such as greater name recognition or the ability to attract additional investor assets, appear to be reasonable and in many cases may benefit the Fund.

Conclusion. Based on the Board’s deliberations and its evaluation of the information described above, with no single factor determinative of a conclusion, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously concluded that: (a) the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable; (b) the sub-advisory fees are reasonable in light of the services that Unlimited will provide to the Fund; and (c) the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an initial term of two years was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

BASIS FOR TRUSTEES’ APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS (Continued)

20

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

STATEMENT REGARDING LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

In accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Rule 22e-4”), Tidal ETF Trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of its series, the Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF (the “Fund”), has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”). The Program seeks to promote effective liquidity risk management for the Fund and to protect the Fund’s shareholders from dilution of their interests. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has approved the designation of Toroso Investments, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser, as the program administrator (the “Program Administrator”). The Program Administrator has further delegated administration of the Program to a Program Administrator Committee composed of certain Trust officers. The Program Administrator has also delegated certain responsibilities under the Program to the investment sub-adviser of the Fund; however, the Program Administrator remains responsible for the overall administration and operation of the Program. The Program Administrator is required to provide a written annual report to the Board regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the Program, including the operation of the highly liquid investment minimum, if applicable, and any material changes to the Program.

On November 21, 2022, the Board reviewed the Program Administrator’s written annual report for the period October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 (the “Report”). The Program assesses liquidity risk under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed market conditions. The risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of a Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of illiquid investments and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to a Fund, among other means. The Trust has engaged the services of ICE Data Services, a third-party vendor, to provide daily portfolio investment classification services to assist in the Program Administrator’s assessment. The Report noted that no material changes had been made to the Program during the review period. The Program Administrator determined that the Program is reasonably designed and operating effectively.

The Fund commenced operations on October 10, 2022 and was not a part of the Report but has adopted the Program upon commencement of operations.

21

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

INFORMATION ABOUT PROXY VOTING (Unaudited)

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available upon request without charge, by calling (833) 216-0499 or by accessing the Fund’s website at www.unlimitedetfs.com. Furthermore, you can obtain the description on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 is available upon request without charge by calling (833) 216-0499 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS (Unaudited)

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for its first and third fiscal quarters on Part F of Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Part F of Form N-PORT is available without charge, upon request, by calling (833) 216-0499. Furthermore, you can obtain the Part F of Form N-PORT on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s portfolio holdings are posted on the Fund’s website daily at www.unlimitedetfs.com.

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS (Unaudited)

Information regarding how often shares of the Fund trades on the exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) to its daily net asset value (“NAV”) is available, without charge, on the Fund’s website at www.unlimitedetfs.com.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S TRUSTEES (Unaudited)

The Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (833) 216-0499. Furthermore, you can obtain the SAI on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or the Fund’s website at www.unlimitedetfs.com.

Investment Adviser
Toroso Investments, LLC
234 West Florida Street, Suite 203
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204

Investment Sub-Adviser
Unlimited Funds, Inc.
222 Broadway, 20th Floor
New York City, New
York 10038

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
342 North Water Street, Suite 830
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53202

Legal Counsel
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.
833 East Michigan Street, Suite 1800
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53202

Custodian
U.S. Bank N.A.
Custody Operations
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53212

Fund Administrator
Tidal ETF Services, LLC
234 West Florida Street, Suite 203
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53204

Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant and Fund Sub-Administrator
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53202

Distributor
Foreside Fund Services, LLC
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100
Portland,
Maine 04101

 

Fund Information

Fund

Ticker

CUSIP

Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF

HFND

886364439

 

   
 

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a) Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

   
 

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of Trustees.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)The Registrant’s President/Principal Executive Officer and Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer have reviewed the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and by the Registrant’s service provider.

 

(b)There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are 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 to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Not applicable.

 

(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.

 

(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

(4) Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant. There was no change in the registrant’s independent public accountant for the period covered by this report.

 

(b)Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.

 

   
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant)  Tidal ETF Trust  

 

By (Signature and Title) /s/ Eric W. Falkeis  
  Eric W. Falkeis, President/Principal Executive Officer  

 

Date  May 8, 2023  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Eric W. Falkeis   
  Eric W. Falkeis, President/Principal Executive Officer  

 

Date  May 8, 2023  

 

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Aaron J. Perkovich  
  Aaron J. Perkovich, Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer  

 

Date  May 8, 2023  

 

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.